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Kärcher SE 4002 Review | 43 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£270
  • Avg. price in US: ~$260
  • Suction pressure: 21 kPa
  • Capacity: 18 L
  • Power: 1,400 W
  • Noise level: 74 dB
  • Weight: 7.8 kg

Kärcher SE 4002 review. Compare 43 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category and whether it is worth buying.

7.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category across these key areas: Performance, Battery, Design & Mobility, Filter & Accessories.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

7.4

Performance

22.0%

6.4

Design & Mobility

20.0%

8.7

Filter & Accessories

18.0%

6.5

Battery

Very good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.4
    Car cleaning

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.4

    Weight

    25.0%

    4.0

    Cordless

    25.0%

    8.7

    Suction pressure

    20.0%

    8.2

    Noise level

  • 7.3
    Workshop & garage

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    Rated motor power

    25.0%

    6.3

    Capacity

    25.0%

    4.0

    Power tool socket

    20.0%

    8.7

    Suction pressure

  • 8.0
    Professional use

    Score components:

    30.0%

    10

    Rated motor power

    30.0%

    8.7

    Suction pressure

    25.0%

    6.3

    Capacity

    15.0%

    5.4

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Kärcher SE 4002 is a versatile 1400-watt spray-extraction cleaner and wet-dry vacuum that features a 2-in-1 comfort system with an integrated spray-suction hose, an 18-liter container capacity, and dual 4-liter tanks for clean and dirty water. Operating with an airflow rate of 70 liters per second and a vacuum pressure of 210 mbar, it provides high suction power alongside a 1-bar spray pressure for deep fiber cleaning of textiles, carpets, and upholstery. Its main pros include specialized nozzle technology that reduces surface drying times by 50 percent, a robust translucent clean water tank that is easily removable for quick refills, and an extensive accessory kit for multi-purpose home and vehicle cleaning. On the downside, the unit is noted for being quite bulky and heavy at 7.8 kg without accessories, lacks an automatic cable rewind for its 7.5-meter cord, and can generate loud operational noise levels exceeding 70 dB.

Technical Specifications of wet-dry vacuum Kärcher SE 4002

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category across these key areas: Performance, Battery, Design & Mobility, Filter & Accessories.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

40.0%

?

Performance

22.0%

?

Design & Mobility

20.0%

?

Filter & Accessories

18.0%

?

Battery

7.3
Kärcher SE 4002 has a technical score of 7.26 points, which is higher than 65.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Kärcher SE 4002 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 71.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.1

Price

7.8
Kärcher SE 4002 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is lower than 54.5% of products in this category.
Power
What it is: The rated electrical input of the vacuum motor.
When it matters: Higher power can help sustain demanding wet and dry cleaning, although suction design also matters.

Importance: HIGH

1,400 W
Kärcher SE 4002 has power of 1400 W, which is better than 80% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 5.3% of wet-dry vacuums.
Variable power
What it is: Whether the vacuum lets you adjust motor or suction power.
When it matters: Power adjustment helps match suction to delicate surfaces, heavy debris, and power-tool use.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Kärcher SE 4002 has fixed suction power. 34.2% of wet-dry vacuums have adjustable suction power.
Capacity
What it is: The amount of liquid or debris the collection tank can hold.
When it matters: A larger tank reduces emptying interruptions during big spills and workshop cleanup.

Importance: HIGH

18 L
Kärcher SE 4002 has capacity of 18 L, which is better than 54.7% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 2% of wet-dry vacuums.
Noise level
What it is: The sound level produced while the vacuum is running.
When it matters: Lower noise is useful for longer cleaning sessions and work in occupied spaces.

Importance: HIGH

74 dB
Kärcher SE 4002 has noise level of 74 dB, which is better than 67.7% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 7.5% of wet-dry vacuums.
Suction pressure
What it is: The maximum pressure difference the vacuum can generate for suction.
When it matters: Higher suction pressure helps lift dense debris and extract liquid from difficult areas.

Importance: HIGH

21 kPa
Kärcher SE 4002 has suction pressure of 21 kPa, which is better than 71.9% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 5.6% of wet-dry vacuums.
Show more
Cordless
What it is: Whether the vacuum can run without a mains power cable.
When it matters: Cordless operation improves mobility in cars, stairs, and areas without a nearby outlet.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Kärcher SE 4002 requires a power cord. 29.6% of wet-dry vacuums support cordless operation.
Battery type
What it is: The battery chemistry used by a cordless vacuum.
When it matters: Battery chemistry affects weight, charging behavior, lifespan, and replacement options.

Importance: LOW

?
Battery runtime
What it is: How long the cordless vacuum can operate on one charge.
When it matters: Longer runtime lets you finish larger jobs without stopping to recharge.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Charging time
What it is: The time required to recharge the battery.
When it matters: Faster charging reduces downtime between cleaning sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Battery voltage
What it is: The nominal voltage of the vacuum battery system.
When it matters: Voltage helps describe the battery platform and its available power class.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
Power cable length
What it is: The length of the vacuum's mains power cable.
When it matters: A longer cable increases reach and reduces how often you change outlets.

Importance: MEDIUM

7.5 m
Kärcher SE 4002 has power cable length of 7.5 m, which is better than 89.1% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 2.9% of wet-dry vacuums.
Operating radius
What it is: The total working reach provided by the cable, vacuum body, and hose.
When it matters: A larger radius lets you clean more space without moving the plug or machine.

Importance: MEDIUM

9.5 m
Kärcher SE 4002 has operating radius of 9.5 m, which is better than 83.1% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 5.9% of wet-dry vacuums.
Bagless
What it is: Whether debris is collected directly in a reusable tank instead of a disposable bag.
When it matters: A bagless tank avoids replacement-bag costs and is convenient for wet pickup.

Importance: LOW

no
Kärcher SE 4002 requires collection bags. 66.2% of wet-dry vacuums use a bagless collection system.
Tank material
What it is: The material used for the vacuum's collection tank.
When it matters: Tank material affects durability, corrosion resistance, weight, and ease of cleaning.

Importance: LOW

plastic
Kärcher SE 4002 uses a less suitable tank material.
Power cable holder
What it is: Whether the vacuum has an integrated holder for the power cable.
When it matters: Onboard storage keeps the cable tidy and makes the vacuum easier to carry and store.

Importance: LOW

yes
Kärcher SE 4002 has onboard power-cable storage. This feature is present on 86.9% of wet-dry vacuums.
Show more
N. of filters
What it is: The number of filtration elements supplied or used by the vacuum.
When it matters: Multiple filters can support different pickup modes or provide staged dust capture.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
Kärcher SE 4002 has 2 filters, which is better than 25.3% of wet-dry vacuums and equal to 55.6% of wet-dry vacuums.
HEPA filter
What it is: Whether the vacuum includes a high-efficiency particulate air filter.
When it matters: HEPA filtration helps capture fine dust and allergens from the exhaust air.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Washable filter
What it is: Whether the filter can be cleaned with water and reused.
When it matters: A washable filter can reduce replacement costs and simplify maintenance.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Automatic filter cleaning
What it is: Whether the vacuum cleans its filter automatically during operation.
When it matters: Automatic cleaning helps maintain suction during dusty work and reduces maintenance stops.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Flexible hose
What it is: Whether a flexible suction hose is included.
When it matters: A flexible hose improves reach and control around furniture, vehicles, and tools.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more

Kärcher SE 4002 vs the average wet-dry vacuum

  • 27.5 L/s more airflow
    2 L/s more airflow: Kärcher SE 4002 has 70 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.
    What it is: The volume of air the vacuum moves through the hose each second.
    When it matters: Higher airflow helps collect light, bulky debris and clear larger surfaces quickly.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 L/s more airflow: Kärcher SE 4002 has 70 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.70 L/s vs 42.5 L/s
  • 3 kPa more suction pressure
    2 kPa more suction pressure: Kärcher SE 4002 has 21 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.
    What it is: The maximum pressure difference the vacuum can generate for suction.
    When it matters: Higher suction pressure helps lift dense debris and extract liquid from difficult areas.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 kPa more suction pressure: Kärcher SE 4002 has 21 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.21 kPa vs 18 kPa
  • 2.49 m more operating radius
    2 m more operating radius: Kärcher SE 4002 has 9.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.
    What it is: The total working reach provided by the cable, vacuum body, and hose.
    When it matters: A larger radius lets you clean more space without moving the plug or machine.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    2 m more operating radius: Kärcher SE 4002 has 9.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.9.5 m vs 7.01 m
  • 200 W more motor power
    2 W more motor power: Kärcher SE 4002 has 1400 W, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 1200 W.
    What it is: The rated electrical input of the vacuum motor.
    When it matters: Higher power can help sustain demanding wet and dry cleaning, although suction design also matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 W more motor power: Kärcher SE 4002 has 1400 W, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 1200 W.1400 W vs 1200 W
  • 2.5 m more cable length
    2 m more cable length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5 m.
    What it is: The length of the vacuum's mains power cable.
    When it matters: A longer cable increases reach and reduces how often you change outlets.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    2 m more cable length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5 m.7.5 m vs 5 m
  • 3 dB less operating noise
    2 dB less operating noise: Kärcher SE 4002 has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.
    What it is: The sound level produced while the vacuum is running.
    When it matters: Lower noise is useful for longer cleaning sessions and work in occupied spaces.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 dB less operating noise: Kärcher SE 4002 has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.74 dB vs 77 dB
  • 105 mm less height
    2 mm less height: Kärcher SE 4002 has 480 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 585 mm.
    What it is: The overall height of the vacuum.
    When it matters: A lower body may fit under shelves and be easier to store or transport.

    Importance: LOW

    2 mm less height: Kärcher SE 4002 has 480 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 585 mm.480 mm vs 585 mm
  • 3 L more tank capacity
    2 L more tank capacity: Kärcher SE 4002 has 18 L, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 15 L.
    What it is: The amount of liquid or debris the collection tank can hold.
    When it matters: A larger tank reduces emptying interruptions during big spills and workshop cleanup.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 L more tank capacity: Kärcher SE 4002 has 18 L, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 15 L.18 L vs 15 L
  • 27.5 L/s more airflow
    2 L/s more airflow: Kärcher SE 4002 has 70 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.
  • 3 kPa more suction pressure
    2 kPa more suction pressure: Kärcher SE 4002 has 21 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.
  • 200 W more motor power
    2 W more motor power: Kärcher SE 4002 has 1400 W, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 1200 W.
  • 3 dB less operating noise
    2 dB less operating noise: Kärcher SE 4002 has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.
  • 3 L more tank capacity
    2 L more tank capacity: Kärcher SE 4002 has 18 L, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 15 L.
  • 2.49 m more operating radius
    2 m more operating radius: Kärcher SE 4002 has 9.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.
  • 2.5 m more cable length
    2 m more cable length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.5 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5 m.
  • 105 mm less height
    2 mm less height: Kärcher SE 4002 has 480 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 585 mm.

Total
Performance
Design & Mobility
  • No automatic full-tank shut-off
    Kärcher SE 4002 does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
  • 2.13 kg more weight
    2 kg more weight: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.8 kg, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5.67 kg.
  • Requires collection bags
    Kärcher SE 4002 uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
  • 91 mm more width
    2 mm more width: Kärcher SE 4002 has 441 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 350 mm.
  • 0.13 m less hose length
    2 m less hose length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 2 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.
  • 39 mm more depth
    2 mm more depth: Kärcher SE 4002 has 386 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.
  • 7984.3 cm³ more external volume
    2 cm³ more external volume: Kärcher SE 4002 has 81708.5 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.
  • No automatic full-tank shut-off
    Kärcher SE 4002 does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
    What it is: Whether the vacuum stops suction automatically when the liquid tank is full.
    When it matters: Automatic shut-off helps prevent overflow and protects the motor during wet pickup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kärcher SE 4002 does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
  • 2.13 kg more weight
    2 kg more weight: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.8 kg, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5.67 kg.
    What it is: The total mass of the vacuum.
    When it matters: Lower weight makes carrying, stair cleaning, and transport easier.

    Importance: HIGH

    2 kg more weight: Kärcher SE 4002 has 7.8 kg, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5.67 kg.7.8 kg vs 5.67 kg
  • Requires collection bags
    Kärcher SE 4002 uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
    What it is: Whether debris is collected directly in a reusable tank instead of a disposable bag.
    When it matters: A bagless tank avoids replacement-bag costs and is convenient for wet pickup.

    Importance: LOW

    Kärcher SE 4002 uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
  • 91 mm more width
    2 mm more width: Kärcher SE 4002 has 441 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 350 mm.
    What it is: The side-to-side width of the vacuum body.
    When it matters: A narrower vacuum is easier to store and maneuver through tight spaces.

    Importance: LOW

    2 mm more width: Kärcher SE 4002 has 441 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 350 mm.441 mm vs 350 mm
  • 39 mm more depth
    2 mm more depth: Kärcher SE 4002 has 386 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.
    What it is: The front-to-back depth of the vacuum body.
    When it matters: Less depth can make the vacuum easier to store on shelving or in a small workshop.

    Importance: LOW

    2 mm more depth: Kärcher SE 4002 has 386 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.386 mm vs 347 mm
  • 0.13 m less hose length
    2 m less hose length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 2 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.
    What it is: The length of the vacuum's suction hose.
    When it matters: A longer hose improves reach around vehicles, benches, and large workpieces.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    2 m less hose length: Kärcher SE 4002 has 2 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.2 m vs 2.134 m
  • 7984.3 cm³ more external volume
    2 cm³ more external volume: Kärcher SE 4002 has 81708.5 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.
    What it is: The approximate external volume of the vacuum body.
    When it matters: A more compact machine takes up less storage and vehicle space.

    Importance: LOW

    2 cm³ more external volume: Kärcher SE 4002 has 81708.5 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.81708.5 cm³ vs 73724.2 cm³
  • 5.86x less popular
    Kärcher SE 4002 is less popular than the average wet-dry vacuum (1 vs 5.863).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.
    When it matters: When you prefer products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
    Kärcher SE 4002 is less popular than the average wet-dry vacuum (1 vs 5.863).1 vs 5.86
Total
Overall
Performance
Design & Mobility

Graphic comparison of Kärcher SE 4002 and other products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Kärcher SE 4002?

  • Excellent deep cleaning and stain removal for textile surfaces like carpets, car seats, and sofas
  • Strong suction power that helps surfaces dry quickly
  • Highly recommended for households with pets and allergy sufferers
  • Large, easily removable, and straightforward clean and dirty water tanks
  • Reliable, practical, and comes with a solid range of useful accessories

What customers dislike about Kärcher SE 4002?

  • The unit is quite bulky, which makes it challenging to store in smaller spaces
  • Can be very loud and disruptive during operation
  • Lacks an automatic cord rewind feature, leaving the cord to lie awkwardly
  • Suction power is sometimes described as weak when used strictly for regular dry vacuuming
  • Hot water cannot exceed 40 degrees, which some users find restrictive

Expert reviews

F
faz.net
10/04/2026
Summary of the review
The best carpet cleaner | Test 08/2026 | F.A.Z. Kaufkompass
(Translated)Show original
A
autotagebuch.net
25/08/2020
Summary of the review
Kärcher SE 4002 Wet Vacuum for Upholstery - The Car Diary
(Translated)Show original
A
autopflegeforum.eu
07/06/2011
Summary of the review
The Kärcher SE 4002 spray extraction cleaner on the Car Care Forum
(Translated)Show original
B
businessinsider.de
19/02/2024
Summary of the review
Kärcher carpet cleaner review: Hygienic, deep-fiber cleaning - Business Insider
(Translated)Show original
G
guide-aspirateur.net
21/03/2023
Summary of the review
Karcher SE 4002 review and test. Read the full review on Guide Aspirateur.
(Translated)Show original
L
lehangardunord.com
27/09/2022
Summary of the review
KARCHER SE 4002 REVIEW: Cleaning Car Carpets
(Translated)Show original
M
maison-et-bricolage.fr
07/01/2026
Summary of the review
Karcher SE 4002 Review: An Ideal Carpet Cleaner for All Your Fabric Surfaces
(Translated)Show original
E
elespanol.com
05/05/2024
Summary of the review
I tried the Kärcher that leaves upholstery, carpets, and car seats looking brand new
(Translated)Show original
F
forodetalles.com
09/04/2010
Summary of the review
Karcher SE4002 Review: Surprising
(Translated)Show original
P
poetsprins.nl
21/01/2021
Summary of the review
Kärcher Carpet Cleaner Review - Worth Buying?
(Translated)Show original

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