Product: Kärcher Pressure Washer K1700 Cube (Model 1.106-113.0) • Category: Electric pressure washer • Manufacturer: Kärcher
Introduction
Kärcher’s K1700 Cube is a compact, electric pressure washer designed for everyday residential cleaning—think cars, driveways, siding, patios, decks, and fencing.
It delivers 1700 PSI TruPressure at up to 1.2 gallons per minute and carries CETA certification, meaning its performance has been independently verified.
With three included spray nozzles, a detachable detergent tank, and an easy, back-friendly foot-operated power switch, the K1700 Cube aims to make routine cleanup quick and approachable for homeowners with limited storage space.
Design, Materials, and Aesthetics
True to its name, the K1700 “Cube” uses a compact, low-profile cube-like form factor (approximately 16″ L x 13″ W x 11.5″ H) and weighs about 15.5 lb.
The bright Kärcher yellow housing and black accents give it a clean, modern look that’s easy to spot in a crowded garage.
The build employs durable plastics typical of consumer-grade electric pressure washers to keep weight and cost down while withstanding outdoor use.
Notable design touches include the foot-operated on/off switch that prevents unnecessary bending and a detachable 0.3-gallon detergent tank mounted on top for easy filling and cleaning.
The compact footprint and relatively light weight make it straightforward to carry and store, especially for apartment dwellers or anyone with tight storage.
Key Features and Specifications
- Pressure and Flow: 1700 PSI TruPressure, up to 1.2 GPM (CETA certified)
- Nozzles Included: 15° nozzle, turbo nozzle, 65° (soap) nozzle
- Detergent: 0.3-gallon detachable detergent tank
- Operation: Foot-operated on/off switch; auto stop when trigger is released
- Form Factor: Compact cube design for easy storage and portability
- Hose: 18-foot high-pressure hose
- Power Source: Electric
- Dimensions and Weight: 16″ L x 13″ W x 11.5″ H; 15.5 lb
- Color: Yellow
- Certification: CETA (independently verified performance)
- Manufacturer/Model: Kärcher, 1.106-113.0
Setup and Ease of Use
Assembly is straightforward: connect the hose, attach your chosen nozzle, fill the detergent tank if needed, and plug in.
The quick-change nozzles make swapping spray patterns fast, and the foot-operated power switch is genuinely convenient in practice.
The automatic stop feature shuts the unit off when the trigger is released, reducing noise, water use, and wear.
Storage is simple thanks to the compact body; however, the 18-foot hose is on the shorter side, so expect to move the unit more frequently when working around larger vehicles or long driveways.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
Cars and Trucks
With the 65° soap nozzle and the onboard detergent tank, the K1700 Cube produces ample suds for pre-washing.
The 1700 PSI pressure, when used at a sensible standoff distance, is appropriate for painted automotive surfaces and wheels.
It removes road grime and light mud effectively; for baked-on brake dust or heavy caking, plan to spot-treat or agitate with a brush.
Patios, Decks, and Fencing
The 15° nozzle provides a focused fan that lifts dirt, pollen, and light mildew from wood and composite decks.
The turbo nozzle speeds up cleaning of stubborn patches on concrete pavers or fence posts, but use caution on soft wood to avoid etching.
At 1.2 GPM, the flow rate is modest; cleaning a full deck is doable but will take time compared to higher-flow units.
Driveways and Walkways
For concrete, the K1700 Cube handles surface algae, dirt, and light oil stains reasonably well with the 15° or turbo nozzle.
Larger driveways are manageable but require patience—lower flow equals slower rinsing and debris removal.
Heavy oil staining or embedded grime may need pretreatment or a more powerful washer.
Home Siding
Vinyl and painted siding respond well to the 15° nozzle for general cleaning; the soap nozzle helps when applying detergent over large areas.
Always avoid directing the spray into seams or under laps, and reserve the turbo nozzle for spot treatments on particularly stubborn growth.
Safety, Maintenance, and Reliability Notes
- Auto stop reduces unnecessary runtime, which can extend component life and lower noise during pauses.
- CETA certification adds confidence that the stated 1700 PSI and 1.2 GPM are accurate.
- Rinse the detergent tank and run clean water through the system after using soaps to avoid clogs.
- Drain hoses and pump before storage, and winterize if you live in freezing climates.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- CETA-certified 1700 PSI/1.2 GPM performance for trustworthy specs
- Compact, lightweight cube design is easy to carry and store
- Foot-operated on/off switch is genuinely convenient
- Includes three useful nozzles (15°, turbo, 65°) out of the box
- Detachable 0.3-gallon detergent tank simplifies soaping and cleanup
- Auto stop feature conserves water and reduces noise
Cons
- 18-foot hose is shorter than many competitors, requiring more unit repositioning
- 1.2 GPM flow means slower rinsing and longer cleaning times on large areas
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks (e.g., heavy oil stains, paint stripping)
- Small detergent tank (0.3 gal) needs refills during larger jobs
- Motor type and some components are not specified, making long-term durability harder to gauge
Conclusion
The Kärcher K1700 Cube is a thoughtfully designed, compact electric pressure washer that excels at everyday household cleaning.
Its CETA-certified 1700 PSI and 1.2 GPM specs, user-friendly foot switch, and included nozzles make it approachable for first-time owners and convenient for seasoned users who value portability and storage efficiency.
While the shorter hose and modest flow rate slow down large projects, the K1700 Cube shines for routine tasks like car washing, patio and deck refreshes, siding maintenance, and general outdoor cleanup.
If you need a trustworthy, space-saving washer for light to medium-duty work—and appreciate verified performance—the K1700 Cube is a strong contender.
