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Best Kärcher Pressure Washers

Updated July 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Kärcher K1800 Electric Power Pressure Washer
Kärcher
K1800 Electric Power Pressure Washer
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Easy Setup
Bottom Line

A must-have for homeowners who need reliable, strong pressure washing for household tasks like cleaning decks and driveways.

Pros

Very easy setup, so it's ready to use immediately. Delivers 1800 psi at 1.2 gallons per minute. Easy to turn on and off with a large foot switch. Its industry-standard connections make it simple to attach different hoses.

Cons

The plastic wheels and connection points may wear out more quickly.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kärcher K2 Ergo Power Washer
Kärcher
K2 Ergo Power Washer
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Smaller Size
Bottom Line

Good price for a smaller power washer that handles most jobs you have to do around the house.

Pros

Gives you 1,600 psi of water pressure and 1.25 gallons per minute of water, which compares favorably to other electric pressure washers in this price range. Able to deliver water up to 20 feet above the ground. Very small, so it's easy to store.

Cons

Design has a lot of plastic, so longevity is questionable. No onboard detergent tank.

Kärcher K3 Follow-Me Power Washer
Kärcher
K3 Follow-Me Power Washer
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4-Wheel Design
Bottom Line

Smart design for those who need to pull the pressure washer along while working.

Pros

Uses a 4-wheel design that makes it easy to move while you're working. Good price point. Delivers 1,800 psi and 1.3 gallons per minute of water. Includes an onboard detergent tank. Control the pressure level directly from the wand.

Cons

Will not last if used constantly over time. May struggle to reach 1,800 psi level.

Kärcher K5 Premium Power Washer
Kärcher
K5 Premium Power Washer
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High Water Pressure
Bottom Line

A pricey model, but the K5 has a bit more water pressure than you'll find in some other electric models.

Pros

Delivers up to 2,000 psi of water pressure and 1.4 gallons per minute of water. Reaches a water height of 25 feet. Includes a detergent tank. Great-looking design that you're going to love using for all kinds of jobs. Large handle makes it a snap to move.

Cons

Assembly can be a little difficult. May not last as long as you'd expect at this price point.

Kärcher G2700 Power Washer
Kärcher
G2700 Power Washer
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Powerful Gas Model
Bottom Line

Good level of performance for a compact yet powerful gas-powered power washer.

Pros

For those who need a bit more power in a pressure washer, it delivers good performance for the home user. Offers 2,700 psi of water pressure and 2.5 gallons per minute of water delivery. Handle and 2-wheel design is easy to move.

Cons

Expensive. Gas units require more maintenance versus electric units.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best kӓrcher pressure washers

There are plenty of good pressure washers around, but Kӓrcher is perhaps the best-known brand, with a reputation for high performance backed by solid German engineering. The company has been around since 1935, and experience like that is hard to beat.

Kӓrcher’s extensive range offers a variety of solutions from light domestic cleaning to heavy industrial scrubbing – there really is something for everyone. We've been looking at the pressure washers in depth so we can offer suggestions as to which models best suit particular needs.

Our top picks underline the broad choice available and feature everything from budget-friendly household models to machines for the most demanding professionals. The shopping guide below contains more detailed information and answers to some common questions.

Content Image
Gas-powered Kӓrcher pressure washers can generate tremendous power, but electric models are enough for the vast majority of homeowners. They cost less, too, and the maintenance is minimal.

Key considerations

When you're trying to find the best Kӓrcher pressure washer, the key elements are power source, cleaning performance, and tips and nozzles.

Power source

You have a choice of plug-in electric or gas-powered washers. Your choice will depend on two considerations: convenience and performance.

Electric: Electric pressure washers are quiet and require little maintenance. The drawback is the restriction inherent in having a power cord. To many, that poses no problems, but 100 feet is the maximum with even the longest extension, which could be an issue if you have a large yard. For most homeowners, an electric pressure washer is probably more convenient.

Gas-powered: These pressure washers can be considerably more powerful than electric models and can go just about anywhere. However, they tend to be noisier, there's gas and oil to store and transport, and more maintenance is required. If you're cleaning on a professional scale, a gas-powered machine is probably the better choice.

Cleaning performance

The headline figure is usually pounds per square inch (psi), probably because big numbers are impressive! However, pressure is nothing without sufficient flow, so gallons per minute (gpm) is usually quoted as well. Karcher pressure washers range from 1,600 to 3,200 psi and from 1.25 to 2.5 gpm.

Some people are comfortable with what these figures mean, but others find them a little confusing. In order to provide a scale that makes it easier to make direct comparisons, the cleaning unit (cu) was introduced. It's calculated by multiplying the two figures together, for example:

  • 2,000 cu rating: pressure of 1,600 psi x flow of 1.25 gpm
  • 8,000 cu rating: pressure of 3,200 psi x flow of 2.5 gpm

Tips and nozzles

A narrow jet of water at high pressure, with the right detergent, can clean deeply ingrained paint from concrete, but it would probably put a dent in your car's bodywork! The point is that you need different spray patterns for different jobs. For that, you need different pressure washer attachments.

Most of Kӓrcher's consumer models have a fine Dirtblaster nozzle to deliver maximum pressure and precision, plus an adjustable Vario Power spray wand for general-purpose use. On some, the wand automatically dispenses detergent (when available) at a lower pressure setting. This is convenient if, for example, you're cleaning a vehicle. Use a higher pressure to remove a lot of the dirt, turn it down to apply detergent, turn it up again to rinse.

On more commercially focused pressure washers, Kӓrcher provides interchangeable nozzles. These are heavy-duty items designed to cope with the increased pressure. The result is a more defined set of spray patterns specific to certain tasks.

Kӓrcher pressure washer features

Detergent tanks

Some models have one or more built-in detergent tanks, while others have a siphon that draws liquid from a container you provide, which is useful when working with high volumes.

Storage

There’s usually a clip of some kind for the spray wand. Some models have additional storage bins for accessories.

Hose

Spray wand hose lengths range from 15 to 25 feet. Gas-powered Kӓrcher pressure washers have a side hook to keep the hose neat when it’s not in use. Some consumer models have hose reels so you only have to unwind the amount of hose you need rather than have an untidy heap on the floor.

Safety

As a safety feature, the motor doesn't run unless the trigger is pressed. On professional models, the triggers have child safety locks.

Wheels

The wheels on consumer machines are hard plastic, which is perfectly adequate, though they can crack if treated badly. On professional-grade Kӓrchers, we prefer to see pneumatic tires, which perform better on a variety of surfaces and are less prone to damage from knocks and bumps.

Accessories

You’ll find a wide variety of additional accessories for specific tasks: brushes for washing vehicles, cleaning heads for hard surfaces, and extra hose, for example. It might also be possible to fit third-party accessories, but the connectors aren't always universal, and some devices have maximum pressure ratings, so check before ordering.
 

"A choice of spray wands – plus adjustability – gives you maximum flexibility for all your cleaning tasks."
STAFF
BestReviews

Kӓrcher pressure washer prices

All Kӓrcher pressure washers are guaranteed for two years, so we don't have to make our usual warning about cheap devices often being poor quality. While Kӓrcher pressure washers are definitely a premium product, they remain affordable.

Electric

The smart little K3 Follow-Me is a shade under $100, and the very capable K2 family of machines is around $20 more. The K5s will handle the toughest of household tasks, but the high-spec 540 with its water-cooled motor and built-in hose reel is still under $350.

Gas-powered

You might expect gas-powered Kӓrchers to be more expensive, but that's not the case. These powerful machines (2,200 psi to 3,000 psi) can usually be found for between $250 and $350.

Tips

  • Soak, wash, rinse. The most efficient way to clean with a pressure washer is to soak the area first, then apply detergent or cleaning agent, and then rinse.
  • Start with a wide spray angle. A fine jet at high pressure can cause damage. If you're using an adjustable wand, it's best to start with a wider spray angle, and adjust the concentration gradually until you get the power you need.
  • Maintain the pressure washer per Kӓrcher guidelines. Electric pressure washers need little maintenance. Most problems are associated with blocked filters, so clean them regularly following the manufacturer's instructions. Gas engines need regular checks, but pressure washers are no more complex than a lawn mower.
  • Wear safety goggles or a face shield when using the pressure washer. Dirt can dislodge at strange angles and at high speed.
  • Never use a pressure washer from a ladder. The initial kick from the device can be powerful enough to make you slip.
  • Never try to uncouple the hose or change wands or tips while the machine is running.
     
Content Image
A pressure washer is not a toy. Never aim the spray wand at anybody.

FAQ

Q. Do Kӓrcher pressure washers use a lot of water?

A. Water conservation is a real concern in many areas, so this is an important question. If you've been using an ordinary hose to clean your car, for example, then a Kӓrcher pressure washer should actually save water. The flow rate of a garden hose on a typical household supply is around 800 gallons per hour. Kӓrcher's consumer-rated pressure washers run at between 60 and 160 gallons per hour. Because of the greater pressure, they also clean more efficiently. You'll get the job done more quickly, which reduces the amount of water used even further.

Q. Can I spray bleach using a pressure washer?

A. No. Never. Bleach can do serious damage to the seals inside the machine's pump, likely leading to expensive repairs. You shouldn't spray bleach anyway – it's dangerous to your airways and lungs, and any overspray will kill plants and cause random damage.

If you have problems with mold and fungus, try a solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar. It's not poisonous, but some find the vapor a little unpleasant, so wearing a lightweight face mask is a good idea.

Q. Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean my car? I've heard the device can damage paint.

A. Too much pressure does have the potential to damage vehicle paint, but it's easily avoided. Automotive experts recommend keeping the pressure below 1,800 psi. While some Kӓrcher pressure washers can exceed this, those aimed at home use do not. If you're using a commercial-grade device, turn the pressure down and use a wide-angle nozzle.

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