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iLife Shinebot W400 vs W400S vs W450 vs W455 what’s the difference?

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When we write this short article, the iLife has 4 floor washing robot models, the Shinebot W400, W400s, W450 and W455. These 4 hard floor cleaning robots can be divided into two groups.
The W400 and W400s are similar to each other whereas the W450 and W455 are similar. There are some big difference between these two groups.

  • Difference Between iLife Shinebot W400 and W400s:
    iLife W400s is an upgrade of iLife W400, its software has been upgraded when compared with W400, and it comes with a bottle of hard floor cleanser which the W400 does not include. Otherwise, they are the same.
  • Difference Between iLife Shinebot W450 and W455:
    The iLife W455 has a silver top whereas the W450 has a black top. The W450 comes with a bottle of hard floor cleanser while the W455 does not.
    According to customer support, these two machines have similar performance, but the W455 has stronger and more efficient cleaning ability compared to W450.
    Otherwise, these two are almost the same.

Difference Between iLife Shinebot W400/W400s and W450/W455:
The two groups have some big difference. The W450/W455 are upgraded models of the W400/W400s, they are “smarter”.

  • What’s New?
    The W450/W455 are equiped with PanoView Camera that improves navigation accuracy and avoid missing areas needs cleaning.
    The W450/W455 support WiFi which allows users to control the robots via smartphone App.
    The W450/W455 have more cleaning settings to customize to fit different cleaning needs. You can control the amount of water released, the brush roller speed, the moving speed of the robots, how many times (up to 3 times) you want the robots to clean or dry the floor, and you can also draw in the app to have the robots to wash a specific area for more quick and efficient cleaning.
  • Cleaning Modes
    The W400/W400s have 4 modes: Path, Area, Spot, Edge.
    while the W450/W455 have 3 modes: Path, Area, Spot.
  • Battery
    The W400/W400s have a 2500mAh battery pack, the charging time is less than 300 minutes whereas the W450/W455 have a 2900mAh battery pack, it’s charging time is less than 380 minutes. It seems no much difference on the working time.
  • Hard Floor Cleanser
    The W400s and W450 come with a bottle of hard floor Cleanser whereas the other two do not include.

Similarities:

  • These robots can only be used on hard floors, such as laminate, tile, and hardwood floors; they cannot mop carpet/rugs; and they do not dry vacuum.
  • Tidalpower Cleaning System
    The robots will moisten and scrub the floor, suction up dirty water, and then scrape residues.
  • Separate Dirty/Clean Water Tank
    All of them have separate clean water tank that holds up to 0.85L and dirty water tank that have capacity of 0.9L.
  • Charging Type
    They are not self charging robots, they will not automatically go back to the charging dock to recharge when the battery is low or when the job done. So, you will have to manually take them to the charging dock for recharging.
  • Anti Collision & Anti Fall
    Just like most of the cleaning robots on the market, these iLife hard floor mopping robots feature Anti Collision sensors to stop them from crashing into obstacles & Anti Fall sensors to prevent them from falling down steps.
  • No Barrier Kits
    All of them do not include nor support magnetic strips or “virtual wall” or similar boundary kits to stop them from entering restricted areas.
  • Schedule Cleaning
    They do not allow you to schedule cleaning time.

Read the Shinebot comparison table below to learn more:

Floor Washing RobotiLife Shinebot W400iLife Shinebot W400siLife Shinebot W450iLife Shinebot W455
ModelW400W400sW450W455
Suitabilitytile, marble, composite floortile, marble, composite floortile, marble, composite floortile, marble, composite floor
Cleaning PatternZig-ZagZig-ZagZig-Zag with Smart NavigationZig-Zag with Smart Navigation
PanoView CameraNoNoYesYes
Cleaning ModesPath, Area, Spot, EdgePath, Area, Spot, EdgePath, Area, SpotPath, Area, Spot
Tidalpower Cleaning System
(Moisten,Scrub,Suction,Scrape)		YesYesYesYes
Clean Tank Capacity0.85L0.85L0.85L0.85L
Dirty Tank Capacity0.90L0.90L0.90L0.90L
Water Level IndicatorYesYesYesYes
Battery2500mAh2500mAh2900mAh2900mAh
Charging Timeless than 300 minutesless than 300 minutesless than 380 minutesless than 380 minutes
Run Timemore than 80 minutesmore than 80 minutesmore than 80 minutesmore than 80 minutes
Battery Level IndicatorYesYesYesYes
Charging TypeManualManualManualManual
Charging DockYesYesYesYes
Working Voltage14.4-14.8V14.4-14.8V14.4V14.4V
Power SupplyAC 100-240V(50/60Hz)AC 100-240V(50/60Hz)AC 100-240V(50/60Hz)AC 100-240V(50/60Hz)
Remote Control IncludedYesYesYesYes
WiFi SupportabilityNoNoYesYes
App ControlNoNoYesYes
Cleaning Plan Setups
(clean/dry how many times)		NoNoYesYes
Customizable Cleaning Setting
(water volume,travel speed,roller speed)		NoNoYesYes
Cleaning Area SelectionNoNoYesYes
Boundary
(Magnet Strip/Virtual Wall Kit)		NoNoNoNo
Schedule CleaningNoNoNoNo
Auto RechargeNoNoNoNo
Auto DockingNoNoNoNo
Anti-CollisionYesYesYesYes
Anti-FallYesYesYesYes
Voice AlertYesYesYesYes
Carry HandleYesYesYesYes
Cleanser IncludedNoYesYesNo
Dimensions282*292*118mm282*292*118mm282*292*118mm282*292*118mm
Net Weight3.3Kg3.3Kg3.3Kg3.3Kg
ColorBlackBlackBlackBlack with Silver
WarrantyOne Year Limited WarrantyOne Year Limited WarrantyOne Year Limited WarrantyOne Year Limited Warranty

Some questions and answers:

  • Do the Shinebot pick up pet hair?
    No,they do not vacuum.You should vacuum or sweep the floor before using them.
  • Can you use other solution such as bona cleaner?
    The manual says “Do not add any detergents except Shinebot cleanser”.
    Commonly, manufacturers do not allow you to use other brand products, or it will void the warranty.
  • Will the robots return to the docking base to recharge?
    No.
  • Can you set the robots to run at a specific time?
    No.
  • Can you open the dirty water tank to clean it?
    No. There’s only an small opening that allows you to fill it with clean water and flush out.
  • Will the robots detect carpet/rugs and not going onto?
    No.

You can also download the manuals on iLife official site to learn more details before buying. Here are the links if you want to save time:

W400 manual:
https://www.iliferobot.com/u_file/photo/20191112/7d2d6a54ef.pdf

W400s user guide:
https://www.iliferobot.com/u_file/photo/20201023/809558d89b.pdf

W450 instructions:
https://www.iliferobot.com/u_file/photo/20210505/71906b2af3.pdf

Ad:

W455 PDF manual:
https://www.iliferobot.com/u_file/photo/20210807/c5c8c33598.pdf

Karcher SC1 EasyFix vs SC2 EasyFix vs SC3 EasyFix vs SC4 EasyFix vs SC5 EasyFix Steam Cleaners what’s the difference?

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The SC1 EasyFix is the most compact one, it can be used as a handheld steam cleaner or transform into stick mode, while the others are canister models, they need the help of the hose and steam gun to do above floor cleaning jobs.
The SC5 EasyFix has a detachable hose with steam gun while the SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix and SC4 EasyFix have a built-in hose with steam gun.

Other differences between the Karcher SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix Steam Cleaners are as follows:

images from Karcher official site

Steam CleanerKarcher SC1 EasyFix Steam CleanerKarcher SC2 EasyFix Steam CleanerKarcher SC3 EasyFix Steam CleanerKarcher SC4 EasyFix Steam CleanerKarcher SC5 EasyFix Steam Cleaner
ModelSC1 EasyFixSC2 EasyFixSC3 EasyFixSC4 EasyFixSC5 EasyFix
Power SourceCordedCordedCordedCordedCorded
Cord Length4m4m4m4m6m
Integrated On/Off SwitchNoNoYesYesYes
Accessory Power Outlet for Optional IroningNoNoNoNoYes
Heating Output1200W1500W1900W2000W2200W
Heat-up Time3 minutes6.5 minutes30 seconds4 minutes3 minutes
2-Tank SystemNoNoNoYesYes
Boiler / Water Tank Capacity0.2L1L1L0.5L / 0.8L0.5L / 1.5L
Removable Water TankNoNoNoYesYes
Area Performance Per Tank Fillingapprox. 20 m²approx. 75 m²approx. 75 m²approx. 100 m²approx. 150 m²
Max Steam Pressu re3 bar3.2 bar3.5 bar3.5 bar4.2 bar
Steam Flow ControlNoon handleon handleon handleon the device (multi-step)
Descaling CartridgeNoNoYesNoNo
Descaling PowderNoNoNoNoYes
VapoHydro FunctionNoNoNoNoYes
Child Safety Lock/Safety ValveYesYesYesYesYes
Integrated Filling FunnelYesYesYesYesYes
Accessory Storage and Parking PositionNoYesYesYesYes
Cord Storage CompartmentNoNoNoYesYes
Floor NozzleYes
1		Yes
1		Yes
1		Yes
1		Yes
1
Microfiber Floor Cloth11111
Extension Tube2 x 0.5m2 x 0.5m2 x 0.5m2 x 0.5m2 x 0.5m
Hand NozzleYesYesYesYesYes
Microfiber Cover for Hand Nozzle11111
Detail NozzleYesYesYesYesYes
Round Brush1 (small)1 (small)1 (small)1 (small)1 (small)
Power NozzleYesNoNoNoNo
Measuring CupYesNoNoNoNo
Steam Hose with Trigger GunNo2 m2 m2 m2.3 m
Weight without accessories1.6 kg2.9 kg3.1 kg4.1 kg6.6 kg
Weight incl. packaging (kg)3.3 kg4.6 kg4.7 kg5.8 kg8.8 kg
Dimensions
(L × W × H) 		321mm x 127mm x 186mm380mm x 254mm x 260mm360mm x 236mm x 253mm380mm x 251mm x 273mm439mm x 301 mm x 305 mm
  • Cord Length
    The SC5 EasyFix has a 6m cord whereas the others have a 4m cable.
  • On/Off Switch
    The SC1 EasyFix and SC2 EasyFix has no On/Off Switch, when you insert the plug into a socket, the device is on. Whereas the SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix have On/Off control to turn On/Off the devices.
  • Accessory Port for Optional Ironing
    The SC5 EasyFix has an outlet for optional ironing whereas the others don’t.
  • Heating Output
    The heating output of the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix are 1200W, 1500W, 1900W, 2000W and 2200W.
  • Heat-up Time
    The heating time of the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix are 3 minutes, 6.5 minutes, 30 seconds, 4 minutes and 3 minutes.
  • 2-Tank System
    The SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix have 2 tank system whereas the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix and SC3 EasyFix have one tank design.
  • Tank Capacity
    Boiler / Water Tank Capacity
    The SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix and SC3 EasyFix have tank capacity of 0.2L, 1L and 1L. Whereas the SC4 EasyFix has 0.5L boiler and 0.8L water tank, SC5 EasyFix has 0.5L boiler and 1.5L water reservoir.
  • Removable Water Tank
    The SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix have removable water tank whereas the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix and SC3 EasyFix have built-in tank.
  • Area Performance Per Tank Filling
    Larger tanks can cover larger areas per tank filling, the SC1 EasyFix has the smallest tank while the SC5 EasyFix has the largest tank.
    The area performance per tank filling of SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix are approximately 20 m², 75 m², 75 m², 100 m² and 150 m².
  • Max Steam Pressure
    The max steam pressure of SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix are 3 bar, 3.2 bar, 3.5 bar, 3.5 bar and 4.2 bar.
    Higher steam pressure commonly could get tougher jobs done.
  • Steam Flow Control
    The SC1 EasyFix does not have variable steam whereas the others have steam flow control.
  • Descaling Cartridge
    The SC3 EasyFix has a descaling Cartridge whereas the others don’t. The descaling cartridge can autonomously decalcifies the water, thereby increasing the lifetime of the device.
  • VapoHydro Function
    The SC5 EasyFix features VapoHydro Function whereas the others don’t. The VapoHydro Function adds hot water to steam. Dirt is removed more easily and washed away, for even better cleaning results.
  • Accessory Storage and Parking Position
    The SC1 EasyFix does not have accessory storage and parking Position whereas the others have.
  • Cable Storage Compartment
    The SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix have cord storage compartment for storing the cable neatly while the others don’t.
  • Accessories
    The SC1 EasyFix comes with a Power Nozzle and Measuring Cup whereas the others don’t.
    The power nozzle is designed to clean stubborn dirt, blow down corners, joins, etc.
  • Steam Hose with Trigger Gun
    The SC1 EasyFix does not have the Steam Hose with Trigger Gun while the others have.
  • Weight
    The SC1 EasyFix is the lightest one while the SC5 EasyFix is the heaviest one.
    Without accessories, the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix weigh 1.6kg, 2.9kg, 3.1kg, 4.1kg and 6.6kg.
    With accessories, the SC1 EasyFix, SC2 EasyFix, SC3 EasyFix, SC4 EasyFix and SC5 EasyFix weigh 3.3kg, 4.6kg, 4.7kg, 5.8kg and 8.8kg.

Download manuals/user guides/instructions to learn more:
SC1 EasyFix
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5547100-000-06.pdf

SC2 EasyFix
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5546018-000-06.pdf

SC3 EasyFix
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5544676-000-05.pdf

SC4 EasyFix
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5544725-000-04.pdf

SC5 EasyFix
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5542253-000-04.pdf

Bissell 2685A vs 2705A vs 1544A vs 15441 what’s the difference?

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The difference between the Bissell 2685A Power Steamer Heavy Duty and Bissell 2075A Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop is the use, included accessories, and color scheme.

  • The 2685A is for indoor and outdoor surface cleaning, while the 2075A is for indoor use only.
  • The 2685A comes with more accessories than the 2075A. For example, the 2685A comes with (4) Nylon Bristle Brushes for scrubbing everyday messes on above floor surfaces and (4) Grout Tools for removing dirt and grime from grout on sealed hard surfaces, whereas the 2075A comes with (2) Nylon Bristle Brushes and (1) Grout Tool.

    The 2685A comes with (2) Scrubby Mop Pad which is recommended for cleaning durable surfaces like tile, whereas the 2075A comes with (1) Scrubby Mop Pad and (1) White Mop Pad that is recommended for everyday use on delicate flooring like sealed hardwoods and laminate.

    The 2685A also comes with (4) Brass Bristle Brushes for scrubbing tough messes on durable surfaces, while the 2075A does not include.

  • The 2685A is yellow and black whereas the 2075A is blue and white.

When it comes to functionality, design, cable length, power, etc. They are the same.

Some people said that the 2685A has continuous steam setting.
No, it does not. You have to push the trigger
underneath the handle of the handheld portion to release steam, just like the 2785A.
However, if you want, you could try to use velcro to wrap around the trigger to get continuous steam. (Do this at your own risk.)

The Bissell 2685A and 2075A are 3-in-1 Steam Mop and Handheld Steamer: upright steam cleaner, extended reach steam cleaner and a handheld steam cleaner.

  • They are slim, have a swivel and low profile floor mop head.
  • Both come with a variety of tools to tackle sealed hard floor and above floor cleaning jobs.
    An Extension Wand to help clean high and low areas,
    a Floor Mop Tool to use with mop pads to clean hard floors,
    a Flat Surface Tool and Mop Pad to clean large flat surfaces,
    a Fabric Steamer and Cloth to clean and refresh clothing, drapes and upholstered surfaces,
    an Angle Concentrator Tool to clean hard to reach spots, a Window Squeegee to clean windows, glass and mirrors,
    a Flat Scraper Tool to scrape off stuck-on messes,
    a Water Tank and a Wall Mount for storage.
  • A Tool Box attached to the handheld pod for storing the Bristle Brush, Angle Concentrator Tool, Grout Tool, and Flat Scraper Tool onboard.
  • They use a steam trigger that requires you to press the button all the time to keep the the steam going, not a lock design without getting your hand tired.
  • Have 2 steam intensity settings: Low Steam for cleaning delicate surfaces and light everyday messes; High Steam for cleaning durable surfaces, tough stains and stuck-on or sticky messes.
    Steam will be ready in 30 seconds, heat up to over 200 degrees.
  • The water tank capacity is 12 oz / 350 ml.
    It is recommended to use distilled water or demineralized water in place of tap water to prolong the life of the steam mop.
    Use other solutions may harm the machine and void the warranty.
  • Corded and have a 25-foot power cord.
  • 13-inch cleaning path width.
  • Carry 2 year limited warranty.

*******************************************

Bissell 1544A vs 15441 what’s the difference?
According to Bissell customer support, the only difference between Bissell 1544A and 15441 is where they’re sold.

The 1544A and 15441 PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop are 2-in-1 Steamer, can be used as a hard floor steamer or a handheld Steamer for above floor cleaning.

Just like the 2685A/2075A, both of the 1544A and 15441
come with a variety of tools to do floor and above floor cleaning. Such as:
a Floor Mop Tool and 2 mop pads,
a Flat Surface Tool and Mop Pad,
a Fabric Steamer and Cloth,
an Angle Concentrator Tool,
a Window Squeegee,
a Flat Scraper Tool,
and a Detachable Water Cup.

The 1544A and 15441 also come with odor eliminating fragrance discs to help remove pet odors.

**********************************

The main difference between the Bissell Power Steamer Heavy Duty 2685A / Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop 2075A and Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544 / 15441 are as follows:

  • Design
    The 2685A/2075A are 3-in-1 machines while the 1544/15441 are 2-in-1 steamers.
    the 2685A/2075A have a detachable extension tube which allows you clean those hard to reach high and low spots, whereas the 1544/15441 do not have the wand.
    However, the 1544/15441 come with a extension hose whereas the 2685A/2075A do not include.
  • Steam Control
    The 2685A/2075A use a trigger type control which you should keep on pressing to activate steam, whereas the 1544/15441 do not require you to constantly holding down the button to release steam, you just turn on the machine, then select low or high steam setting to get continuous steam.
SteamerBissell Power Steamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 Steam Mop and Handheld Steamer 2685ABissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop 2075ABissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop 1544ABissell PowerFresh Pet Lift-Off Steam Mop 15441
Model#2685A2075A1544A15441
Design3-in-13-in-12-in-12-in-1
Power SourceCordedCordedCordedCorded
Cord Length25-foot25-foot25-foot25-foot
Wattage1500W1500W1500W1500W
Steam ControlSteam on Demand/TriggerSteam on Demand/TriggerContinuous SteamContinuous Steam
Steam Level2222
Sealed Hard Floor CleaningYesYesYesYes
Above Floor CleaningYesYesYesYes
Tank Capacity
12 oz12 oz13.5 oz13.5 oz
Swivel HeadYesYesYesYes
Cleaning Path Width13-inch13-inch13-inch13-inch
Extension Tube

YesYesNoNo
Extension HoseNoNoYesYes
ColorBlack/YellowBlue/WhiteBrite White/Samba OrangeBrite White/Samba Orange
Weight6.125 lbs6.125 lbs10.6 lbs10.6 lbs
Warranty2-year limited warranty2-year limited warranty2-year limited warranty2-year limited warranty

Karcher FC 5 vs FC 5 Premium what’s the difference?

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According to Karcher, the difference between Karcher FC 5 and FC 5 Premium hard floor cleaners is that the FC 5 Premium is the upgrade version of FC 5, it has all the features of the FC 5, but with improved debris pickup, two extra rollers, different detergent, and a white color body.
Otherwise, they are the same.

Floor CleanerKarcher FC 5Karcher FC 5 Premium
ColorYellowWhite
Number of Rollers Included1 set2 sets
Detergent(1)500ml RM 536 Multipurpose Floor Cleaner(1)30ml RM 534 Sealed Wood Floor Cleaner
(1)30ml RM 535 Wood Floor Oil/Wax Cleaner
(1)30ml RM 536 Multipurpose Floor Cleaner
(1)30ml RM 537 Stone Floor Cleaner

Product info and things you may want to know before buying:

  • These machines are designed for cleaning hard floors, not for use on carpet and area rugs.
  • They are corded, have a 25-foot/7m power cord.
  • They have clean water tank and waste water tank to separate clean and dirty water.
  • They use two rotating microfiber rollers to mop all standard hard floors, including hardwood, laminate, stone, tile, vinyl floors, etc.
    The rollers are automatically wetted by the clean water when the machine is ON, they spin at the speed of 500 rpm, wipe and pick up dirty water, dust, small crumbs, pet hair, etc. And the built-in vacuum motor will then suction these dirty things off the rollers, collect them into the waste water tank.
    Thus, you always clean the floors with clean water.
  • According to Karcher, the FC 5 uses up to 85% less water when compared to traditional mopping, meanwhile providing better cleaning performance. And the cleaned floors will dry in no more than two minutes.
  • They come with a clean and storage station for storing and cleaning the device.
  • The rollers can be detached and cleaned under running water or washing machine.
  • The waste water tank can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
  • There is no detergent tank. You will have to add detergent into clean water tank if you want to use detergent.

    Karcher customer support say that they allow you to add your own detergent, however, “Detergents containing bleach, ammonia, or other corrosive substances is
    not permitted for use in this machine. The use of non-approved detergents can damage the appliance and will void the warranty”.

    You can also use only water without adding any detergent.

  • There’s no heater. You can add cold or lukewarm tap water into the clean water tank.
  • They do not steam.
  • There is no solution release trigger, the water comes out automatically when it’s powered on.
  • The color scheme is the only difference between the grey and yellow microfiber rollers.
  • They are hard floor cleaners, not vacuum cleaners.
  • Come with clean and storage station for cleaning and storing the machines.
  • The handle does not fold for storage.
  • The FC 5 is designed in Germany and assembled in Lithuania.
  • Weighs 11.02lbs / 5kg (without cleaning liquids)
  • Dimensions are 12.60″ x 10.63″ x 48.03″ / 320mm x 270mm x 1220mm
  • Carry 3-year limited warranty.

    • Download Karcher FC 5/FC 5 premium manual to learn more:
    https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5612773-000-07.pdf

Karcher FC3 vs FC5 vs FC7 vs FC7 Premium cordless hard floor cleaner what’s the difference?

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The differences between the Karcher FC 3, FC 5, FC 7, FC 7 Premium cordless hard floor cleaners are as follows:
(the FC5 is discontinued.)

  • Cleaning Rollers on the device
    The FC3 and FC5 have 2 rollers whereas the FC7 and FC7 Premium have 4 rollers.
  • Run Time
    FC3 and FC5 runs up to approximately 20 minutes whereas the FC7 runs up to 45 minutes.
  • Speeds
    The FC3 and FC5 have only one speed which is 500rpm whereas the FC7/FC7 Premium have 2 cleaning level settings that have the speeds of 450RPM and 490rpm and a boost mode which has the max speed of 530rpm.
  • Mechanism
    The Karcher FC 5 Cordless hard floor cleaner has a suction motor which vacuums the dirty water off the back of the two rollers and into the waste water tank which located on the back of the machine.
    The FC3, FC7 and FC7 Premium Cordless hard floor cleaners do not have a vacuum motor, it uses a scraping method to remove dirty water off the back of the rollers and collects the water in the waste water tank which located at the bottom.
  • Tank Capacity
    Both of them have dual tanks: a clean water tank and a dirty water tank. The tanks on the FC5, FC7, FC7 Premium are a bit larger, the clean water tank holds up to 13.5 oz, dirty water tank holds up to 6.8 oz. Whereas the FC 3 cordless clean water tank capacity is 12.2 oz and waste water tank capacity is 4.7 oz.
  • Dirty Water Tank Removal
    The dirty water tank on the FC 5 cordless is the easiest to remove to empty. Whereas the FC 3 cordless dirty water tank is under the floor head cover, you will need to remove the cover to reach the dirty water tank. For FC7 and FC7 Premium, you will need to lift the device to detachable the dirty water tray and use both your hands to move it and then empty.
  • Weight
    The FC5, FC7, FC Premium Cordless are heavier, they weigh approximately 9.6 pounds (without accessories and cleaning fluids) versus 5.3 pounds on the FC 3 Cordless.
  • Dimensions (L x W x H)
    The FC 5 Cordless is a bit bulkier.
    The dimensions of FC 7/FC7 Premium Cordless are
    12.2″ x 9.1″ x 47.6″.
    The dimensions of FC 5 Cordless are
    12.6″ x 10.6″ x 48″.
    The dimensions of FC 3 Cordless are
    12″ x 8.9″ x 48″.
  • Storage Station
    The storage docks of the two units are also a bit different.
    The FC 5, FC 7/FC 7 Premium Cordless storage station is not only for storing the machine and rollers, but also allows you to rinse the device with fresh water in the storage station when finished using. You place the FC 5 Cordless into storage station, fill storage station with water and turn on the unit to do the rinsing procedure.
    The FC 3 Cordless storage station on the other hand does not have the feature to rinse the device.
  • Charger Cord Length
    The FC 5 Cordless charger cable length is 59.06 inches versus 70.87 inches on the FC 3 Cordless.
  • Battery
    The FC7/FC7 Premium use 25.55V battery pack, FC 5 Cordless has 25.2V battery pack versus 7.2V on the FC 3 Cordless.

FC7 vs FC7 Premium
The difference between them is:
** The FC7 Premium has LED headlights whereas the FC7 does not have.
** The FC7 Premium has a white base whereas the one on FC7 is yellow.
** The FC7 Premium comes with an extra set of rollers which is designed for cleaning stone floor, whereas the FC7 comes with only one set of universal rollers which are white and yellow, the rollers on FC7 Premium are white and grey.
** Besides the 500ml universal hard floor detergent that the FC includes, the FC7 Premium also comes with an extra bottle of 30ml stone floor cleaner.

Floor CleanerKarcher FC 3 CordlessKarcher FC 5 CordlessKarcher FC 7 CordlessKarcher FC 7 Cordless
Battery7.2V lithium ion battery25.2V lithium ion battery25.55V lithium ion battery25.55V lithium ion battery
Detachable BatteryNoNoNoNo
Battery IndicatorYesYesYesYes
Charge Time4 hours4 hours4 hours4 hours
Run TimeUp to 20 minutesUp to 20 minutesUp to 45 minutesUp to 45 minutes
Rated Power40W165W80W80W
Cleaning Roller Amount on the device2244
Number of Speeds1133
Roller Speed500rpm500rpm450rpm at cleaning level 1;
490rpm at cleaning level 2;
530rpm at boost mode.		450rpm at cleaning level 1;
490rpm at cleaning level 2;
530rpm at boost mode.
Vacuum MotorNoYesNoNo
Removable Cleaner Head CoverYesYesYesYes
Dual TanksYesYesYesYes
Clean Water Tank Capacity12.17 oz/360 ml13.5 oz/400 ml13.5 oz/400 ml13.5 oz/400 ml
Dirty Water Tank Capacity4.73 oz/140 ml6.8 oz6.8 oz6.8 oz
On/Off ControlYesYesYesYes
Spray ButtonNoNoNoNo
HeadlightsNoNoNoYes
Charger Cord Length70.87 inches/1800 mm59.06 inches/1500 mm
Storage StationIncludedIncludedIncludedIncluded
DetergentIncludes one bottle 16.9oz/500mlIncludes one bottle 16.9oz/500mlIncludes one bottle of Multipurpose Floor Cleaner 16.9oz/500mlIncludes one bottle of Multipurpose Floor Cleaner 16.9oz/500ml,
and Additional Stone Floor Cleaning Solution one ounce
Weight (without accessories)5.3lbs/2.4kg9.7lbs/4.4kg9.5lbs9.5lbs
Dimensions12" x 8.9" x 48"12.6" x 10.6" x 48"12.2" x 9.1" x 47.6"12.2" x 9.1" x 47.6"
Warranty3-year limited warranty3-year limited warranty3-year limited warranty3-year limited warranty

Similarities:

  • Powered by lithium-ion battery.
  • Have separate dirty water tank and clean water tank.
  • No separate detergent tank.
  • Have On/Off button on the handle.
  • LED display to show battery level.
  • Include storage station to store the unit in upright position.
  • Include a bottle of detergent (RM 536) 16.9oz/500ml.
  • Rollers can be detached to clean. You can clean the rollers under running water or wash them in washing machine.
  • Carry 3-year limited warranty.

Some questions and answers:

  • How long will it take to charge?
    Empty battery will take approximately 4 hours to charge.
  • Is the battery replaceable?
    The battery is not detachable. You cannot buy a second battery to swap out the battery to extend the run time.
    Disconnecting the battery will invalidate the warranty.
  • Is there a button for spraying solution?
    No. Only a On/Off button.
  • What types of floors can these machines be used on?
    These units can be used to clean all sealed hard floor types including varnished parquet, enamelled tiles, linoleum, PVC, linoleum, tiled, stone, oiled and
    waxed parquet, laminate and all water resistant floor coverings.
  • Can you use just plain water?
    Yes.
  • Can you use vinegar with water?
    According to customer service, yes.
  • Can you use your own cleaning solution?
    According to customer service, yes.
    However, “detergents containing bleach, ammonia, or other corrosive substances is not permitted for use in this machine”.

Download manuals to learn more:
Karcher FC 3 Cordless Floor Cleaner manual:
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5652543-000-01.pdf

Karcher FC 5 Cordless Floor Cleaner manual:
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5658979-000-01.pdf

Karcher FC 7 Cordless Floor Cleaner manual:
https://s1.kaercher-media.com/documents/manuals/raw/000/BTA-5734544-000-02.pdf