Product Review · Pressure Washers · #10 Ranked
Kärcher K1700
Entry corded electric washer with foot switch · Reviewed by Drew · amazon.com live, Sept 24 2026
Why it scored a 73
The Kärcher K1700 lands under our buy line at 73. It is a decent entry machine from a respected brand, with 1700 PSI TruPressure at 1.2 GPM, CETA certification, an on/off foot switch and never-flat wheels, and quality scores 78. But at $169.99 it has the least pressure in the category and costs about the same as the Sun Joe SPX3000, so value is 74. Features score 64 on a three-nozzle kit and a 19-foot hose, satisfaction is 84 from 4.2 stars across 6,385 ratings, and the 1-year warranty scores 55.
What you're getting
- Power: corded electric
- Max pressure: 1700 PSI (TruPressure, CETA certified)
- Max flow: 1.2 GPM
- Nozzles: 3 (15 degree, turbo, 65 degree)
- Controls: on/off foot switch; stops when the trigger is released
- Detergent: 0.5-gallon onboard tank
- Hose and weight: 19-ft hose; 20.7 lb; never-flat wheels
- Limitation: lowest pressure and shortest hose in the category
ViperScore breakdown
At a glance
- Corded electric
- 1700 PSI max
- 1.2 GPM max
- Price$169.99
- TierEntry corded electric washer with foot switch
- Category rank#10 of 10
Should you buy the Kärcher K1700?
The Kärcher K1700 is for light jobs only: a car, a grill, patio chairs. At $169.99, down from $229.99, it ranks #10 of 10 in our Pressure Washers category and sits under our buy line. For less money the Westinghouse ePX3100 delivers more pressure and a 3-year warranty, and at almost the same price the Sun Joe SPX3000 adds pressure, two detergent tanks and a longer hose.
Where it earns its score
- Foot switch. You turn it on and off with your foot instead of bending down to the motor.
- Honest rating. Kärcher's 1700 PSI TruPressure figure is CETA certified, not a peak number.
- Big detergent tank. The 0.5-gallon tank holds far more soap than the 20-ounce tank on the Westinghouse ePX3100.
- Easy to move. Never-flat wheels and 20.7 pounds make it simple to roll across a patio or lift into a car.
What to know first
- Warranty is the lowest factor at 55. Kärcher's 1-year limited term is the shortest here; the Westinghouse ePX3100 (83) gets 3 years and costs $30.99 less.
- Thinnest kit here. Features score 64: three nozzles, no 0 or 25-degree tip and a 19-foot hose.
- Spray safety. Never point the spray at people or pets, and plug into a GFCI-protected outlet.
Our verdict
The Kärcher K1700 scores 73, which puts it in Buy With Caution and under our buy line. Satisfaction (84) and Quality (78) are fine, but Features (64) and a 1-year warranty (55) hold it back. It suits light car and patio jobs. For $139.00, the Westinghouse ePX3100 (83) is the better buy.
Westinghouse ePX3100
Questions buyers ask
What PSI is the Kärcher K1700?
1700 PSI TruPressure at 1.2 GPM, CETA certified.
Is the Kärcher K1700 good for driveways?
It handles light dirt with the turbo nozzle, but at 1700 PSI it is slow on concrete; the Westinghouse WPX3200 is the better driveway machine.
Does the Kärcher K1700 have a soap tank?
Yes, a 0.5-gallon onboard detergent tank.
Ready to check it out?
Kärcher K1700 · ViperScore 73 · Buy With Caution · $169.99
How the other 9 pressure washers scored
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