Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer

Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer Review

After testing pressure washers for over a decade as a home improvement expert, I was eager to try out the new Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer. As a longtime DIYer and avid cleaner tackling countless home projects, I’ve come to rely on having a solid electric pressure washer ready.

See our comprehensive video review of the Karcher K1700 Cube, which includes testing and an unboxing:

With its lightweight body, compact cubic size, and reputation for reliability, the K1700 Cube grabbed my attention as an ideal small pressure washer for home use. I put it to work on typical cleaning tasks to see if this newcomer could stand up to similar lightweight electric pressure washers I’ve used over the years.

What I Like‍

• Compact, lightweight size
• Easy to setup and operate
• Enough power for residential cleaning
• Quality build with 3-year warranty
• On/Off foot switch

Room for Improvement  

• Not for heavy-duty cleaning
• Hose connections prone to minor leaks
• Wheels are little awkward to move around
• Hose & cord could be longer

Best For

• Homeowners with small cleaning projects
• Tight storage spaces
• First-time pressure washer buyers

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Our Take

When shopping for electric pressure washers for home use the Karcher K1700 Cube hits a sweet spot combining power and portability. This model satisfies most homeowners needs for small residential cleaning tasks thanks to smart compromises and thoughtful design focusing on convenience.

However, buyers needing more heavy-duty cleaning power should consider gas-powered options or stepping up to higher-spec electric models. The K1700 Cube works great for residential tasks but shows its limits with tougher gunk.

The Review

Performance & Durability

Homeowners know how tedious scrubbing patio furniture, vehicles, and hardscapes by hand can be. Pressurized water does the hard work for you by blasting away built-up grime quickly and easily. Compared to manual scrubbing, this electric pressure washer for home can blast away stubborn dirt, mold and mildew up to 3X faster.

With a max pressure of 1700 PSI and flow rate of 1.2 GPM, the K1700 Cube delivers decent cleaning power for home use. It made quick work of removing loose dirt, grime, and mud from outdoor furniture, vehicles, and concrete surfaces.  

The water pressure consistently hits around 1500 PSI during operation. While not the most powerful, it’s sufficient for surface cleaning jobs. We could blast away dried mud patches from a bike and clean grease marks off a patio floor without too much elbow grease.

Constructed of durable plastic that feels solid, Karcher built the Cube to deliver reliable service instead of early breakdowns like some other bargain models in this price range I’ve tested. 

During testing, I did notice minor leaking from the hose connections.  While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep an eye on. I also noticed that the wheels are not that great, sometimes they are a little awkward to move around.

Karcher K1700 Cube Electric Pressure Washer

Ease of Use & Storage

With simple controls and an easy on/off foot switch, the K1700 Cube is beginner-friendly. We were able to set it up and start washing in under 5 minutes, no complex assembly required. 

I also appreciate the storage bin at the back of the unit where I can put the wand, gun, the cord, hose, and other accessories like a tool box for easy storage.

The compact cube design takes up minimal space for storage. At just 20 x 12 x 33 inches, it tucks nicely into a corner of the garage or shed. The built-in hose and cord wraps also keep things tidy.  

Value for Money

One tradeoff for the Cubes condensed size is shorter hose and power cord lengths restricting reach somewhat, especially when tackling a whole vehicle. I resolved this by pairing aftermarket extension cords and longer pressure hoses for more flexibility when needed to clean my two-car driveway and three-story home exterior. 

Its electric motor and smaller water pump do limit the Cubes cleaning capabilities for really heavy gunk removal compared to more powerful gas-powered models I’ve used. Homeowners with mostly light to moderate grime accumulation will appreciate its capabilities, while those tackling 100-year old caked on grease may want a heavy-duty upgrade.

Priced around $130-170, the Karcher K1700 Cube offers tremendous value. You get a durable, entry-level pressure washer capable of handling most small cleaning tasks. 

The impressive 3-year warranty also protects your purchase for years to come. Overall, it’s a very wallet-friendly option compared to more powerful gas-powered models that can cost over $500.

As an occasional use of electric pressure washer, it’s a superb value cleaning companion for homes and apartments with limited storage space.

Over All Score: 4/5

I give the Karcher K1700 Cube pressure washer 4 out of 5 stars. 

Karcher K1700 Cube SPECS

Brand –  Karcher

Model – K1700 Cube

Price- around $170

Power Source – Corded Electric

Weight-  15.5 lb.

Dimensions –  16”L x 13”W x 11.5”H

Hose Length – 20ft

PSI- 1700

GPM – 1.2

Warranty- 3 years