Kärcher K5 Power Control - 2000 PSI 1.55 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
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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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:
- targeted spot cleaning for hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching elevated areas, and thoroughly removing stubborn stains
- delicate surface cleaning, andbroad area cleaning with reduced 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
Its axial pump, which utilizes a 13-amp induction motor, may deliver a pressure of up to 2000 PSI (almost 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.55 GPM. 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. Corresponding to these values is a cleaning power of 2244 Cleaning Units.
The K5 Power Control gets going swiftly with a simple ON/OFF switch, making startup hassle-free. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
The Kärcher K5 Power Control's commitment to mobility is evident through its portable design and approximate dimensions of D15.8 x W12 x H23.1 in. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
Weighing in at a mere 29.9 lbs, this unit is designed for effortless portability and convenience. Thanks in part to its plastic frame, it remains lightweight. As if its lightweight construction wasn't convenient enough, the unit is equipped with two 6.6" solid wheels, adding further ease to its 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 included 32 ft high-pressure hose can be neatly stored on the unit when not in use, utilizing a set of convenient hooks for convenient organization.
- Spray gun and wand: A dedicated slot allows for an easy storage of 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
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 pressure hose, power cord, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), wand, spray gun and garden hose adapter.
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. Prioritizing the highest water stream power? Check out the Westinghouse WPX3400e—a top contender in this price range, delivering up to 3400 PSI.
- Featuring a flow rate of 1.55 GPM, this washer sits at an average level of water volume within the previously mentioned price range. If you're looking for optimal debris removal capabilities, consider the Greenworks GPW2702A as one of the top choices in this price range, with a flow rate of 2.3 GPM.
- The K5 Power Control's Cleaning Units, 2244 CU, fall into the lower end when compared to electric devices of similar price. 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 BE P2314EN and its 3910 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 expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its cleaning power range, purchasing it could most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Induction motor
- Portable
- Power Control gun
- Decent GPM for the price
- On the expensive side
- The Plug 'n' Clean system is not the most eco-friendly
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
Do you own the Kärcher K5 Power Control and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Motor | 13-amp, induction |
| Pump | Axial |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI (max/rated) | 2000/1700 |
| GPM (max/rated) | 1.55/1.32 |
| Cleaning Units | 2244 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6", solid |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs |
| Dimensions | Approx. 15.8 x 12 x 23.1 in (D x W x H) |
| Hose storage | Hooks |
| Soap injection | Yes |
|---|---|
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Nozzles | Adjustable wand (VPS) |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose | 32 ft |
| Security | Trigger lock |
|---|---|
| Included accessories | VPS wand, Power Control spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, garden hose adapter, GFCI power cord |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 1.324-568.0 |
| UPC | 886622044093 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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.
