The Top 7 Portable Washing Machines for Laundry in Smaller Spaces

Those with a washing machine and dryer at home don’t realize how lucky they are. Free loads whenever you want? Sounds like an absolute dream. Sadly, some of us aren’t so blessed. Whether you find yourself paying out the wazoo for a load or two in your apartment complex’s basement or walking six blocks to the laundromat where there is almost always someone screaming for no apparent reason, non-in-unit laundry is a straightforward hassle. That was until we heard about portable washing machines.

Portable washing machines are exactly what they sound like they are. Portable washing machines. Instead of having a larger unit that stays structurally in one solid location, portable washing machines are smaller, moveable options that users can keep in tinier spaces such as office spaces, dorm rooms, RVs and converted sprinter vans, smaller apartments, boats and more. You don’t need that classic hookup washing machines are known for, instead, you can connect the majority to your average kitchen or bathroom faucet for easy water access.

Because portable washing machines are so tiny, you can easily hide them in closets, under countertops and other small spaces without them taking up much room at all. But you have to keep in mind: because portable washing machines are small, they obviously won’t clean a load as large as you’d throw into the laundromat’s washer across the street. Most can only hold a few pounds of clothing, like socks, underwear and lighter garments.

Although portable washing machines are much smaller than the average washer, they’re more than worth it for a quick, clean load at home. All portable washing machines are affordably priced and will save you tons of quarters in the long run.

Ready to get your wash on? Check out all of the best portable washing machines to consider below.

1. Black + Decker BPWM09W Portable Washer

BEST OVERALL

Back + Decker makes several affordable, reliable appliances we can count on, so don’t be so shocked that we’re considering this portable washer the best of the best right now. This tiny portable washer can hold up to 6.6lbs of laundry in cycles that last from 19 to 52 minutes total. It’s got five cycle programs and three water settings depending on what exactly it is you’re washing as well. There’s an LED display system that makes doing loads easy even in the dark and a clear window at the very top so you can see where your cycle is at all times. Operation is energy efficient and only cycles using cold water. Worried about imbalances? Don’t. This portable washing machine comes with unbalance detection that will correct any inside balance-related issues automatically.

15% OFF!

Buy: Black + Decker BPWM09W Portable Washer $236.88

2. RCA Top Load Compact Washer RPW116

RUNNER UP

This top-load portable washing machine is so easy to use that a monkey could probably figure it out. It connects straight to your faucet and does loads quickly and effectively. It can hold 7lbs total of laundry, has six different washing programs and three unique water settings to get the job done. It’s complete with a stainless steel tub interior and makes little noise when on. Best part of all? Unlike the portable washing machine above, this one has three temperature control options so you don’t only have to wash on cold.

Buy: RCA Top Load Compact Washer RPW116 $199.11

3. COSVALVE Portable Washing Machine

BEST WASHER/DRYER

Alright, let’s keep it real for a second. The only flaw about a portable washing machine? The majority don’t come with a dryer, meaning you’re going to have to hang dry all of your clothing post-wash. Thankfully with COSVALVE’s portable washing machine, that isn’t the case at all. Yup, this bad boy is a washer/dryer combo. While holding up to 17lbs of clothing total, you can both wash and dry your clothes simultaneously. Washing lasts for 15-minutes and drying for five, but keep in mind, drying will only get your clothes up to 90% dry, meaning you’ll have to hang dry afterward for a bit.

Buy: COSVALVE Portable Washing Machine $171.99

4. COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine

#1 BEST SELLER

The COMFEE’ portable washing machine is a best seller on Amazon for a multitude of reasons. Not only does it have six different wash settings and three temperature options to choose from, but this baby is an extreme energy saver. Compared to similar models, this portable washing machine can save as much as 84% in energy consumption. Each unit is complete with a clear top lid so you can see what’s going on and a child lock in case any of your tots get a little too interested. No one wants any washing machine mishaps!

Buy: COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine $324.97

5. FDW Portable Washing Machine

GREAT DESIGN

If you’re looking for something that will last you years upon years, FDW’s portable washing machine is probably your best bet. This large-capacity twin tub dual-function design allows for washing and drying at once. If you’ve got little to no space in your home whatsoever, this is a perfect option to keep in your bathroom or kitchen. It’s great for those who love to multi-task, too. Although it’s made with plastic, this unit is extremely durable and is ideal for taking on the road. It’s got 10lbs of washing capacity and 7lbs of spinning capacity to make your life even easier. Let’s get washing!

Buy: FDW Portable Washing Machine $129.99

6. COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer

EASY TO USE

Make washing effortless with this tiny washing machine from COSTWAY. This machine is extremely lightweight, making it perfect for bringing back and forth from the bathroom to the closet for safekeeping. All you have to do to get this thing going is fill it with clothes, water, detergent and turn it on. That’s it. Meaning, yeah, you don’t even need to connect it to a water source. Also, there is a hose included that disperses dirty water wherever you choose to get rid of it.

Buy: COSTWAY Mini Washing Machine with Spin Dryer $99.99

7. East Doll Portable Washing Machine

MOST CUTE

After chatting with our colleagues at Indiewire, e-commerce editor Latifah Muhammad geeked out on her adorable portable washing machine from East Doll. “It’s great for small items like socks, face masks, undies, etc.,” says Muhammad, “I’ve only had it for a few days but I looove it.”

The East Doll portable washing machine is as cute as it is effective. It’s lightweight, tiny and convenient to have in most homes. It’s perfect for smaller loads that include baby clothes, smaller garments and intimates as well. Unlike the rest of the machines above, this portable washing machine folds up for easier storing.

Buy: East Doll Portable Washing Machine $74.98