The Best Portable Washing Machine

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Have you ever wanted a way to wash clothes without having to invest in an expensive piece of equipment that takes up so much space in a mid to full size washing machine? Now, owing to the availability of portable washing machines in the market, it can be very much possible.

These compact units are easy on the electricity bill, but still large enough to accommodate all your washing needs. Since it could take a long time to find the right fit, this is a brief of the best portable washing machines in the market today accompanied by the tips to adhered to when choosing one.

1. Best Overall: Comfee Portable Washing Machine, 0.9 cu.ft Compact Washer

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When we were selecting the top portable washing machines, we came across this Comfee 0.9 cu.ft Compact Washer perfect for an apartment and the like. First of all, it presents a full-automatic concept, which implies decreased difficulty of the laundry workflow with weak interference from the users. LED display and buttons on the appliance allow operating five wash programs: Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, and Soak, thus the appliance can handle various kinds of fabrics.

Moreover, the compact design perfect for small apartments, dorms, RV or wherever the space is limited. The two integrated castors make it relatively mobile so that one can wheel it into operation when required and wheel it out when not. Nonetheless, being compact, the 0.9 cu.ft drum is reliable for washing delicate small loads, perfectly adequate for a single person or a couple.

In addition to this, the washer also has a delay start that enables a user to schedule the operations in his or her own convenience. In automatic load detection, it turns and regulates water to avoid wastage and this makes it environmentally friendly and economic.

Pros:

  • Small footprint of (0.9 cu.ft) makes it perfect for small living spaces
  • Delay start feature, to suit one’s schedule
  • Cycles can be easily tracked with the led display and the settings made

Cons:

  • Small load only—NOT for washing a family load of clothes.

2. MOR Portable Washing Machine with 3 Intelligent Cleaning Modes

Portable Washing Machine with 3 Intelligent Cleaning...
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When we were searching for the most effective wash water tanks for travelling or tight living quarte s, the MOR Portable Washing Machine was the most outstanding. Firstly, it is a foldable device which is ideal for carrying it around, during traveling, camping, or when living in a dorm. When collapsible, the washer fits easily into a small bag which is a good benefit for the people who move from one place to another or those with limited space.

Also, the capacity reach to 11L, this is perfect for tiny and fragile, clothes of babies, socks, underwears or anything fabric with lightweight. Speaking about its capabilities, the washer has three smart cleaning options, including Standard, Soft and Strong depending on the type of the cloths to be washed. This aspect also makes it ideal solution for general laundry, where one needs to wash some small quantity of garments every day or during a break between several washing processes.

This is a mini washer that uses less water and power to operate, which means that the device is environment friendly to the people that need it. It will not replace a conventional washing machine for large laundry tasks, yet, it provides rather good results for small and prompt washing.

Pros:

  • Water efficient technology that does not require much power.
  • 11L suits for small items such as baby wears, socks and under wears.
  • Compact and extremely light, are ideal for college students sharing a living space or small apartments.
  • Rapid installation that does not take a lot of work to start up.

Cons:

  • Lacks spin function which results to longer time to be spent when drying the clothes.
  • Large capacity would able to cater for large loads and heavy fabrics.

3. INTERGREAT Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine

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When we searched for the top compact washer-dryer combos, the INTERGREAT Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine is deserving of the spot because of its buy and 16lbs total capacity. This one is great for dorms, small apartments or RVs – in any place where space and ease are valued. This model includes two tubs, one for washing and other for spinning where the latter has a 5 lb capability while the former has 11 lb capability and for this reason, users can wash and spin their clothes at once.

However, it has a drain pump and a longer hose that can drain the water directly to sinks or other drainages—something, which has not been incorporated in many compact models. The spin cycle of this machine is partly operated by the user; however, the clothes have to be transferred from the washing section to the spinning section manually, and there is a better control of wash and spin cycles. With a very powerful motor and a spin function, the drying time is shortened and this is very important in compact housing.

The transparent blue lid is also compliments, enabling user to observe washing as well as spinning. Of course, it does not boast extra functions such as other large Twin Tub Washer, however, it gets the job done satisfactorily for relatively small families who do not wash much.

Pros:

  • 16lbs total capacity, 11 lbs washing capacity and 5 lbs spinning capacity.
  • The two tub system is designed to enable washing and spinning at the same time thus reducing time.
  • They also come with a built-in drain pump as well as a longer hose for easier drainage.
  • Apartment size, great for dorms or RVs – lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Cons:

  • Some users considered carrying clothes by hand from the washer to spinner as cumbersome.

4. Black + Decker Portable Washer

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You can also consider Black + Decker portable washer as one of the best portable washing machines that you should look at. This model will provide you the flexibility and maneuverability which large washing machines lack. The model comes in an exquisite appearance that will complement your home appliances’ looks besides occupying a small ground area.

That is why it is among the most popular washing machine choices: Numerous wash modes help you address your diverse laundry challenges. Moreover, this type of portable washer comes equipped with a pausing system: if the lid is opened while the washing process is in progress, the washer will shut off. When the lid is closed the wash cycle continues and finishes washing the load.

The small size is convenient to make you move this.features of portable washing machine on an RV when the trip is on. It’s also small enough meaning that it can easily be stored particularly because after use you can just place it in a corner. You can delay this unit by as much as 24 hours, so you can schedule this to turn on at the exact time you need your clothes washed.

If so, it can be considered that, due to being designed for cold water operations, it can offer high energy saving. It means that if the clothes are not evenly located in the wash basin, the automatic unbalance detection function will come into the operation. This ensures that the wash basin experience no vibration effects during its operations so as not to cause so much noise.

Pros:

  • Energy efficient
  • Easy to use
  • Sleek and compact build
  • Various wash settings

Cons:

  • It has an in-built lint filter requiring monthly cleaning.

5. MOR Portable Washing Machine, 11L Mini Washing Machine

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During our search to identify the most suitable small capacity portable washing machines for traveling and other restricted spaces, the MOR Portable Washing Machine assumed the most suitable prospect. First of all, its 11L volume allows storing baby clothes, socks, underwear, and other gentle items. Equipped with 3 Cleaning modes Standard, Soft and Strong, it enables the clients to select the wash cycle for every fabric type guaranteeing fragile garments care.

In addition, it features a foldable structure that increases its portability and small size that is ideal for apartments, camping, dormitory or traveling. The folded up washer is capable of fitting into a bag or a cabinet thus it is also suitable for use those who lead nomadic lifestyles. Besides, since it consumes little water and power, the solution is environmentally friendly, especially for constant small-load operations.

It is not a replica of the giant washing machine, but the MOR portable washer deserves effervescent appreciation as one can complete quick washing tasks in a jiffy.

Pros:

  • Different washing options range include 3 cleaning modes; Standard, Soft, and Strong.
  • Being an environmentally friendly product, it does not require so much water and energy.
  • Easy to set up and use it about from a minimum effort.

Cons:

  • Lacks spin function that means clothes take longer time to dry.
  • Good for delicate clothing but cannot handle bulky items and, strong fabrics.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Portable Washing Machines

1. Type of Loading

In terms of loading, washing machines can be grouped mainly into two; that is the front loading and the top loading washing machine.

  • Front-Load Washers

The portable washing machines are built with a horizontal drum used for spinning of clothes out and back into water. Commonly it has fewer water levels and does not have a central located agitating component. Thus, it can wash the big loads of clothes at once and do it with a relatively higher speed. Unfortunately, they are more expensive than top loading portables, their life span is shorter and once wash cycle has begun the lid cannot be opened.

  • Top-Load Washers

With a vertical drum: the more traditional types of washing machines are equipped with a central agitator the equipment in the form of circular stirring paddles or the pulsator for washing the load. This kind utilizes more water and energy than the other and are therefore costly in the long run. Another distinctive feature of the top-loader is that you are allowed to open the lid at any time that you want while washing.

2. Power-Consumption

If you are to choose an electric portable washing machine then the consumption of power is an important factor to look at. See if it has an electric savings class because it will tell you the power rate consumption.

Class A denotes the lowest level of power consumption while the ‘+ ‘known as class C signifies a lower power consumption rate. Therefore, one can recommend the A or the A+ brand of washers, still, type B models are also good for washing your clothes.

In an actual sense, most brands of portable washing machines are normally smaller and have fewer features, implying that they consume less energy than full-size portable washers. That is why, for instance, when you choose a garment with a hot wash feature, get ready for a leap in your operational costs because these machines consume 80% more electricity. In that case, one was to pour hot water into the washing machine from the heater without going through the hose.

3. Load-Size

Some portable washing machines have a variable loading capacity, and you have to know how much load it can handle at one time. Portable washing machines come in a smaller size and therefore you have to select a machine that can wash 10 clothes and above. Most of the hi tech and space saving compact washer-dryers come with the facility to wash up to 4.5 kg or 11 pounds which I think is sufficient for a medium size family.

4. Machine-Size

Another important factor to consider of portable laundry washer are its dimensions. Everyone red more preferable styles below 30 inches because this could quickly turn into additional pounds. Portable washing machines weigh on average between 1.5 and 18 kgs.

If you have a specific cleaning schedule and use three to four times a week, you should select the right size that will suffice your laundry needs. Still, washing several small portions throughout the week, you could still handle large bulks of clothes even with a smaller and lighter model. Another approach with the size is to determine how much space a specific sized product would occupy in a home.

5. Speed of Spin-Cycle

The speed refers to the number of revolutions made by a portable washing machine in one minute. It can spin from 800 Revolutions Per Minute, though the most expensive models could spin to as much as 3,200 revolutions. However, to provide adequate performance levels, compact washer dryers need to achieve at least 1350 RPM.

The spinning action removes water from the clothes and the clothes felt nearly dry, which consumes a lot of energy. So this will be a great thing you have to bear in mind whenever you shall want to find the right portable laundry machine for mobile homes.

6. Manual or Automatic Units

Apart from the fully automatic as well as electric models, one could purchase a handicap portable washing machine model with manual operations. They are easy to use as well as may provide great value for the amount of money one pays for the tools. If electricity is available, one could turn to an aut washer though if you are heading for a camping, a manual non electric washing machine may be the best shot.

Manual models ultralight, collapsible and of plastic construction to allow easy portability and storage. They are capable of lifting a load of up to 4.5 kgs and tumble the clothes by spinning. These eco friendly types normally tend to have a relatively low cost compared to their non green counterparts.

7. Additional Features

Opting for a portable washing machine doesn't mean you cannot have those which are available in the full-size machines. These are some programs for you to watch out for in portable electric models.

Fast Cycle: It makes this laundry machine to wash clothes at a faster rate while testing efficiency and power as well as water and energy consumption.

Water-Saving Eco-Rinse: this function enables one to wash clothes with little water or to recycle cycle storage or use other functions as well.

Smart Sensor: This facilitates the calculation of the size of the laundry and discharges a certain quantity of water, soap solution and fabric softener.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best portable washing machine to buy?

The best overall is the Comfee Portable Washing Machine, this machine is small and light yet fully capable of all the washing tasks.

2. What should I look for in a portable washing machine?

To get what you want in a portable washing machine, you will have to look for one that has a large loading capacity, is energy efficient and lightweight.

3. Do portable washing machines really work?

If you are to look for customer feedbacks then indeed portable washing machines are worth it provided that they are able to wash your clothes while minimizing the usage of electricity and water as much as possible. Besides, they are portable in their features unlike the typical types.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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