Laundry, like washing dishes or other house chores, is a time-consuming job that you can neither overlook nor think little of. Allotting a day during the week for the purpose of washing clothes is a hassle that everyone wants to avoid. This is why families intend on saving time, space, and money by buying a washing machine.
Now we are not saying that washing machines are not an option to consider, but given the amount of space and money it demands, not everyone can afford them. A portable washing machine is convenient in such situations. It is a cost and space-effective option that is ideal for apartment living and saves families from frequent trips to the Laundromat.
What Is a Portable Washing Machine and How Does It Work?
The product is a small-sized clothes washing machine that allows the user to hook it up to a sink for both filling and draining water. Portable washing machines are designed specifically to free up space, as you can move it without much effort and can store it in a closet. The machine also gives you the liberty of washing your clothes in limited available space.
The product comes in two varieties; the first is electricity-powered, while the second is human-powered portable washers, which makes the latter product ideal for camping enthusiasts. Experts categorize the machine based on the location of its loading door and the built-in hookup connection for water and the sink.
A portable washer functions just like a standard full-sized washing machine. The only difference, however, is that it does not require a permanent connection.
How to Use a Portable Washing Machine
While different models have their own style and performance, the use of a portable washing machine is more or less the same.
Due to their small size, portable washing machines are fairly easy to use. In addition to providing comfort during use, portable machines are also very convenient to set up and install. You just need to hook the machine up to a faucet and plug it into a power outlet, and you are ready to go.
You can also plug the machine into a hose from your sink to fill and drain water easily. However, all users must provide space and other arrangements to ensure the effective drainage of wastewater.
Now that you are aware of the basic functions of a portable washing machine, here are some of the best models for the year 2023.
Best Portable Washers
Contents
- Best Portable Washers
- 1. Magic Chef Compact 0.9 cu ft. Portable Top Load Washer – Best for Small Spaces
- 2. GE Portable Washer with Stainless Steel Basket – Best for Larger Loads
- 3. Black + Decker BPWM09W Portable Washer– Best for Easy Setup & Use
- 4. The Laundry Alternative Non-electric Mini Washing Machine
- 5. Giantex Portable Compact Full-Automatic Laundry
- 6. Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub
- Best Portable Washer Comparison Table
- Buying Guide For The Best Portable Washer
- Portable Washers FAQs
- Conclusion
Here is the list of the 6 best portable washers that you can use to tackle laundry duties in a small space with ease.
1. Magic Chef Compact 0.9 cu ft. Portable Top Load Washer – Best for Small Spaces
The Magic Chef Compact provides the same features as many of the full-sized models, at an affordable price. The appliance looks like a shrunk version of the top-load washing machines and its 0.9 cubic foot capacity is perfect for doing small loads of laundry.
Magic Chef White MCSTCW09W1 0.9 cu. ft. Compact Washer
- 5 wash cycles; 3 Water levels; Electronic controls with...
- See-thru Glass Lid; Detergent Dispenser; Adjustable Legs
The portable washer comes with a see-through top window, electronic controls, and a stainless steel inner tube. Attaching the product to the faucet is enough for it to function at full speed. The portable washer has five wash cycles, including normal, heavy, gentle, quick, and soak. The product has three water levels too.
Reviewers have a lot of good words to say about the Magic Chef Compact, with many considering it an ideal option for small apartments and RVs. Many believe that the product is easy to set up, operates quietly, and does an excellent job at washing clothes too.
Dimensions: 20.5″ x 20.5″ x 33.1″ | Weight: 44.1lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: 0.9cu ft | Power Source: Electrically-Powered | Voltage: 120V | Max Spin Speed: 1300RPM | Wash Cycles: 5
2. GE Portable Washer with Stainless Steel Basket – Best for Larger Loads
Most portable washing machines are pretty small, which can be an inconvenience if you have a lot of clothes to wash. Sometimes users need a more massive, more advanced portable washing machine, the GE portable washer caters to their requirement by making laundry day a whole lot easier.
GE GNW128SSMWW Top Loading Washer, 2.8 Cu. Ft Capacity,...
This high-end portable washer comes with an impressive capacity of 2.8 cubic feet, and three times the capacity of any other product on the list. The product comes with one-touch electronic controls, and you can choose from eight different cycles and four wash temperatures. If you think that portability will be an issue, then you need to think twice, as the caster wheels in the product allow you to move it around easily.
The portable washer also comes with a stainless steel basket that protects the machine from rust and does not harm your clothes. The water input hose makes connectivity a non-issue as you can connect the machine to a standard kitchen or bathroom sink.
Reviewers have great things to say about the product, as it is big enough to wash towels, sheets, and larger loads of clothing. The quiet and easy operation of the machine has also impressed many users, making it a great alternative to a full-sized washing machine.
Dimensions: 24.5″ x 24″ x 37.4″ | Weight: 103.4lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: 2.8cu ft | Power Source: Electrically-Powered | Voltage: 120V | Max Spin Speed: 750RPM | Wash Cycles: 8
3. Black + Decker BPWM09W Portable Washer– Best for Easy Setup & Use
If you are looking for a small yet powerful portable washer, you don’t need to look beyond the Black + Decker BPWM09W.
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BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer, Washing Machine for...
The appliance comes with sophisticated modern lighting that features a LED digital display panel. The portable washer also comes with a transparent top lid, a stainless steel tub, five cycles, three water levels, and automatic unbalance detection.
Using the product is pretty straightforward as you can simply connect the washer to a sink with the help of the drain hose and adaptor. Once connected, you can get the appliance to start working and cleaning your clothes.
Considering the small size of the machine, reviewers are impressed with the spacious nature of the portable washer. Many believe that buying the Black + Decker is an excellent investment, especially if you are living in an apartment or an RV.
Dimensions: 17.7″ x 17.3″ x 31.1″ | Weight: 48.4lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: 0.9cu ft | Power Source: Electrically-Powered | Voltage: 120V | Max Spin Speed: 983RPM | Wash Cycles: 5
4. The Laundry Alternative Non-electric Mini Washing Machine
If you are one of the few people that are living off the grid, you will need a portable washer that does not rely on electricity. The Wonderwash portable washing machine is a high-rated laundry alternative that works just fine without any electric power.
WonderWash Portable Mini Washing Machine for Apartment &...
The product weighs just 5.5 pounds, and despite its lightweight design, it still manages to effectively clean clothes in mere minutes. The hand crank allows you to power the machine, while the tub will enable you to fit up to 10 T-shirts at a time. The product is gentle on clothes removing all the stains while ensuring that no damage is inflicted upon the garments.
There are obvious reasons for the success of the product and the reason why it is popular amongst the masses. The first and most common reason is that the product does not rely on electricity. The second reason is that Wonderwash does an excellent job of cleaning clothes.
Since the product does not rely on electricity, it is the perfect alternative for those living off the grid and the ones looking to cut off their electricity budget.
Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 12″ | Weight: 5.5lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: Up to 10 T-Shirts | Power Source: Hand-Powered | Voltage: N/A | Max Spin Speed: 1300RPM | Wash Cycles: N/A
5. Giantex Portable Compact Full-Automatic Laundry
People who are fond of compact living and are looking for ways to add quality to their small yet functional living spaces do need to give this product a try.
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Giantex Portable Washing Machine, Full Automatic Washer and...
The Giantex Portable Full-Automatic Laundry has a compact and lightweight design, with a built-in drain aluminum pump and a drainage tube.
The product is also easy to operate and comes with 5 washing programs with three water levels. Setting up, and installing the Giantex is not a problem, as the washer comes with an easy-to-understand installation manual.
Dimensions: 17″ x 17″ x 29.5″ | Weight: 37.4lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: 0.12cu ft | Power Source: Electrically-Powered | Voltage: 110V | Max Spin Speed: N/A | Wash Cycles: 5
6. Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub
The Giantex mini compact portable twin tub has all the features that you are looking for in a portable washer.
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine 20lbs...
The portable washer is compact and has a large capacity, saving you from multiple trips to the Laundromat. The 12-lb washing capacity and the 8-lb dryer capacity allow you to clean a considerable amount of clothes.
In comparison to the other washing machines, the mini compact twin tub provides you with the option of choosing a suitable time. The space-saving design of the machine makes it convenient for home use.
Dimensions: 24.8″ x 15″ x 28.5″ | Weight: 28lbs | Access Location: Top Load | Capacity: 0.19cu ft (Washer) & 0.12cu ft (Dryer) | Power Source: Electrically-Powered | Voltage: 120V | Max Spin Speed: 1350RPM | Wash Cycles: N/A
Best Portable Washer Comparison Table
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Access Location | Capacity | Power Source | Voltage | Max Spin Speed | Wash Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Chef Compact Portable Washer | 20.5″ x 20.5″ x 33.1″ | 44.1lbs | Top Load | 0.9cu ft | Electrically-Powered | 120V | 1300RPM | 5 |
| GE Portable Washer | 24.5″ x 24″ x 37.4″ | 103.4lbs | Top Load | 2.8cu ft | Electrically-Powered | 120V | 750RPM | 8 |
| Black + Decker BPWM09W | 17.7″ x 17.3″ x 31.1″ | 48.4lbs | Top Load | 0.9cu ft | Electrically-Powered | 120V | 983RPM | 5 |
| The Laundry Alternative WonderWash | 16″ x 12″ x 12″ | 5.5lbs | Top Load | Up to 10 T-Shirts | Hand-Powered | N/A | 1300RPM | N/A |
| Giantex Portable Compact Laundry | 17″ x 17″ x 29.5″ | 37.4lbs | Top Load | 0.12cu ft | Electrically-Powered | 110V | N/A | 5 |
| Giantex Portable Twin Tub | 24.8″ x 15″ x 28.5″ | 28lbs | Top Load | 0.19cu ft (Washer) & 0.12cu ft (Dryer) | Electrically-Powered | 120V | 1350RPM | N/A |
Buying Guide For The Best Portable Washer
Now that you are aware of the features of some of the best portable washers, here are some of the things that you need to consider.
Apart from providing users with portability and convenience, portable washing machines are useful for people that do not have enough space to accommodate the larger models. It is always better to go for a lightweight model that is also equipped with wheels for easy maneuvering in the house.
Of the many fixtures that come with a portable washer, a faucet adapter has great significance, as it connects the machine to the kitchen or bathroom sink. You should also look to pay special attention to the spin speed, as this decides the number of wrinkles on your clothes. The faster the spin speed, the dryer the clothes.
Other factors that you should be aware of are the load capacity, wash cycles, water levels, and noise levels. This information is crucial if you are to make a decision about buying a portable washer. Buying a loud machine is never a good idea, and neither is buying one that has a poor load capacity.
Similarly, you should also be wary of the energy efficiency, and other preset settings before making the decision to buy a portable machine.
Portable Washers FAQs
Are portable washers as effective as standard washing machines?
How do I connect a portable washer to a water source?
Most portable washers come with a faucet adapter, which allows you to attach the machine’s inlet hose to a standard kitchen or bathroom faucet. You may need to purchase the correct adapter size if the provided one doesn’t fit your faucet.
Do portable washers require special detergent?
Portable washers generally use regular liquid or powder laundry detergent. However, since they have smaller capacities than standard machines, it’s essential to use a smaller amount of detergent to avoid oversudsing and residue on your clothes.
Can I wash delicate items in a portable washer?
Yes, but you should always consult the washer’s user manual and clothing care label for specific instructions. Many portable washers feature delicate or gentle cycles, and you may also consider using a mesh laundry bag to protect the most delicate items from damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect portable washing machine can be a daunting task, but it’s essential to select the right one that caters to your specific needs, preferences, and space. Whether you require a powerful yet compact washer, a high-capacity option, or one that works without electricity, the choices are aplenty.
From the above 6 best portable washers, here are the top three expert recommendations:
The Magic Chef Compact 0.9 cu ft. Portable Top Load Washer is an ideal option for those who desire an affordable, feature-rich portable appliance that saves space.
On the other hand, the GE Portable Washer with Stainless Steel Basket is a good option for those who need a high-capacity washer without sacrificing portability.
Lastly, the Black + Decker BPWM09W Portable Washer is the right choice for individuals who require a small yet powerful portable washer.
While these are our top recommendations, consider your personal requirements and the features each portable washer offers before making your final decision. A suitable portable washing machine not only saves you time and energy but can also be a valuable addition to your current living situation.
