There are many pressure washers, but Karcher 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 such experience is hard to beat. But how do you know which high-pressure karcher is right for you? Read our guide to make your choice easier.
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Our selection
"Whether you're cleaning mud off a car or cleaning up a stubborn layer of mud or grease, the K 7 Premium Smart Control Home, with…"
"With a maximum pressure of 110 bar, a maximum flow rate of 420 l/h and a power of 1400 W, the Karcher K2 Universal Edition…"
"Easy to maintain and just as mobile, the Karcher HD 6/15 G Classic is equipped with a combustion engine, smart accessories and a robust crankshaft…"
"This model is battery powered, so you don't have to worry about a cord. This is a slightly smaller pressure washer with a weight of…"
Whether you're cleaning mud off a car or cleaning up a stubborn layer of mud or grease, the K 7 Premium Smart Control Home, with its 3-in-1 Multi-Jet wand and trigger gun with a smart LCD screen, will do the job.
394 £ on Amazon
With a maximum pressure of 110 bar, a maximum flow rate of 420 l/h and a power of 1400 W, the Karcher K2 Universal Edition pressure washer can tackle any outdoor cleaning task.
49,52 £ on AmazonThe K 2 Universal Edition pressure washer can restore the shine to any surface in a very short time. With a choice of one-way or Dirtblaster wand, it's ideal for everything from gently cleaning paint or delicate vehicles to harder surfaces like concrete or tile. You can even use it to remove dirt from a patio. But it's still compact enough to store easily.
The built-in detergent suction tube allows you to apply detergent to any surface you need to clean. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry while cleaning, with convenient built-in storage for the hose, trigger gun, spray lances, cable and hose. The Karcher K2 pressure washer is truly the ideal companion for light duty work.
Easy to maintain and just as mobile, the Karcher HD 6/15 G Classic is equipped with a combustion engine, smart accessories and a robust crankshaft pump.
1 070 £ on ManoManoThe HD 6/15 G Classic pressure washer is a very user-friendly petrol model with compact dimensions and a lightweight design. It is ideally suited for professional use, as it offers high cleaning efficiency as well as good economy. Like all other Karcher machines, this pressure washer comes with built-in high-quality components that allow for continuous use with impressive durability. These include the robust ceramic piston crankshaft pump for reduced wear and tear and high-performance seals for longer working times.
In addition to this, the machine also scores with ease of maintenance; all relevant parts are easily accessible. The storage options offer enough space for the nozzle, lance and other accessories. As far as possible uses are concerned, the HD 6/15 G Classic will fit perfectly in an industrial, construction and agricultural environment. It can also be suitable for domestic use if you have a rather intensive use. But in this case, read the user manual carefully to understand how to use it efficiently without the risk of damaging your paint, furniture, etc. Finally, it is a very mobile machine, thanks in particular to its large wheels and the ergonomic push handle which ensure optimal maneuverability and easy handling. And the foldable push handle allows for space-saving storage.
This model is battery powered, so you don't have to worry about a cord. This is a slightly smaller pressure washer with a weight of only 1.3 kg.
177 £ on AmazonThe Kärcher KHB 6 cordless handheld pressure washer is perfect for quick, everyday outdoor cleaning tasks without the need for a mains connection - just plug in the hose. Practical and portable, it is ideal for cleaning cars, bikes, garden furniture and tools. It is equipped with two lances (flat and rotating) that offer you the ideal setting for all outdoor cleaning tasks and remove both stubborn dirt and pollen layers on your flower pots.
Thanks to the innovative real-time technology, the LCD battery display shows the remaining capacity during operation, charging and storage. The two nozzles, the powerful exchangeable lithium-ion battery (18 V/2.5 Ah) and the battery charger are included. If you add compatible accessories from the same brand, you can be more than satisfied with the results. For example, a foam nozzle, a scrub brush and a suction hose for using water from alternative sources are also available.
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The best high pressure Karcher in 2021
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Your guide :
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| OUR SELECTION |
Karcher - K 7 Premium Smart Control Home
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Karcher - K 2 Universal Edition
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Karcher - HD 6/15 G Classic
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Karcher - KHB 6 high pressure cleaning gun
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Whether you're cleaning mud off a car or cleaning up a stubborn layer of mud or grease, the K 7 Premium Smart Control Home, with its 3-in-1 Multi-Jet wand and trigger gun with a smart LCD screen, will do the job.
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With a maximum pressure of 110 bar, a maximum flow rate of 420 l/h and a power of 1400 W, the Karcher K2 Universal Edition pressure washer can tackle any outdoor cleaning task.
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Easy to maintain and just as mobile, the Karcher HD 6/15 G Classic is equipped with a combustion engine, smart accessories and a robust crankshaft pump.
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This model is battery powered, so you don't have to worry about a cord. This is a slightly smaller pressure washer with a weight of only 1.3 kg.
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Power
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2,800 W
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1,400 W
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Pressure (bar)
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max. 20 - 180 bar
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110 bars
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150 to 200 bar
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max. 24 bars
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Surface performance
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60 m²/h
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20 m²/h
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Flow rate
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max. 600 l/h
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max. 360 l/h
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max. 600 l/h
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max. 200 l/h
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Feed type
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Electric cable (wired)
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Electric cable (wired)
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Essence
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Lithium-ion battery (18 V / 2.5 Ah)
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Dimensions (W x L x H) (mm)
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459 x 330 x 666 mm
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397 x 305 x 584 mm
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799 x 637 x 1097 mm
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302 x 89 x 265 mm
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High pressure hose (length)
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10 m
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10 m
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10 m
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- (single lance)
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If you only plan to use your Kärcher occasionally for small jobs, such as cleaning masonry or bicycles, a less expensive model such as the Kärcher K2 Full Control or the Kärcher K4 Full Control Home will do the trick. But for regular, larger jobs, the K7 will offer better results.
The higher the pressure, the bigger the jobs your Kärcher can handle. For cleaning bicycles, furniture and decks, 100 bar pressure will suffice, while larger jobs such as cleaning large decks will likely require 130 bar or more.
Again, this will mostly depend on your usage. To avoid future hassles, focus on hoses that are at least 4 meters long. This will give you more room to maneuver.
Yes the budget matters, as the price of Karcher machines varies from less than 100 euros to about 800 euros, and obviously each machine has its performance and its limits. The Kärcher K7 Premium full control obviously does not have the same capacity as the small K2, even if the latter still offers excellent value for money.
In this section, we'll look at two points: how to start the machine properly and which accessories to use for which jobs.
For electric models:
- Attach the garden hose between the water supply and the Kärcher.
- Attach the high-pressure hose between the spray wand and the Kärcher.
- Turn on the water.
- Squeeze the trigger on the spray wand to bleed water or air from the unit.
- Squeeze the trigger on the spray wand, hold it in to release any pressure built up in the pump and hold the trigger in while switching to the "ON" position.
For gasoline models:
- Add the proper amount of oil and gasoline to the engine. (Refer to the engine owner's manual for filling instructions and proper grade of oil and gasoline).
- Cut off the end of the yellow oil cap located on top of the pump to allow air to escape through the cap. (Some models only, refer to your owner's manual
) - Attach the garden hose between the water supply and the Kärcher.
- Attach the high-pressure hose between the spray wand and the Kärcher.
- Turn on the water.
- Squeeze the trigger on the spray wand to bleed water or air from the unit.
- Adjust the fuel line to allow fuel to enter the engine. (Some models only, refer to your owner's manual
) - Adjust the choke to allow air into the engine.
- Turn the engine switch to the "ON" position. (Some models only, refer to your owner's manual
) - Squeeze and hold the trigger on the spray wand to release any pressure built up in the pump and hold the trigger in while pulling the engine start cord.
- After starting the engine, move the choke back to the closed position to close the air flow to the engine.
For best results, choose the right attachment for the job (and the machine you have):
- The Vario Power spray wand :
This wand will work for either the low pressure detergent spray or the high pressure spray. You'll have access to infinitely variable pressure adjustment by simply rotating the spray wand. Ideal for cleaning small areas around the house and garden, such as walls, paths, fences and vehicles. Suitable for all Kärcher pressure washers in classes K 2 to K 3. There is also a compatible version for cleaners in classes K4 to K5.
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- The Entry rotary nozzle:
This nozzle provides a deep clean of tough dirt and a high-gloss finish. The rotating tip nozzle effortlessly removes atmospheric dirt, quickly helping to restore lathered or weathered surfaces, for example. The blaster also offers wide area performance. Fits all Karcher K 2 and K 3 class pressure washers, and there is also a compatible version for K4 to K5 class cleaners.
- The multipower lance :
The multipower lance offers 5 types of jets in one lance: cleaning agent jet, HP flat jet, rotating nozzle, pencil jet and reduced pressure wide flat jet. The appropriate jet is easily selected by twisting. The multi-power jet is suitable for all domestic pressure washers of the Karcher K6 - K7 series. There is also a compatible version for cleaners of the K3 to K5 classes. (But not for K2 to K3 version).
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- The Vario Power nozzle:
The Vario Power nozzle has infinite pressure regulation and is 360° adjustable, making it ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and cleaning confined spaces. For use with Karcher K2 to K4 pressure washers.
- The FJ 10 C Connect 'n' Clean Foam Nozzle with Ultra Foam Cleaner :
The quick change system for detergent application allows for quick switching between detergents with a single click. The detergent dose can be easily adjusted on the foam nozzle (yellow button). The spray level can be adjusted as needed. Fits all Karcher Consumer K2-K7 class pressure washers, but it is not supplied with the unit.
As the name implies, electric Kärchers are powered by electricity, using a cord plugged into an outlet. These products tend to be lighter and easier to transport than fuel-powered versions. Since you don't need to fill them with fuel, you avoid the mess of refueling and the hassle of storing gas cans.
They provide a fairly medium pressure, which means they're well suited for more delicate jobs such as washing cars, lawnmowers and outdoor furniture. These pressure washers are much quieter and also much more affordable than the gas-powered versions. Although, space-wise, they are a bit limiting because of the power cord.
Gasoline-powered pressure washers have a gasoline-powered engine, which means you have to manually refill the tank every time it's needed. If you don't already own a gas can, you'll need to get one.
These pressure washers can be considerably more powerful than electric models and can go just about anywhere. However, they tend to be noisier, and they require more maintenance. Not to mention the strain and cost of using fuel.
In addition to electric pressure washers and gasoline-powered pressure washers, you also have the ones that run on batteries. They are obviously lighter and less bulky than the other two types of pressure washers. On top of that, their cordless convenience and anywhere-use design can't be matched by traditional corded pressure washers. Environmentally conscious people would be pleased to know that these washers are also more water efficient than traditional pressure washers.
Unfortunately, cordless pressure washers are not intended for power washing, as they are not as powerful as their corded or gasoline powered counterparts. Therefore, they are usually only suitable for cleaning cars, aviaries, boats, etc.
Karcher is one of the few brands able to offer excellent quality pressure washers in all versions: corded, battery-powered or even gasoline-powered. Karcher gasoline-powered pressure washers are intended for professional or semi-professional use, but if you need this type of machine, it is not necessarily necessary to invest in an expensive and overly powerful machine. So an electric or battery-powered pressure washer might be all you need, but which of these exactly?
Electric pressure washers are quiet and low maintenance. The downside is the inherent restriction of having a power cord. In addition, you'll have less room to maneuver as you'll have to stay within reach of an outlet. For many, this is not a problem, especially since Karcher pressure washers can have a power cord of up to 30 meters. They are suitable for delicate, semi-heavy-duty work: washing cars or gardening tools or even stripping paint.
Cordless pressure washers, on the other hand, are often less powerful, so forget about heavy-duty work such as industrial-sized cleaning or even cleaning grease stains or very stubborn grime. That being said, they are getting better every day and it won't be long before they can compete perfectly with corded models. What cordless models do offer is freedom of movement. The lack of a power cord means that you are not restricted in your movements and you don't have to stop and release tangled or snagged wires. They are very lightweight compared to their more powerful counterparts and can be great for cleaning things when there is no faucet handy.
Corded or un-corded Karcher pressure washer? The choice is yours. However, if you need a powerful machine for heavy, time-consuming work, we recommend the corded Karcher. On the other hand, if you need a machine for domestic use without having to deal with annoying cables, a battery-powered Karcher may be just right for you.
A Kärcher can help you quickly clean large surfaces of all kinds. You can use a Kärcher to power wash a wood deck, siding, car or concrete surface like a patio, walkway or driveway. They're perfect as opposed to the old "brush and soapy water" routine that would take forever. Pressure washing is also useful, as it can remove some of the more difficult to treat soils or stains such as grease, tar, gum, wax or even rust.
So here are a few uses for a pressure washer:
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Soak, wash, rinse
The most effective way to clean with a Kärcher is to first soak the area, apply a detergent or cleaning agent, and then rinse.
Start with a wide spray angle
A fine spray at high pressure can cause damage. If you are using an adjustable wand, it is best to start with a wider spray angle and adjust the concentration gradually until you get the power you need.
Maintain the pressure washer according to Kärcher guidelines
Electric pressure washers require little maintenance. Most problems are associated with clogged filters. So clean them regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gasoline engines require regular checks, but pressure washers are no more complex than a lawn mower.
Protect yourself
Wear safety glasses or a face shield when using Kärcher. This will keep you safe from the debris and dust that the pressure washer may kick up.
Never use a Kärcher on a ladder
The initial start-up blast from the machine can be powerful enough to cause you to slip. And never try to uncouple the hose or change nozzles or tips while the machine is running.
If you need to clean your facade, that means you'll need a powerful machine: focus on a Karcher pressure washer with at least 2,500 watts of power, offering a maximum pressure of more than 140 bar, and with a flow rate of 500 to 600 l/h (liters per hour).
Not as much as regular hoses. The flow rate of a garden hose on a typical household supply is about 1080 l/h. Karcher pressure washers, rated by consumers, run between 200 and 700 l/h. Because of the higher pressure, they also clean more efficiently. You'll get the job done faster, further reducing the amount of water used.
No, never! Bleach can severely damage the sealsinside the machine'spump, which will result in costly repairs. In any case, you shouldn't spray bleach - it's dangerous to your airways and lungs, and any overspray will kill the plants. Instead, use detergents that are compatible with Karcher machines.
A cleaner with too much pressure can damage some vehicle, but this is easily avoided. Automotive experts recommend keeping the pressure below 1800 psi. Karcher pressure washers for home use generally don't exceed this threshold. And if you're using a professional-grade machine, turn down the pressure and use a wide-angle nozzle.
Not unless the machine was designed specifically for that purpose. Using hot water with a machine that only handles cold water will damage internal components. Always read your product instructions carefully.
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