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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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eBay | Price history for the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: December 5, 2022 |
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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
In summary, the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control is a medium duty pressure washer, that offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and also:
- spot cleaning of hard, paintless surfaces and reaching far-away areas
- cleaning of painted or delicate 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
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. 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. These values correspond to a cleaning power of 2244 Cleaning Units.
Since it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K5 Premium Smart Control is started simply by an 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.
The unit can be very easily carried around, as it weighs just 31.7 lbs. Among other factors, the plastic frame plays a role in this light weight. A set of two 6.6" solid wheels also improves the ease of transport of the device.
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: Using a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan, the included high-pressure hose can be easily stored on the unit when it is not running.
- 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: The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control comes with an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and some basic documentation to get you quickly started. On top of that, you also get spray gun, garden hose adapter, pressure hose, power cord and wand.
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 Karcher K5 Premium Smart Control with its 2000 PSI achieves a lower pressure value, compared to other electric pressure washers in the $375-500 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 SPX4800 with a PSI of 3200.
- Considering the above-mentioned price range, this washer's maximum water flow of 1.55 GPM (gallons per minute) is higher than the average. In case you are looking for a device which can most efficiently rinse away debris in the current price range, the Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO has the highest GPM of 2.
- The K5 Premium Smart Control's Cleaning Units, 2244 CU, fall into the lower end when compared to electric devices of similar price. If you consider the highest overall cleaning power as a really important factor, the Ryobi RY143011 and its 3300 Cleaning Units has one of the highest cleaning efficiency of all the similarly priced 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.
