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Which Karcher pressure washers should you buy 2025? From the K2 to K7, Parkers expert tests reveals all

  • We visit Karcher HQ to try out all of its pressure washers 
  • From cordless units to mighty powerhouses 
  • How the range differs, both inside and out 

Written by Aaron Hussain, Alex Boyd and Ryan Gilmore Updated: 25 July 2025

Karcher has become so synonymous with pressure washing that many people use the brand name for any pressure washer a testament to the German manufacturer’s dominance since 1935. Through decades of refinement and innovation, Karcher has consistently delivered more powerful, efficient, and versatile pressure washers, and in 2025, they’re still pulling clever engineering tricks that leave the competition trailing.

At Parkers, we wanted to understand exactly what makes the Karcher pressure washer range tick. From compact attachments and cordless pressure washers right up to the flagship K7, each model brings distinct engineering solutions. To get the full picture of how these differ and discover the latest releases, commercial content writer, Aaron Hussain, headed to Karcher UK’s Banbury headquarters for the ultimate group test and demonstration.

Karcher K Silent next to 1984 model
Karcher K Silent next to HD 555.

Karcher has a plethora of machines ranging from a spraying bucket (no, really), a compact washbag-sized pressure washer, and possibly the most powerful machine we’ve ever sprayed a car with. On Aaron’s visit there was even a sample of Karcher’s original HD 555: the brand’s first ever portable pressure washer from 1984. Not even Orwell could’ve predicted how far that little thing would elevate the brand.

Best Karcher pressure washers 2025 at a glance

Best Karcher pressure washer for home and car
Karcher K5 Power Control Home
Best budget Karcher pressure washer
Karcher K2 Power Control
The best compact Karcher pressure washer
Karcher K2 Horizontal
Best heavy-duty Karcher pressure washer
Karcher K7 Premium Smart Control

How we test

At Karcher HQ, Aaron assisted product training manager, Martin Coles, as he demonstrated each machine and attachments thoroughly running through the engineering differences between the lower and higher end models.

The primary thing we looked for is cleaning ability, so we could decide which Karcher pressure washer is best at cleaning a car. A pressure washer has to be able to successfully clear dirt or car shampoo without leaving residue. Next up is versatility, can the pressure washer clean sections of your home as well as it can a car? Karchers are an investment, so making sure they can cover more ground is essential.

Martin Coles, Karcher's Product Training Manager, testing a pressure washer on Volvo.
Martin Coles, Karcher’s Product Training Manager, testing a pressure washer on Volvo.
Cap open of Karcher cleaning brush
Cap open of Karcher cleaning brush.

As Karcher machines are an investment we want to make sure value for money is worth purchasing. It’s worth adding that with any model range from the pressure washer brand, you will always get what you pay for, including Karcher’s budget pressure washers in comparison to its premium models. However, if one model isn’t necessarily worth it over its less powerful sibling, we’ll tie that in with the product’s overall score.

Who tested them?

Aaron Hussain

Aaron Hussain cleaning a Jaguar XF with a Karcher K2 pressure washer
Aaron Hussain cleaning a Jaguar XF with a Karcher K2 pressure washer

A products writer for Parkers since 2023, Aaron travelled to the Karcher UK HQ to test out the pressure washers. He has organised and undertaken many product group tests and reviews for the site and works tirelessly to ensure that anything and everything car product advice is as accurate and as helpful as it can be.

Aaron has both a BA degree in Journalism and MA in Automotive Journalism, and has dipped his toes in a number of different automotive outlets before landing at Parkers as a products tester. His knowledge and passion for all-things journalism means he is able to review any automotive product available and tell you whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Alex Boyd

Alex Boyd testing the Karcher K5 on a car
Alex Boyd testing the Karcher K5 on a car

Boasting an extensive career in TV, radio as well as training in electronics, Alex has a keen and trained eye for sussing out good products from the bad and puts his many years of know-how into being a products writer for Parkers. He is particularly fond of Karcher machines, so naturally, putting the K5 model to the ultimate cleaning test was right up his street. You can read his full review of the machine here for the full rundown.

Ryan Gilmore

Ryan Gilmore spraying VW with Karcher K7 pressure washer
Ryan Gilmore spraying VW with Karcher K7 pressure washer

Ryan has been writing for Parkers since 2020 and cut his teeth into product testing as a Deputy Commercial Content Editor before becoming our Car Buying Editor in 2024. His MA Automotive Journalism degree undoubtedly helped him to climb the ladder and train him as the analytical journalist that’s required for testing out a plethora of car products. Throughout his time as a Deputy, Ryan took every product test with both hands and in his time, has checked out more pressure washers than your local auto outlet probably stocks.

The best Karcher pressure washers tested 2025

Expert rating:

4.5
Best Karcher pressure washer for home and car
Karcher K5 set up on driveway
Karcher K5 set up on driveway
Price: $965.58
With the K5, you have a tough, powerful machine that comes with everything you need to get great results for your car and outdoor areas. Not only does it come with a three-year guarantee, but it also has a ten-metre high-pressure hose, a smart control gun, and compatibility with the Karcher app, which allows you to check pressure settings for different tasks. It sprays at a massive 500 litres per hour at 145 Bar of pressure, which is substantial compared with the brand's other, less-expensive units.

My impressions of the K5 are substantially good; setting it up is pretty straightforward with all the water connectors being quick to install with minimal faffing around, the ten-metre hose means you can pull the machine around freely without hassle on your driveway, and provides a good, even layer of foam and spray in very little time.

It's so powerful, you can feel the kickback when you pull the trigger. But the cleaning performance is properly good, all-things considered. The Home pack I tested came with a T5 Surface Cleaner, and I had a go with cleaning my slabbed driveway with it. I have to say that in my case, it made just as good progress over the monoblock driveway and patio paving.

Martin Coles, Product Training Manager, trying the patio cleaner on the wall using a K5

My one reservation extends to the telescopic transportation handle. It felt very loose and wobbly, which is quite surprising when you consider how well the rest of the machine is made - especially at its price point. Overall, though, it pounds out a mighty surge of power and has the ideal equipment you need to cater for your car and home.

Review by Alex Boyd

Second opinion, Aaron Hussain

Out of the several machines lined-up on my visit to Karcher, it was the K5 that ended up winning my heart. I like a powerful pressure washer, so the versatility and capability of the K5 naturally appealed. It uses the brand's more durable Induction motor which is designed to last longer and operate more effortlessly than the entry-level Universal motors you find in the K2s, K3s, and lower-end K4s.

For one thing, I really like the effortlessness of it. The operation is as smooth as silk and you don't get the impression that it'll wear out. Like my colleague, Alex, I really noticed the kickback in the pressure. The K5 develops 500l/h at 145 Bar of pressure, so don't hold it too loosely.

When it came to the patio cleaner. Karcher's HQ didn't have any stone slabs to test it on, but Martin pulled out a trump card by demonstrating it on the building's metal wall. And by George, it cleaned it immaculately. You can even use it to clean the sides of your house if you wanted it to. It's a simple design which is easy to adjust and has a consistent cleaning performance once attached to the machine.


Karcher K5 pressure washer stood up

It's frankly a powerhouse when it comes to car cleaning; every last bit of suds remaining on a car's paintwork is easily sorted by aiming the lance of a K5 at it. It's also refreshingly easy to use; you get a handy little pocket to store your lances and a hose hook at the back for easy access. You even get Karcher's excellent detergent slot, to which you can simply pop in the bottle upside down and let the machine do the rest.

That, and the overall feel and operation of the K5 won it over for me. It's not quite overkill like the K7, but it's engineered to last a long time, can be had with all the useful attachments, and in some levels of kit, actually represents good value compared to other machines.

Read our full Karcher K5 Pressure Washer review

Pros

  • Karcher app support compatible, should you ever need it
  • 10m long hose for great versatility and ease of use
  • Amazing flow rate of 500l/h at 145 Bar of pressure 

Cons

  • The telescopic handle is flimsy compared to the rest of the machine
  • 13kg is quite heavy to move around
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    5.0
  • Value for money
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.5
Maximum pressure (bar) 145
Maximum water flow (l/h) 500
Power (W) 2100
Cable length 5m
Hose length 10m
Dimensions 40.2 x 30.6 x 58.8 cm
Weight (without accessories) 13kg

Expert rating:

4.0
Best budget Karcher pressure washer
Karcher K2 next to Range Rover Sport
Karcher K2 next to Range Rover Sport
Price: $320.40
The K2 may be the smallest in the range, but it’ll still tackle most domestic jobs without any fuss. The K2 includes a Vario spray lance and a Dirt Blaster Lance as standard, but you can opt for the Home Kit which includes a patio cleaner and solution as well.

The K2 model range begins at well-under the £100 mark with the horizontal model, so you can't expect anything like the capability of the K5 and K7 models. But in its own right, it provides plenty of power with 360 litres per-hour of flow rate at 110 Bar of pressure. In practice, we've found that it cleans a car extremely well, and I like the simplicity of it overall.

Ryan Gilmore cleaning BMW M3 CS with Karcher K2 pressure washer

What don't I like? Well, when I first tried a K2, I thought it generated quite a bit of vibration under operation - almost to the point where my hand was beginning to get strained. But after having a go with another K2 at Karcher's HQ, I didn't have the same feeling.

Either I was perceiving things wrong, or the issue had quietly been ironed out. Either way, I'm happy that the K2 felt smooth upon recent testing, and it means I can't really fault it much. It does have a short hose, but every machine at this price point does.

Karcher K2 stood up

For the price point, the K2 is pretty much all the pressure washer you'll ever need. You have to live with the lack of refinement that more expensive pressure washers have, but that goes across all brands - not just Karcher.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Read our full Karcher K2 Pressure Washer review

Pros

  • Compact size and lightweight for decent storage
  • Decent spray and flow for cleaning a car
  • Great value for money with prices beginning under £100 

Cons

  • Hose and cable length is quite short
  • Quite harsh and vibrates in your hand
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.0
  • Value for money
    4.5
  • Overall
    4.0
Maximum pressure (bar) 110
Maximum water flow (l/h) 360
Power (W) 1400
Cable length 5m
Hose length 5m
Dimensions 24.6 x 28 x 58.6 cm
Weight (without accessories) 4kg

Expert rating:

4.5
The best compact Karcher pressure washer
The Horizontal variant of the K2 was originally designed for the Japanese market; the thinking being that you'd be able to clean your apartment patios and small driveways in compact households without the machine taking up much room - both in operation and storage.

Even away from the congested Tokyo apartment and house complexes, the K2 Horizontal still makes a great deal of sense elsewhere. If you're looking for an affordable pressure washer that does the job without breaking the bank or taking up much garage space, here's your answer. It's still just as powerful and capable as the standard K2, but its simply packaged in different clothes.

Karcher K2 Horizontal rear

There's a handy little strap on the back, which I found to be really straightforward and quick when putting the trigger gun and lance away. It's also quite light at a mere 3.5kg, so carrying it around is no different to an average-sized washbag.

It's more affordable, too. But as it's the same as all the other K2 variants inside, the operation is still more than adequate for what most people need, and the spray consistency is superb for a machine its size and price point. If you live in a small flat and want to wash your balcony, don't look any further than one of these - it really is all you need.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • Easy to use and carry around, thanks to size and weight
  • The strap on the back is useful for placing back attachments 
  • Same level of power and engineering as other K2 variants, so you're not losing out on performance

Cons

  • Hose size is very short and you are limited in standard attachments
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.5
  • Value for money
    4.5
  • Overall
    4.5
Maximum pressure 110 Bar
Maximum flow rate 360l/h
Power (W) 1400W
Cable length 5m
Hose length 3m
Dimensions 38 x 19.7 x 14.8cm
Weight 3.5kg

Expert rating:

4.0
Best heavy-duty Karcher pressure washer
The K6 has been discontinued, so the final model in the UK range is the mighty K7. You’re getting into professional cleaning territory here with a maximum pressure of 180 bar and 550 litres per hour maximum water flow. That should be enough to clear off any layers of dirt on your car or home.

It has a little LCD screen in the trigger handle and is compatible with the Karcher app, so you can get the best tips on how to use the machine in different cleaning tasks. Unlike other machines, it even had a boost mode if the dirt and mud under the wheel arches is a tricky so-and-so to remove.

Ryan Gilmore cleaning VW T-Roc wheel with Karcher K7

With the high pressure and immense flow rate at hand, the K7 is a flawlessly powerful and capable machine to clean your car or home with. Better still, it can be tailored to whatever it is you're cleaning and is just as capable as it is heavy.

It's a large unit like the K5, so moving it around isn't the easiest task. But this is balanced out with a long hose and cord length at hand, making moving around a relative doddle. Generally speaking, the K7 is a fabulously capable machine with all the power you could ever need. But for most car cleaning purposes, it's easy to think that it's perhaps a little overkill compared to the brand's other models and variants.

Review by Ryan Gilmore

Second opinion, Aaron Hussain

As the flagship of the consumer range, the K7 has a lot to live up for. It needs to be powerful, boast good build quality, and demonstrate a cleaning process like no other Karcher machine. I have an AVA Evolution P70 at home, and by comparison, the K7 was just as impressive.

It kicked me back with an impressive amount of force when pulling the trigger - and perhaps like any premium product from a car to a watch, there's a great sense of authority when using the K7. You can option it with the Smart Control system, but that wasn't fitted to the machine I tested. But every K7 has the mighty Induction motor which is shared with the K5 - only this model churns out more power.

Karcher's Induction motor used in the K7

But the smoothness and delivery of the spray and pressure gave me the reassurance that it can perform any car or home cleaning task without breaking sweat - whereas a smaller K2 or K3 will be working much harder. I'd buy a K7 with my own money, though I am fairly disappointed in the lack of extras you get for all £500+ of it. Surely, there's some room for profit if a few extras were included - extras that maybe, don't have to be included in the rest of the range?

Pros

  • Powerful output at 550l/h at 180 Bar of pressure 
  • Easy spray control and mode selection - helped by the app 
  • Home kit available in some trim levels 

Cons

  • Heavyweight at 17.8kg, so it isn't the easiest thing to move around
  • Not a lot of attachments included as standard, which is disappointing for the price point
  • Cleaning ability
    4.5
  • Versatility
    5.0
  • Value for money
    3.5
  • Overall
    4.0
Maximum pressure (bar) 180
Maximum water flow (l/h) 550
Power (W) 2800
Cable length 5m
Hose length 10m
Dimensions 45.9 x 33 x 66.6 cm
Weight (without accessories) 17.8kg

Expert rating:

4.0
The best quiet pressure washer
As you can work out by its name, the K Silent is designed to be a pressure washer from Karcher that doesn't disturb neighbours on a quiet morning. I was filled with intrigue as it's priced like a K4, yet has the performance of a K2 or K3.

Karcher K Silent in use with eco booster

I was eager to have a go, so how did it perform? Simply put, the spray from the lance was louder than the machine itself. Karcher say that it's 50% quieter than other pressure washers in its class, and after testing it out, I believe it. It really isn't much louder than a small vacuum cleaner.

It's pretty lightweight, too. 7.6kg is all you're moving around, so it isn't a burden to reposition around the driveway. It was designed and made to commemorate the 90th anniversiary of the Karcher brand, so the first batches that are still being sold come in black. The machine I tested was the standard issue yellow which will be rolled out in due course.

Karcher K Silent testing on Volvo V60

The Karcher K Silent was only introduced in 2025, and it represents a new avenue for the manufacturer to explore. I love the idea of a quieter pressure washer - it means customers in confined apartment blocks and neighbourhoods can freely clean their cars and gardens without any noise complaints. It's a really impressive machine that brings together all of the brilliance of the K2 and K3, and sophisticates it for a wider audience.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • Brilliantly quiet - Karcher claim it's around 50% quieter than its equivilent machines
  • Compact and easy to store with a useful compartment at the back for attachments
  • Smooth running operation and feels premium throughout 

Cons

  • While it has the performance of a K2, it's priced more like a K4 at around £230
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.5
  • Value for money
    3.5
  • Overall
    4.0
Maximum pressure 130 Bar
Maximum water flow 420l/h
Power (W) 1800kW
Cable length 5m
Hose length 6m
Dimensions 31.3 x 26.2 x 41.9cm
Weight 7.7kg

Expert rating:

4.0
Best introductory Karcher pressure washer
The next model up from the K2 is the K3. The basic headlines you need to know are as follows: rather than a flow rate of 360l/h in the K2, you get 380l/h in the K3. The same goes for pressure; the K3 is up to 120 Bar, which is 10 more than what the K2 produces.

The differences aren't huge, and that's more-or-less where it stops. Both the K2 and K3 are similar machines, with the 3 being slightly more powerful than the other - but not in an entirely noticeable way. Truth be told, they do feel very similar to each other under operation - the motors and pumps are smaller than Karcher's larger offerings, but they do feel smooth enough to feel like a well-engineered product.

Karcher K3 in use by Martin Coles, Product Training Manager at Karcher

One thing that differed the K3 Classic we had on test over the K2 was the little slots at the back designed to hold the attachments. It's a simple, yet effective way of keeping everything together, and perhaps it'd sway me to get a K3 over a K2.

On a cleaning performance level however, while it is more capable in principle, you really are better off saving the pennies for a K2. If you really want to move up the game, grab yourself a K4 - it isn't that much more expensive.

Pros

  • Slightly longer hose than the K2, which increases versatility 
  • Still fairly light at 4.4kg, making it easily manouverable
  • Slightly higher flow rate at 380l/h and a bit more pressure at 120 Bar

Cons

  • The differences from the K2 aren't that substantial
  • Not too much kit included as standard
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.0
  • Value for money
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Maximum pressure (bar) 120
Maximum water flow (l/h) 380
Power (W) 1600
Cable length 5m
Hose length 7m
Dimensions 29.7 x 28 x 67.7 cm
Weight (without accessories) 4.4kg

Expert rating:

4.5
The best mid-range Karcher pressure washer
With the Karcher K4, you really are stepping up in terms of power and flow rate compared to the K2 and K3. I'm reliably told that the K4 is one of the top selling domestic pressure washers next to the K2 - meaning people are attracted by the fact it boasts a lot of power without fully breaking the bank.

There's also the psychology of opting for a middle-ground product, which is exactly where the K4 fits. So, how good actually is it compared to the rest of the range?

The simple answer, from what I've found, is that it depends which K4 you opt for. The simple reason being the entry level K4 (the Classic) uses Karcher's Universal motor like the K2 and K3, whereas the upper-end version (the Power Control) has an Induction motor - which uses a water-cooled pump.

Karcher K4 being used to clean Volvo V60

The latter is designed to last much longer and is more effortless under operation. The Induction motor is also used in the K5 and K7 models, effectively differentiating the entry-level and premium Karcher models. I tried the K4 Power Control, and I can confidently say that it's a big step-up from the entry-level machines. It feels more substantial, a lot more powerful, and a lot more effortless under operation.

This K4 even came with a detergent slot. Applying the snow foam detergent to my test vehicle was as simple as it ever gets, and I liked the consistency of the spray - it formed a thick, satisfying layer on the body and the K4 was a great companion for it.

Overall, it's easy to see why the K4 Power Control is a popular pick of the Karcher range. It represents not only a great level of power, but at a reasonable price as well.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • The K4 represents good value for money relative to the power you get
  • The K4 Power Control has the more durable Induction motor, which lasts longer than the lower-end Universal motor 
  • Can be optioned with a load of useful attachments, such as a patio cleaner

Cons

  • The entry level K4 Classic has the lower-end Universal motor, which isn't as long-lasting
  • Cleaning ability
    5.0
  • Versatility
    4.0
  • Value for money
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.5
Maximum pressure (bar) 130
Maximum water flow (l/h) 420
Power (W) 1800
Cable length 5m
Hose length 8m
Dimensions 40.2 x 30.6 x 58.8 cm
Weight (without accessories) 11.5kg

Expert rating:

4.5
The best cordless Karcher pressure washer
New to the market and competing against the likes of Worx, Bosch, and Ryobi, the OC 6-18 is Karcher's answer to the cordless pressure washer market. Having tried a few units from other brands myself, I was very curious to see how the OC 6-18 compares.

You get 24 Bar of pressure, which is less than half as much as our current favourite: the Worx Nitro Hydroshot WG633.E. But the magic comes in the spraying aspect - because at that, it's a brilliant machine when trying to beat the hosepipe ban.

Don't expect anywhere near as much power as even the K2, but do expect a respectable spraying performance that's more than enough to detail a whole vehicle if you don't have immediate access to a reliable water supply.

Close up of Karcher OC 6-18 cordless pressure washer unit

It's quiet, smooth, and the most portable form of pressure washer I've ever come across. It's such a unique design, that you can't really compare it to anything else. I rather wish the hose was longer than 4m, but it's not so much an issue when you can simply carry the water tank around.

The 12-litre water tank attached is a genius touch, although we tried it with the item outlined below: the wheeled water trolley.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • Excellent solution during a hosepipe ban, which often occur during summer months
  • Lightweight and easy to carry, meaning you don't have to rely on a tap water source
  • Smooth and consistent spray when in operation and produces perfectly ample cleaning performance

Cons

  • Isn't as powerful as I'd like with only 24 Bar of pressure, which competitors can comfortably beat
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    5.0
  • Value for money
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.5
Maximum pressure (bar) 24 Bar
Maximum water flow (l/h) 200l/h
Power 18V
Cable length N/A
Hose length 4m
Dimensions ‎38.4 x 24.1 x 20.4cm
Weight (without accessories) 3.1kg

Expert rating:

3.5
The best portable water source
Karcher WT 12L water trolley
Karcher WT 12L water trolley
Price: $236.62
While it looks like the body of a pressure washer, think of it as a moving water tank - because that's exactly what it is.

Simply put, the WT 12L hooks up to the OC 6-18 and you can simply pull it around your driveway and use it as a cordless pressure washer - even though it looks like a standard, domestic unit.

To make things better, the entire body is the tank - water really does fill all the way up to the top, meaning you have a large supply of water when cleaning your vehicle. I find it a very clever solution to the question of cordless, portable car cleaning. And in my view, the best way to wash your car without needing a tap.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • The whole trolley is the water tank, so the capacity it can hold is huge
  • Perfect to hook up the OC 6-18 to when getting around a hosepipe ban 
  • Built very well and feels durable enough to last a long time - it even shares the telescopic handle with other Karcher pressure washers

Cons

  • The price is quite steep for what is essentially a water container with wheels on it
  • Cleaning ability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.5
  • Value for money
    2.0
  • Overall
    3.5
Maximum pressure N/A
Maximum water flow N/A
Power (W) N/A
Cable length N/A
Hose length N/A
Dimensions ‎30.6 x 32.2 x 58.6 cm
Weight (without accessories) 3.3kg

Expert rating:

3.5
Best portable Karcher cleaner
The OC3 is a lightweight, portable cleaner which allows you to clean efficiently at a gentle low pressure. This makes it suitable for things like washing off pets after a particularly muddy walk, hosing down your bike or getting the dirt off your wellies.

It runs off a rechargeable integrated lithium-ion battery with an LED warning when the battery power is low, but a full charge should get you up to 15 minutes of run time. There’s a four-litre water tank, and the nozzle can be adjusted to either flat or conical spray.

The variant I tried out was the collapsible folding bucket. When storing it away, it's a flat, compact unit that barely takes up any room at all. This is a huge plus if you only have a small shed with a few shelves.

Karcher OC3 Portable cleaner flat

Under operation, it surprised me. It produces 21 Bar of pressure, which is more powerful than I expected upon first seeing it, and it produces a consistent, effective wash on any car surface. Additionally, the fact it's light and portable makes it a great tool for washing off bits of your car without having to wheel out the full pressure washer unit. I would use it for cleaning wheels as it's often a faff having to wheel out a full machine just for four rims.

Away from cars, it's also a fabulous tool for cleaning shoes, dogs and a number of other things when going away camping. It's also super quiet, too - meaning you could use it to clean your car without disturbing your neighbours - in either an apartment or house environment. It's a genius solution to portable car cleaning and one that shouldn't be ignored - I just find it a shame that it commands over £100, which I find rather steep for what it is.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • Surprisingly powerful for its size at 21 Bar of pressure and 120l/h
  • Perfect for wheel cleaning and bike cleaning as well as pets and shoes 
  • Folds neatly into a compact item for very easy storage, should you be limited on space 

Cons

  • Isn't the be-all and end-all of car cleaning and can only be used to wash a car to an extent
  • Cleaning ability
    3.0
  • Versatility
    4.5
  • Value for money
    3.5
  • Overall
    3.5
Maximum pressure (bar) 21 Bar
Maximum water flow (l/h) 120l/h
Power (W) N/A
Cable length N/A
Hose length 1.8m
Dimensions 29.8 x 27.1 x 27.1cm
Weight (without accessories) 3kg

Expert rating:

3.0
The best Karcher pressure washer attachment
It's not usual that we include reviews of attachments to pressure washers, but I was so taken by the brand's Eco Booster Jet, that I thought a quick review was worth throwing in.

You can buy versions for the K4, K5, and K7 models and each one provides a rather excellent cleaning performance. I tried the Eco Booster on the K5 and simply put, it provided a wide coverage of spray which allowed me to save time when rinsing off the dirt.

Holding Karcher's eco booster

It feels solid, it's easy to place into the spray lances, and it's cleaning performance is excellent. Would I recommend purchasing it on top of what you already get with a Karcher pressure washer? I'm not so sure myself, as it's quite a pricey add-on, but if you're spending big money on a K5 or K7, an extra £40 or so may be justifiable.

Do I like to use it when cleaning a car? That's a 100% yes. And because of its wide spray pattern, it's perfect for garden fences, benches and walls as well.

Review by Aaron Hussain

Pros

  • Wide, consistent spray pattern makes it brilliant for not just car cleaning, but home tasks as well
  • Feels sturdy and easily attaches to spray lances with ease 
  • Can get cleaning tasks done at a slightly quicker rate than with a normal lance

Cons

  • It's a fairly pricey add-on at around £40 - especially if you're opting for one on top of a K4
  • Cleaning ability
    4.5
  • Versatility
    4.0
  • Value for money
    3.0
  • Overall
    3.5
Maximum pressure 129 Bar
Maximum water flow N/A
Power (W) N/A
Cable length N/A
Hose length N/A
Dimensions 61.5 x 10.8 x 5.1cm
Weight (without accessories) 0.37kg

FAQs

Karcher K5 with all attachments
Karcher K5 with all attachments.

Final things to consider when buying a Karcher pressure washer

Pressure Rating and Power: Karcher offers pressure washers with various pressure ratings. Consider the level of power you require – higher pressure ratings are suitable for tough jobs, while lower pressures are more appropriate for lighter tasks.

Flow Rate: Look for the litres per hour (l/h) specification, which indicates how much water the pressure washer uses. Higher flow rates can deliver better cleaning efficiency, but often at a cost. Budget pressure washers will generally have a lower flow rate.

Portability: Consider the weight and design, especially if you need it to be easily portable. If you are concerned about portability, our guide to compact pressure washers may be for you.

Attachments and Accessories: Check what accessories come with the pressure washer. Karcher offers various nozzles, wands, brushes, detergent tanks, and extension hoses that can enhance the versatility of your pressure washer.

Karcher pressure washers lined up
Karcher pressure washers lined up.

Cleaning Applications: Think about the types of cleaning tasks you intend to use the pressure washer for. Different Karcher models may be better suited for specific applications, such as car washing, patio cleaning, or heavy-duty industrial use. Also, consider the range of pressure washer accessories available.

Price and Budget: Set a budget for your pressure washer purchase and compare different Karcher models within that range.

FAQs

  • Do pressure washers need to be connected to taps?

    If you've got access to one and the correct adaptor, yes they do. Our method though has mostly been to fill up a huge bucket of water and place the end of the hose at the bottom of it. This is because we've not always had access to taps when testing pressure washers and cleaning equipment, so it was our next best method.

    Our bucket method is also extremely useful if you're impacted by hosepipe bans, as you're not relying on the mains water supply to clean your car and home.

  • How do I use a pressure washer safely?

    The big priority is ensuring physical and electrical safety. Is there a risk of the water spraying into the electrical outlet powering it? Is there a trip hazard? Are all the components fitted correctly, and are the wires and hoses all in good condition? These are all the basic checks you need to ensure before you start using your machine.

  • Is the Karcher K4 better than the K5?

    In terms of value for money, it certainly is. The K4's flow rate of 420 litres per hour is more than enough for most car and home cleaning needs, and you'd really have to be bordering a professional to get the most out of a K5's rate of 500 litres per hour - which is arguably overkill for many.

    With that being said, if you opt for an entry-level K4, it'll get the Universal motor rather than the premium Induction motor found in upper-end K4s. While performance in every K4 is the same, we recommend opting for a Induction-powered K4 (the Power Control) to get your money's worth.

  • Is the K4 better than the K2?

    Undoubtedly. It may be twice the money, give or take, but it feels like it's worth it. The K2 is a great entry-level machine for most users.

    The K4 Classic and K2 share the same Universal motor - which is the entry-level motor which is fan-cooled. The K4 Power Control, K5 and K7 use the more premium Induction pump - which is water-cooled and allows the machine to operate more smoothly and effortlessly. The Induction-powered Karchers are also designed to last longer.

  • Is the Karcher K7 better than the K5?

    The K7 is certainly a lot of machine, so it's not hard to see why Karcher have priced it the way it has. However, a K5 is already very powerful. You'll have to really justify why you need an enormous 550 litres per hour of flow at 180 Bar of pressure.

    You're almost certainly paying for the machine's capabilities, as it's important to note that, as standard, not a lot of attachments are included with Karcher products.

  • Are Karcher pressure washers reliable?

    There's always a little rule of thumb when it comes to any machine from cars to pressure washers: it'll only be as reliable as the person looking after it. Martin Coles informed us that one of the most common ways that pressure washers break is by using a hose (the one connected to the main water supply) that isn't long enough.

    To allow the pressure of the water to breathe, Coles' rule of thumb is they should always be at least 7.5m long. If a lot shorter, you could risk breaking internal components.

    Generally speaking, Karcher pressure washers are some of the better machines when it comes to lasting durability. They come with warranties that last up to five-years, so it displays a sense of confidence which is common with other brands such as Nilfisk and Bosch.

  • Are Karcher pressure washers repairable?

    Absolutely; on its site, you can buy a selection of spare parts and accessories for your machine (at a hefty premium, mind) which does add an element of D.I.Y to the ownership. Of course, if you prefer, you can get it repaired under warranty, should you need it. You just need to visit a Karcher centre to be able to facilitate this.

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