The Kärcher K5 Power Control is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 2000 PSI and flow of 1.55 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Tractor Supply | Price history for the Kärcher K5 Power Control |
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| Highest Price $383.30 Lowest Price $299.99 Current Price $319.99 |
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Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI (max/rated) | 2000/1700 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.55/1.32 |
| Cleaning Units | 2244 |
| Motor | 13 amp, induction |
| Pump | Axial |
| Other model numbers | 1.324-568.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 15.8 x 12 x 23.1 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 29.9 lbs |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6", solid |
| Included accessories | VPS wand, Power Control spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, garden hose adapter, GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 886622044093 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K5 Power Control
The Kärcher K5 Power Control, a medium duty pressure washer, gives its user an all-around versatile cleaning experience, topped off by the following features:
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching high areas, and removing stubborn stains
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- utilizing cleaning solutions, and rinsing surfaces clean
Its power characteristics and design, its main features and all its additional features are presented ahead.
Power
The Kärcher K5 Power Control
Powered by a 13-amp induction motor, its axial pump can deliver a pressure of 2000 PSI (around 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.55 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). While these PSI and GPM values represent the maximum capabilities of the washer under specific conditions, it's important to note that under typical usage, the working pressure is 1700 PSI and the flow rate is 1.32 GPM. With these values combined, the Kärcher K5 Power Control boasts a cleaning power of 2244 Cleaning Units.
With its electric design, the K5 Power Control starts up effortlessly with a quick press of an ON/OFF switch, ensuring ease of use. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Designed for on-the-go use, the Kärcher K5 Power Control offers a portable design and approximate dimensions of D15.8 x W12 x H23.1 in to facilitate easy movement. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
This unit's weight of 29.9 lbs makes it a breeze to carry around, perfect for on-the-go cleaning tasks. Its plastic frame plays a role in ensuring its lightweight profile. Further enhancing its lightweight design, the unit features two 6.6" solid wheels, streamlining transportation and maneuverability.
Main Features
The Kärcher K5 Power Control's package includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, with a more detailed description below.
- Soap injection: Detergent supply is ensured by Karcher's Plug 'n' Clean system. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in "MIX" mode.
- Pressure hose: The unit comes equipped with an included high-pressure hose, which can be neatly stored on the unit when idle, thanks to a set of convenient hooks, ensuring easy access and organization.
- Spray gun and wand: A dedicated slot enables you to easily store the included Power Control spray gun and its VPS wand. The Vario Power Spray (VPS) wand allows you to conveniently switch from low to high pressure, and everything between, while you clean. Simply twist the end for infinitely variable pressure adjustment.
Plug 'n' Clean System
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The practical Plug 'n' Clean system allows you to change the detergent in one quick and easy step, and to always see the filling level at a glance.
It removes the need for a proper soap tank, as you just have to plug your chosen Karcher detergent upside down in the unit's dedicated chamber.
6 Plug 'n' Clean detergents are available: Ultra Foam Cleaner, Plastic Cleaner, Wood Cleaner, Stone & Facade Cleaner, Car Shampoo, and Universal Cleaner.
Power Control Gun
The Power Control trigger gun and its pressure display
Karcher's Power Control trigger gun gives you an instant reading on your current pressure setting.
It features indicators that illuminate to show you which of the 4 settings the Vario Power Spray wand is currently set.
The four settings are "MIX", "SOFT", "MEDIUM", and "HARD".
Home & Garden Mobile App
Kärcher's Home & Garden Mobile App
Kärcher Home & Garden app is available for Android (opens in a new tab) and iOS (opens in a new tab) devices. Even though this unit does not have Bluetooth connectivity, the app promises to turn you into a cleaning expert, by offering you access to Kärcher's extensive cleaning knowledge. It will enable you to:
- Get step-by-step help on installation and initial startup
- Consult its built-in advisor for instructions to achieve the best cleaning result in model scenarios (e.g. cleaning your bike)
- Read tips & tricks on how to get the most out of your washer
- Browse FAQ items and detailed troubleshooting guides
- Easily connect to the Kärcher service center to order accessories, detergents, etc.
Other Features
Some of the included accessories
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: On top of an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and the usual documentation to get you swiftly started, the Kärcher K5 Power Control also comes with garden hose adapter, pressure hose, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), power cord, spray gun and wand.
The Kärcher K5 Power Control's performance versus other pressure washers
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how the key specs of the Kärcher K5 Power Control compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Kärcher K5 Power Control, boasting 2000 PSI, achieves a lower pressure compared to other electric pressure washers in the $300-400 price bracket. For those prioritizing maximum water stream power, consider the Westinghouse WPX3400e, boasting 3400 PSI, as a standout performer in this price range.
- In its respective price range, the water flow of this washer, 1.55 GPM (gallons per minute), ranks as average. For those prioritizing effective debris rinsing, one of the top products in this price range is the Greenworks GPW2700, offering a high flow rate of 2.3 GPM.
- At 2244 Cleaning Units, the K5 Power Control ranks on the lower side of cleaning power among devices with similar pricing and fuel type. When it comes to the highest overall cleaning power in the current price range, one of the products at the very top currently is the Westinghouse WPX3400e and its 3300 Cleaning Units.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other electric washers between 2000 and 2500 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K5 Power Control is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this pressure washer nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of cleaning power.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Induction motor
- Portable
- Power Control gun
- Decent GPM for the price
- The Plug 'n' Clean system is not the most eco-friendly
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
About Kärcher
Founded in 1935 by Alfred Kärcher, this family-owned business is headquartered in Winnenden, Germany. Credited with developing Europe's first hot water high-pressure washer in 1950, the company continues to pride itself on ingenuity and innovative thinking for new solutions in the cleaning industry. Kärcher also insists on being a socially- and ecologically-sustainable company. The popularity of the brand can be seen by the fact that the name Kärcher has in some European countries become a colloquial term used synonymously with pressure washers.
Warranty Information
The Kärcher K5 Power Control is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the unit.
For more information about the warranty of Kärcher pressure washers, please consult Kärcher's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-537-4129.
