Karcher K397MVPS 1.6 GPM @ 1600 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend Upright, ergonomic design makes it easy to maneuver and uses very little storage space. Features both Vario Power Spray Wand (VPS) that allows pressure to be adjusted for different cleaning jobs. Innovative nozzle delivers a jet stream with a razor-sharp edge. Product details and pricing info |
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8 Customer Reviews Posted
- Plastic
- Poorly engineered, or perhaps ingenious engineering?
Well, I'm fairly certain that Karcher doesn't make their money selling machines, but selling parts. There are several weak spots that seem to be built in to this machine.
The hose attachment is plastic and a huge weak point. It does not seal well, and when it does, it eventually springs a leak.
The hose: Way too light. The hose seems to be made of dripper lines(?). The hose is far too thin. It kinks. It does not like to be brushed against cement or bricks. It scuffs way too easily making the weak point even worse.
The handle: Leaks like a waterhose. They had me order replacement parts. First order was wrong, wouldn't return shipping and handling. 2nd did not fix the problem.
The plug: GFI plug rusted and eventually needed replacing. I was able to replace, not with OEM.
I'm sure I'll recall other problems I've had with this unit. This machine is a money pit. Less than an hour of use.
-AVOID KARCHER- Spend a little more and get a quality machine. - 2008-05-18, 0 of 0 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Poorest excuse for customer service ever
- Karcher sells a what I thought to be a nice electric pressure washer. After 4 months of use, water started to gush out of the inside whenever the hose was turned on. That, however, is just one aspect of the problem.
Their customer service for "Rapid Exchange" requires proof in the form of your credit card statement faxed to them in order to send a new unit, as well as a laborious phone call.
Just save yourself the time, hassle, and headache. Don't buy anything Karcher, as you will regret it. They clearly manufacture cheap goods and then provide terrible customer service to boot. - 2007-10-12, 1 of 1 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Good washer but poor manufacturing
- It's too bad Karcher has gone by the cheap wayside. The ability of this little machine is fantastic but it only lasts for a few uses. The hose kinked so bad that it sprung leaks and we had to replace it within the first week. The machine could not handle being on for more than 20 minutes. Now when you are power washing a deck or a driveway, it takes more than 20 minutes. It blew circuit breakers except for the dedicated line we had for our saws so it is challenged by a regular household line. The on and off switch was not in alignment so we had to jiggle it to just a certain point holding down the trigger and could not let off the trigger or else it would stall. The motor was challenged as well and not up to the tasks it was meant for. After the fourth time using it, the motor went into a surging mode, kind of like waves of power which would, of course, modify the flow of water. Eventually it just would not turn back on. We have owned it less than 6 weeks.
- 2007-07-21, 3 of 3 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Not good service from Karcher
- I bought a Karcher K397M probably over a year ago now. It worked great, then the hose got a hole after about 6 uses. (Some people tell me this is because the hose rubs against itself while in operation.) I have contacted Karcher and they keep INSISTING that I buy a replacement hose for $61.00 that definitely WILL NOT fit this washer. I think they changed the setup because the hose for the smaller unit with 1400 PSI would fit, but I asked them if they thought this was a safe procedure and they never answered!! The hose they keep trying to sell me definitely WILL NOT work! Will never buy a Karcher again and advise anyone else not to.
- 2005-10-04, 6 of 6 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Multi-purpose Karcher 3.97 M Electric Pressure Washer
- I have been trying different Karcher pressure washers for cleaning the white aluminum siding on my house and have decided I need a gas powered unit to get enough power to get the job done. The 3.97 M, however, is the most powerful of the electric washers I have tried and it can be used for cleaning just about anything less demanding than siding. Mine came with a 25 ft. high pressure hose and a 35 ft. electric cord, so I have a great deal of range outside. Two wands were included, a Vario and Dirtblaster which both have great uumph. At just under 30 lbs. it is very compact and easy to store inside. It also has a nice handle, wheels, and storage for hose, gun, and wands.
- 2005-07-15, 8 of 8 people found this review helpful, Rated:
