Karcher K3 Power Control
#4 in ElectricFull review
A light, easy to control washer for cars, bikes and patios with a pressure display on the gun. A good pick for apartment and small home owners.
Amazon $175.99 Karcher $139.99$139.99
The Karcher K3 Power Control is the better pressure washer overall, rated 3.5 to 2.8. The Karcher K3 Power Control leads on value. The Karcher K5 Premium wins on cleaning power. The Karcher K3 Power Control costs $213.11 less ($139.99 vs $353.10).
Karcher K5 Premium
#19 in ElectricFull review
A long lasting induction motor washer for regular car, deck and patio cleaning. Newer models give more pressure for the money.
Amazon $353.10$353.10
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Karcher K3 Power Control for value ($53.64 per 1,000 cleaning units ($139.99, 2,610) vs $126.11 per 1,000 cleaning units ($353.10, 2,800)).
- Choose the Karcher K5 Premium for cleaning power (2,800 cleaning units (2,000 PSI x 1.4 GPM) vs 2,610 cleaning units (1,800 PSI x 1.4 GPM)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every electric pressure washer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Karcher K3 Power Control | Karcher K5 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 35% | 86 $53.64 per 1,000 cleaning units ($139.99, 2,610) | 19 $126.11 per 1,000 cleaning units ($353.10, 2,800) |
| Cleaning power 30% | 54 2,610 cleaning units (1,800 PSI x 1.4 GPM) | 67 2,800 cleaning units (2,000 PSI x 1.4 GPM) |
| Hose 10% | 33 25 ft hose | 33 25 ft hose |
| Warranty 25% | 25 2-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Karcher K3 Power Control | Karcher K5 Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | ||
| Pressure | 1,800 PSI | 2,000 PSI |
| Flow | 1.4 GPM | 1.4 GPM |
| Cleaning units | 2,610 | 2,800 |
| Nozzles included | 2 | 2 |
| Detergent | Onboard tank | Onboard tank |
| Power | ||
| Power | Electric | Electric |
| Build | ||
| Hose | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Weight | 12.1 lb | 28.9 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |