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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The Home Depot | Price history for the Kärcher K5 Premium | |
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Since: December 12, 2022 |
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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 |
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
In a nutshell, the Kärcher K5 Premium is a medium duty pressure washer, which not only offers an all-around versatile cleaning experience, but that also allows:
- spot cleaning of hard, unpainted surfaces or high reach areas
- cleaning of painted and fragile surfaces
- applying detergent and cleaning solutions
Its power characteristics and design, its main features and all its additional features are presented ahead.
Power
The Kärcher K5 Premium
The Kärcher K5 Premium'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 1.4 GPM (CETA-certified values). The Kärcher K5 Premium thus has a cleaning power of 2800 Cleaning Units.
As it is an electric pressure washer, the motor of the K5 Premium gets easily started by a simple 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.
Standing at only 28.7 lbs, this model can be carried around very easily. This is, in part, thanks to its plastic frame, which allows it to remain as lightweight as possible. On top of its light weight, the transportability and ease of use of this model is further improved by the addition 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 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: Besides the usual owner's manual (opens in a new tab) and documentation to get you promptly started, the Kärcher K5 Premium comes with detergent tank, pressure hose, spray gun, power cord, wand and DirtBlaster turbo spray wand (which is especially useful on stubborn dirt).
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 with its 2000 PSI achieves a lower pressure value, compared to other electric pressure washers in the $255-300 price range. If you're going after the highest possible power of the water stream, one of the best in this price range is the Greenworks GPW2700 that can reach up to 2700 PSI.
- When compared to devices in the above-mentioned price range, this washer and its 1.4 GPM (gallons per minute), is on the lower end of the achievable water flow. 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, with its 2800 Cleaning Units (PSI X GPM) sits at the high end of the cleaning efficiency spectrum, when compared to other devices of similar price. If you are after the highest overall cleaning power, the Greenworks GPW2700 with its 3240 Cleaning Units is one of the products that can achieve the highest cleaning efficiency in this 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
- Induction motor
- Portable
- Detergent dilution mechanism
- Hose reel
- High CU for the price
- Low PSI for the price
- Low GPM 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.
