Karcher K2 vs K4 - Which one should you buy?

[@danakinscheuer]

So I've only used this pressure washer one time. kzbin.infoUgkxfQauTxLT0JLSvqkq10rD79TU4k0Vz8zP The one time I used it, it worked great. I recently had new siding installed but kept the old gutters and small areas surrounding my house that weren't replaced so they looked horrible and dirty because of the new siding. I needed to get it cleaned asap. When I used the pressure washer, man it just melted all the dirt and grime that was on those areas of my house. I used that krud kutter soap and it was over after that. Easy to assemble, feels durable, very simple to use. Also, I purchased a used one to save money and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. I want to get more use out of it so I think I'll be washing the cars and update this comment as time goes on.

[@SparkleanAutos]

😊👍🏼

[@adrianlawrence7224]

Very useful video to help make the decision. Too many reviewers quoting flow rates and psi values don't seem to realize we can get that type of information off the web, it's no help. Seeing the difference side by side helps a purchase decision much more. My K5, which is actually called a K5.8, is 23 years old and still going. Strong. Sounds just like the K4.

[@SparkleanAutos]

It all depends on how people look after them doesn't it! Priming them properly, storing them, NOT abusing them!! 23 years is impressive though 👌🏼 they're much better machines than some keyboard warriors like to claim!

[@annjfk]

Very well said. You talk about how the tool just makes it easier to get a job done but its really a budget issue. Great side-by-side.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thank you 🙏 I do try not to overcomplicate things and just make comparisons relative to normal people lol 👍🏼😁

[@SBBUK]

I have the K2 compact and it's totally fine for all of my needs, mostly cleaning car with lance and snowfoam, and cleaning my patio with the t-racer attachment. My only real complaint about it is the 5m hose is too short to clean a car efficiently. This meant I had to carry the machine around the car, which became extra annoying due to the short power cable (meaning I Was also dragging an extension lead with me too). I upgraded to a cheap 10M hose from amazon for not much money at all and it's much better now, I can leave the machine in one spot. Just make sure the fittings match the one on your machine as there are a few different types of Karcher hoses.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Couldn't agree more Ben, the Kärcher thermoplastic hoses are just awful... To short, too stiff and too prone to kinking! 10m is the perfect length for K2, any longer and you'll start having issues but 10m is spot on - and like you say, for domestic use it does everything a person really needs 👍🏼👍🏼

[@gillywash1487]

Nice comparison Mark, I made the same move from K2 to K4 and love it, I found the volume to be a couple of dB lower on the K4 but the lower tone makes it seem much more. While also being more powerful and doesn’t fall over so easy.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thanks Nick, completely agree about the sound... Not a huge difference but as you say, the tone is far less piercing on the ear drums!! Definitely a better machine all round but the K2 I had served me well and still works 100% 👍🏼👍🏼

[@julianferrandomengual2381]

I bought the k3 full control 1 year ago but it didn't clean my car well. 1 month ago I bought the k5 premium 2021 and with its 145 bars of pressure and 500 liters per hour it is perfect. Clean the car rims very well with just water. And with the 10 meters of hose it becomes easier. I bought it with a winder and it was a great idea. The k3 only had 120 bars and 380 liters per hour and only 6 meters of hose. From the k4 they come cooled by water !! Buy the k5 is the best and the price is not much more expensive than the k4. If you have the money k7 hahaha but k5 gives you nice results. I did used also the k5 for cleaning concrete

[@SparkleanAutos]

👍🏼 in terms of hoses, I've made another video showing upgrades I've made to my K4 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5vTpnqjntiZb9k

[@HydraDnB]

In my country u can find a K4 for 205€, K5 310€ and K7 430€ atm (non compact versions)….now BigBoi Washr Flo has 180 bar pressure like the K7 and is only 300€…that’s the best pressure washer if u are willing to spend 300+…I bought the K4 and it is more than enough for detailing my car 1-2 times per month

[@experiment54]

You don’t need too much pressure to wash a car. You should use foams etc to remove the muck not the pressure washer.

[@smusyk2859]

My k2 compact just died after 6yrs or so, contemplating to just replace the motor or just buy a k3. It served me well, it was a bit noisy won't lie.

[@SparkleanAutos]

5-10 years is fairly decent for the price I'd say!! Tbh, the K3 isn't really a massive difference but still good value! If your budget stretches far enough, I'd highly recommend the K4, much more noticeable difference 👌🏼👍🏼

[@DavidMcBay]

Great comparison Mark, really shows what you can expect from each machine. Good to include how to prime the machine

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thanks Dave... Everyone has their own methods and opinions! This is just me sharing mine 😁👍🏼

[@phillipwallace7211]

Good review, no nonsense. Made my choice easy. Just what I was looking for.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thank you! Glad I could help 🙂

[@k19ten]

Another quality production Mark! Great comparison of probably the 2 most popular Karcher models.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Cheers buddy 😁 just wanted to give an honest opinion of 2 machines I know very well!!

[@dalongbloke]

Excellent review directly comparing the two. Thank you!!

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thank you for the kind words Andy 👍🏼🙌🏼

[@julianferrandomengual2381]

I have the k5 premium and I love it to wash my car. I had the k3 and is not good to clean my car. The k5 is perfect. Is not necessary to buy the k7 for good results but if you can buy it has to be incredible

[@SparkleanAutos]

I agree, the K7 is definitely a luxury item, only to be purchased if you can afford it but the K5 is probably the best value for money in the whole Kärcher range. 👍🏼

[@fredstraw]

Some say you have make sure the water is coming through before you switch it on,, but i never do and if it has no water the pump cuts so no harm done

[@SparkleanAutos]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@GMDetails]

Great video again Mark!, really well researched and demonstrated both , not easy following you around 4 screens , maybe Specky 4 eyes would do better 🤣🤣🤣 (joke) Awesome music and production but I do miss Pat from the van!! Videos are getting better every time mate, love it 👌

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thanks Graeme... First time doing direct comparison footage and I've learnt a few things that I'll have to try differently in future! Had to leave Pat out of this one... Was trying to appear professional 🤣🤣🤣

[@3RDEYE1ST]

GARDENING AND CAR CARE, GREAT VIDEOS

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thank you 😌

[@matthewallmark7275]

Would you say there's any difference in performance when using the K4 vs K4 classic/compact?

[@SparkleanAutos]

From my own experience, no. A friend of mine has a K4 Compact and as far as I can tell from specs and using both, they are mechanically identical - one just basically has a body kit! 👍🏼

[@matthewallmark7275]

@@SparkleanAutos A body kit 🤣I am tempted by the full size k4 as it looks like it would hold attachments etc better

[@SparkleanAutos]

Haha couldn't think of any other way to describe it lol But personally I'd do the same... I use a 20m hose on my K4 and the bigger unit houses it! Plus, like you said, it has different spaces for the attachments 👍🏼👍🏼

[@matthewallmark7275]

@@SparkleanAutos Looking on the Karcher outlet site. There's a K4 premium and K4 power control. The Premium is £60 more, all I can is it comes with the a hose reel (easier to store the hose?). Thinking of getting a rubber hose as well. (hose from the machine to lance, NOT the tap side)

[@SparkleanAutos]

The hose I can't recommend highly enough - the standard Kärcher thermoplastic hoses are so frustrating whereas these make life so much easier. I have the 20m one but tbh, 15m or even 10m would still be a massive improvement, just for the hose quality alone! www.in2detailing.co.uk/products/karcher-k-series-c-clip-to-c-clip-reinforced-heavy-duty-rubber-replacement-hose?variant=32368465313871&ghref=3377%3A554508 As for the machine itself, obviously entirely your call but I would rather save the money to spend on other accessories 👍🏼

[@baldypel]

Excellent video. Really interesting comparison. When my K2 finally dies, the upgrade to the K4 will be worth the additional expense i think 👍

[@SparkleanAutos]

I'll say the same to anyone if you can afford it, it's definitely worth the upgrade 😁👍🏼👍🏼

[@centaurus5676]

I have a K2 and noticed the snow foam and bottle. Does the detergent bottle fit straight onto the lance or do you need to buy extra fittings to connect it? Or have you a link where i can buy the same attachment and bottle as you are using in the video? Many thanks.

[@SparkleanAutos]

Hi Centaurus and thanks for watching 😁👍🏼 the bottle has a 1/4" quick release connector... You can actually buy an adapter to fit directly to a Karcher lance for under £10 but I have a short trigger gun (approx £40). Hope this helps 👍🏼

[@davetaylor5501]

Great video I've had a K2 full control for about 3-4 years now and haven't looked after it at all but it still works well. I've just bought a K4 home with the patio cleaner and haven't had the chance to use it yet but this video suggests it's a good machine, what lance and foam nozzle are you using?

[@SparkleanAutos]

Hi Dave, thank you! I cannot complain at all about the K4, and after you've used it for a even a short while, the K2 feels like it's lacking something!! There is a noticeable difference without it feeling like it's could be dangerous to your paintwork (although obviously common sense still has to apply 🤣) here's a couple of links to the parts I use on it (or simulate versions if mine aren't available) - Short trigger lance and nozzles - amzn.to/3SERyFK 15m braided hose (non-kinking!) (Shorter lengths are available if you don't need 15m!!) - amzn.to/3fHfRUw Extension bars (2-pack) - amzn.to/3fEp93V

[@Shamap37]

Great Video! I think you can apply this comparison on a lot of different companies and models

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thank you Gal 😊 that's exactly it, you're paying for a better user experience! Thanks for commenting 👍🏼

[@خالدبرهوم-ش9خ]

Thanks so much for your review But did you make any modifications on the accessories???

[@SparkleanAutos]

Hi and thank you. I have since mage a few accessory upgrades on the K4 (which can all also be used on any K-series Karcher). Here's a link to the video of the upgrades - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5vTpnqjntiZb9k There's also a link underneath all of my videos to the accessories I use 👍🏼👍🏼

[@خالدبرهوم-ش9خ]

@@SparkleanAutos thank you again for reply Is there are big deferent in water pressure performance between the original and what you did??

[@SparkleanAutos]

@@خالدبرهوم-ش9خ if you use one of these with attachments - amzn.to/38u0AmU - then you will notice a difference in outward pressure. But the biggest difference is the control. Because you have interchangeable nozzles, you can adjust the pressure in seconds from a wide spray to a much narrower spray with much more 'force' behind it 👍🏼

[@خالدبرهوم-ش9خ]

@@SparkleanAutos thanks soooooo much 🌷

[@Bikertyke]

Didn't like my K2 what I used on my motorcycle. Re invested in a nilfisk. It's very good.

[@SparkleanAutos]

My dad has the nilfisk (105 or 110 I think, not 100% but the equivalent of the K2)... Maybe do a video comparing those 2 🤔🤔

[@Bikertyke]

@@SparkleanAutos I got the 120 Nilfisk. It's got an 8 meter hose. 3 year guarantee. Two really good car wash attachments. I've paired it with a quick release stubby gun. It might be the 110. Not sure. It was £120

[@SparkleanAutos]

His is a few years old, probably similar age to the K2 in the video so might be a good comparison lol

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

Excellent video Mark full of sensible and honest views. Your channel is without doubt one of my favourites and always look forward to a new Sparklean video. My old K2 has served me well, I think its nearly as old as me & never let me down but hope to retire it this year at some point. Keep the videos coming, they are always interesting & honest, well done mate👍

[@SparkleanAutos]

Wow! Thank you Martin, that's a really nice comment!! I'm trying to get myself caught with editing, hopefully pump out 2-3 per month now but have to keep my standards up too 🤣 Happy retirement to your K2 😁😁

[@UnseenSpirit]

I noticed you rinse from bottom up. Is there any reason for this? I've always done top to bottom assuming the dirt washes down so I won't have to keep going back down if you understand where I'm coming from

[@SparkleanAutos]

Hello and yes, I completely understand where you're coming from and it's very good question!! There's no benefit in terms of results, but when removing pre-wash/snowfoam, I prefer rinsing from the bottom for efficiency reasons - I can clearly see exactly what has been removed and what remains on the bodywork. As pre-wash products tend to be much 'stronger' chemically compared with shampoos, I like to ensure its all thoroughly removed. However, during the actual wash process after this, I will rinse from top to bottom, for the reasons you've stated - the bottom to top method is purely when removing pre-wash chemicals as they tend to cling more. Hope that helps answer your question and thanks for watching 👍🏼👍🏼

[@UnseenSpirit]

@@SparkleanAutos thanks for answering. I'll keep that in mind when I use snowfoam

[@SparkleanAutos]

@@UnseenSpirit I always reply when I can, just good manners 😊😊👍🏼 It is just a personal preference though, the bottom to top method takes longer and, as you're typically going to wash the car afterwards there's probably no real benefit I guess! I just like doing it this way - with the added benefit of a visual difference when I'm recording it for a video lol 👍🏼

[@Civicky]

Good comparison video! Good concept as well!

[@SparkleanAutos]

Cheers chum... Something a bit different for me!

[@jonesy198]

Ive recently purchased a K4, call me crazy but im considering down sizing to the K2, thoughts ?

[@SparkleanAutos]

I don't really see what benefit you'll get from the K2 if you own a K4... Had the K4 stopped working?!? Is it too heavy?? You can get a brand new K3 for under £100 if you shop around...

[@jonesy198]

@@SparkleanAutos More than anything is the price i would almost expect a night and day difference between the two

[@SparkleanAutos]

@@jonesy198 well there is a significant difference but if you've already purchased the K4 then I'd stick with it, unless you plan on returning it?? It's definitely considerably more powerful and the components are much more robust. Ultimately it's entirely up to you but, unless there were serious financial reasons, I wouldn't be swapping my K4 for a K2, especially now that I've been using it for a couple of years. Hope that helps you?

[@bigdtailing1950]

I run a k2 have done for 2 years only thing want to make me change is the sound tbh

[@SparkleanAutos]

I love my little K2, still do... As you say though, the noise does grate on you! The advantages of 15m hoses - you can set the machine farther away 🤣

[@bigdtailing1950]

@@SparkleanAutos tried under a bucket once Made it worse lol

[@SparkleanAutos]

You just created an auditorium 🤣

[@hopelesound]

Thanks for the video. Very informative

[@SparkleanAutos]

You're welcome,thanks for commenting 😁👍🏼

[@alangligor]

Hi Mark! Very good comparison and very well explained. The 4 screens are a good idea but hard to focus 😂😂😁 On a serious note: Another great video!! Respect!!

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thanks Alan, just a bit of an editing trial, seeing what works and what different videoing techniques I can use... Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment as always 😁👍🏼

[@ZaydEdits]

What lances and hose are you using with your Karchers? I want a longer hose for my K2 if that's available and are you using a short trigger lance? I have seen the item linked in the descripion, is that the same as the one you are using as in the video you are using a long extension on the lance, cheers!

[@SparkleanAutos]

The lance is from in2detailing and I can't find a link for the straight extension but I also use and angled one - amzn.to/3viaFcT

[@ZaydEdits]

@@SparkleanAutos Thanks again!

[@SparkleanAutos]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@Proinvestingesp]

Why are you cleaning from down to up??

[@SparkleanAutos]

Because that's the most efficient way to remove pre-wash products - you're not further diluting the product on the dirtiest areas and you have a better visual indication of which areas you've pre-washed... ... Rinsing off shampoo after you've 'washed' the car is different, all you're doing in this case is removing the shampoo which has already done its job and rinsing from top to bottom is more efficient! 👍🏼

[@Proinvestingesp]

@@SparkleanAutos Thanks!

[@SparkleanAutos]

Any time 🙂👍🏼

[@pmbrowny]

Another great video Mark, good to see you use the same technique as me to prime the pressure washer, a 15m hose carries a lot of air! 🤣 I'll definitely be upgrading to the bigger machine if only for the reduction in noise, the K2 sounds really nasally compared to the K4. Keep up the good work sir 👍🏻

[@SparkleanAutos]

You won't regret it... I know I didn't lol the noise difference can't be overlooked! It's not really any quieter, just a completely different type of noise and easier to live with! Thanks as always for watching and commenting Paul 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼

[@sadieross-johnson2800]

Great informative video, cheers

[@SparkleanAutos]

Glad you're enjoying my back catalogue 😁👍🏼

[@bertazucena14]

How to order spare parts for k4 full control pressure washer?

[@SparkleanAutos]

Hi Bert. You're probably best searching on Google, might find better deals in your local area 👍🏼👍🏼

[@andrewmilne1738]

Amazeing video thank you 😊

[@SparkleanAutos]

Thanks Andrew, appreciate it 😊👍🏼

[@SUPERSID1968]

Old saying you get what you pay for yes the kranzle are expensive but they will last years going from yellow peril to kranzle is like going from old car to lamborghini lol I've ran mine most of the day doing 4 cars never missed a beat like you say user experience if you can get a kranzle go for it I've never looked back just done oil change on it that's it every year fresh oil job done unfortunately as with most things in life German build quality think the motor let's the karchers down in my opinion would say nilfisk much better machines than karcher only my opinion though 🤔🤔😁😁

[@SparkleanAutos]

Well like I said, I'm happy with what I paid for and have no need to spend hundreds on a Kranzle. But if it suits you for your needs then I'm happy for you ☺️

[@bruvvamoff]

Another video with no sound

[@SparkleanAutos]

Check your device, audio is absolutely fine in this video ... 74k views and nobody else has ever mentioned this 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@SUPERSID1968]

Bought the k 4 it lasted about 6 months piece of 💩 then got a nilfisk that lasted about 8 years now got the daddy kranzle with all mtm extensions and guns surprised you ain't gone for 1 yourself ?

[@SparkleanAutos]

I've absolutely no need for a kranzle that would justify the expense. Yes it would be nice but I wouldn't get the use to justify the money - time that would be like owning Bugatti Veyron and using it to go to Asda once a week for the groceries. It's just not justifiable for my own circumstances. My Kärcher is well looked after and works absolutely fine, this one is over 2 years old now and the K2 is 9 years old, still in use on a weekly basis! But if it broke after 6 months and Kärcher didn't take any responsibility for it, then I wouldn't buy another one - as it happens I've had nothing but good experience with them so, for that reason, I'm happy to recommend them.

[@jackfisher3872]

Rinse the car from top to bottom for god sake!

[@SparkleanAutos]

Not when you're removing a pre-wash. You need to thoroughly rinse pre-wash chemicals from the bodywork as the degreasing agents can bond leaving a film behind. That's why you should rinse snow foams, TFRs, APCs from bottom to top in straight lines, to ensure you remove all of it. Shampoos have a completely different chemistry and are much easier to remove, hence you rinse them from the top. Thanks for taking the time to comment though 👍🏼

[@juansanchezrodriguez3365]

there is no difference between both, so if you are fool , you have to spend more money.Darwing explained it.

[@SparkleanAutos]

I'm afraid you're very much incorrect. They're completely different machines, using completely different internal parts and produce completely different results. Thanks for taking the time to comment though, all interactions are appreciated 👍🏼😉

[@juansanchezrodriguez3365]

@@SparkleanAutos Hi, i have an K2 .01 ( Pmax10 and 5.2 L)since 10 year ago, mi father has an K4 an both has similar capacities. BUT there are many k2 versions.That is the problem.Greetings.

[@SparkleanAutos]

If you genuinely believe, as you said in your first comment, that "there is no difference between both" and that people are fools for spending the extra money, then I have nothing more to say. I have clearly demonstrated a difference in this video, not to mention that simply taking the back cover off both machines will reveal completely different mechanical assemblies. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pinchapitufos3529]

@@SparkleanAutos just to clarify and be les rude than Juan you are correct to compare k2 and k4. They are different indeed. But the K2.01 is a compact karcher that has the same motor than the k4 and I think that's where the confusion of Juan is based on. Lol anyways I wouldn't mind answering rude comments. There are haters everywhere and you did a very fine job comparing both machines. Personally it helped me choosing mine. Regards!

[@SparkleanAutos]

@@pinchapitufos3529 I appreciate the kind words Pincha. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and hope it was of some use 👍🏼

[@paulmullane9662]

Why are you working from the bottom up……..😦

[@SparkleanAutos]

Because that's my preferred method for pre-washing a car - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJutkoKunNl9nKM

[@manishpopat3903]

Thank you, nice review and very useful.

[@SparkleanAutos]

👍🏼 I'm glad you found it helpful, thank you 🙂