Kärcher K5 Premium - 2000 PSI 1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer
The Kärcher K5 Premium 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 | 13-amp, induction |
| Pump | N-COR Axial |
| Other model numbers | 1.603-361.0 |
| Frame | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Soap injection | Yes |
| Soap tank | Removable |
| Soap dilution | Adjustable |
| Nozzles | N/A |
| Onboard storage | No |
| Hose | 25 ft, ⌀1/4 |
| Hose storage | Reel |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | Approx. 16.46 x 16.77 x 34.33 in |
|---|---|
| Weight | 28.7 lbs |
| Wheels | 2 wheels, ⌀7.7" |
| Included accessories | VPS wand, spray gun, high pressure hose, dirt blaster, detergent tank, 35 ft GFCI power cord |
| Security | Trigger lock |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| UPC | 886622014522 |
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.
Description
The K5 Premium is our most powerful electric pressure washer, delivering 2000 PSI for thorough home cleaning. It features a water-cooled induction motor to extend the life of the pressure washer and also to reduce noise. The K5 Premium also features a hose reel for ease of use and storage. Outfitted with a 25 ft high-pressure hose, a Vario Power Spray (VPS) wand and a patented DirtBlaster turbo spray wand, the K5 premium is ready to tackle any cleaning job. The pressure can be adjusted by simply twisting the VPS wand - for effective and surface-friendly cleaning. Feature rich and built to last, this high performance pressure washer will keep your home and vehicles spotless.
Zoom on the Kärcher K5 Premium
The Kärcher K5 Premium is a medium duty pressure washer, that provides its users with an all-around versatile cleaning experience, and enables:
- pinpoint spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces, accessing high areas, and successfully removing stubborn stains
- gentle cleaning for sensitive surfaces, and wide coverage cleaning with low pressure
- applying detergents and cleaning agents, and rinsing off surfaces
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
Powered by a 13-amp induction motor, its axial pump can generate a forceful pressure of 2000 PSI (roughly 33 times that of a standard garden hose) and a flow rate of up to 1.4 GPM (CETA-certified values). When these values are taken together, they yield a cleaning power of 2800 Cleaning Units.
The K5 Premium, an electric washer, 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 35 ft GFCI cord.
Design & Handling
With a portable design and approximate dimensions of D16.46 x W16.77 x H34.33 in, the Kärcher K5 Premium stands out for its focus on mobility. The handle adds to the K5 Premium convenience of transport.
Weighing in at a mere 28.7 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 7.7" wheels, adding further ease to its transportation and maneuverability.
Main Features
Along with the Kärcher K5 Premium 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: A safe detergent storage is facilitated by a removable tank. The detergent dilution ratio is selected manually, via a dedicated dial. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: With a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan, the unit provides a convenient way to store the included 25 ft ⌀1/4" high-pressure hose when not in use, keeping it organized and readily accessible.
- Spray gun and wand: A side hook allows for an easy storage of the included classic ergonomic 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.
Other Features
- Safety: Safety of operation is enhanced by a trigger lock mechanism (which prevents accidental operation).
- Accessories: The Kärcher K5 Premium 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 pressure hose, DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), wand, spray gun, power cord and detergent tank.
Product Video
The Kärcher K5 Premium'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 compare to similarly priced pressure washers.
- The Kärcher K5 Premium, which can achieve a PSI of up to 2000, falls behind the other electric pressure washers in the $240 to $300 price range. When it comes to maximizing water stream strength, one standout option in this price category is the Westinghouse WPX3000e, offering an impressive 3000 PSI.
- In its respective price range, the water flow of this washer, 1.4 GPM (gallons per minute), ranks as average. 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.
- The K5 Premium, which reaches up to 2800 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM) is one of the more efficient, in comparison to its similarly priced counterparts. If the highest overall cleaning power is your top priority, the BE P2115EN, which can reach up to 3440 Cleaning Units, is one of the most efficient of the devices in the current price range.
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 2500 and 3000 Cleaning Units, the Karcher K5 Premium 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
- Detergent dilution mechanism
- Hose reel
- High CU for the price
- Decent GPM for the price
- 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 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.


