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Living in an apartment without dedicated washer hookups can make laundry frustrating — especially if the nearest laundromat is expensive, crowded, or several floors away.
A portable washing machine can be a practical alternative. Instead of requiring permanent hot and cold laundry connections, many compact washers can be moved near a sink when needed, connected temporarily to water, and drained into a sink or other approved drain location.
For this guide, we focused on portable washers that make sense for apartments, renters, dorms, RVs, and other small spaces.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick Picks
| Portable Washer | Capacity | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W | 0.9 cu. ft. / up to 6.6 lbs | 17.7 x 18.1 x 31.5 in | Best overall |
| COMFEE CLV09N1AMG | 0.9 cu. ft. | 18.1 x 17.7 x 31.5 in | Easy movement |
| Magic Chef MCSTCW09W2 | 0.9 cu. ft. | 17.7 x 18.1 x 31.5 in | Simple everyday use |
| Giantex Full-Automatic | 1.5 cu. ft. / 11 lbs | 19 x 19 x 33.5 in | Larger loads |
| Costway Portable Washer | about 7.7-8 lbs | 16.9 x 16.9 x 29.5 in | Smallest footprint |
Important: What Does “Without Hookups” Actually Mean?
These are not completely water-free or connection-free washing machines.
“Without hookups” means you generally do not need permanent laundry-room plumbing installed behind the machine.
You still need:
- access to water
- somewhere for wastewater to drain
- a properly grounded electrical outlet
- enough room to safely operate the washer
Some models include sink adapters or inlet hoses that let you temporarily connect the washer near a faucet.
Always check the installation instructions for the exact washer you buy.
1. BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W — Best Overall for Small Apartments
The BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W is a strong starting point for renters who want something compact without switching to a semi-automatic twin-tub design.
It has a 0.9-cubic-foot capacity and can handle up to 6.6 pounds of laundry. BLACK+DECKER lists five wash cycles: Heavy, Gentle, Normal, Rapid, and Soak.
The washer also includes three water-level choices, a stainless-steel tub, auto-unbalance detection, rollers, and a drain hose with a quick-connect sink adapter. Its dimensions are approximately 17.7 inches wide, 18.1 inches deep, and 31.5 inches high.
Why we like it
- Compact apartment-friendly footprint
- Quick-connect sink adapter included
- Five wash cycles
- Rollers help with moving it
- Automatic wash and spin process
What to consider
The 6.6-pound capacity is designed for smaller loads. Bedding and bulky laundry can quickly use most of the available space.
Best for: one person, couples doing frequent small loads, and renters who want a straightforward portable washer.
(https://link.amazon/B0hHhbkcg) [Check current price on Amazon]
2. COMFEE CLV09N1AMG — Best for Moving Around an Apartment
The COMFEE 0.9-cu.-ft. portable washer is another practical option when the machine cannot stay next to the sink permanently.
COMFEE lists dimensions of approximately 18.1 x 17.7 x 31.5 inches and a weight of 44.1 pounds. The washer includes wheels, customizable washing settings, and automatic unbalance detection.
The manual also provides options for routing the drain hose into a wash basin, laundry tub, or appropriate standpipe.
Why we like it
- Wheels make repositioning easier
- Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. capacity
- Full-size washer-style controls
- Automatic unbalance detection
- Good fit for dorms, RVs, and apartments
What to consider
At more than 40 pounds, “portable” does not mean you will want to carry it around regularly. It works better when rolled between a storage location and your sink.
Best for: renters who need to move the washer between uses.
(https://link.amazon/B01MEsvWr) [Check current price on Amazon]
3. Magic Chef MCSTCW09W2 — Best Simple Compact Washer
The Magic Chef MCSTCW09W2 keeps things relatively simple.
It has a 0.9-cu.-ft. stainless-steel tub, five automatic wash programs, three water levels, and a maximum spin speed of 680 RPM.
Magic Chef lists its dimensions at roughly 17.7 inches wide, 18.1 inches deep, and 31.5 inches high. A water-supply hose is included.
Why we like it
- Compact dimensions
- Five basic wash cycles
- Transparent top lid
- Stainless-steel wash tub
- Simple controls
What to consider
This washer makes the most sense for small, frequent laundry loads rather than saving a week’s worth of clothes for one wash.
Best for: solo apartment dwellers who value simplicity over maximum capacity.
(https://link.amazon/B0isrVKJm) [Check current price on Amazon]
4. Giantex 1.5-Cu.-Ft. Full-Automatic Washer — Best for Larger Loads
If the smaller 0.9-cu.-ft. machines feel too restrictive, the Giantex 1.5-cu.-ft. model gives you noticeably more laundry capacity.
Giantex lists an 11-pound capacity, eight programs, ten water levels, and dimensions of approximately 19 x 19 x 33.5 inches.
The machine handles soaking, washing, rinsing, and spinning automatically. It also includes automatic unbalance detection and side handles to make repositioning easier.
Why we like it
- Larger 11-pound capacity
- Eight wash programs
- Ten water levels
- Automatic operation
- Still relatively compact
What to consider
At about 57.5 pounds, this is less convenient to move regularly than smaller models.
Also, despite some product naming that mentions “dryer,” the machine uses a spin cycle to remove water. It is not a heated tumble dryer.
Best for: couples or renters who want fewer, larger laundry loads.
(https://link.amazon/B0cfjrRGU) [Check current price on Amazon]
5. Costway 7.7-Lb Portable Washer With Drain Pump — Best for Tight Spaces
The Costway portable full-automatic washer is particularly interesting when floor space is your biggest limitation.
It measures approximately 16.9 x 16.9 x 29.5 inches, making it smaller in footprint and height than several other options in this guide.
Costway lists roughly a 7.7- to 8-pound wash/spin capacity, three water levels, multiple wash/rinse/spin programs, a stainless-steel inner tub, and a built-in drain pump.
Why we like it
- Very compact footprint
- Built-in drain pump
- Full-automatic operation
- Under 30 inches tall
- Good capacity relative to its size
What to consider
The smaller cabinet also means less interior space than larger 1.5-cu.-ft. machines.
Measure both the storage location and the area where you plan to run it.
Best for: studios, dorms, and apartments where every inch matters.
(https://link.amazon/B0cl1h1Sa) [Check current price on Amazon]
What Size Portable Washer Should You Buy?
For one person who washes clothing frequently, a 0.9-cu.-ft. washer can make plenty of sense.
It takes up less room and is easier to move.
For couples or anyone who prefers fewer laundry sessions, moving up to approximately 1.5 cu. ft. or 10-11 pounds of capacity can be more convenient.
Do not buy based on capacity alone.
A larger washer may save time on laundry day but become annoying if you have nowhere practical to store it.
What to Check Before Buying
Before ordering a portable washer, measure the route between its storage location and wherever you plan to use it.
Then check:
Faucet compatibility: Make sure the included or available adapter works with your faucet.
Drain location: The drain hose needs somewhere secure to release wastewater.
Machine dimensions: Check width, depth, height, and lid clearance.
Weight and wheels: A 40- to 60-pound appliance can become frustrating if it needs to be physically lifted every time.
Lease rules: If you rent, check your lease or ask your landlord whether portable washing machines are permitted.
Floor protection: Water leaks can damage flooring, so follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a portable washing machine without washer hookups?
Yes, many portable washers can work without permanent laundry-room hookups. They commonly use a temporary water connection near a sink and a drain hose for wastewater.
Do portable washers need a faucet?
Most automatic portable washers need a water source. Depending on the model, that may mean connecting an inlet hose or faucet adapter while the machine is operating.
Can I drain a portable washer into a sink?
Many models are designed to route their drain hose into an appropriate sink, laundry tub, or standpipe. Follow the instructions for your specific machine.
Are portable washing machines good for apartments?
They can be a useful solution when you do not have an in-unit washer, especially for smaller loads. However, space, plumbing access, building rules, and the risk of leaks should all be considered before buying.
Final Thoughts
For most renters, the BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W offers a useful balance of compact dimensions, automatic operation, and a sink-friendly setup.
The COMFEE is worth considering if you expect to move the machine regularly, while the Giantex 1.5-cu.-ft. washer makes more sense if capacity matters more than portability.
For extremely tight spaces, the compact Costway model deserves a closer look.
The best portable washing machine is not simply the smallest one.
It is the one you can comfortably store, connect, drain, and use every week without turning laundry day into another space problem.
