Modern washing machines have become so proficient at washing our clothes that they have quickly become one of the top mod-cons that we can no longer live without.
But what happens when we want to take this necessity out of the home and into a more mobile setting? This is where a portable washing machine comes in.
While we are well aware that you can’t achieve the same level of productivity with a portable washing machine as you can with a traditional one, being able to clean clothes on the go is sometimes a must.
Whether you want the ultimate mobility, washing power, value for your money or a combination of all, there is a portable washing machine on the market for you.
Let us take you through the best portable washing machines out there, including their pros, cons and everything in between. This guide will leave you in no doubt of which washing machine is the one for you.
See Our Top Portable Washing Machines
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| 1
Best Overall
1Think Gizmos TG23 Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine
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| 4
Best For Higher Budgets
4COSTWAY 2 in 1 Automatic Compact Washer
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| 5
Best For Low Budgets
5Display4top Portable Mini Washing Machine
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1. Think Gizmos TG23 Twin Tub Portable Washing Machine
- Compact and lightweight design.
- 3.6kg washing capacity.
- Dual tubs: one for washing and one for drying.
- Equipped with a lint filter.
The Think Gizmos TG23 portable washing machine combines all of the best aspects of such a device. Both lightweight and durable, this model is perfect for any home or even as a travel item.
Taking only 15 minutes to complete one cycle, users can wash up to 3.6kg of laundry quickly as well as efficiently.
Once you have successfully cleaned your washing, it is a simple case of swapping your laundry from one tub to another to complete the spinning and drying process.
Equipped with a lint filter, this model will catch any excess lint or thread from your clothes with ease.
Specifications
Pros
- Two different wash settings, with a soft and normal wash.
- The sturdy design gives a long-lasting performance.
- No need to buy extra parts or features.
- Speedy 15 minute wash cycle.
Cons
- No draining pump.
2. OneConcept Ecowash-Pico Washing Machine
- Time control for easier use.
- Low noise, perfect for use in small spaces.
- Ultra-compact and sleek design, ideal for campers.
- Spinning feature to help dry quickly.
This elegantly designed portable washing machine is the perfect addition to any home, campsite or caravan.
Using anti-slip and low noise technology, this device grips to any service and emits all but minimal noise. Ideal to be used in places where you are restricted by both space and sound.
Even better, the colourfully decorated exterior of the washing machine fits into any decor and room.
With a fixed hose for draining and a multitude of time settings, you can easily wash your clothes and drain the machine all within the same area.
Specifications
Pros
- The colourful design fits with any decor.
- Fixed drain hose for easy emptying.
- Anti-sleep feet to keep it secure.
- Carry handle.
Cons
- Limited capacity for clothes.
3. Streetwize LWACC169 Portawash Washing Machine
- Ultra-lightweight.
- Dual tubs, one for washing, one for drying.
- Timer feature allows more control.
- Carry handle for easy mobility.
Despite sitting at the lower end of the price scale, this Portawash twin tub washing machine combines all of the great features of any portable device.
Both lightweight and mobile, the ergonomically designed handle and features allow users to transfer it from surface to surface with ease.
Due to the easy manoeuvrability, this is one of the best portable washing machines to use during camping trips or any other travelling scenarios.
Allowing users to both wash and dry their clothes, this dual tub design covers every possibility and does so without breaking the bank.
Specifications
Pros
- Ergonomically designed features.
- Great value for money.
- Longer Life Copper Bound Motor.
- Efficient with water and energy usage.
Cons
- Less sturdy than other designs.
4. COSTWAY 2 in 1 Automatic Compact Washer
- Fully automatic programming saving water and electricity.
- Computerised control panel.
- Six separate programming settings.
- LED display.
The COSTWAY 2 in 1 Automatic portable washing machine is one of the most state-of-the-art designs on today’s market.
Combining computerised LED technology with traditional washing methods, this product will give you high performance every time. There’s no need to worry about elevating this machine, as the internal pump will dispel the dirty used water in an instant.
The sleek and compact design of this machine makes it the perfect addition for any home, dorm room or otherwise.
Choosing between the washing machine’s six different washing settings, including a spin dryer setting, allows you to have ultimate control of the washing and drying of all your laundry.
Specifications
Pros
- Compact appearance doesn't take up much space.
- Inbuilt pump to drain water away easily.
- Intake hose to easily add water.
- Large 3.5kg capacity.
Cons
- High price tag.
5. Display4top Portable Mini Washing Machine
- The small design makes it perfect for camping/travelling.
- Replaceable baskets for both washing and drying.
- 15 minutes max means fast washing process.
- Drainage tube for easy water disposal.
The Display4top Portable Mini Washing Machine is the perfect portable washing machine for those who wish for compact performance.
Its ultra-lightweight design means you can carry this anywhere and even pack it away for travelling or camping trips.
Simply swap one drum for another and you instantly switch from a washer to a dryer, with no complications. The small price tag also makes this an affordable option for those on the move.
Specifications
Pros
- Extremely lightweight.
- Can be used on a tabletop.
- Easily packed away or carried with ease.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Small capacity.
Portable Washing Machine Buying Guide
Type
Although table top washing machines are quite a unique item within themselves, there are a number of different types on the market today.
Deciding which one of these designs will be most useful to you all depends on how you are going to be using it. From portability to usability, deciding on a portable washing machine can be difficult.
The wide variety of different types of washing machine all play to different strengths and pricing and have their own weaknesses.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of portable washing machine available and how they differ from each other.
Portable Twin Tub Washing Machine
The most popular type of portable washing machine is a portable twin tub washing machine.
As you are likely to be using a portable washing machine away from the usual devices such as a washer and dryer, a twin tub device comes in handy.
As the name suggests, the twin tub washing machine consists of two tubs: one for washing your clothes and one for spinning them dry.
The advantage of having a washer and dryer in one device is that it allows you to complete the entire clothes-washing process in one go.
Another advantage of using a twin tub washing machine is their water efficiency. Twin tub washing machines use less water than their front-loading relatives, making them far more economical.
It is also possible to use the same water in more than one washing load, using the first to clean lightly soiled items, then using the same water to clean much heavier soiled clothes.
Manual Washing Machine
The other type of portable washing machine on the market is the manual washing machine. This device is ideal for use during long camping trips, or other circumstances where you do not have a steady supply of electricity.
The easy-to-use manual washing machine relies on the kinetic power of a drum inside the design to spin water around your clothes, just as an electric washing machine would.
Although you must manually rotate the drum yourself, it can be done with relatively little effort.
The manual washing machines are ideal for saving both power, time and excess water. Using only the amount you need, you are able to measure water use down to a precise level consciously.
This, again, is ideal for when you are camping or travelling light.
Capacity
One of the continually questionable features of a portable washing machine is its capacity.
Although they can be nowhere near the capacity levels of a stationary washing machine, the variety of capacity is huge. Starting from as little as 1kg capacity, right up to 7kg.
When it comes to twin tub washing machines, the washing section will be much larger than the drying section, so measuring your loads carefully is a must.
The size of the washing machine is also no reflection of the capacity of the device. Measuring the drum of the washing machine will give you a far better understanding of the capabilities of the machine and in turn, how much you can wash, than any other figure.
Size
When buying and using a portable washer, size is everything. You are no doubt buying a portable washing machine to use during a travelling trip or a camping trip, and saving space is important.
Portable washing machines come in many different sizes and choosing the right one for the job depends on many things.
You may only have space for a small washing machine, and, if this is the case, then knowing how to maximise this is critical.
Smaller designs will, of course, uses far less electricity and a manual one, none at all. The obvious trade-off between size is capability as smaller designs will have fewer settings, controls, and power.
When using a washer in confined space such as a caravan washing machine, it is a general rule to opt for a device no bigger than 13 inches tall.
This will allow enough power and capability, while at the same time save you the space that only a portable washing machine can.
Uses
Like many modern-day devices, portable versions have begun to pop up everywhere and our need to make all the comforts of modern living mobile has only advanced this technology.
Though portable washing machines are still used in standard domestic settings, it is more in the field of exploration and mobile living where they come into their own.
We’ll take a look at situations where portable washing machines are most used and how they excel in each environment.
Camping
Camping is one of the main environments in which a portable washing machine is used. The ability to wash our clothes while away from all the mod-cons we have come to take for granted is now a luxury.
A camping washing machine can either be an electrical one or a manual one, depending on the style of camping you are taking part in.
If the campsite in which you are staying provides an electrical hook up, then using state of the art, yet portable, washing machine is easy.
If you are wild camping, on the other hand, or camping with limited electrical hookups, a manual portable washing machine is the best option.
Opting for a lightweight design will also provide you with far more mobility when camping in a tent or caravan situation.
Travelling
When looking for the travel washing machine, it is key to go for efficiency and size.
The combination of these two things will provide you with enough cleaning power without taking up valuable space.
If you are aiming to travel for long periods of time, then opting for a manual washing machine is the better option of the two.
This allows those travelling to take apart the washing machine and pack it away far more practical than any electrical device.
Manually operated washing machines are also far lighter in design, making them the best choice for those travelling.
Pricing Range
When it comes to a portable washing machine’s pricing range, the scale can vary hugely. At the lower end of the pricing scale, a manual portable washing machine can be purchased around the £50-£60 mark.
At the higher end of the scale, portable washing machines can reach the £150-£160 bracket and in some rare cases, even higher.
Paying those higher prices will inevitably get you far better performing models, extra capacity and devices with a longer shelf life.
Our Verdict
It is easy to see that there is a clear divide between portable washing machines that are ideal for things such as camping, travelling and caravanning and those intended for home use.
Deciding on when and where you are going to use your portable washing machine is an important step towards knowing which model to buy.
Once you know how and where you will use the device, ask yourself whether you require a washer and dryer.
These little discrepancies will lead you to the right product for the job.
Due to the extreme variation in portable washing machines, there is a model for every scenario possible and finding the right one for you should be a breeze.
