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
The Kärcher K5 Premium, a medium duty pressure washer, gives its user an all-around versatile cleaning experience, topped off by the following features:
- 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
With a 13 amp motor, its axial pump delivers a pressure of 2000 PSI (roughly 33 times more than a standard garden hose) and a flow of up to 1.4 GPM (values claimed by the manufacturer), resulting in the Kärcher K5 Premium's cleaning power of 2800 Cleaning Units.
Being an electric pressure washer, the Kärcher K5 Premium's motor can be easily started by a convenient 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 comes with a spray gun, a wand, a pressure hose and a detergent injection feature, which are detailed below.
- Soap injection: Detergent is stored in a removable tank. The unit features a dial to allow you to manually choose the detergent dilution ratio. Detergent is automatically dispensed when the VPS wand is in low pressure mode.
- Pressure hose: The 25 ft ⌀1/4" high-pressure hose, which is included with the device, can be stored neatly on the unit itself when idle, using a convenient hose reel, which also improves its lifespan.
- Spray gun and wand: The included classic ergonomic spray gun and its VPS wand can be easily stored in a side hook. 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 DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt), pressure hose, wand, detergent tank, spray gun and power cord.
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 reach a PSI of 2000, achieves an average pressure output, compared to other electric units that cost between $200 and $250. If your priority is the highest possible power of the water stream, in this price range, we suggest checking out the Ryobi RY142300, which reaches up to 2300 PSI.
- With a water flow of up to 1.4 GPM (gallons per minute), this washer belongs to the upper end of the above-mentioned price range, as it can deliver a high volume of water. In case you are looking for a device which can most efficiently rinse away debris in the current price range, the Powerhorse 157055 has the highest GPM of 1.5.
- Reaching up to 2800 Cleaning Units (PSI x GPM), the K5 Premium is one of the most efficient amongst its similarly priced peers.
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
- High GPM for the price
- High CU for the price
- Decent PSI for the price
- The Kärcher K5 Premium doesn't have any notably low specs.
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.
