Having a portable washing machine at home is the wisest decision ever for people who want to get rid of the laundromat to do their laundry.
It can clean your clothes as clean as a full-size one…
…excepting for it is incredibly more portable, inexpensive, and compact.
If you’re in consideration of a good want, below are top 8 best small portable washing machines to choose from:
Mini washing machines
COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine – Best overall
- The most affordable
- You can adjust the washing time
- A clear lid for easier tracking the water condition
- You have to rinse the clothes
- You have to hold the washer as it strongly gyrates and bounces around
But luckily enough that you have this Costway mini washer, which is not only compact but also lightweight. You can easily move it to a closet in case of needing more space to entertain a guest or bringing on long road trips.
Though small, this machine packs a big punch.
It has a timer to choose how long to wash your clothes and a 7-pound tub to load laundry. The clear lid is a big bonus as you can easily track the water condition and when you’ve done the washing, just drain out the dirty water via its drain hose.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 14 x 14 x 20 inches |
| Voltage | 110V/60HZ |
| Wattage | 200W |
| Type | Top loader |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 7 Pounds |
| Max Operating Time | 15 minutes |
| Highlight Features | 14 x 14 x 20 inches; affordable |
Thanks to the modest silhouette yet powerful cycles, the COSTWAY can be easily operated on a kitchen counter and then stashed in a cabinet or closet when not in need.
Giantex 16lbs Portable Mini Washing Machine – Best for RV
- Feature 2 separate tubes and multiple programming options to offer proper washing and spinning mode for various clothes
- No installation needed
- The water hose might not fit some particular faucets
- A bit noisy to use inside an RV
The reasons?
It highlights 2 tubs and 3 control switches with a separate timer to protect your clothes more efficiently against wear and tear, no matter it’s a shirt, socks, shorts, or jeans.
Besides, the tub capacity is practically designed to fit most washing needs, from a full load (of 4-8 shirts and 1 pair of jeans) to a single t-shirt.
We also think that its minimal operating system with no installation needed will be an appealing feature to low-tech single individuals.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 22.6 x 14 x 22.2 inches |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Wattage | 150W/135W |
| Type | Twin tub |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 9 pounds/7 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | 15 minutes |
| Highlight Features | Washing capacity rating of 9 lbs and 7 lbs rated spin capacity; 22.6 x 14 x 22.2 inches |
Living a full-time RVer life is a bit challenging to find a laundromat nearby and we know you don’t like hand washing either. That’s why we suggest picking this Giantex.
ZenStyle Washing Machine – Powerful
- Larger tub capacity to handle more laundry -> fewer washing times
- Feature the most powerful motor that can clean thoroughly heavy clothes
- Extended water hose to reach farther sinks with ease
- The drain hose is, conversely, too short
It features a 1300RPM motor that can clean thoroughly any heavy clothes in a shorter washing time. The tub capacity is also leveraged up to 9.9 pounds to handle some extra load with ease.
Making it stand out is the extended inlet hose – up to 78.8” long – to expand your reach.
The 2-in-1 twin tub design is another plus. While it works similarly to the Giantex above, meaning one for washing and one for spinning, the best thing is you can have them operated at the same time.
This turns out to save you more time and effort with home laundry. And the mini silhouette helps it fit in any tight spaces, such as traveling, camping, college rooms, or dorms.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 22.7” x 22.1” x 14.6” |
| Voltage | 110V/60Hz |
| Wattage | 240/120W |
| Type | Twin tub |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 5.5lbs./ 4.4lbs. |
| Max Operating Time | 15 minutes |
| Highlight Features | a powerful yet quiet 1300 RPM motor; a 78.8” length water inlet hose; capacity of 9.9lbs (Washer: 5.5lbs, Spinner: 4.4lbs); |
With a powerful motor and expanded tub capacity, the ZenStyle Washer is a superior performer with unbelievable value.
DELLA Portable Washing Machine – Most compact
- The most compact design in this list that you can put it anywhere to operate or stash in even tighter spots for storage
- Big load capacity to still fit slight to medium laundry loads
- Not include an adapter for the inlet tube
However, it’s a notable option for minimalists or RV campers considering the price, the superior compactness, and performance,
The machine is significantly smaller than other counterparts in our review roster but it features up to 6.6 pounds of load capacity. That means you can do light to medium laundry loads on it.
Just remember to not use hot water with this machine as there will be burning smell.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 12.5 x 13.5 x 18.2 inches |
| Voltage | 115V |
| Wattage | 170 Watts |
| Type | Top loader |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 6.6 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | 0-15 minutes |
| Highlight Features | 6.6 pound load capacity; 12.5 x 13.5 x 18.2 inches |
You might not have much storage space in an RV, dorm, or small apartment, don’t worry, Della portable washing machine will be the best solution for you.
Top-load washing machines
hOmeLabs 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washing Machine – Best overall
- Have 2 hidden wheels to transport with ease
- Lighter and more compact than most top-loaders that even a female user can easily move it around
- The tub capacity is a bit smaller, even compared to the mini machines
Perfectly designed, it is significantly smaller and lighter than most similar counterparts of our reviews and yet, offering up to 6 pounds of load capacity.
While being so compact, the machine is added 2 hidden rolling wheels at the back, making it a great option for female users. Moving your portable washing machine is now not a workout anymore.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 18.1 L x 17.7 W x 31.5 H inches |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Wattage | 200W |
| Type | Top loader |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 6 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | 20 minutes |
| Highlight Features | 0.9 cubic feet portable laundry washing machine. 44.1 pounds lightweight washer; loads up to 6 pounds clothes; |
For a cost-effective portable washer that offers an unsurpassed clean and boasts numerous as features as full-size models, you need this hOmeLabs.
JupiterForce 2 in 1 Portable Washing Machine – User-friendly
- The whole construction is quite similar to a full-sized washer with easily understandable image buttons -> you can easily know how to use it
- Various options of water levels and cycles to choose from
- Useful instruction
- Heavier and bulkier
At first glance, it looks no different than a shrunk-down top-load washer with a clear, transparent lid, an anti-rust stainless-steel tub, and numerous programming options. That means any users, even a low-tech person, can quickly learn how to use it.
What else?
You’ve got 8 water levels and 10 cycle options to choose from, implying the optimal washing adjustment for different clothes. And as a result, you’ve got them thoroughly cleaned without wears and tear.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 19.7″x19.8″x33.6″ |
| Voltage | 110V/60Hz |
| Wattage | Wash：310W spin：250W |
| Type | Top loader |
| Wash/spin Capacity | 10 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | Under 20 minutes |
| Highlight Features | Capacity 1.6 Cu. ft /10Lbs; 10 programs, 8 water level selections |
Many people are shy away from choosing a top-loader just because of its too complicated design but with this JupiterForce Portable Washing Machine, it’s not a matter anymore.
Twin-tub washing machines
COSTWAY Washing Machine – Highest capacity
- Offer 10 pounds of load capacity to handle easily medium to heavy laundry loads
- Washer and spinner tubs work separately and can work together at the same time -> meet more laundry needs
- You have to stand by it to monitor the water filling as it can’t stop by itself
- Can’t spin dry large items like coats, pillows, and towels
It features a 20-pound capacity, which is 2 times larger than other comparable models.
The separate washer and spinner with separate timing are also impressive. While considerably bigger, these two tubs can be operated at the same time, meaning that the machine can fit different needs.
In short, it makes washing easier and more convenient.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 24.8 x 15 x 28.5 inches |
| Voltage | 110V |
| Wattage | Washer: 260W Spinner: 140W |
| Type | Twin tub |
| Wash/spin Capacity | Washer: 12 pounds Spinner: 8 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | Washing: 15 minutes Spinning: 5 minutes |
| Highlight Features | 20lb capacity, washer(12lbs) & spinner(8lbs); 260W washing power and 140W spinner power |
For people who are ferreting out for a compact yet high-capacity portable washing machine, look no further than the COSTWAY.
Portable Washing Machine TG23 – User-friendly
- Helpful instructions (available in 5 different languages)
- The very good spin cycle that clothes come out 90% dry -> you don’t need a dryer at all
- Expensive look -> good for decoration
- No shaking and no bouncing
- A bit loud when running
- Short power cord
Even though the washing tub doesn’t feature as spacious capacity as other twin-tube machines, it still enables to hold up well a typical laundry load. Such as 4 pairs of pants and 3 t-shirts or 1 pair of pants and 10 shirts.
The cycles are very easy to customize and its material can handle hot water without unpleasant burning smell.
What strongly impressed our testers is the manual instructions. While the English version is no complaint, it is fully translated to 4 other languages, which is so sweet and helpful.
Product Specs
| Dimension | 23.6 x 15 x 27.2 inches |
| Voltage | 110V/60Hz |
| Wattage | Wash: 240W, Spin 120W. |
| Type | Twin tub |
| Wash/spin Capacity | Washer: 8 pounds Spinner: 4.5 pounds |
| Max Operating Time | Washing: 15 minutes Spinning: 5 minutes |
| Highlight Features | two tubs – 1 for washing and 1 for spinning; capacity of 3.6kg wash and 2kg spin; compact and lightweight design |
While some people find those twin-tub washing machines are too complicated to use and their instruction are mostly useless, this portable model just fixes them all.
How to choose the best small portable washing machine?
Cycles & Programming Options
Just like normal washing machines, the portable models will give you several options to program different cycles and adjust water levels.
While more is better (usually!), you should pay attention to the modes that are going to be used regularly rather than the useless ones.
Such as the “whites” cycle!
Unless you intend to get an electric machine, don’t bother with this programing option as it mostly doesn’t work unless the machine can heat the water.
Instead, sports junkies should ferret out a portable washing machine with a “sneakers” option or good “synthetic” fabrics. Uniform wearers or single individuals should prioritize models with a “very low” water level.
Tub capacity
Keep in mind, small portable washing machines can’t allow washing all the curtains and comforters at once because of their limited size. But they can handle well the laundry of a single person to a small family with just one or two kids.
Portable washing machines come in a gamut of tube capacity and your task is choosing the one that fits your laundry loads the most.
There are 3 common types:
- Mini washing machine
- Top-load washing machine
- Twin-tube washing machine
And their construction will put an effect on the tub capacity.
Namely, twin tub machines might feature MUCH smaller tubs because they take space for an air dryer.
The top-loaders are considered using space more efficiently while they can fit well in narrow areas. And the mini machines, it gives the smallest capacity, which we highly suggest for single individuals.
Washing Mechanism
You should notice the right washing method for your laundry needs. There are normally two:
- Agitators
- Pulsators
The agitators are suitable for people who usually have to wash heavy clothes or their closet isn’t the lacy kind as they’re stronger yet cheaper.
Conversely, a pulsator machine is better for lighter and easier-to-tear laundry.
It features gentler cycles to beat the fabric less, keeping them last longer with fewer wears.
Who makes the best small portable washing machine?
COSTWAY
Costway was founded in 2008 and started to sell its own brand-name washers a year later. Over 10 years, it’s now been one of the most reliable companies with over 10 million customers worldwide.
Giantex
This is an American company with a vast global reach into over 10 countries in America and Europe. Their washers are not only guaranteed by the brand name but also a good warranty.
DELLA
DELLA is quite a young company in this industry, founded in 2015, but it very knows how to survive by providing highly practical and cost-effective washers on the market. The latest technology applications are another appeal to this brand.
hOmeLabs
This is another trustworthy company for high-quality products relating to home solutions. Their products are highly reviewed for superior quality, performance, and safety while always keeping the cost as low as possible.
FAQs
How big is a portable washing machine?
It is usually no more than 3’ tall, 20” wide, and 20” deep.
Will fully automatic washing machine work if I pour water by bucket?
No, it won’t. Because the fully automatic front-loading washing machines feature a front door, which means there’s no way to fill it with the water.
If you think about adding water from its inlet hose, take note that you will have to put some pressure for the relay to open and let the water inside, which is complicated.
What causes a washing machine to not fill with water?
The most common problem is serious clogging in its filters.
To fix it, you should unplug the machine and disconnect the hoses located in the back of the unit. You will see its filters there sitting in the water inlet valve.
How do you use a portable washing machine?
It’s pretty similar to using a full-size washing machine.
Step 1: Load your laundry
Step 2: Screw the water hose to a faucet and turn the water on
Step 3: Plug in the machine, add detergent and adjust the settings
Step 4: Place the drain hose in the tub or sink
Step 5: If your machine requires rinsing the laundry again, do it
Step 6: Dry your clothes
Do portable washing machines get mold?
Probably!
The longer the damp clothes placing in your machine, the riskier of mold. To avoid that, you should leave its lid open until all the water is well evaporated.
Conclusion
Getting the best small portable washing machine is a life-changing move for single people, childless couples, and full-time RVers to do their laundry more effortlessly.
As stated above, it’s important to consider tub capacity, programming options, and washing mechanism if you want to pick the right one. We hope this guide has helped you with that and thanks for reading!
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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