Last Updated On December 28th, 2020
When I first moved into my new home, I was excited about transforming the older property into something that had my own sense of style. It came with a price since out of all the jobs I had to tackle, from replacing the showers to re-doing the kitchen, I had no idea that one of the most challenging tasks I would face was ahead – I would be trying to stop the weeds from breaking through the cracks in my bricks and paving. In this K4 review, I will discuss my personal experience in using the K4 to solve my weed dilemma and why you should too.
The overgrowth was so severe that some of the plant life had even made its way into my conservatory through the lower level of concrete. I actually had bugs getting into my home. Yet, no matter how much bleach and weed killer I used, I couldn’t seem to get rid of every plant. Eventually, my father in law gave me a great piece of advice and lent me his Karcher pressure washer, the K4. As a local handyman, he seems to always have the latest tools and gadgets lying around.
With a pump that could release endless litres of water per minute and a highly focused nozzle that let me get into every nook and cranny – those weeds didn’t stand a chance.
My Karcher K4 Pressure Washer Review
While there are plenty of best pressure washer options on the market today for people suffering from cleaning problems like me, the K4 delivers a level of control that’s difficult to get anywhere else. With a simple set-up and full-control trigger gun for customised operation, you can tackle virtually any challenge.
The Full Control Pressure Washer
The Karcher K4 Full Control Home pressure washer was designed by manufacturing pros to give consumers like me and you absolute confidence when it comes to high-pressure cleanliness. All that is needed to adjust the pressure accordingly is to twist the spray lance, and you’ll be ready to go. Additionally, the K4 also comes with a handy “Plug n Clean” detergent system which means that you don’t have to worry about adding detergent every time you want to use it. Just add in the soap once and start spraying. It’s as simple as that.
It is important to note that this pressure washer isn’t designed for light cleanings like washing your shower screens or your windows. If you tackle glass with this product, then you could end up breaking it. However, there are three pressure settings available, so you can handle a range of jobs, all the way from cleaning the wheel rims of cars, to getting rid of weeds. This product isn’t necessarily designed for high-level industrial work either, like professionally cleaning houses or warehouses. Think of it as a mid-level approach to high-pressure cleaning, complete with the simple set up and operation that a beginner would need to get started.
Features & Benefits
The Karcher K4 full control washer is easily one of the most popular cleaning tools on the market for people who need to blast their paving stones or keep their wheel rims looking fresh. Not only does it get the job done every time, but the K4 is also surprisingly easy to use for such a piece of equipment.
With the K4, you can rest assured that you’ll always have the right settings available for every job. This pressure washer is specifically designed to offer home and car owners peace of mind while they work. To ensure you have a complete insight into what you’re getting, this Karcher K4 full control review will also list the features and benefits you should be aware of.
1. Performance
The Karcher K4 Full Control Home cleaner is part of the complete “K” range for professional cleaning, and like the other items in the portfolio, it comes with different options and a powerhouse motor.
Water Supply Options
You can either feed the system from a standard ¾ hose connection, or you can choose a gravity-fed system if you prefer. If you’re worried about cleaning in a water metered area, this feature is particularly handy for you.
Varied Settings
Let’s 
start simple, the Karcher K4’s performance is phenomenal. One of its standout features is the impressive Vario spray lance – a specially designed pressure washing lance that allows you to adjust your power output according to the type and texture of the surface you’re cleaning. Having the Vario spray lance means that you are not going to accidentally use too much power when you’re washing cars. What’s more, you can ramp up the volume as you move around your property tackling different jobs, without having to switch to a different machine.
Another point worth noting about performance is that this device is particularly well-suited for mid-sized jobs around your home and garden. After I was done with the weeds, I had a go at cleaning out my patio and getting rid of some of the grime around the doors too. With the “full control” trigger gun and Vario power spray lance, you’ve got the total power combo that you need for excellent outcomes on virtually any task.
1.8Kw Motor
The Karcher K4 comes with a pretty significant 1.8Kw motor, which means that it can jet out around 420 litres of water per hour. Another good news is that the K4 keeps the risk of overheating and power issues to a minimum with the help of a specially-designed water cooling unit that essentially improves the longevity of your purchase, and lets you run the system for longer too. The only issue is that you will use up quite a bit of electricity when you’re using your Karcher K4 Full Control. However, since you should only need to get it out every once in a while, it’s not too much of a big deal.
2. The LED Display
The LED monitor is personally one of my favourite features on the Karcher K4 full control pressure cleaner, simply because it makes the device easier to use for beginners. Previous models apparently didn’t come with the LED display option, so this feature is a great upgrade. The LED display is available on the trigger system of your washing wand, so you can use it to select the correct pressure for your task. Before you start working, you can, therefore, double check that you’re using the right amount of power for any job.
The symbols on the LED screen are also particularly useful. Essentially, the K4 is helpful in choosing the right setting for the job if you have no idea what you need in terms of power output. If you’re cleaning your brickwork, you just click on the brickwork setting. If you want to switch over and start washing your car, then you can do that too. It’s all about making sure that you have the confidence to clean freely, without having to worry about paying the price for damaging your car paintwork or something similar.
The only thing I would have changed is the fact that the LED display is powered by AAA batteries (2 of them). However, it makes sense if you want to use your pressure washer on the move. Fortunately, the device will typically come with the batteries you need.
3. The Plug and Clean Feature
Have you ever wished you didn’t have to waste time on things like mixing bleach and water when you want to clean your kitchen floor? The Karcher K4 full control pressure washer removes some of the extra tasks from your cleaning cycle. All it takes is a matter of seconds to replace and use the detergent thanks to the handy “Plug n Clean” system. This means that when you’ve got your pressure washer set-up on detergent mode, you can quickly and easily apply detergent according to your needs.
Using Karcher detergents also means that you’ll be more likely to get great results out of your cleaning jobs – as I found for myself. Even when you’re just getting rid of weeds like me, the detergent is effective at increasing the efficiency of the pressure washer by preventing dirt and grime from returning over time.
Another point worth noting is that not only do the “Plug n Clean” detergents last for quite a while longer than most pressure washer detergent options, but they’re also quite cost-effective too.
4. Ergonomics
Portability matters with a pressure washer, as there’s nothing to say that all the jobs you want to tackle will be located in the same space. Fortunately, the Karcher K4 Full Control weighs in at a little over 11kg, making it quite a hefty device. Although it feels heavy when you’re using it, the integrated handle and wheel system mean that you shouldn’t have too much trouble carrying it around the house.
One particularly useful bonus is the fact that all of the equipment included with the K4 can be stored on the device, with its own cable handle and various docking ports. It seems like everything has its own special place, and there’s no need to carry around an additional bag for any extra tools that you might want to carry with you.
5. Value
One point I have to mention in my Karcher pressure washer review is that this Full Control Home model gives you a lot of extra value for your money. Along with the machine itself, you also get all the extra bits and pieces you might need to perform your day-to-day cleaning tasks, including options for a rotating brush and detergent, hose connection set, and soft-washing brush. Depending on what you want to do with your pressure washer, you can build out the system with accessories as you see fit.
This model is easily one of the greatest pressure washers on the market, even if it isn’t the least expensive. Ultimately, it just gives you more control over what you can do with your cleaning solution, and I think that’s a great feature to pay more for.
What is Included with Your Purchase
- Standard quick-connect high-pressure trigger gun
- Vario power lance
- High-pressure 6m hose
- “Plug n Clean” detergent application
- Telescopic handle
- Water Cooled motor
- Home kit with T350 patio cleaner and 3-in-1 stone cleaner
- LED display trigger gun
- 2-year warranty
6. Specifications
If you’re shopping for a stylish, high-performing piece of cleaning equipment, then it’s difficult to go wrong with the Karcher K4 full control home pressure washer. You get virtually everything you need to tackle a variety of jobs in your house, including a patio cleaning kit, which was perfect for my needs.
The K4 models in the Karcher range also come with a pretty significant 6-meter hose, which is more than enough for most people to tackle a variety of jobs around their home and garden without having to move their pressure washer around with them.
Tech Specs
- 230/ 50 Current
- 130 bar pressure
- 420 litres per hour
- 30 metres squared per hour
- 40-degree maximum water feed temperature
- 6-metre hose length
- 5-metre cord length
- 2 AAA batteries required for LED display
- Corded-electric power source
- 1800 watts
Before You Buy a Pressure Washer
If you’ve ever 
used a pressure washer before, then you’ll know it’s capable of so much more than simply getting rid of the weeds in your pavement. You can get rid of stains on brickwork outside of your home, clean your patio and more. Basically, if you’re shopping for a gentle cleaning product – the Karcher K4 isn’t for you. For those in search of a softer clean, there are other pressure washers that might tick your boxes, or maybe steam cleaners and other machines designed to help you wash.
However, if you’re searching for a heavy-duty solution to your washing woes, then keep reading this Karcher K4 Full Control Home pressure washer review. Additionally, if you need a pressure washer, there are things you should consider.
1. Accessories
Find out which accessories you need. The Karcher K4 can come with helpful add-ons like a foam jet nozzle, car and bike cleaning kit, soft washing brush, rotating brush and detergent, and more.
2. Ground Fault Interrupter
Look for a washer with a ground fault interrupter. This will protect you from potential electric shocks caused by an issue with your circuit.
3. Water Supply
Check the water supply requirements. Make sure you have the required supply to support the specifications of the machine. Conveniently, the Karcher K4 Full Control Home pressure washer does this because you can easily connect it to your hose outlet.
4. Warranty and Spare Parts
Check for warranty and that replacement parts are available. It’s always helpful to know that you can repair your pressure washer yourself if the warranty runs out and that you do not have to pay a high price for parts. You can easily contact Karcher UK for assistance.
5. Detergent
Make sure you know which detergent to use. Some pressure washers can stop working if you use them with the wrong soap. Karcher has a wide selection of detergents specifically suited for your needs.
6. Kinds of Spray Guns
Ensure you have the right kind of spray gun. Spray guns like the full control lance allow you to make sure that you’re using the right level of power for each cleaning task.
Is the Karcher K4 Right for You?
If you’re like me and you’re shopping for a reliable way to deal with a tough cleaning issue, or you just want to make sure that you have the tools required to give your car the perfect wash throughout the summer, the Karcher K4 could be perfect for you.
Why the Karcher K4 is Great
In my case, 
the Karcher K4 was helpful with getting rid of the extra weeds and plants that were growing in my back garden from the root, which allowed me enough time to fill in the gaps in the cement and fix the problem once and for all. You couldn’t put a price on that. For other people, the K4 could be a great way to get rid of marks on wheel rims, or just to spruce up the patio in time for summer BBQs.
- Ideal for regular use: You can clean different cars with the system every week, then turn up the power when you want to wash your driveway or patio.
- Easy to use: Even as a complete beginner, I had no problem figuring out how to use the system and adjust the pressure according to my needs
- Long-lasting: The powerful motor comes with a fantastic water-cooled internal system that ensures the longevity of your new pressure washer
I’d advice you to buy the Karcher K4 pressure washer if you are one of those people who are tired of trying out sub-par solutions for their cleaning needs. If you’re done worrying about the weeds on your patio, or you need to make sure that your car sparkles by the time you drive to work each morning, then this simple and effective piece of equipment is a fantastic addition to any toolkit. What’s more, it comes complete with the washing solution required to tackle many of the major cleaning jobs that you might want to address with a pressure washer too.
I hope that my Karcher K4 pressure washer review was helpful you. Share your thoughts with us. We’d love to hear from you.