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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Lowe's | Price history for the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control |
|---|
| Highest Price $499.99 Lowest Price $349.99 Current Price $349.99 |
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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 | 1.324-683.0 |
| 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:
- precise spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, reaching elevated areas, and effectively removing stubborn stains
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- applying detergents or chemicals, and rinsing surfaces afterward
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
The Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control's axial pump, powered by a 13-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 1.55 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. Thus, the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control achieves a cleaning power of 2244 Cleaning Units.
As an electric pressure washer, the K5 Premium Smart Control initiates operation effortlessly with a straightforward ON/OFF switch. The unit is ready-to-use with peace of mind, thanks to the included GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
Featuring a portable design and approximate dimensions of D16.3 x W12 x H23.1 in, the Kärcher K5 Premium Smart Control underscores its dedication to mobility. The telescopic handle further eases storage and offers a convenient pulling height, allowing effortless transportation.
This unit's weight of 31.7 lbs makes it a breeze to carry around, perfect for on-the-go cleaning tasks. Partly owing to its plastic frame, it maintains its lightweight construction. 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 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. Under the "soap" position of the 3-in-1 Multi-jet lance, the unit will proceed to add the detergent to the water.
- Pressure hose: Utilizing a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan, the unit offers a convenient solution for storing the included high-pressure hose when it's not in use, keeping it neatly organized.
- Spray gun and wand: A dedicated slot enables you to easily store the included Smart Control 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.
The unit also features Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to communicate with the Home & Garden Mobile App.
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.
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 power cord, wand, garden hose adapter, pressure hose and spray gun.
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, boasting 2000 PSI, achieves a lower pressure compared to other electric pressure washers in the $300-400 price bracket. 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 Westinghouse WPX3400e with a PSI of 3400.
- With a water flow of 1.55 GPM, this washer stands as average in terms of water volume for the price range mentioned above. If rinsing away debris most efficiently is your priority, one of the devices with the highest GPM in this price range is the Greenworks GPW2700, which can reach up to 2.3 GPM.
- Boasting 2244 Cleaning Units , the K5 Premium Smart Control places on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of cleaning power compared to other electric devices in this price range. 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.
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 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
- 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
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.
