The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart 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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Since: September 26, 2023 |
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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 | 1.324-683.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Plug 'n' Clean |
| Soap dilution | Adjustable |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Hose storage | Reel |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 16.3 x 12 x 23.1 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 31.7 lbs |
| Pressure control | Via gun |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀6.6", solid |
| Included accessories | 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand, Smart Control spray gun, high pressure hose, garden hose adapter, GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 886622044109 |
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 Smart Control
The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control is a medium duty pressure washer, that provides its users with an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and enables:
- spot cleaning of hard, paintless surfaces and reaching far-away areas
- cleaning of painted and frail surfaces
- application 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 Smart Control
Using a 13 amp induction motor, its axial pump delivers a pressure of up to 2000 PSI (roughly 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.55 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer). These are the maximum values that the washer can reach only under specific conditions. Under typical load, working pressure is 1700 PSI and rated flow is 1.32 GPM. Together, the values result in a cleaning power of 2244 Cleaning Units.
As it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K5 Premium Smart Control gets easily started by a simple ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With its portable design and approximate dimensions of D16.3 x W12 x H23.1 in, the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control 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 31.7 lbs, it is very easily carried around. It is lightweight, partly thanks to its plastic frame. To further improve its transportability and ease of use, the unit also features a set of two 6.6" solid wheels.
Main Features
The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart 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. The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control benefits from an adjustable soap dilution ratio, provided by its Smart Control trigger gun. Detergent is automatically added to the water when the 3-in-1 Multi-jet lance is on the "soap" position.
- Pressure hose: The included high-pressure hose can be neatly stored on the unit when idle thanks to a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan.
- Spray gun and wand: Both the Smart Control spray gun and its 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand may be conveniently stored in a dedicated slot. 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.
The unit also features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to communicate with the Home & Garden Mobile App.
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.
Smart Control Gun
The Smart Control trigger gun and its LCD display
Karcher's Smart Control 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.
The display will also automatically sync any info with the Home And Garden Mobile App.
Combined with the 3-in-1 Multi-jet wand, it offers excellent control, convenience, versatility and flexibility.
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. 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:
- Connect to the unit via Bluetooth to choose pressure settings directly from the app
- Follow statistics on the use of your washer
- 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
- Pressure control: As mentioned above, water pressure can be controlled directly via the +/- buttons of the Smart Control trigger gun.
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: Included with the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control are also the owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you promptly started, along with several accessories, such as spray gun, power cord, garden hose adapter, wand and pressure hose.
Product Videos
The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart 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 Premium Smart Control compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control and its 2000 PSI, ranks amongst electric pressure washers with a comparably low pressure output, considering the units that cost between $375 and $500. If you're going after the highest possible power of the water stream, one of the best in this price range is the AR Blue Clean MAXX3000 that can reach up to 3000 PSI.
- The water flow of this washer, which reaches up to 1.55 GPM (gallons per minute) is one of the higher values found in the above-mentioned price range. If you’re after the highest rinsing efficiency, one of the units with the highest water flow in the current price range is the Sun Joe SPX9009-PRO, that can deliver up to 1.6 GPM.
- Amongst similarly priced electric devices, the 2244 Cleaning Units of the K5 Premium Smart Control rank as low. In case you are looking for the highest overall cleaning power, in this price range, one of the current champions is the Craftsman CMEPW2800 and its 3080 Cleaning Units.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other electric washers between 2000 and 2500 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K5 Premium Smart 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
- No need for nozzles
- Hose reel
- Smart Control gun
- Bluetooth connectivity
- High 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
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 Smart 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.
