We show you the differences between the Kärcher K5 models, from the Premium Smart Control variant to the Power Control Home variant and the K5 Compact and K5 WCM versions.
Kärcher K5 – A Diverse Selection
Within the Kärcher high-pressure cleaner family, from K2 to K7, the K5 is the most popular version due to its good price-performance ratio. The K5 series is available in various versions. The individual designations provide information about the equipment and scope of delivery of the device. Below we go into detail about the differences between the K5 models.

In Which Areas Do the K5 Models Differ?
Differences between the Kärcher K5 HDR can be found:
- in the high-pressure guns: Full Control vs. Power Control vs. Smart Control,
- in the hose winding: hook vs. reel,
- in the accessories: spray lance, surface cleaner, cleaning agents,
- regarding the model series: K7 standard version, K7 Compact, K7 WCM.
Below, I will go into the exact differences in the four areas.
Kärcher K5 Differences in High-Pressure Guns
To understand the differences between the Kärcher K5 models, it is worth taking a general look at the pistol grips of the high-pressure cleaner (HDR). The Q suffix in the name initially stands for Quick Connect, FC for Full Control. The following pistol grips for the K5 can be found.
Kärcher G 145 Q FC with Quick Connect
Suitable for K4 Full Control, K4 Premium Full Control, K5 Full Control with LED display of pressure levels (without LCD display). The display only shows the levels set on the attached cleaning tube and has no touch function. Adjustment via +/- buttons is also not possible here. However, the levels can be adjusted by turning the spray lance.

Kärcher G 160
Suitable for all high-pressure cleaners from series K2 to K7, where the high-pressure hose is attached to the hand spray gun via clip or connection clamp (without Quick Connect). This variant is therefore not compatible with devices of the Full Control, Power Control, and Smart Control versions.
[asin="B00337RRY4",type="standard"]Kärcher G 160 Q Power Control
In addition, there is the Kärcher G 160 Q Power Control variant. The display shows the pressure levels set on the attached cleaning tube, but it has no touch function or +/- buttons.

Kärcher G 180 Q with Quick Connect (without Full Control)
Suitable for Kärcher high-pressure cleaners K2 to K7 (from 2008) with Quick Connect. The pressure level cannot be regulated via the gun and is also not displayed there. Instead, the settings are made by turning the spray lance.
[asin="B01N2ZWSTC",type="standard"]Kärcher G 180 Q with Full Control Plus and Quick Connect
Suitable for Kärcher Full Control Plus HDR of the K 5 Premium, K 7, and K 7 Full Control classes from 2017. The pressure levels are controlled via +/- buttons on the gun and transmitted via radio connection to the high-pressure cleaner.

Kärcher G 180 Q Smart Control:
Suitable for all Kärcher high-pressure cleaners of the Smart Control series, i.e., with LCD display and pressure and cleaning agent control buttons. Also offers a boost mode that generates even more pressure. The pressure levels are controlled via +/- buttons on the pistol grip or can be transferred to the device via app and Bluetooth connection.

With this prior knowledge, the differences between the Kärcher K5 models can be better understood and you may be able to exclude some models initially.
Kärcher K5 Set Designations and Their Meaning
As can be seen from the presentation of the Kärcher pistol grips, the models are available in various "Control" versions. The term "Control" is somewhat misleading, at least if translated as control. You can only control the HDR via the pistol grip if there is a radio connection between the pistol grip and the HDR. This is the case with all models that have the + /- buttons. Only in the Smart Control variant of the K5 is control via smartphone via Bluetooth also possible. In the images, you can recognize the Smart Control pistol by the small Bluetooth symbol at the top left. All other versions can be set directly on the spray lance. The following "Control version" is available:

- Power Control: The Power Control pistol has a display that shows the device's set pressure. The settings cannot be made on the grip but on the clicked-on attachment. Once the pistol lever is pulled, the pressure display rises or falls according to the setting. The Kärcher Home & Garden app provides the user with tips and tricks in the so-called application advisor.
- Full Control: The Full Control version shows the set pressure on the cleaner in stages. Control on the grip is not possible.
- Full Control Plus: Here, settings can be made directly using the +/- buttons and transmitted to the HDR via radio. The respective stage and the radio symbol are visible on the LCD display.
- Smart Control: The Smart Control version can be controlled with +/- buttons as well as via a Bluetooth connection with the Kärcher Home & Garden app. Cleaning profiles can be selected and transmitted to the high-pressure cleaner. The Smart Control pistol G 180 Q directly shows the selected pressure on the LCD display. There is also a boost function that generates higher pressure for stubborn dirt.
To increase the confusion, you occasionally see information such as "Full Control Power Pistol" or "Full Control Plus Power Pistol". Often, this refers to the "Power Gun". So, make sure to check exactly which pistol grip is included in your package before ordering. The following decision aids can help you choose a Kärcher K5:
- If you don't need control on the grip but want the pressure level display, the version Power Control or Full Control would be sensible.
- If you want the control to be as simple as possible, the version Full Control Plus would be sensible.
- If you want to use the digital transmission of cleaning profiles from the app, you need a version with Smart Control.
- If you are satisfied with a simple pistol grip without adjustment options, choose a version without the "Control" addition. However, I am not aware of any K5 set (except for the Compact class) that is delivered without a "Control" unit. Only the [url="https://www.kaercher.com/de/home-garden/hochdruckreiniger/k-7-power-home-13171510.html",name="Kärcher K7 Power Home",title=""] offers this combination in the set.
Differences of the Kärcher K5 by Equipment
Besides the equipment of the pistol grip, there are two other differentiation possibilities that relate to the accessories. Here you distinguish between the Premium and Home variants, both of which are also available in combination. The name suffixes stand for the following equipment:
- Premium: Has an additional hose reel mounted on the back, onto which the hose can be easily wound. The simple version, on the other hand, has a hook onto which the hose is wound.
Simple hook hanging – the standard version of the Kärcher K5 Hose reel of the Premium version of the Kärcher K5 - Home: Includes the T5 or T350 surface cleaner and the cleaning agent for stone and facades, which you can insert into the HDR. You can find out the differences between the surface cleaners [url="https://www.produck.de/quack/4401/kaercher-t350-vs-t450-vs-t5-vs-t7—flaechenreiniger-im-direktvergleich",name="here",title=""].
Further Differences of the Kärcher K5 Models
Which Spray Lance is Supplied?
Most Kärcher K5 sets include the Vario Power Jet Spray Lance + Dirt Blaster. Some sets are alternatively supplied with a Multi Jet 3-in-1 Spray Lance. This offers, as the name suggests, 3 different settings: Cleaning agent jet, rotary nozzle, and stepless adjustable HD flat jet, which can be adjusted by turning the spray lance.
The advantage of the multi-spray lance is that you have different spray types in a confined space and do not have to change the lances, thus providing comfort and speed when cleaning. Individual nozzles in the Multi Jet replace the separately supplied individual lances. The rotary nozzle, for example, replaces the dirt blaster. Occasionally, it is reported that the multi-nozzles are somewhat weaker in terms of their jet strength than the specialized individual nozzles. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to conduct my own tests in this regard. If maximum power is more important to you than comfort, you are on the safe side with the individual attachments. In most cases, however, the pressure of the Multi Jet is sufficient (e.g., when cleaning cars, bicycles, caravans) and the relief is predominant.
Multi Jet Spray Lance is Not Equal to Multi Jet Spray Lance
There are also different versions of the Multi Jet spray lance, compatible with different Kärcher K models. There are the 3-in-1 versions "MJ – Multi Jet" and 5-in-1 versions "MP – Multi Power Jet". Below I have listed the differences and suitable models.


- Kärcher MJ 145 Full Control 3-in-1 Multi Jet ([url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01MT1R9C9?tag=produck-21",name="Link",title=""]): Suitable for K 5 Premium FC Plus. Spray types: Cleaning agent jet, rotary jet, and stepless adjustable HD flat jet.
- Kärcher MP 145 5-in-1 Multi Power Jet ([url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00HF2XH0Q?tag=produck-21",name="Link",title=""]): Suitable for high-pressure cleaners of classes K3 – K5. Offers 5 spray types: RM jet, HD flat jet, rotary jet, point jet, and wide pressure-reduced flat jet.
- Kärcher MJ 180 Full Control 3-in-1 Multi Jet ([url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01N7KWCAE?tag=produck-21",name="Link",title=""]): Suitable for high-pressure cleaners K7 Full Control Plus and K7 Premium Full Control Plus from 2017. Spray types: Cleaning agent jet, rotary jet, and stepless adjustable HD flat jet.
- Kärcher MP 180 5-in-1 Multi Power Jet ([url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00HF2XKZ8?tag=produck-21",name="Link",title=""]): Suitable for Kärcher high-pressure cleaners of the K 7 class, but not compatible with the Smart Control, Power Control, and Full Control series. Spray types: RM jet, HD flat jet, rotary nozzle, point jet, and wide pressure-reduced flat jet. The MP 180 is the current version of the previously marketed Kärcher MP 160 spray lance.
What Spray Types Are Intended for Which Applications?
- HD Flat Jet: For quick cleaning of dirty surfaces.
- RM Jet or Cleaning Agent Jet: Ideal for applying cleaners, e.g., when cleaning cars.
- Rotary Jet: The rotary jet quickly and powerfully removes stubborn dirt. Corresponds to the dirt blaster in terms of spray type.
- Point Jet: For targeted removal of dried-on dirt.
- Flat Jet: The wide and pressure-reduced flat jet is ideal for cleaning sensitive surfaces.
Differences of the Kärcher K5 Models – Let's Summarize
When choosing a Kärcher K5, you essentially have to make 3 decisions: Which control system, which hose winding, and which accessories do you need.
The various equipment packages are available in numerous combinations. For example, if you want a smartphone-controlled K5 high-pressure cleaner with a surface cleaner and hose reel, then look for the K5 Smart Control + Premium + Home, which is the absolute top model of the 5 series.
If you only want the simple pressure display without control options on the grip and the surface cleaner, then you need K5 Full Control or Power Control + Home.
An overview of common K5 sets can be found in the following tabular comparison
K5 Equipment | Power Control | Power Control Home | Smart Control | Premium Smart Control | Premium Smart Control Home | Full Control Home | Premium Full Control Plus | Premium Full Control Home Plus |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High-Pressure Gun G 145 Q Full Control | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
High-Pressure Gun G 160 Q Power Control | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
High-Pressure Gun G 180 Q Full Control Plus with LCD Display | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
High-Pressure Gun G 180 Q Smart Control with LCD Display | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Pressure Control on the Grip | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Bluetooth Capable | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Vario Power Jet Spray Lance | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Dirt Blaster | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Multi Jet 3-in-1 Spray Lance | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Surface Cleaner T5 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Surface Cleaner T350 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
Cleaning Agent for Stone and Facades | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
High-Pressure Hose Winding | Hook | Hook | Hook | Hose Reel | Hose Reel | Hook | Hose Reel | Hose Reel |
Offers | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08R441PZD?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08QZXDWZN?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08R11DH26?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08R11DH26?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08QZZGSMN?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07NJVBGQY?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01N6JJNYU?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] | [url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01N5I46XF?tag=produck-21",name="Zum Angebot",title=""] |
The Kärcher K5 differences in a sentence: The Kärcher K5 models primarily differ in terms of the pistol grip, hose winding, and the supplied accessories.
Further K5 Models in Comparison – K5 vs. K5 WCM vs. K5 Compact
In addition to these versions, there is also the K5 Compact variant and the relatively new K5 WCM, which already differ significantly from the classic models in appearance.
[url="https://www.kaercher.com/de/home-garden/hochdruckreiniger/k-5-wcm-premium-home-13244620.html",name="WCM",title=""] stands for Water Cooled Motor in the new Kärcher models, which promises a particularly long service life compared to the previous K5 models and is therefore said to be more sustainable than the previous model. The WCM is focused on the essentials. It does not have a Plug'n'Clean cleaning agent reservoir and is not compatible with the app. Apart from that, there are fewer sets available for the Kärcher K5 WCM so far. A combination with "Control" pistol grip and Multi Jet spray lance is, for example, still hard to find.
The [url="https://www.kaerchershop-schreiber.de/de/kaercher-k-5-compact-16307500.html",name="Compact model",title=""] is, as the name suggests, significantly more compact than the K5 and therefore more mobile and easier to store than the classic Kärcher K5 HDR. The hose is wrapped around the front cover and fixed with a rubber band, saving additional space. The Compact model also has a water-cooled motor. Similar to the K5 WCM, Kärcher also offers only a limited selection of sets for the K5 Compact. "Control" pistol grip and Multi Jet spray lance are also hard to find here.
[asin="B07N8PJV3R",type="standard"]