The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus is an electric pressure washer offering a maximum water pressure of 2000 PSI and flow of 1.4 GPM. (Read full specs)
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Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 2000 |
| GPM | 1.4 |
| Cleaning Units | 2800 |
| Motor | 12.4 amp, induction |
| Pump | N-COR Axial |
| Other model numbers | 1.324-644.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | No |
| Hose | 25 ft, ⌀3/8 |
| Hose storage | Reel |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 16.18 x 12 x 23 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 32.19 lbs |
| Pressure control | Via gun |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6" |
| Included accessories | 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand, Full Control Plus spray gun, high pressure hose, 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock and overflow valve with pressure switch |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 886622028468 |
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 Premium Full Control Plus
In a nutshell, the Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus is a medium duty pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces or high reach areas
- cleaning of painted and frail surfaces
- use of detergent and cleaning solutions
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics and design, its main features and all the additional features it has to offer.
Power
The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus
The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus's axial pump, powered by a 12.4 amp induction motor, can provide a pressure of up to 2000 PSI (approximately 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.4 GPM (CETA-certified values). The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus thus has a cleaning power of 2800 Cleaning Units.
Since it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K5 Premium Full Control Plus is started simply by an ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With its portable design and approximate dimensions of D16.18 x W12 x H23 in, the Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus makes mobility one of its core strengths. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
Since the unit weighs only 32.19 lbs, it is very easily carried around. Its plastic frame certainly plays a key role in this light weight. A set of two 6.6" wheels also improves the ease of transport of the device.
Main Features
The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus
Along with the Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus itself, the package also includes a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, which are discussed in further detail below.
- Soap injection: Detergent supply is ensured by Karcher's Plug 'n' Clean system. The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus benefits from an adjustable soap dilution ratio, provided by its Full Control Plus trigger gun. If the 3-in-1 Multi-jet lance is set to the "soap" position, the detergent will be automatically added to the water.
- Pressure hose: A neat storage for the included 25 ft ⌀3/8" high-pressure hose is facilitated by a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan.
- Spray gun and wand: A front sheath allows for an easy storage of the included Full Control Plus spray gun and its 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand. The 3-in-1 lance allows incredibly flexible working conditions. It replaces the need for nozzle swaps and offers an infinitely adjustable high-pressure flat stream, a rotary nozzle and a cleaning agent jet. The appropriate jet is selected simply by turning the spray lance.
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.
Full Control Plus Gun
The Full Control Plus trigger gun and its LCD display
Karcher's Full Control Plus trigger gun gives you all the control you need when cleaning. It features +/– buttons that allow you to easily manage and adjust pressure levels and detergent dosages. These settings are then communicated to the motor via radio frequency.
All your settings are visible at first glance on its LCD display, regardless of the weather.
Combined with the 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand, it offers excellent control, convenience, versatility and flexibility.
Other Features
- Pressure control: As mentioned above, water pressure can be controlled directly via the +/- buttons of the Full Control Plus trigger gun.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a overflow valve with pressure switch protection and 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 Premium Full Control Plus also comes with pressure hose, power cord, spray gun and wand.
Product Video
The Kärcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus'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 Premium Full Control Plus compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus, which can achieve a PSI of up to 2000, falls behind the other electric pressure washers in the $300 to $400 price range. In case you are looking for a device with the highest possible power of its water stream, one of the top achievers in this price range is the Sun Joe SPX8000-PRO with a PSI of 3200.
- As this washer can produce a flow of water of 1.4 GPM (gallons per minute), it is average in terms of water volume for the above-mentioned price range. In case you are looking for a device which can most efficiently rinse away debris in the current price range, the Greenworks GPW2700 has the highest GPM of 2.3.
- With a rather impressive value of 2800 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM), the K5 Premium Full Control Plus has a higher cleaning efficiency compared to similarly priced devices. In case you are looking for the highest overall cleaning power, in this price range, one of the current champions is the Ryobi RY143011 and its 3300 Cleaning Units.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other electric washers between 2500 and 3000 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K5 Premium Full Control Plus 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
- No need for nozzles
- Hose reel
- Full Control Plus gun
- Several security features
- High CU for the price
- Decent GPM for the price
- The Plug 'n' Clean system is not the most eco-friendly
- Low PSI 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 Premium Full Control Plus 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.
