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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Description
Zoom on the Kärcher K5 Premium
In summary, the Kärcher K5 Premium 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
- 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
Its axial pump, which utilizes a 13 amp 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 1.4 GPM. These values correspond to a cleaning power of 2800 Cleaning Units.
Since it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K5 Premium 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 D16.46 x W16.77 x H34.33 in, the Kärcher K5 Premium makes mobility one of its core strengths. The handle adds to the K5 Premium convenience of transport.
The unit can be very easily carried around, as it weighs just 28.7 lbs. This is, in part, thanks to its plastic frame, which allows it to remain as lightweight as possible. To further improve its transportability and ease of use, the unit also features a set of two 7.7" wheels.
Main Features
The Kärcher K5 Premium'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 storage is ensured 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: The included 25 ft ⌀1/4" 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: 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
Some of the included accessories
- 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 Karcher K5 Premium, which can achieve a PSI of up to 2000, falls behind the other electric pressure washers in the $195 to $255 price range. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Sun Joe SPX4600, which reaches up to 3000 PSI.
- In the aforementioned price range, the GPM (gallons per minute) of this washer, which can reach 1.4, can be considered in the average. If you’re after the highest rinsing efficiency, one of the units with the highest water flow in the current price range is the Realm BY02-BIMK, that can deliver up to 1.75 GPM.
- The K5 Premium has 2800 Cleaning Units (PSI x GPM), which can be considered low in comparison to other electric devices of this price. If the highest overall cleaning power is your top priority, the Realm BY02-BIMK, which can reach up to 4550 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 this interactive chart, 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
- Portable
- Detergent dilution mechanism
- Hose reel
- Decent GPM for the price
- Low PSI for the price
- Low CU for the price
Features and Specifications
| Fuel | Electric |
|---|---|
| Handling | Portable |
| Water | Cold (104°F max.) |
| PSI | 2000 |
| GPM | 1.4 |
| Cleaning Units | 2800 |
| Motor | 13 amp |
| 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 |
| Quick connect nozzles | No |
| 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 | 1 year |
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.
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 1 year. 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 contact the Kärcher Customer Support: 1-800-537-4129.
