With many pressure washer models available, choosing the right one to suit can sometimes be confusing. Let’s explore the differences.

The name Karcher is synonymous with high performance, quality and innovation worldwide. As a pioneer of pressure washing, today, Karcher is the global market leader and has been continuously optimising the principle of pressure washing providing more power with lower consumption and running costs; longer lifetimes and shorter cleaning times and a vast product range that meets any demand with innovative technology and versatility, whether it's a cold water or hot water, an electric motor, mobile or stationary. Karcher provide the right solution for every cleaning task.

With so many different pressure washer variants available, choosing the right model to suit the type of cleaning work you do can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we will explore and explain the differences between hot and cold water pressure washers, to help you make an informed choice for your business.


CLEANING WITH HOT OR COLD WATER: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Hot Water Pressure Washers


Hot Water Pressure Washers increase the water temperature up to 80°C (or up to 155°C for steam cleaning). Cleaning with a Hot Water Pressure Washer is far quicker when cleaning oil or grease residues such as traffic film and because they have less impact pressure making them gentler on more sensitive surfaces. Objects cleaned with hot water also dry more quickly resulting in a better less streak-free finish. Most Hot Water Pressure Washers usually need diesel fuel to power the burner (although some are electrically heated) and can be driven by electrical motors, petrol or diesel engines. Despite being usually more expensive to buy and require more regular servicing (due to their increased complexity) than an equivalent Cold Water Pressure Washer, the increased efficiency of a Hot Water Pressure Washer reduces costs associated with labour and detergents.

  • Better cleaning results
     Solidified oils and fats dissolve and emulsify considerably better and are therefore more easily removed. Hot water is particularly effective in dissolving proteins and fats in the food industry.
  • Shorter working time
    Hot Water loosens dirt more quickly resulting in significant time savings of up to 35%.
  • Reduced use of cleaning detergents
    In most cases, fats, oils, resins, etc can be dissolved just using hot water resulting in significantly less cleaning detergent being required. 
  • Germ-reducing effect without cleaning agents
     Cleaning with hot water significantly reduces the presence of germs without the need for disinfectants. 
  • Protection of surfaces
     Achieve the same cleaning effect and protect sensitive surfaces by cleaning using a lower working pressure.
  • Shorter drying time
    Surfaces cleaned with hot water can dry faster due to the increased heat and are ready more quickly for further processing.
Cold Water Pressure Washers


Cold water pressure washers effectively clean by using a high impact cleaning philosophy and the higher the flow rate, the quicker they will flush away dirt and rinse areas clean. Cold Water Pressure Washers are great for quick cleaning jobs as they are relatively light, easy to transport, take up less storage space and are quick to set up. They can also be cheaper to service and are generally less expensive to buy than a Hot Water Pressure Washer. However for cleaning jobs where there is a lot of dirt and grease or deep cleaning is required they are more reliant on the use of detergents which may make Hot Water Pressure Washers the lower cost option over the long term.



  • Maximum mobility
     Ideal for those on the move cleaning jobs where easy transportation is essential thanks to the compact and ergonomic design. Whether loading into a vehicle or carrying up steps, it can also be easily stored when not in use. For larger cleaning jobs the new HD trailer pressure washer can even be towed by your vehicle.
  • Total independence
     Use even where there is no water or power supply, Kärcher petrol or diesel-powered pressure washers enable you to directly suction water from lakes, or water bowsers making them ideal for use in agriculture, construction or the public sector.
  • Industry-specific solutions
     Designed and tailored to your requirements, Kärcher provides machines to be used in a variety of industries, from the strict hygiene requirements of the food industry to use in potentially explosive environments.