Karcher Pressure Washers: K4 vs K5
Published By - 7th November 2020
The middleweight models from Karcher, the K4 and then the K5, which is the next model up before the mighty K7. If you are looking at buying a pressure washer from Karcher and want something a little more powerful than the entry-level K2 model then the K4 and K5 models are for you.
- Our Choice: Kärcher K4
- Kärcher K5
Karcher K4 vs K5
The Karcher K4 and K5 pressure washers are smilers in design and function, but under the hood, there are a few differences.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Choice  | Kärcher K4 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ OUR REVIEW |
 | Kärcher K5 |
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ OUR REVIEW |
Specifications
In terms of differences, the K5 is slightly more in all fields than the K4, from power, pressure hose length and of course price. Both models have a plug and clean detergent intake, and both have a clever water-cooled motor. In terms of specs, there is a difference, but it isn’t huge. The K4 has an 1800-watt motor pumping out water at 130 bar and a water flow of 420 litres per hour, compared to the K5, which has a 2100-watt motor, giving a bigger 145 bar pressure and a water flow of 500 l/h. The hose included is 8m with the more expensive K5 and shorter at 6m for the K4 model.
Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer (Left) Vs the Kärcher K5 Full Control Home Pressure Washer (Right)
In terms of build, they are both good quality and robust pieces of kit, and the K5 has a better design with a reel included for the 8m hose which is great for easily putting it away and keeping it all tidy. This all depends on the model you buy, and you can get these models in the compact, home and premium models, which all have slight differences but carry the same spec as mentioned before.
Then there are of course the attachments and accessories, you can buy these for both models however it is what is included with them that is different. The attachments you want and will use depends on what tasks you have in mind, both include a patio cleaner which does a great job.
Both models come with a 5-year warranty which gives peace of mind to your investment as they are not cheap whichever you go for.
How do they stack up?
How do the K4 and K5 stack up against the rest of the Karcher pressure washer range, this handy graphic shows below.
Which one?
The one to buy depends on how you intend to use it. If you were going to use it mainly for car washing, then the K4 is more than good enough for this. However, if you think you will be using it to clean your patio, driveway, slabs and pathways, then the extra power of the K5 will make a big difference and also speed up the process.
If you think you will be cleaning your patio or driveway quite a bit, or it is in desperate need of a good clean then the Karcher K5’s extra power will make the difference. Read our full report here in our Kärcher K5 Full Control Home Pressure Washer review.
If your pressure washer is more for car cleaning most months, then the Karcher K4 is perfect for this. It can still be used to tackle your patio and drive and will make a difference. However, the K5 will make a bigger difference and more quickly with its increased power and water flow. We have more details about this model in our Karcher K4 Full Control Home Pressure Washer review.
Our Verdict?
If we were to pick one, the Karcher K4 is our choice, a well-designed and built model that has enough power for most tasks you would need it for. The K5 is more expensive, and the extra cost for the power you get doesn’t seem great value. If you really need power then do look at the K7 model.
Which do you own or will you be buying?
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iver noronha
K5 740 x cerise pressure washer 2000 psi
Jackie doherty
K4
Peter jones
What is the difference between k5x and k5full control please
Pressure Washer Reviewer
The full control series is newer, has a new lance control and design.