Have you ever experienced a time when you couldn’t find a place to wash your clothing?

Perhaps you were traveling and couldn’t find a laundry service, or the one you have at home went kaput. Maybe you just didn’t have space for a full-sized washing machine!

No matter what the case may be, you can’t go wrong with a portable washing machine.

We’ve done the research on the top portable washing machines so you don’t have to. Let’s get started!

Best Portable Washing Machines

	Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine	Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine Portable	Lavario Portable Clothes Washer
Dimensions:	20 x 19 x 34 Inches	19.7 x 19.8 x 33 Inches	24 x 19 x 19 Inches
Weight:	60 Pounds	51 Pounds	14 Pounds
Capacity:	10 Pounds	9.9 Pounds	5 Gallons
Power:	110V	110V	Manual

For more of my top gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: RV Generators, RV House Batteries, RV Solar Panels.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Portable Washing Machines

1. Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine
2. Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine Portable
3. KUPPET Compact Twin Tub Portable Mini Washing Machine
4. SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
5. ZENY Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
6. Panda PAN56MGP3 Portable Machine
7. Lavario Portable Clothes Washer

Our reviews of the top rated portable washing machines with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Portable Washing Machine Reviews

#1 Panda Portable Washing Machine

First up we have the Panda Portable Washing Machine. Panda is one of the most top-rated brands for portable washers, and this machine lives up to the hype.

This washer is a top seller for those tight on space. Because of its built in rollers, it is also easily transportable.

The Panda washer’s modern LED display reveals up to 10 washing programs and 8 water levels. Its stainless steel drum is also one of the toughest we’ve seen at this price point, so no worries about damage over time.

As far as looks go, it’s rather basic with a squared-off, all-white body and an interesting looking dark yellow translucent lid.

This does make it easy to see inside the tub which fits up to 10 pounds of clothes at once – perfect for one or two people.

To hook it up, simply connect the machine right to the faucet in your home, with the included quick connect adapter kit and hose.

Everything you need to get this machine running is included in the package for a completely no-hassle experience.

#2 Giantex Full-Automatic Portable Washing Machine

Next up is the Giantex Full Automatic Washing Machine. This is another professional model designed to offer top-notch results.

It has a sleek, all-white body and modern control panel with a crisp LED display. Besides its size, it looks and works exactly like a full-sized washing machine.

You can select between 10 programs and 8 water level selections. You’ll find full-sized models which function similarly at 3 times the price!

The various functions include water level/spin, program/delay, time set, and child lock for added safety. There are also height-adjustable feet on the bottom of the machine for maximum convenience!

The digital timer displays the rest washing time, and you can select the right water level depending on what you’re washing.

If in the middle of the wash you find you need to add more water, simply press the water level/spin button.

Open up the lid and you’ll find a honeycomb-shaped inner tub which has a capacity of 9.92 pounds at a time, a relatively high weight capacity for a machine so small in stature.

Is it any wonder why this is one of the best portable washers out there?

#3 KUPPET Compact Washing Machine

Are you on the hunt for the best camping washing machine? If so, then we highly recommend giving the KUPPET Compact Twin Tub Portable Mini Washing Machine a look.

It’s durability and efficiency make it perfect for frequent campers with large laundry loads. This washer can hold up to 14.4 pounds, and the spin cycle 6.6 pounds!

The twin tub, dual function design is also a great time-saver, allowing you to wash and spin dry loads simultaneously.

To make it even more convenient, the operation panel is very intuitive, even if it’s your first time using it. Simply load up your laundry, fill it up with water, set the timer to your liking, and start it up!

The 1300RPM motor is also very powerful, with a max frequency of a whopping 60Hz, giving you the biggest bang for your buck.

You will also notice how beautiful this machine is, with an all-white body and beautiful blue accents/lid.

This definitely speaks to the kind of quality KUPPET offers. We’re sure you’ll be just as impressed as we were with the level of craftsmanship here.

#4 SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

Next up, we have: the SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine.

Coming in a sleek all-white design, its upscale appearance is quite aesthetically pleasing. Its slim weight of 26.4 pounds makes it easy to transport as well.

Despite its small stature, this washer’s 1300RPM motor allows for a 15 minute washing cycle and 5 minute drying cycle. With a max capacity of 13 pounds, it is small yet mighty.

A 110V power outlet is all you need to get the SUPER DEAL Portable Washer up and running – you can essentially plug it in anywhere in your house.

However, this washer is not limited to household use. If you live in an apartment, dorm, RV, Boat, etc. then you’ll love how convenient it is!

With a built-in gravity draining feature, you don’t even have to hook it up to a sink – simply place a small bucket under the outlet to contain the water.

#5 ZENY Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

Perhaps you’re tight on space in your RV but really need both a washer and a dryer. We have the best RV washer and dryer right here for you: the ZENY Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine.

This is another machine which maximizes efficiency, coming with both a spin dryer and compact clothes spin cycle.

The mini twin tub washer features supreme performance all while saving space – you’ll be surprised at just how powerful this little model is! Its 1300RPM motor is strong and almost completely silent.

While it’s great for RV use, as we’ve already stated, it’s just as appropriate for use while you’re going to your vacation home somewhere, or if you simply want a backup at home.

The wash cycle runs up to 15 minutes while the spin cycle is just 5 minutes per load – just like what you’ll find with the KUPPET model we covered a couple models back.

However, if those settings don’t work for you, you can simply change it up with the 3 knobs at the top of the machine.

Like many others on our guide, this portable washing machine comes with a gravity drain, so you need only place a tub underneath it to catch the water that filters out.

#6 Panda Portable Washing Machine

If you’re not looking for a dryer, but still need a good RV washing machine, give the Panda PAN56MGP3 Portable Machine a try!

This portable top load machine is one of our favorites in terms of both functionality and aesthetics, with its translucent purple lid and crisp LED display.

It comes with 10 different washing programs and 5 water level settings, which can all be set with just one push of a button. The tub can accommodate up to 10 pounds of laundry.

When you’re not using your RV, you can just as easily move this washing machine to an apartment, dorm or condo.

The stainless steel drum is very durable and corrosion-resistant, so you can count on it holding up even with daily use.

As it uses 110V power, all you have to do is plug it in to use it.

The only slight downside to this machine is its hefty weight of around 50 pounds.

#7 Lavario Portable Clothes Washer

Last on our list today, we the present you the Lavario Portable Clothes Washer. This is the best portable washing machine for camping, with its compact weight of just 14 pounds.

This washer is perfect if you don’t have an electrical source handy! Designed for manual operation, you simply push a plastic bar up and down to rotate and clean the load.

This is also the best option if you’re on a tight budget since it doesn’t require any power. Even water and detergent usage are reduced significantly with this model.

Cleaning clothes in less than 20 minutes, this machine will have your load ready quickly.

It is great not only for camping, but also for apartment, dorm, and regular home use. We really liked using it for those extra items of clothing which aren’t enough for a full load.

Don’t let its simplicity fool you – you can even wash jeans and sweatshirts in here!

Lavario’s patented power flow technology is one-of-a-kind, pushing water through fabric to get it ultra-clean with minimal arm strength.

It’s just as easy to drain and rinse when you’re done. Simply take a standard garden hose or faucet to rinse, and drain the remaining water in a sink.

Portable Washing Machines Comparison

Washing Machine		Dimensions	Weight	Capacity	Power	Rating
Panda Portable Washer		20"x19"x34"	60 lbs	10 lbs	110V	4.6 / 5.0
Giantex Washing Machine		19"x19"x33"	51 lbs	10 lbs	110V	4.3 / 5.0
KUPPET Washing Machine		24"x15"x28"	21 lbs	21 lbs	110V	4.0 / 5.0
SUPER DEAL Washing Machine		23"x13"x26"	26 lbs	13 lbs	110V	4.2 / 5.0
ZENY Portable Washing Machine		23"x27"x15"	N/A	13 lbs	110V	4.0 / 5.0
Panda Portable Washing Machine		20"x19"x34"	51 lbs	10 lbs	110V	4.5 / 5.0
Lavario Portable Clothes Washer		24"x 19"x19"	14 lbs	5 gallons	Manual	4.4 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Portable Washing Machine – Buying Guide

Now that you’ve had the chance to read everything you could ever want to know about the best camping  washing machines, which one will you be using on your clothing?

While there are a ton of excellent options to choose from, this can sometimes make the selection process even more challenging.

If you’re still undecided, there’s no need to worry. We’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to write up a handy buying guide.

This guide will take you through each step of the selection process to make sure that by the time you’re finished there’s no doubt which is the right portable washing machine for you.

Type

As you can see, there are two main options here: electric or manual. Which is the best for you? Well, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each so you can start narrowing your options down.

Electric – This type is most convenient for many people, as all you need is a free power outlet to plug it in.

However, since these obviously require electricity, they are a bit more expensive than the manual alternatives.

Manual – These are definitely going to be the most affordable as they don’t include any electrical parts. You perform all operations manually, which usually takes around 20 minutes per single load.

These are great if you simply don’t have access to a power source, like if you’re RV camping.

Capacity

It is also important to know the capacity of the machine you’re looking vs the capacity you’re realistically going to need.

Generally speaking, the larger the capacity is, the larger the price tag will be.

First, evaluate how many things you typically need to wash at one time. Then, think about additional appliances (such as a dryer if you want them to be separate).

Also consider the amount of people who will be using it. If it’s just you or you and one other person, then you can get away with smaller load capacities around 10 pounds or even less.

If you’ll be using it along with your entire family or roommates, then consider a larger capacity around 20 pounds.

Design

How do you want your washing machine to look? The truth is that not all of them are going to fit your individual tastes.

The majority of items on our guide feature all-white bodies and differently-colored accents. The accents give a bit of edge to what may otherwise be a boring looking appliance.

You must also consider the display. Is there even a display at all? If so, what kind of display is it?

An LED display is one of the best options, as you’ll be able to easily operate the machine in all types of lighting conditions and they’ll be clear and easy to read.

Also figure out whether you prefer turn dials, knobs, or one-touch buttons to operate it.

Washing/Drying Options

Consider whether you need a washer and dryer, or simply a washing machine.

The dual tub options are going to almost always be more expensive, and with good reason. They maximize efficiency and save you quite a bit of time as you can simultaneously tackle loads.

These also typically offer large load capacities – over 20 pounds.

If you just want a washing machine, look at how many programming options are available for each model.

If there are only a few options, then you may have to wait unnecessarily long for the pre-programmed selection to finish up.

Not only that, if there aren’t enough water level options it may not sufficiently cover the load. 10 operation modes and 5 water level modes should be more than enough.

Tip: Pay special attention to the max spin speed the model comes with, as it determines how dry it will get your clothes, as well as the amount of potential wrinkles it leaves.

Size and Weight

Yes, these things will matter and you’ll find that out quickly if you plan on using yours for travel.

Look at the available space you have in your home to place your portable washing machine. We greatly recommend actually measuring the dimensions.

If you’re going to be using it on a boat, on your RV, or traveling – basically transporting it frequently – this is even more important.

You want something that can fit easily in vehicles and aren’t going to be a hassle to carry.

Also think about the weight. A good weight for most is 30 pounds or less, which around half of the models on our list weigh. However, portable washing machines can weigh up to 60 pounds.

If you won’t be moving your washing machine around too much, weight shouldn’t be much of an issue. Also think about whether it comes with caster wheels, as this can simplify transportation.

Draining Options

How does the machine drain? Most of the aforementioned models drain using gravity draining.

This process is pretty easy and all you need is a bucket or tub to catch the water which will drain out on its own.

There are also models (usually the manual selections) which require you to manually drain them into a tub, sink, etc.

Both are honestly pretty straightforward and simple options, so it just comes down to personal preference.

How to Clean It

Electric models are a bit more difficult to clean than manual models, although both processes are relatively simple.

With electric models, you should regularly run a cycle of white vinegar and hot water through the machine, followed by a cycle of baking soda to neutralize the remaining vinegar.

This will help combat mold and mildew, as well as get rid of any soap residue that may have taken up residency on the walls of the interior.

Manual models are quicker, as you can simply rinse them out each time you’re done using them.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on one of the best portable washers?

We recommend figuring this out before you go shopping around, as it’s easy to get excited and spend more than you’d originally intended on doing.

If you’re going for an electric model, then sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more as they are typically built sturdier with better-quality materials.

These will last you longer than the cheaper alternatives and ultimately pay for themselves.

FAQs About Portable Washing Machines

Q: What is the best portable washing machine to buy?

A: This all comes down to your own preferences and needs.

Any of the models on our guide are great options, however, for electric models the Panda is the way to go. It’s made to perfection, looks great, and comes with a wide selection of operation and water level modes.

If you want a manual washer then look at the Lavario.

Q: How do portable washers work?

A: A portable washer operates just like your full-sized washing machine does!

The only difference is that it doesn’t need a permanent water connection, making it more portable and convenient for many.

Manual models use a plastic bar device for you to push up and down to move the water through the fabric and rotate the clothing.

Q: Do portable washers use a lot of electricity?

A: Not at all – they’re very inexpensive to operate and you’ll use a small fraction of water and electricity that a full-sized alternative does.

Q: Can you use Tide pods in a portable washer?

A: You can, just make sure that you’re placing the pod at the top of the load near the water flow as they can sometimes get stuck in bulkier clothing items and may not dissolve completely.

Q: How many clothes can you put into a portable washer?

A: That all depends on the load capacity, but those with the smaller capacities can fit around 4 days of clothing for one person.

Tips For Choosing Portable Washing Machines

#1: If you’re unsure of how high the water levels should be, opt for a model with a translucent lid.

This will easily display the clothing inside the machine so if you need to add water, you can do so without restarting the entire cycle. It also just looks cool!

#2: If you’ll be moving it to different areas of your home, look for a machine with caster wheels.

Not all portable machines have them, but they can make a huge difference, especially if the machine is too heavy for you to easily carry around.

#3: If you’re tight on space, get a washer/dryer dual tub.

The combo machines are great in terms of maximizing space and your budget!

Summary

Now that you’ve had the chance to read all about some good portable washing machines, which one will you be using to get your clothes?

No matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting one of the best in the world.

However, what’s most important is that you pick the one that’s best for your individual needs and available space.

We hope our guide has helped you to do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in and welcome to a world where you never have to worry about having clean clothes!

How We Researched

To come up with the top portable washing machines, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Camping World, Lazy Days, Real Truck and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in RV camping, automotive repairs and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from mechanics and retailers.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources