Introduction of K 3 Premium Power Washer

The Karcher K 3 Premium Power Washer is a versatile and efficient cleaning solution for your home and outdoor spaces. This powerful washer boasts a water-cooled induction motor that ensures a long lifespan and quiet operation. With a variety of pressure settings, it's perfect for cleaning cars, patios, decks, and more. The Karcher K 3 Premium Power Washer is available for an estimated price of $299 and was launched in 2021.

Detailed Specifications About K 3 Premium Power Washer

The Karcher K 3 Premium Power Washer comes with several key features that make it a top choice for homeowners. Here are some of its specifications:

• Water-cooled induction motor for a long lifespan and quiet operation
• Adjustable pressure settings for various cleaning tasks
• Onboard detergent tank for easy cleaning solution application
• Vario Power Spray wand for adjustable water flow and pressure
• DirtBlaster wand for high-pressure cleaning of tough dirt and grime
• Plug 'n' Clean system for quick and easy detergent changes
• Integrated hose reel for easy storage and organization
• LED display for pressure selection and warning alerts
• Two-year warranty for peace of mind

Description of the Appliance

1. Water connection with integrated sieve
2. Coupling element for water connection
3. Quick coupling for high-pressure hose
4. Appliance switch "0/OFF“/ „I/ON“
5. Detergent suction hose (with a sieve)
6. Detergent Tank
7. Detergent tank lid
8. Storage for high-pressure hose
9. Carrying handle
10. Transport handle, detachable
11. Storage for spray lance
12. Storage for trigger gun
13. Mains cable with mains plug
14. Bearing wheel
15. Trigger gun
16. Lock trigger gun
17. High-pressure hose
18. Key to detach the high-pressure hose from the trigger gun
19. Spray lance with Dirtblaster
    For strong contaminations 
20. Spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power) Carrying out the most common cleaning tasks. The work pressure can be statelessly regulated between"Min" and "Max". You can add detergent
    when "Mix" is selected. In order to adjust the working pressure, release the lever of the trigger gun and turn the spray lance to the desired position.
    ** not included in the scope of delivery
21. Water supply hose

Special accessories

Special accessories expand the possibilities of using your appliance. Please contact your KÄRCHER dealer for further information

Scope of delivery

The scope of delivery of your appliance is illustrated on the packaging. Check the contents of the appliance for completeness when unpacking. In the event of missing accessories or any transport damage, please contact your dealer.

Additionally required

• Fabric-reinforced water hose with commercially available coupling. 
  • Minimum diameter, 1/2 inches (13 mm).
  • Minimum length 7.5 m.

Proper use

This high-pressure cleaner is designed for domestic use only.

• for cleaning machines, vehicles, buildings, tools, facades, terraces, gardening tools, etc. by means of a high-pressure water jet (if necessary, with additional cleaning agents).
• with accessories, replacement parts and cleaning agents approved by KÄRCHER. Please observe the information accompanying the cleaning agents.

Assembly

Illustration 

Mount loose parts delivered with appliance prior to start-up.

• Illustration A
  Insert holder for trigger gun.

  

• Illustration B
  Insert the transport handle.

  

• Illustration C
  Screw the coupling element to the water connection on the appliance.

  

• Illustration D
  • Push the high-pressure hose into the trigger gun until it locks audibly.
    Note: Make sure the connection nipple is aligned correctly.

  • Check the secure connection by pulling on the high pressure hose.

    

Startup

• Park the appliance on an even surface. Illustration E

  

• Push the high-pressure hose into the quick coupling until it locks audibly.
• Insert the mains plug into the socket.

Water supply from mains

For connection values, see type plate/technical data. Observe regulations of water supplier.
ATTENTION
Impurities in the water can damage the high-pressure pump and the accessories. For protection, the use of the KÄRCHER water filter (optional accessory, order no. 4.730-059) is recommended.
Illustration F

• Attach the water supply hose to the coupling on the water connection.
• Connect the water supply hose to the water supply.
• Completely open the water tap.

Operation

ATTENTION
Dry running of more than 2 minutes leads to damage of the high-pressure pump. If the appliance does not build up pressure within 2 minutes, switch the appliance of and proceed in accordance with the instructions in Chapter “Troubleshooting” 

High pressure operation

CAUTION
Keep a distance of at least 30 cm when using the jet for cleaning painted surfaces to avoid damage.
ATTENTION
Car tyres, paint or sensitive surfaces such as wood should not be cleaned with the dirt blaster, as there is a risk of damage.
Illustration G

• Push the spray lance into the trigger gun and fasten it by turning it through 90°.
• Turn on the appliance “I/ON”.
• Unlock the lever on the trigger gun.
• Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.

Note: Release the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch off again. High pressure remains in the system.

Operation with detergent

Note: Detergent can only be added when the device is operated in low pressure mode.
DANGER
When using detergents, the material data safety sheet issued by the detergent manufacturer must be adhered to, especially the instructions regarding personal protective equipment.

• Fill the detergent solution in the detergent tank (observe dosage instructions on the packaging of the detergent).
• Use spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power).
• Turn the spray lance to "Mix" position.

Note: This will mix the detergent with the water stream.

Recommended cleaning method

Spray the detergent sparingly on the dry surface and allow it to react, but not to dry.

• Spray off loosened dirt with the high pressure jet.
• Release the lever on the trigger gun.

Interrupting operation

• Lock the lever on the trigger gun.
• Insert the trigger gun in its holder.
• During longer breaks (more than 5 minutes), also turn the appliance off using the "0/OFF" switch.

Finish operation

CAUTION
Only separate the high-pressure hose from the hand spray gun or the appliance when there is no pressure in the system. 

• After operation with detergent: Fill the detergent tank with clear water, turn the spray lance with the pressure regulator to the position "Mix", switch the appliance on for about 1 minute and rinse with clear water.
• Release the lever on the trigger gun.
• Turn off the appliance "0/OFF".
• Disconnect the mains plug from the socket.
• Turn off tap.
• Press the lever on the trigger gun to release any remaining pressure in the system.
• Lock the lever on the trigger gun.

WARNING

• When disconnecting the supply or high pressure hose, hot water may leak from the connections after operation.
• Detach the appliance from the water supply.

Transport

CAUTION
Risk of personal injury or damage! Mind the weight of the appliance during transport.

•  Lift appliance by the carrying handle and carry it.
• Pull out the transport handle until it audibly snaps into place. Pull the appliance by its transport handle.
• Empty detergent tank.
• Secure the appliance against shifting and tipping over.

Storage

CAUTION
Risk of personal injury or damage! Consider the weight of the appliance when storing it.

Storing the Appliance

Prior to extended storage periods, as during the winter, also observe the instructions in the Care section.

• Park the machine on an even surface.
• Press the disconnect on the trigger gun and remove the high pressure hose from the trigger gun.
• Push the casing of the quick coupling for the high pressure hose toward the rear and disconnect the high pressure hose from the appliance.
• Insert the trigger gun in its holder.
• Engage the spray lance in its compartment.
• Suspend the high-pressure hose into its holder.
• Roll up the power cord and loop it e.g. round the handle.

Frost protection

ATTENTION
Appliances and accessories that are not completely drained can be destroyed by frost. Completely drain appliance and accessories and protect them against frost 

To avoid damage

• Completely drain all water from the appliance: Switch the appliance on with detached high pressure hose and detached water supply (max. 1 minute) and wait, until no more water exits at the high pressure connection. Turn off the appliance.
• Store the appliance and the entire accessories in a frost free room.

Care and maintenance

DANGER
Risk of electric shock.

• Prior to all work on the appliance, switch off the appliance and pull the power plug

Clean the sieve in the water connection

Clean the sieve in the water connection regularly.
ATTENTION
The sieve must not be damaged.

• Remove coupling from the water connection. Illustration H

  

• Pull the sieve out using flat pliers.
• Clean the sieve under running water.
• Reinsert the sieve into the water connection.

Cleaning the detergent filter

Prior to longer periods of storage, e.g. in the winter:

• Remove filter from suction hose for detergent and clean under running water.

High pressure hose

The high pressure hose is specially constructed with reinforced walls to handle water pressure up to 11 MPa (1600 psi) - it can be easily damaged and should be stored carefully.

• Do not kink.
• Do not drive vehicles over the hose.
• Do not expose the hose to sharp edges or corners.

Misuse will lead to ballooning or premature failure and will invalidate warranty.

Safety instruction 

Please read and comply with these original instructions prior to the initial operation of your appliance and store them for later use or subsequent owners. Apart from the notes contained herein the general safety provisions and rules for the prevention of accidents of the legislator must be observed. Warnings and notes that are attached on the appliance provide important notes for the safe operation.

Hazard levels

• DANGER
  Pointer to immediate danger, which leads to severe injuries or death.
• WARNING
  Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to severe injuries or death.
• CAUTION
  Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to minor injuries.
• ATTENTION
  Pointer to a possibly dangerous situation, which can lead to property damage.

Electric components

DANGER
Risk of electric shock.

• Never touch the mains plug and the socket with wet hands.
• Check the power cord with mains plug for damage prior to every use. Immediately have damaged power cord replaced by an authorised customer service/electrician. Do not operate an appliance if the power cord is damaged.
• All current-conducting parts in the working area must be protected against jet water.
• The mains plug and the cou-pling of an extension cable must be watertight and must never lie in water. Moreover, the coupling may never lie on the ground. The use of cable reels that ensure that the sockets are at least 60 mm above the ground is recommended.
• Make sure that the power cord or extension cable is not damaged by running over, pinching, dragging or the like. Protect the power cords from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• Turn off the appliance and remove the mains plug prior to any care and maintenance works.
• Repair work and work on the electrical components may only be performed by an authorised customer service.

WARNING

• The appliance may only be connected to an electric supply that has been installed by an electrician in accordance with IEC 60364.
• The appliance may only be connected to alternating current. The voltage must correspond with the type plate of the appliance.
• Safety class I - Appliances may only be connected to sockets with proper earthing.
• For safety reasons, we recommend that you operate the appliance only via a residual current device (max. 30 mA).
• An unsuitable electrical extension cable can be hazardous. Only use an electrical extension cable which has been approved and labelled for this purpose and has an adequate cable cross-section outdoors: 1 - 10 m: 1.5 mm2; 10 - 30 m: 2.5 mm2
• Always fully unreel the extension cable from the cable drum.

Safe handling

DANGER

• The user must use the appliance as intended. The person must consider the local conditions and must pay attention to other persons in the vicinity when working with the appliance.
• Check important components, such as high-pressure hose, hand spray gun and safety installations, for damage prior to every operation. Immediately replace damaged components. Do not operate appliances with damaged components.
• High-pressure jets can be dangerous if improperly used. The jet may not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself.
• The high-pressure jet must not be directed at other persons or the user him-/herself to clean clothing or footwear.
• Vehicle tyres/tyre valves are susceptible to damage from the high-pressure jet and may burst. The first indication for this is a discolouration of the tyre. Damaged vehicle tyres/tyre valves are perilous. Keep a minimum jet distance of 30 cm during cleaning!

WARNING

• The appliance may only be connected to an electric supply that has been installed by an electrician in accordance with IEC 60364.
• The appliance may only be connected to alternating current. The voltage must corre-spond with the type plate of the appliance.
• Safety class I - Appliances may only be connected to sockets with proper earthing.
• For safety reasons, we recommend that you operate the appliance only via a residual current device (max. 30 mA).
• An unsuitable electrical extension cable can be hazardous. Only use an electrical extension cable which has been approved and labelled for this purpose and has an adequate cable cross-section outdoors: 1 - 10 m: 1.5 mm2; 10 - 30 m: 2.5 mm2
• Always fully unreel the extension cable from the cable drum.

Safe handling

DANGER

• The user must use the appliance as intended. The person must consider the local conditions and must pay attention to other persons in the vicinity when working with the appliance.
• Check important components, such as high-pressure hose, hand spray gun and safety installations, for damage prior to every operation. Immediately replace damaged components. Do not operate appliances with damaged components.
• High-pressure jets can be dangerous if improperly used. The jet may not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself.
• The high-pressure jet must not be directed at other persons or the user him-/herself to clean clothing or footwear.
• Vehicle tyres/tyre valves are susceptible to damage from the high-pressure jet and may burst. The first indication for this is a discolouration of the tyre. Damaged vehicle tyres/tyre valves are perilous. Keep a minimum jet distance of 30 cm during cleaning!

WARNING

• Do not use the appliance when there are other persons around unless they are also wearing protective clothing.
• The appliance must not be operated by children or persons who have not been instructed accordingly.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons with limited physical, sensory or mental capacities or lacking experience and/or skills, unless such persons are accompanied and supervised by a person in charge of their safety or they have received precise instructions on the use of this appliance and have understood the resulting risks.
• Children must not play with this appliance.
• Supervise children to prevent them from playing with the appliance.

CAUTION

• Create stability for the appliance prior to any work on or with the appliance to prevent accidents or damage.
• The water jet that is emitted from the high-pressure nozzle results in a repulsion power acting on the hand spray gun. Make sure that you have a firm footing and are also holding the hand spray gun and spray lance firmly.
• Never leave the appliance unattended as long as it is in operation.

ATTENTION

• In case of extended breaks, switch off the appliance at the appliance switch.
• Do not operate the appliance at temperatures below 0 °C.

Other risks

DANGER

• The appliance may not be operated in an explosive atmosphere.
• Never use the appliance to clean objects containing hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos).
• Do not spray flammable liquids.

WARNING

• According to applicable regulations, the appliance must never be used on the drinking water net without a system separator. Ensure that the connection of your building water installation on which the high-pressure cleaner is operated is equipped with a system separator pursuant to EN 12729 Type BA.
• Water that has flown through a system separator is no longer classified as drinking water.

CAUTION
Mind the weight of the appliance when selecting the storage location and during transport (see technical data) to prevent accidents or injuries. Working with detergent

Working with detergent

WARNING

• This appliance was designed to be used with detergents which are supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. The use of other detergents or chemicals may compromise the safety of the appliance.
• The improper use of detergents can cause severe injuries or toxication.
• Store detergents away from the reach of children.

Safety Devices

• CAUTION
  Safety installations serve the protection of the user and may not be modified or bypassed.
• Appliance switch
  The appliance switch prevents unintentional operation of the appliance.
• Lock trigger gun
  This lock locks the lever of the trigger gun and prevents the inadvertent start of the appliance.
• Overflow valve with pressure switch 
  The overflow valve prevents the permissible working pressure from being exceeded.  If the lever on the trigger gun is released the pressure switch turns off the pump, the high-pressure jet is stopped. If the lever is pulled the pump is turned on again.
• Symbols on the machine
  • The high-pressure jet must not be directed at persons, animals, live electrical equipment or at the appliance itself. Gerät vor Frost schützen.
  • The appliance must not be directly connected to the public drinking water network.

Personal protective equipment

CAUTIONWear protective clothing and safety goggles to protect against splashback containing water or dirt.

• During the use of high-pressure cleaners, aerosols can develop. Inhaling aerosols can cause health damage. Depending on the application, completely shielded nozzles (e.g. surface cleaner) that significantly reduce the emission of aqueous aerosols can be used for high-pressure cleaning. The use of such shielding is not possible with all applications. If the use of a completely shielded nozzle is not possible, a respirator of the category FFP 2 or the like should be used, depending on the environment to be cleaned.

Troubleshooting

You can rectify minor faults yourself with the help of the following overview. If in doubt, please consult the authorized customer service.
DANGER
Risk of electric shock. Prior to all work on the appliance, switch off the appliance and pull the power plug.

Appliance is not running

• Pull on the lever of the trigger gun; the device will switch on.
• Check whether the voltage indicated on the type plate corresponds to the voltage of the mains supply.
• Check the mains connection cable for damages.

Appliance does not start, motor hums

Voltage reduction due to weak mains supply or when using an extension cable. 
When switching on, first pull the lever of the trigger gun and then switch the appliance switch to "I/ON". 
Pressure does not build up in the appliance

• Check the setting at the spray lance.
• Check water supply for adequate delivery rate.
• Pull out the sieve in the water connection using flat-nose pliers and clean under running water.
• Appliance ventilation: Switch the appliance on with the high-pressure hose detached and operate (max. 2 minutes) until the water exits the high-pressure connection without bubbles. Switch off the appliance and reconnect the high-pressure hose.

Strong pressure fluctuations

• Clean high-pressure nozzle: Remove dirt and debris from the nozzle bore, using a needle and rinse through with water from the front.
• Check water flow quantity.

Appliance is leaking
Slight leakage from the appliance pump is normal. If the leakage increases contact the authorized customer service.

No detergent infeed

• Use spray lance with pressure regulation (Vario Power).
• Turn the spray lance to the "Mix" position.
• Clean the detergent suction hose filter.
• Check the detergent suction hose for kinks.

Warranty

The warranty terms published by the relevant sales company are applicable in each country. We will repair potential failures of your appliance within the warranty period free of charge, provided that such failure is caused by faulty material or defects in manufacturing. In the event of a warranty claim please contact your dealer or the nearest authorized Customer Service centre. Please submit the proof of purchase.
Addresses can be found under: www.kaercher.com/dealersearch

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful water-cooled induction motor for long lifespan and quiet operation
• Adjustable pressure settings for various cleaning tasks
• Onboard detergent tank for easy cleaning solution application
• Integrated hose reel for easy storage and organization
• Two-year warranty for peace of mind

Cons

• Higher price point compared to some other power washers
• May be too powerful for some delicate cleaning tasks
• May require more maintenance than other power washers

Customer Reviews

Customers love the Karcher K 3 Premium Power Washer for its powerful motor and adjustable pressure settings. They appreciate the onboard detergent tank and integrated hose reel for easy cleaning and storage. However, some customers have noted that the washer may be too powerful for some delicate cleaning tasks and may require more maintenance than other power washers. The most common complaint is that the hose can be difficult to unwind from the reel.