You can find amazon links to the equipment used in this video here: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bigtedshomegarden?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfbigtedshomegarden_XYWG189ZT5TFRMHM85CB International amazon links are in the video description. Clicking on the UK product link should take you directly to the product listing on your local amazon site.
@@GioLeonTango The amazon link takes you to the correct model amzn.to/3OwOX0l If you want direct international links, they are in the video description. Hope this helps.
Great video mate, best video i have seen covering this Karcher K4, You have persuaded me to purchase one after i have wrote this, i have subscribed & ticked all notifications, so looking forward to browsing your previous videos, “Hey Karcher, this is an excellent review this chap has done of your product, send him some products to review because this is the chap for the job !”
Great review thanks. Came here looking for advice on a karcher for blasting the patio and doing the car. Glad I did because we ended up getting the home kit. You reminded me of how annoying it is having all the pressure wash debris all around the garden after doing the patio. Great consumer advice, thanks a lot.
Great review. Totally agree with you about the hose, it is annoying. The K4 I have is the model previous to your total control version. I bought it from the Karcher Outlet store and it came with the home and the car kit for a very reasonable price. Worth a look if you are happy with A grade or refurbished kit. Mine has been excellent.
I’ve got a Kärcher K4 I’ve used it three times in 2 years and it’s now defunct, it’s just out of warranty, I couldn’t find a repairer and in any case Karcher have discontinued the spares. I won’t be replacing it with another Karcher!
After using my k4 twice I purchased a 10 metre rubber hose from direct hoses and haven't looked back, well worth the investment. Also like you a mjjc foam cannon and stubby gun have been bought.
@@paulwoodcock764 The 10m braided rubber hose I bought from direct hoses was just under £40 inc postage. They also have a flexible plastic hose which is about £10 cheaper. There is a video on my channel showing how easy it is to change the hose.
Used mine only 6 times over 4-6 years and it’s knackered! Keep tripping the mains out, I called the local repair shop and asked how old it is!! Despite how many times, they said it’s happens quite a lot! Time to throw it away and get another one!!! WTFeck!
Thanks for this excellent review & video In Australia they have got wise to the fact that the k4 is the sweet spot - so it no longer comes with the surface cleaning attachement.... I ended up getting a k5 because this is included....
Thanks for the great feedback 👍 If you want to clean patios/driveways then the surface cleaner attachment is essential. You've made a good decision, just beware that pressure washing becomes addictive 🙂
Weve just unpacked our K4 with home kit as wanted round patio cleaner as we have Indian Stone and dont want to ruin mortar inbetween.....Neither of us is very practical and taken us some time to slowly work through the instructions to assemble...... Can now see what you mean about the hose and did read in a lot of reviews before we purchased that his is a big negative...... Do Karcher not read these comments do you think ??? However, we mainly want for cleaning our big driveway and patios at the back so think we can live with it for a while........would a different hose not be difficult to replace to work with guns ????? Thank you so much for this video, feels like a friend kindly explaining to us !!! subscribed for you too xx
Thanks Babs 🙂 Changing the hose is actually very simple though there is obviously extra cost involved. There is another video on my channel showing how to do it. A possible alternative is to use an anti twist adapter. I got hold of one this week and hope to try it out soon. I will post a video on this when time allows 🙄
@@bigtedshome I did see that but does the end metal bits just fit easily into another tube........ It was that bit that I couldn't see, just the finished switch...... However, spent enough for now so will see how we go......... Just tried a bit of patio and its amazing...... Worth getting the higher pressure for sure...... 3 years guarantee from karcher too 😀😀😀😀😀
@@babsbentele4405 You just press the yellow button and pull the old hose our. The new one has the same fitting and clicks into the same hole in the handset. I'm glad to hear that the paving is looking good 😀
Thinking of upgrading my Bosche Aquatak to one of these just because there are so many more attachments and accessories for it. The Bosche is somewhat limited in that regard
I've had my K4 for nearly 3 years now and have been very happy with it. But if you are happy with your Bosch pressure washer and just want to be able to use a wider range of accessories, then you can buy an adapter for about £10 which will let you use accessories with 1/4" quick connect fittings. This link might help: Pressure Washer Adapter for Bosch AQT, 1/4'' Quick Connect amzn.eu/d/grLdIYc
Thanks Carl. I got my replacement hose from direct hoses but you can get them on amazon now as well. This video shows how to change the hose: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Great review. It still amazing me that companies like karcher can produce such poor quality hoses when it's a crucial part of the functionality of the product. I have upgraded the hose as the original is unusable. Usual big companies lowering the quality of their products to make more money.
Thanks for the great feedback. Virtually all manufacturers try to cut costs to the absolute minimum to stay competitive but as you say, quality drops as a result.
After the Karcher splatter-fest 3 years ago on our brick-weave, we got a K4 with anti-splash dome (and fluid). But it can't shift the worst moss/lichen, so it was back to the wand. Moss and kiln-dried sand between bricks flew everywhere! Beefed-up models have revolving brushes, but the dome is only 80% effective imho.
Thanks for commenting Humboles. When I initially tried out the patio cleaner attachment, I found the same as you and was expecting to have to finish off the most stubborn moss/lichen with the dirtblaster lance. When I cleaned both the block paved driveway and patio, I actually found the patio cleaner did a very good job. In some places it took several passes but it did get rid of virtually all of the moss/weeds/lichen without needing to use the lance.
I recently bought a K4 and have been impressed with it. Much better than the Qualcast and it fits my Meguire's snow foam cannon, which the Qualcast did not. I'm curious to know, do you always start jetting off the snowfoam from the bottom of your car? If you start from the roof and work down, the dirty water flows downwards, otherwise you're making the lower parts you have already cleaned, dirty again.
Thanks Alex. I can see your point about starting from the top and working down. Tbh, I don't think it really matters because the roof and windows are normally the cleanest parts of the car and you have to rinse off any foam that runs down anyway. Some might say that this means that the lower panels get rinsed off twice this way 🙂
Brilliant video big Ted very informative and very well explained you've helped me decide after my old karcher of over 10 years started to fail me.. K4 it is.. liked and subscribed 👍🏼
Hi big Ted, I bought the k4 about 1yr ago, it replaced my 6yr old powercraft (aldi version) with patio cleaner, I found the karcher k4 rubbish compared to the powercraft the powercraft was £79 the k4 was £230, the k4 is now redundant in the shed the k4 just didn't have the power, the powercraft was abused it was loaned out to family members all the time, I've recently replaced it with a 2.4kw £59 from aldi much better in my opinion 😊 so £230 sat in the shed. Also aldi one has a 3yr warranty, my powercraft started pulsing just before the 3yrs I sent it off and came back more powerful in karcher box and packaging.
Thanks for commenting Trevor. I've not used a powercraft pressure washer so can't compare the two but I've had no issues with lack of power from the K4. If you think yours is not working properly, the K4 also has a 3 year warranty.
@@bigtedshome just a quick I remember holding the powercraft lance in one hand pull the trigger and it would fly up in the air if only using one hand the k4 doesn't and my son has a k4 and it's the same I think the k4 is 1.8kw and power craft was 2.2 or 2. 4kw. Thanks for your reply 😊.
@@trevorford9432 You will like this. Just been googling powercraft pressure washers and it looks like the 2.2 kW powercraft 7944 was made for Aldi by Karcher.
I upgraded to the 10m braided rubber hose shown in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html It came from a company called direct hoses. There are direct links to the hose in the video description and in the comments.
Hi, really enjoyed your video, I’m upgrading from the K2 and the problem exists with this model with the hose kinking. If possible please advise what hose you bought and from what company. Thanks
Thanks for the great feedback Alan. I bought a 10m braided runner hose from direct hoses and have been very happy with it. There are however, other cheaper hoses on amazon which get good reviews. This video shows how to change the hose and there are several direct links to the direct hoses hose in the comments: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
there is an anti twist adapter which seems to eliminate the problems with hose. i came across this while looking for solutions on utube.why no mention of this puzzles me as it seems to be the answer to all problems of customers.
You're right Sean, there is a Karcher anti twist adapter but it's not always that easy to find. I had to buy mine from the German amazon site (it is currently available in the UK: amzn.to/4awz6rE). The adapter does work but imho doesn't make as big a difference as upgrading to a better hose and it costs nearly as much.
@@bigtedshome thanks ted for replying to my email.i agree that the hose is the best option.if you do invest maybe you might demonstrate the results and post same.thanks again
@seanwhite8486 I replaced the original hose with a 10m braided rubber hose. I've had the rubber hose for about 2 years now and have been very pleased with it. This is how I upgraded the hose: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Great review, I've just bought one. Agree with the hose, could you advise what your going to replace it with? Also I got the stone and patio cleaner, but it doesn't seem to come through, am I doing something wrong?
Thanks Louise. I bought a 10 m braided rubber hose to replace the original hose on my K4. This video has links to the hose in the comments and shows how I fitted it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html This is the best I can find re. the stone cleaner: www.espares.co.uk/answer/es1397712/44915/how-do-i-plug-in-the-detergent-bottle
I was looking forva new pressure washer last year and ended up buying the Karcher HD4/8 out of Farmfoods for £99.99 and its an amazin machine .... Like all Karchers let down by a crap pressure hose and a lack of quick release fittings wgich I'd to buy separately.... Not asceasy ss you think as some arrined with a 3/8" fitting rsther than the adverised 1/4"
@@bigtedshome .... The issue is getting it without she who must be obeyed knowing.... I can get stuff from Amazon and pick it up at a local delivery point but the issue is without seeing it in real life you don't know how good they are ..... Many of them seem to use the same, or a similar, hard plastic outer coating the Karcher has with nothing offering a hard-wearing rubber hose
@petersmith7126 😂 I know exactly what you mean! I bought a 10m braided rubber hose from direct hoses and have found it to be much better than the stiff plastic Karcher hose. There are direct links in the comments on this video, which shows how to change the hose: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
@@bigtedshome ..... The. HD 4//8 uses a normal hose wth Standard M22/14 connectors so there's loads to choose from ..... Amazon would be my best option for a pick up but so far virtually all the hoses seem pretty similar to the Karcher with a plastic outer coating .... They're meant to be more flexible but I'd still prefer a rubber outer casing
That on/off switch is poor and temperamental and I was disappointed they changed the lance fitting so earlier accessories do not fit. I had to buy a new (fitting) lance cut it in half and plastic weld it to the other half of an old extension lance to be able to use my many older extensions. Karcher don’t make a converter, but I do!
Hi, thanks for the video. I just wanted to let you know that if you wash your wheels like this, all the contaminants (from the brake pads) go into the storm drain and then to the ocean :-(. It is better to wash them manually with a cloth, that you then put into washing machine. Such water goes to waste water treatment plant before it goes back into river. Also please always use bio-degradable cleaning agents. Thanks :-)
If you can increase and decrease the pressure of the lance then why are you using the lance so close to the car from 8mins in?. No wonder these machines are being sold cheaply online second hand. Looking yesterday and one brand new boxed for £50 on facebook. Don't think i'll buy one after this review, thanks.
I bought a 10m braided rubber hose from a company called direct hoses. This video shows how to fit it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html There are direct links to the hose in several of the comments below that video.
Have just found your channel. Been looking at upgrading my K2, which is no longer fit for purpose and found your review of the K4 the most informative. One question though, do you have a link to the replacement hose? I'm also going to buy the MJJC foam gun. have subscribed to your channel.
Thanks Derek. I bought the 10m version of this hose www.directhoses.net/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections and have been very happy with it. It's probably overspecified for the K4 but direct hoses also sell a cheaper flexiwash plastic hose which should also do the job.
Thanks for the great feedback Paul. I bought a 10 m braided rubber hose from direct hoses and it's made a big difference. There is another video on my channel showing how to upgrade the hose.
Thanks Mark. I didn't wait for my hose to break. Replacing it with a rubber hose made a big difference. This video shows how I upgraded the hose: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Could you please send me links to the phone blaster that you use and where you get the new house from to change the homes and any other things that are better used with the culture than its stock items although I am registered blind I do have site and I can use the Karcher so any help would be appreciated so I can get the most out of it. Thanks very much and take care
Hi David, I bought my replacement hose from Direct Hoses. It was the 10m version of this hose: www.directhoses.net/collections/hoses-for-karcher-k-series-rubber-flexiwash/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections?variant=33703734538 There is another video on my channel showing how to change the hose here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html Amazon links for the MJJC foam cannon and other useful Karcher compatible accessories can be found here: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bigtedshomegarden I hope this helps 😀
@@bigtedshome how do you put the little clip back in when the hose is thicker? Is it just a case of stretching the clip because I can’t seem to get it back in now I’ve handed the hose that was recommended and it works very well the hose, how do we get the clip back in your help on that would be very appreciated.
@bilbp41 The hose is a bit thicker but the quick connect fitting should be the same size. The clip is a bit springy though so you might have to push the 2 prongs apart to get them to line up with the 2 holes. The clip should then slide into place. Good luck 🤞
Hi I loved the video but can you tell why would you not fill one of the detergent bottles that come with the K4 with snow foam instead of using the one attached the the lance ?
Good question! It's because a snow foam cannon is designed to pull the detergent in the correct ratio into the water flow using the venturi effect. The nozzle then aerates the mix to form the foam which sticks to the car. I've never tried it but would expect that if you put the snow foam into a plug in detergent bottle, you would get a very thin foam which wouldn't stick to the car long enough to break down the grime.
Hi. I've got K2 and after twice wash my car I think about change to K4. Simply because strength of the pump. Did you ever tried water from the bucket? Is the only one available water source so I think I need update. After some suggestions I put water and karcher higher and was much better, but still karcher needed some time to sucked water and build pressure. Tom
I normally use a mains water supply but I have used a rainwater storage butt (tank) with my K4. This video shows how I did this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-884_5sL4Xxc.html
@@bigtedshome I watched video. I'm using 25L deionised water jar with normal water. In your video hose is in lowest position, which definitely help. So I think I simply need try K4 how this will go, otherwise somehow create support for hose bending over the edge and going to the bottom of the jar.(because through the job, hose bending up slowly). Another think I should try before start, put some water to the hose. I though about some adapter for top lid as well, but need think about that. T.
I bought one of these 10m braided rubber hoses from direct hoses: www.directhoses.net/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections This video shows how to fit it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
I bought a 10m reinforced rubber hose from direct hoses. This video shows how to change the hose ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Thanks for the great feedback. I've had my K4 for over 2 years now and have been very happy with it. I replaced the original hose with a 10m braided rubber hose from a company called direct hoses
Personally, yes I do. Apart from the extra operating pressure, the K4 is made from better quality parts, and the accessories are better quality. I seriously considered the K3 but went for the K4 because it has a metal pump which should be much more robust than the plastic pump on the K3. The K4 is currently on offer on amazon for £159.99 (amzn.to/3XtBkly) or as the home kit for £195.99 ( amzn.to/3GDlMWn) and at these prices, I think it's a bargain. I've had my K4 for 18 months now and have been very happy with it.
The hose will end up as a twisted mess only because it's not uncoiled, but just pulled out. It's really not hard to allow the end to rotate as it's uncoiled.
Thanks for commenting. You must have a lot more patience than I have 🙂. I persevered with the plastic hose but eventually bought a 10 m reinforced rubber hose and find it much easier to use and coil up afterwards.
@Andy O Neill I bought a 10m reinforced rubber hose from direct hoses. There's a video showing the hose and how easy it is to fit here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
The surface cleaner attaches to the pressure washer and is used to clean paths, patios, driveways etc as shown in this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-q8PcsQXh4zQ.html I hope this answers your question 🙂
Just purchased a a k4 karcher very imprest miles better than my old karcher 12years old after using old one ended up with tingleley the hands of no such thing with new one still to see if old one can be repaired in on but I no hurry
Thanks for commenting Shayne. I was in a similar position, my old Karcher packed in after many years of use so I bought a K4. What a difference, wish I'd upgraded years ago 😀
Hi. I have this jet wash. However I haven’t followed through with using as I assumed it needed to be plugged in to the mains. Or is this just to charge it? Surely it is portable (which is what I read) as it has many possible uses
@@bigtedshome Make sure to use good quality extension lead with thick wire. Any voltage drop can cause the motor to draw more current and potentially overheat the motor.
Thanks for commenting. The MacAllister has an air cooled universal motor which is why it's so cheap. The K4 has a water cooled induction motor which should last much longer and allows the pressure washer to be used for longer periods without burning out the motor.
It will let you down it has a bad habit of not switching on for no reason at all there it was Boyo dead stone good and proper dead.get your hand in your pocket big bucks I kid you not
After 2 years and maybe 10 usages my pump, that is made of plastic (!?!) started to leak. Repear cost 132€!!! No way I will pay that much. Than I started to search and K5 has pump with "metal elements"?!? and only K7 has full metal pump. Guy in service told me to go with Professional series because all home and garden products are prone to failure because lots of plastic parts used differently from Professional. So I bought HD 5/11 P Plus. And that's complitely different story. Home and garden K7 is only worth buying. Everything else is a plastic toy!
Thanks for sharing your views. Personally, I have used my K4 regularly for over 2 years now and had no problems with it. I will seriously consider the HD 5/11 P if I decide to upgrade but can't justify spending over £500 at the moment.
Best review of these I've come across!! Especially the breakdown of attachments. You've actually helped me save money as I was gonna splurge for the K5 and after seeing this, the K4 will absolutely do the job! Cheers!
When I bought mine I unravelled the hose and stretched it out in a straight line for 3 or 4 days. Big improvement! Although now it's harder to store away it still beats the way it came out of the box.
Many thanks for this video as I've just bought the K4. I'm looking forward to using it soon as we live in the countryside and it's impossible to keep our cars clean in the wet weather with so much mud and other "items" on the roads.
Thanks for the review. It was very useful and as other also comment, I think your video has saved me the difference from the k5 as I get the impression that the K4 will get the job done for me
I bought one of these 10m braided rubber hoses from direct hoses: www.directhoses.net/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections This video shows how to fit it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Thanks for the great feedback 👍 I have the 10m hose featured in this video (there are direct links in the comments) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html I've been very happy with this hose but you could also look at other replacement hoses on amazon which get very good reviews.
Good question. There's lots of conflicting advice if you google it. I prefer to use a window vac but if I was going to use a pressure washer on my windows, I would turn the pressure down and use a wide spray pattern. This explains what can happen if you get it wrong: Pressure Washing Windows? Bad Idea! www.windowworldofboston.com/pressure-washing-windows-bad-idea/
I got a 10m braided rubber hose from direct hoses and have been very pleased with it. This video shows how to fit it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
"Can end up spending endless amounts of money" month ago I bought the K3, upgraded to the K4, 200 quid on AutoGlym products and just ordered another 100 quids worth, so all in I'm a good 600 quid in!🤣 ladies and gents, this fella gives real honest reviews! Top vid!!
Great video, thank you! This has made me realise I can get a decent pressure washer without having to go to the absolute top top of the range and the power foamer recommendation was great cheers!
I have the older K5 myself which I upgraded with a uberflex hose, gun type lance with the various nozzles, and all quick connect fittings. The nice thing about the nozzles is there is no splash back, especially when doing the wheels. Much better defined fan spray, lovely to use compared to the rather scattered karcher spray pattern.
I’m 18 and thinking of starting a pressure washing business for gardens, cars ect, would you recommend this model or something else like a petrol one instead?
The K4 is a domestic pressure washer. If you are starting a business then you will need a commercial model which will cope with heavy daily use. The pressure washing subreddit might be a good place to get ideas for something suitable. Good luck with the business 👍
Do you think the extra power of a k5 would be worth it around the house? As in when cleaning the pacers for e.g. did you ever feel a bit more power wouldve been nice?
I've found that the K4 has been powerful enough to do everything that I've wanted to do and I have been very happy with it. The K5 however, is a better machine with a better quality pump. I would also consider AVA machines and the Karcher Professional range if I was looking to buy a new pressure washer.
Thanks John. I bought a 10 m braided rubber hose from a company called direct hoses. There are direct links in the comments below this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Totally agree regarding the high pressure hose. This is a design disaster. Earlier models had a wheel which wheeled it in at the end of the day. 1/10 for this design. Bad Karcher.
Prices vary throughout the year. Amazon is always a good place to look first as they often have the K4 on offer (there is a link in the video description). Halfords, Toolstation, Homebase and B&Q also have sales/offer periods and are worth a look. If you are interested in a refurbished machine, the karcher outlet store is good.
Hi Ted, you have a fantastic channel and your videos are too the point which is great. May I ask what the recommended procedure is when turning off your jet wash after using it, eg do you turn the water off and leave the pump on to drain out the remaining water or is it the opposite way round?
Thanks Mark. I turn the machine off first and then the water. As far as I'm aware, the only time you would want to drain the pump is if you are going to store it over winter somewhere where the water could freeze.
Good review, and had a good laugh too at the end. I was looking for something to pressure wash my balconies after a long winter and something to clean the car occasionally, this seems to be perfect for it. It's on sale too, so good enough for me!
Hi, I was wondering if you have any recommendations for the Karcher K4 hose. The one supplied is so difficult to use. I was hoping you could recommend a more flexible one
I bought the 10m version of this hose and have been very happy with it: www.directhoses.net/products/karcher-style-replacement-rubber-longlife-hose-quick-fit-connections
Loved the Video - My current K2 has seen its better years after loads of work and is now leaking oil - Did you upgrade to the K4 from a K2 and have you found the extra 20 bar noticeable?
Thanks Derek. My old Karcher was that old that it pre-dated the K series 😳 One of guys at work has recently upgraded from a old, leaking K2 to the K4 and reckons there is a big difference in terms of quality and performance.
Cheers T. Yes I did change the hose and it made a big difference. This video shows how to do it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
Thanks Ron. I bought a 10m braided rubber hose from direct hoses and have been very happy with it. This video shows how to change the hose. There are direct links to the hose in the comments below the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_mPLwbM-vvQ.html
