Best Portable Washers for Confined Spaces

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 16, 2024
If your bathroom is tiny and you haven’t got enough room for a full-sized washing machine, a portable washer will come handy. This mini machine can be wheeled out when needed and stored in a closet when not in use. Read our review and pick the model that meets your indiviual needs. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Washing Capacity
Spinner Capacity
Electricity Consumption
Pump
Dimensions
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

It is easy to switch the water inlet between washing and spinning. The lint filter will catch lint during a wash cycle.

CONS

A pretty heavy and bulky washer for moving around.

OUR VERDICT

This semi-automatic washer is the best option for large families who need to do the laundry every day. It will become an excellent alternative to a full-sized washer and will not make your bills expensive.

detailed parameters
Washing Capacity

12 lbs

Spinner Capacity

6-7 lbs

Electricity Consumption

Washing: 240 W
Spinning: 120 W

Pump

Yes

Dimensions

28 x 23 x 14 inches

Weight

30 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

One of the quietest washers available on the market. Works almost noiselessly at high settings. 

CONS

The agitator may go out of service if you keep overloading the machine.

OUR VERDICT

This energy-saving portable washer will suit consumers who need to wash small portions of laundry. No need to collect dirty clothes. This washer allows running small cycles. 

detailed parameters
Washing Capacity

12.2 lbs

Spinner Capacity

7.7 lbs

Electricity Consumption

Washing: 310 W
Spinning: 120 W

Pump

Yes

Dimensions

28.5 x 15 x 24 inches

Weight

25 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The compact size and small dimensions allow placing this washer literally anywhere in your apartment. 

CONS

No spin-dryer.

OUR VERDICT

The Panda PAN310DG is a real space saver. You could fit it in the smallest kitchen or bathroom and even set it on a countertop. A lot of consumers who often travel in motor homes and RVs have this washer onboard.

detailed parameters
Washing Capacity

10 lbs

Spinner Capacity

No spin-dryer

Electricity Consumption

Washing: 200 W

Pump

No

Dimensions

24 x 16 x 14 inches

Weight

14  lbs

Warranty

6 months

PROS

Due to small inlets on the surface of spin-dryer, it gently washes delicate clothes. The stainless steel drum has a long-lasting service life.

CONS

To see the cleaning progress you'll have to open the lids since they are not transparent.

OUR VERDICT

The Best Choice mini machine is efficient, durable and reasonably-priced. An ergonomic design and user-friendliness make this model even more demanded among  customers.

detailed parameters
Washing Capacity

8 lbs

Spinner Capacity

5 lbs

Electricity Consumption

Washing: 240 W
Spinning: 120 W

Pump

No

Dimensions

26 x 13.5 x  23 inches

Weight

23.85 lbs

Warranty

60 days

PROS

Doesn't require electricity or fuel to operate so you can take this green machine along on short and long trips. It is compact and lightweight for hasstle-free transportation.

CONS

The machine is fully hand-operated so you may get tired after several wash cycles.

OUR VERDICT

The Laundry Alternative portable washer will suit those who live in houses with no electricity supply. One of the best portable machines you could get to travel with.

detailed parameters
Washing Capacity

 7-8 dress shirts/ 10 T-shirts/ 2 pairs of jeans

Spinner Capacity

No spin-dryer

Electricity Consumption

Non-electric

Pump

No

Dimensions

16 x 12 x 12 inches

Weight

~6 lbs

Warranty

2 years

X

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Panda PAN612SG

Ideal for both Large and Small Families

This semi-automatic washing machine can become an excellent alternative to a fully automatic washer. It's energy-saving, it washes fast and it doesn't require using any special cleaning solutions or water softeners. Additionally, the Panda PAN612SG is notable for its decent load capacity that, alongside all other tech specs, makes it one of the best models you can buy. Designed with 2 tubs, the first one offers 12 lbs capacity for laundry, the seconds one offers 7 lbs for drying the washed clothes. Taking into account that 1 washing cycle takes only 30 minutes, the Panda PAN612SG can easily handle several cycles in a row. Choose between normal and delicate washing cycles and rest assured that your laundry is washed in a proper way. If comparing with more expensive full-sized models, the Panda PAN612SG can become a much more saving solution, offering excellent performance while taking up very little space. 

Review of Panda PAN612SG Compact

Almost Effortless Washing

Comparing with similar semi-automatic models, this one is probably one of the most user-friendly washers. The Panda PAN612SG comes with an inlet hose for filling a washing tube and a spin-dryer with water. You don't need to fill the chambers yourself. Connect the Panda PAN612SG to a faucet and pick which of the chambers you'd like to fill, that's all. The washer controls are intuitive and straightforward. There are several knobs on the housing marked with the functions they do. What we found great about this model is that unlike many twin-tube washers available on the market, this one is fitted with a pump that drains waste water, and a lint filter that catches lint during washing cycles.We are more than convinced you will like the Panda PAN612SG and highly appreciate its usability features, compact design and general performance.

Panda PAN612SG Compact in the use

How to Use the Machine

1. Hook up the hose to a faucet and fill the washing tube with warm water. You can fill it either through the inlet hose or directly through the lid.
2. After you fill the tube, add some washing powder or soap and load your laundry.
3. Now it's time to plug the machine in. It is preferable that you use a surge protector to secure your wash machine from outlet rises and drops.
4. Choose normal or delicate cycle and set the timer.
5. After your laundry is washed, move it into a spin-dryer and set the timer again.
6. When a dryer accomplishes the job, unplug the machine and remove the washed clothes.
7. Drain the waste water completely in order to avoid fungoid growth inside the tube.

Detailed review of Panda PAN612SG Compact
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01JB88FFS

 

Ivation Portable Machine

Ideal for Small Loads of Laundry

Just like all appliances, the Ivation semi-automatic machine has its own pros and cons. Let's start with its advantages. At 28.5" x 15" x 24" dimensions, this lightweight and compact machine will easily fit the smallest bathrooms. In spite of the small size, its load capacity reaches incredible 12.12 lbs. Besides a wash tub, the washer has a spin-dryer that can dry up to 7.7 lbs in one go. With the Ivation you will not need to look for a permanent installation site in your apartment. It is so small that you will be able to roll it in and out on demand, storing away when not in use. The weight of the Ivation portable washer is 25 lbs, which isn't big and easily transportable. 

With this machine, you will be able to do the laundry just as often as you need, install it anywhere and have your clothes clean without paying laundry services.

Review of Ivation Portable Machine

Simple and Reliable

You won't need to consult a manual to start using the machine. There are only 3 knobs to rotate: a timer for a wash tub, a timer for a spinner and a wash cycle knob. On top of the machine, there are 2 separate inlets where one is used for a wash tub and the other one for a spinner. Connect the hose to the needed inlet and hook it up with a faucet. That's it. Now you can open the tap to fill it with water. The Ivation washer is equipped with a pump to allow you to drain waste water quickly.  

A single washing cycle here takes 15 minutes, which you can prolong in the middle of the process. The drying time is 5 minutes and is also adjustable. We believe this model will come in handy for busy moms who need to do the washing on a daily basis and those consumers who prefer to wash small amounts of clothes. 

Ivation Portable Machine in the use

Neat Clothes Every Day

If you want to look good and create impression on others, you should wear clothes which are not only clean but also tidy and well pressed. We have some great models of ironing boards and up-to-date steam irons that you may be interested in.
Detailed review of Ivation Portable Machine
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01GBT3AWS

 

Panda PAN310DG

Super Compact, yet Capacious

The next appliance on our shortlist is a compact semi-automatic model with a single washtub. At 24" x 16" x 14" dimensions this washer will fit a small kitchen, a bathroom, or a housekeeping area, taking up no extra room at all. Interestingly enough, a lot of consumers who travel in motor homes and RVs, often take the Panda  PAN310DG onboard. This is how compact it is! Despite such tiny dimensions, the Panda PAN310DG offers the features and performance of advanced full-sized machines. The weight of the Panda PAN310DG is also small and it's very easy to move it around with a carry handle. The only thing you may not like about it is that it won't handle a lot of laundry. Or you could develop a new habit of washing your clothes in thimblefuls.

Review of Panda PAN310DG

The Most Energy-efficient in its Class

This semi-automatic machine offers a wash function only; it doesn't have a spin-dryer so you will have to either purchase a separate spinner or let your clothes air dry. In our opinion, this is the only drawback of this machine. In other respects, it demonstrates excellent functionality and washing performance. The load capacity here is 10 lbs. Not a lot, yet sufficient for small or daily washing needs. The washer drains water into any tank or directly into the sea if you travel by boat. To start a washing cycle, you will only need to fill it with water, add some soap or washing powder and set the timer. The cycle is quite short, only 15 minutes, yet you can always increase this time for each of the cycles during the washing process. 

This mini machine for washing is one of the most energy- and water-efficient models in its class and it won't make your bills expensive.

Panda PAN310DG in the use

Another Time-saving and Water-efficient Appliance

Another device you could get to organize your space and facilitate the household chores is to use a countertop dishwasher. Spend less time on cleaning purchasing yourself one of the models we've reviewed for you.

Detailed review of Panda PAN310DG
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01JB8LSTS

 

Best Choice Products Portable Washer

Small-capacity Machine, yet Efficient

Buying the Best Choice model, you will kill two birds with one stone. At first, you will get a quality product; at second, you will save your costs on electricity and water bills. Comprising 2 washtubs, one for washing the laundry and the other one for drying it, the unit also will reduce the time on air-drying clothes later on. It's one of the smallest machines you could get, considering its dimensions of 26" x 13.5" x 23" and 8 lbs (5 lbs for a spinner) load capacity. The advantage, however, it requires minimum space for installation. The machine supports two washing cycles - soft and standard, so it can be used for different types of fabrics. The weight of the appliance is also pretty small and makes 24 pounds. You won't have a problem to transport or move it from kitchen to bathroom. 

Review of Best Choice Products Portable Washer

Robust Design

Speaking of design, the Best Choice mini machine has a plastic housing, which is typical of most washers on the market. What makes it different, though, is a heavy-duty stainless steel spin dryer with small inlets along its surface. Not only will it last longer than the majority with plastic tubes, it will also handle laundry in a gentler way, not ruining delicate clothes. You could wash your expensive silk blouse in it without worrying that it would get caught between metal inlets. That the Best Choice can also wash at high 1300 rpm speed is another evident advantage. 

All in all, if you're looking for a quick and efficient way to have laundry done, opt for this product and you won't regret your choice.

Best Choice Products Portable Washer in the use

A Piece of Advice

Here you won't find a pump to drain waste water, although, you're very unlikely to need it at all. This mini machine is so small that you can simply tip it over after a washing cycle is done and remove excess water, draining it into a kitchen sink or your bath. 

It is recommended to drain water from the unit and hoses completely in order to avoid mold outbreak.

Detailed review of Best Choice Products Portable Washer

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01ICBLBL0

 

The Laundry Alternative Mini Machine

Environmentally-Friendly Product

This unique product from the Laundry Alternative requires neither electricity nor fuel to operate. The machine is totally hand-powered and uses its own patented pressure system to circulate water. Made of durable plastic it weighs mere 6 pounds. For people, leading an active lifestyle and going on frequent long trips, this model is the best to go for. It washes laundry almost as fast as other bigger units and the water consumption per a cycle is considerably less. It handles delicate clothes carefully and can totally eliminate the need for hand wash. Fantastic choice!

Review of The Laundry Alternative Mini Machine Non-electric

Astonishing Simplicity

The first thought that may cross your mind on hearing the word "hand-held" is that it will require you to put a lot of effort. Not at all. It won't take you longer than 5 minutes to load, wash and rinse your laundry. Be ready though to turn the crank. That's the only thing you will need to do with hands. 

Operation of the device is very simple. To start a washing cycle, fill the tube with water, add a washing solution and load the machine. After that, put the lid down and turn the crank. In about 2 minutes you will have your clothes washed and ready for wringing. Simple as that. Keep note, the machine shouldn't be overloaded if you want it to wash laundry thoroughly. According to manufacturer the Laundry Alternative can wash 8 dress shirts/ 10 T-shirts/ 2 pairs of jeans per cycle (as an example). 

Assembling the product is easy too and can be done without consulting the instructions. All bits and pieces literally snap into place. When the washer's set, you can install it on any smooth surface and run the first cycle.

The Laundry Alternative Mini Machine Non-electric in the use

Several Tips for Washing

  • This machine washes your clothes really fast so it doesn't require adding water softening agents.
  • It works with virtually any soap or laundry detergent, hence you will be able to do the laundry using any that you've got at home.
  • To rinse your clothes and make them softer to touch, add a fabric softener.
  • Air dry the machine after each use before storing it away. This way you will prolong its service life and avoid mold creation inside the tube.
Detailed review of The Laundry Alternative Mini Machine Non-electric

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $58.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B002C8HR9A

 

What is a Portable Washer

Nowadays only a few people don’t give up handwashing, yet most of us choose to use a washing machine or the services of a nearby laundromat. If you still do the hand wash, it’s likely that you haven’t found a good washer yet to set in your bathroom. In this review, we’d like to present portable models to you, the best option for families who have small bathrooms, kitchens and who don’t want to go to a laundromat each time when a pile of clothes is collected. The advantage of portable washers is that they are small in size and very mobile. A mini washer doesn’t need to be connected to the main water supply line; all you need to do is hook it up to your faucet. As it doesn’t require a permanent installation site, a portable washing machine can be stored in a closet or elsewhere when not in use. The other obvious benefit of using portable machines is that they don’t consume as much energy as full-sized models and can keep your bills sensible.

We also recommend you to consider a laundry basket for sorting and organizing your laundry instead of piling it around a house.

What Features to Compare

Number of Tubs

One of the first features you should consider when looking for a portable washer is design. Generally, there are two types of washers you can choose from - top-loading and front-loading. In our review, we will take a look at automatic and semi-automatic top-loading models. Pay attention to the number of built-in tubs. Models with a single tub wash and spin laundry in the same chamber. You could get a washing machine with 2 chambers, do the washing in one of them and dry clothes in the other one. For some people, this option might seem less convenient, yet for families, who have a lot of laundry to do, washers with several chambers may become a better alternative. 

Dimensions and Weight

The number of tubs determines washer's dimensions. Thus, you should decide on its installation site beforehand and then, considering the height, width and depth of a washer, make your choice. Since you look for a portable machine, we'd also recommend you to opt for a lightweight model that will be easy to move around. Carry handles and caster wheels will be a nice addition to the unit. 

Capacity

What else is important is the load capacity of the chosen model. For a household of one-two people, 10 lbs capacity will be more than enough. For families with kids, it'd be a better idea to choose a washer with the capacity of 12 lbs. Washers with 20 lbs capacity will suit big families who need to do a lot of washing on a regular basis. Choose the model according to your laundry needs. 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency rate is obviously another important thing you need to check. Pay attention to the Energy Star rating specified by a manufacturer. In the rating, you will find two values: MEF (modified energy factor) and WF (water factor). The higher the MEF and the lower the WF, the more energy-saving a washer is. 
You may also want to consider whether the chosen model is equipped with a pump. Washers with pumps drain water much faster than those that don't.

Sources:

1. What Exactly are Portable Washers? Read This Before You Buy One! Air-n-Water.

2. Washing Machine Buying Guide, Lowe's.

3. Washing Machine Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. January 2017.

4. Courtney Craig Portable Washing Machines: No Laundry Room Required, Apartmentguide. October 9, 2013.

5. Washing Machine Buying Guide, ABT.

6. How to Use a Portable Washing Machine, wikiHow.

7. Trent Hamm A Cost Comparison of Home Laundry and Laundromats, The Simple Dollar. June 13, 2013.

8. Washing Machine Buying Guide, eBay. March 3, 2016.

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