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Last updated: 26 January 2023
Pressure (Bar) | Waterflow (L/hr) | Motor (Watts) | Hose (m) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kärcher K7 Full Control | 160 | 600 | 2800 | 10 |
Kärcher Pro 400 | 170 | 486 | 2400 | 10 |
Kärcher K5 Full Control | 145 | 500 | 2100 | 8 |
BOSCH AdvancedAquatak 160 | 160 | 570 | 2600 | 8 |
Kärcher K4 Full Control | 130 | 420 | 1800 | 6 |
BOSCH AdvancedAquatak 140 | 140 | 450 | 2100 | 8 |
Our favourite
This is a great, all-round bit of kit.
Straight out of the box, it’s easy to assemble with all the connecting pieces easily clicking together. The aluminium handle makes it incredibly easy to move around, and its 18kg weight means that it’ll definitely be sturdy enough to stay standing if you accidentally knock it into anything.
It’s also extremely easy to keep tidy, with its handy self-retracting 10m hose. Never be afraid of a long hose tripping you up again, while the self-winding mechanism only let’s out as much as you need.
You also don’t need to be afraid about the washer overheating, thanks to its intelligent water-cooling system. The pipes which the water is forced through are carefully threaded throughout the motor. This successfully removes any excess heat which could cause damage to the machine, and allows prolonged usage without consequence. A remarkable and potentially necessary feature if you have a lot to clean.
It is an expensive pressure washer, however. As one of the most expensive washers you can buy, it’s good to be certain that you will get the use out of it. If you are unsure of how often you will use it, you may be much better off buying one of the more affordable pressure washers available.
This is an excellent product, and contains amazing functionality - but the high price does make it inaccessible to those with a stricter budget. If you need a washer to simply clean your car, you may want to look at others. If there is extensive cleaning that needs to be done, however, then the Kärcher K7 is the pressure washer for you.
Best functionality
In terms of functionality alone, the Kärcher ProHD 400 is probably the best pressure washer on this list. Unlike most pressure washers, it can safely operate in either a vertical or horizontal position. This allows it to reach areas other washers may not be able to do.
It’s also highly ergonomic. The EASY! Force Trigger makes cleaning with the ProHD 400 remarkably comfortable, and helps to minimise any aches you may typically experience after using a pressure washer for prolonged periods.
Manoeuvring the ProHD 400 is also relatively easy due to its telescopic handle. The fact it retracts means it can be easily stowed away in areas which would ordinarily be too small for other pressure washers.
The ProHD 400 is also built to last. Thanks to an automatic pressure relief system, the components are more suitably protected from the intensity of the water rushing through the machine, and are less likely give out with repeated use..
The one area where this pressure washer does fall down is the price to feature ratio. Despite the fact this is an incredible machine, alternatives such as the K7 Full Control are almost as capable but for a lower price. If the extra functionality isn’t completely necessary, then you may wish to consider cheaper alternatives.
Best all-rounder
Perhaps one of the best-looking pressure washers available, the Kärcher K5 also boasts impressive functionality that makes it easy to recommend to anyone. It’ll handle almost any cleaning task you throw at it, from bicycles, to cars, to masonry. This pressure washer is a great all-rounder.
It may lack some of the bells and whistles of the more expensive models, but the K5 is still extremely capable at cleaning almost anything put in front of it. The on-board storage will ensure you’re never caught short without the kit you need for any surprise jobs. Whether you want to use the patio cleaning attachment or tuck it away, you can easily store your Kärcher attachments on the K5 without any hassle.
There’s also a range of pressures available to you when using your K5. The new model makes use of the LED Power Gun. This is especially useful at ensuring the correct level of water power is being used for each specific clean (medium power for car cleaning, for instance). Also included is the fully adjustable Vario Lance. Twisting it can apply different effects to the water, from a high-pressure jet to a fine spray, depending on what you require.
The connected hose is 8m long which, although not quite the K7’s retractable 10m long hose, will still reach most places you need it to.
This is a truly capable pressure washer, and while it may not possess all the power of the K7, it’s available for a considerably lower price.
A high-powered pressure washer with the ability to clean difficult-to-remove dirt and grime. The Bosch AdvancedAquatak 160 pressure washer is an incredible machine. Its large capacity is able to clean a variety of surfaces in a remarkably short time.
The on-board hose storage is a very useful feature, as it lets you keep everything neat and tidy while in use. Of course, you do have to wind the storage in yourself (whereas the Kärcher K7 auto-retracts), but this shouldn’t cause too much hassle.
The fact that the Aquatak 160 doesn’t need to be connected to a mains water supply is astonishing. It really allows you to cut down on water usage, by replacing the mains water with rainwater, for example. This is also much better for the environment, as treated water doesn’t need to be used.
One thing you must be aware of is the Aquatak 160’s weight. It does come with large wheels and a strong handle to allow for ease of movement. In situations where it must be picked up, however, caution should be applied - especially if it contains water.
It’s a fairly easy pressure washer to set up, and thanks to the push-fit connectors, it’s ready to use almost immediately after unpacking it. If you’ve got a difficult job to complete, and you need to start quickly, this could be the ideal pressure washer for you.
The Kärcher K4 Full Control is a commendable pressure washer available at a much lower price than some of the others on this list.
The Dirt Blaster Lance is a fantastic addition to the kit and makes cleaning any sort of mud extremely easy. Whether it’s wet or dry, any mud you blast will quickly get detached from cars and stonework. Before you know it your surfaces will look as good as new.
Adjustable power is also something that is integral to any good pressure washer, allowing you to avoid damaging whatever it is you’re cleaning. Whether you adjust the power via the lance, or via the LED screen, you can be sure that you can set the pressure at a safe level while still getting a thorough clean..
Using a pressure washer for extended periods can be tiring. If that’s the case, then you may find it comforting to know that the Kärcher K4 has on-board storage. Simply put the lance and gun in their compartments and take a quick break. When you’re ready, pick it back up and continue. It looks neater, and means your pressure washer is less likely to get damaged than if you simply left it lying on the floor. The plastic is a little flimsy, however, so be careful to ensure you don’t accidentally break it.
Best on a budget
The AdvancedAquatak 140 by Bosch is a superb pressure washer. It is both easy to use and quite affordable, which makes it an excellent option when you need to get started as soon as possible.
The utility efficiency feature is also particularly useful, especially if you’re looking to keep costs down wherever possible. When using the Aquatak 140, you won’t use any more water or power than necessary, thanks to its efficient shut-off mechanism, designed to stop all flow the moment you release the trigger.
If you’re looking to alter the spray for different jobs, the Aquatak 140 does have interchangeable quick-connect tips that are designed to do this. It may not be as efficient as twisting the nozzle of the Kärcher K5 or K7, but it’s still useful.
One area where it does fall down, however, is the non adjustable power output. Some pressure washers are able to adjust the intensity which the water is expelled at, to prevent you from damaging more delicate items you may be trying to clean. The Bosch AdvancedAquatak 140 is not one of them.
This doesn’t detract from its uses though. The 140 is a powerful and useful pressure washer, and is far more affordable than others on this list. If you’re looking for a solid pressure washer that will get the job done, without taking a big hit to your wallet - this could be the one for you.
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So, what do you think? Do any of the pressure washers listed above spark any interest? Maybe we’ve listed one that you think blasts away the competition? If you do go out and get one, make sure you test it in the garden first. Just to make sure it works properly, and definitely not to mess around with it when nobody is looking.
Is everything working properly?
Okay, now you can go clean everything.
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