Not sure which Karcher window vac to buy? In this article, we review the company’s WV range of home window vacs to help you make the right choice.
Cleaning windows can be a frustrating job – especially without the right tools. Drying a glass window pane with a cloth is likely to leave smears, but letting the window dry naturally causes streaks.
That’s why window vacs are so useful. These handheld appliances suck surfaces dry, so you don’t get ugly smears after cleaning. They make it easy to get crystal clear windows without paying a professional cleaner, and can also be useful for removing condensation.
While the regular vacuum cleaner market has plenty of competing brands, Karcher dominates window vacs in the UK. Their WV series is powerful, lightweight and easy to use – not to mention available for great prices. In fact, the company’s models currently occupy both #1 and #2 positions on our list of the best window vacs.
Which is the best Karcher window vacuum though? And which provides the greatest value for money? Let’s find out by reviewing the WV1, WV2 Plus, WV5 Plus, WV6 Plus and WV Black Edition.
Karcher Window Vac Model Comparison & Review – Which is the Best?
The four base models in the WV range – WV1, WV2, WV5 and WV6 – share many of the same features.
They all have an easy-to-empty container, rechargeable lithium-ion battery and relatively powerful suction. All WV vacs also have a similar design, with a built-in handle and curved neck, and are built to clean everything from windows to shower screens.
There are some important differences between the various models though. The run-time, working nozzle width and weight vary depending on which you buy. There’s also a reasonable difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive options.
Each model also has various versions. The WV2, for example, is available in Basic, Plus, and Plus N Yellow versions.
So, while all WV models provide excellent performance and value for money, make sure you read each review to choose the right model for your requirements.
If You’re in a Hurry…
We’ve reviewed each model below, but here are our top picks depending on your requirements:
- We think the best Karcher vac is the WV5 Plus N. It comes with all the features of the WV2 Plus, but with an edge guidance system, LED battery light indicator, removable battery and two suction heads. If you want the best for your home, go for the WV5 Plus N.
- If you need maximum run-time, the WV6 Plus N is our top choice. It has a huge 100-minute battery life, along with Karcher’s edge guidance system and battery indicator. It’s worth noting that the WV6 Plus N doesn’t have a removable battery, however, so if that’s important to you go for the WV5.
- When it comes to value for money, the WV2 Plus N Yellow is probably the best option. It’s cheaper than the WV5, yet still provides a 35-minute run-time and excellent performance. We think the WV2 Plus N provides the best balance between price and performance, which is why it’s also our #1 window vac.
- If you’re on a tight budget, the WV1 is the cheapest Karcher window vacuum cleaner. It has the same basic design, so it’s great for cleaning windows and tiles – although the 25-minute run-time is 10 minutes shorter than the Wv2 and WV5.
1. Karcher WV5 Plus N (Top Pick)
The most feature-packed WV vacuum cleaner is the WV5 Plus N. It comes with all the features of the WV2 Plus N, including the two blade sizes, 35-minute run-time and powerful suction, but adds some useful extras.
One of the most important additions is the removable battery. The WV5 is the only WV window vac to include this feature, which allows you to swap the battery and continue cleaning (you’ll need to buy another battery though). The edge guidance function, which is effectively an adjustable roller so you can get right up to the edge of frames, is another welcome addition.
The WV5 Plus N also has a more advanced charge indicator. Instead of a simple LED, there’s a 3-step charge level on the handle so you can quickly estimate how much run-time is remaining. It also does a brilliant job of cleaning windows.
If you’re looking for the best window vac and don’t mind paying a bit extra to get it, then the WV5 Plus N is the one to get. It ties with the WV2 Plus N for run-time and versatility, but adds several important features for power users.
Note: While the WV5 is superior to the WV2, for most people the WV2 is “good enough.” That’s why it’s our #1 pick for a window vac. The WV5 is worth the extra cash if you want a removable battery or edge guidance system though.
Overview:
- Run-Time / Charging Time: 35 minutes / 3 hours approx.
- Weight: 0.65kg
- Dirt Water Capacity: 100ml
- Removable Battery: Yes
Key Features:
- Removable lithium-ion battery
- Edge guidance function & 2 blade sizes
- 3-stage charge indicator
2. Karcher WV2 Plus N Yellow (Great Value)
If the WV5 is the most advanced Karcher window vac, the WV2 Plus N Yellow provides the best balance between performance and affordability. It’s not the cheapest – that title goes to the WV1 – but has a 35-minute run-time, two blades and excellent window cleaning performance.
As with all the WV range, the WV2 Plus N Yellow is great for cleaning windows, tiles, mirrors and other surfaces around the home. It’s relatively lightweight, includes a spray bottle kit for the cleaning solution, and is simple to empty.
Karcher has recently upgraded the WV2 to have a 35-minute run-time. This equals the WV5, which is another reason why we recommend the WV2 for most people. The lithium-ion battery also means it doesn’t lose suction power as the charge runs out.
We’re big fans of the WV2 Plus N Yellow. For most households, it provides the best value of any models in the WV range. If you don’t need a replaceable battery or edge guidance system, it provides better value than the WV5.
Note: There is also a basic WV2 Plus version that we haven’t included in these reviews. The main difference is the basic version doesn’t include the smaller 170mm blade.
Overview:
- Run-Time / Charging Time: 35 minutes / 3 hours approx.
- Weight: 0.6kg
- Dirt Water Capacity: 100ml
- Removable Battery: No
Key Features:
- Great balance between price and performance
- 35-minute battery life
- Lightweight design and two suction heads
3. Karcher WV1 (Cheapest Karcher Window Vac)
The cheapest WV vacuum cleaner is the WV1. While it doesn’t include many of the features found on the WV5, it provides great value for money and is perfect for smaller homes.
Let’s start with the similarities between this model and the WV2. It features the same basic design, 100ml dirty water tank and LED charge display. The 250mm cleaning head does an excellent job of leaving streak-free windows and other surfaces, while the lithium battery doesn’t lose suction as it gets low on charge.
There are several key differences between the WV1 and WV5 though. The WV1 only has a 25-minute run-time and no option to swap the battery, so it may not be the right choice for cleaning lots of windows at the same time. It also only has a single 250mm cleaning head – the smaller 170mm head isn’t included.
Even so, the WV1 is an excellent window vac that provides great value for money. It also charges faster, as it regains full charge in 100 minutes compared to 185 minutes. If you don’t need the advanced features or longer battery life of the WV2 and Wv5, the WV1 won’t let you down.
Overview:
- Run-Time / Charging Time: 25 minutes / 100 minutes approx.
- Weight: 0.5kg
- Dirt Water Capacity: 100ml
- Removable Battery: No
Key Features:
- The cheapest WV model
- Still provides excellent cleaning performance
- Slightly lighter than the others on this list
4. Karcher WV Black Edition (Previously Anniversary Edition)
One of the newest Karcher window vacuum cleaners is the WV Black Edition. Originally released for the 10th anniversary of the company’s window vac, the updated Black Edition has a 35-minute run-time, lithium-ion battery and a slick black design.
Like all Karcher home window vacs, the Black Edition provides excellent cleaning performance. Glass windows, mirrors, tiles and worktops are left clear and streak-free, and most water is sucked up with a single pass. There’s also an easy-to-empty container and Karcher’s new “EasyFix” connection, which lets you change cloths without touching dirt.
Is it really an upgrade to the WV2 though? Or is it just a different colour?
The WV2 and Black Edition are certainly very similar, as they have the same battery run-time and charge time, same noise level, and both come with the spray bottle kit for the cleaning fluid. The most important difference is that the Black Edition doesn’t include the smaller suction nozzle, which comes with the WV2 Plus N. This nozzle isn’t included with the basic WV2 either, however, which can make choosing the right model a bit confusing.
For this reason, we recommend the WV2 Plus N for most people, as the smaller nozzle provides more versatility. And if you need a swappable battery and edge cleaning system, then the WV5 is clearly the superior vacuum.
If you prefer the stylish design of the Black Edition, however, then it’s still an excellent choice though (especially as it’s often on sale for less than the WV2).
Overview:
- Run-Time / Charging Time: 35 minutes / 3 hours approx.
- Weight: 0.6kg
- Dirt Water Capacity: 100ml
- Removable Battery: No
Key Features:
- Same features as the basic WV2 (but no second nozzle)
- Stylish black window cleaner vac
- Includes spray bottle kit
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do They Work?
A common complaint about Karcher vacuum cleaners is that their instruction manuals don’t clearly explain how to use a window vac. Perhaps Karcher assumes everyone knows how to use one, but this doesn’t help if you’re buying your first window vac and would like detailed instructions.
If you’re not sure how they work, here’s a quick review video showing one in action. The process is similar whether you’re cleaning windows, bathroom tiles, car windows or mirrors:
Keep in mind that window vacs are typically only useful for cleaning ground floor windows. Extension poles can help reach higher conservatory glass or patio doors, but they are difficult to use on first floor windows without a ladder (which comes with its own dangers.) Of course, they are also great for cleaning shower screens, shower doors, and car windows.
Related Article: How to Use a Karcher Vacuum Cleaner to Clean Windows
What Accessories Are Available?
Karcher sells a number of accessories to make cleaning surfaces in your home easier. Most of these fit all models of the WV range, although check before you buy. Some of the most useful accessories include:
- Extension Poles. These attach to the body of the window vac so you can clean taller windows without a ladder. If you have skylights or large windows, an extension pole is a useful accessory to buy.
- Smaller Suction Blades. Some models (such as the WV5 Plus N) come with both a large and small blade, but Karcher also sells blades separately.
- Holster Belt. This bag holds your window vac while you’re using the spray bottle or cleaning manually.
You can also buy replacement parts for the WV series. These include charger packs, rubber lips, spray bottle sets and microfibre cloths.
Where Should I Buy One?
The WV window vac range is available on most major online stores, including Amazon, Argos and Tesco. If you want to find the cheapest deals, make sure you shop around. You may also be able to find second-hand or used models on sites such as eBay.
Summary
Karcher window vacs – also known as the WV range – are amongst the top products on the market. All WV models are powerful, come with lithium batteries to prevent suction loss, and are great for streak-free windows, tiles and mirrors.
We think the #1 model is the WV5 Plus N. It has a 35-minute run-time, along with several other useful features that aren’t included on cheaper models. If you’re looking for the best value, however, then the WV2 Plus N is a great choice – especially if you don’t need a removable battery.
Do you have any questions about choosing a Karcher window vac? Or do you have feedback about one of the models? Let us know in the comments section below.
great, easy to understand comparison between models – thank you! 🙂