I'll try to sum up my experience with this washer and also share a few tips and tricks that I have learned.
1. It is SUPER powerful and will get your clothes far cleaner than any washer you've had before, you just have to do smaller loads. Whites comes out whiter with no bleach than they used to in standard washer having used bleach.
2. It is the opposite of what I was expecting in terms of build quality. I was expecting a more solid-feeling build quality, but shoddy performance. It's the other way around. It looks kind of chintzy in person (the knobs and such mostly) but man is it powerful!
3. It has a 15 minute wash cycle, but anything past 6-9 minutes is seldom needed. It's so powerful that lightly soiled loads I only wash for about 3 minutes.
4. This thing will save you water
5. This thing will save you LOTS of soap
6. The plastic it's made from does have a funny smell that takes quite a while to go away. Not a terrible smell, just strange.
7. The instructions are garbage, read below on how to best operate this machine
Let me make sure and state that I have NOT in any way shape or form been paid or given a discount for my review. I'm just a satisfied buyer. It's a really cool little gadget that is only slightly bigger (mostly wider) than a standard large sized laundry hamper. In fact I store it where our hamper used to go and I store the liquid detergent inside the machine. Everyone I've showed it to has wanted a demo of how it works and has been amazed with it. In fact my family (myself, wife, and daughter) liked it so much that the first weekend we washed more clothes than we had in ages just because we were having fun with it. So, I won't make the review super long winded but just want to say that for the price I paid I'm super satisfied with the little machine. It's small enough to put inside a camper or bring to a cabin (or even a hotel room if you really wanted to).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (aka, what I've learned from personal experience)
1. The water inlet on the upper left side is for filling the wash tub. You can hook up a water inlet there or just fill with a bucket or hose. I decided to make my own adapter to make it super easy (more on that later). The water inlet on the upper right side is for rinsing your clothes while they are in the spin dryer. Most people on here seem to run a separate rinse cycle by draining the wash tub then refilling it with water but that's not necessary.
Place the washing machine inside a bathtub for easiest use, unless you have a dedicated spot with a water supply and drain for it to go. Don't forget to unhook the drain hose from the side and point it toward the drain.
2. Put a teaspoon or so (5-10ml) of liquid laundry detergent into the wash tub (left side hatch). Put
3. Fill the wash tub to the appropriate level for however much you're washing (usually just enough to submerge about 75% of the laundry pile)
4. Rotate wash dial to your choice of minutes (I do 9 for heavily soiled, 3 for lightly soiled, but your mileage may vary).
5. When wash cycle is complete switch the dial to DRAIN and let it drain then take a few items at a time and drop them into the spin dryer. Close the lid then turn on the water supply to the right side inlet and set the dryer to spinning. Let it spin for 20-30 seconds with the water running then turn the water off. After that somewhere between 30 seconds to 3 minutes will get most items quite dry. Jeans and really heavy items may unbalance the dryer and you may have to reorient them. The dryer takes a little while to get used to but after 2-3 loads you'll find you can have the whole batch you just washed mostly dry and ready to go on the line, back of a chair, or in a regular drier for a couple of minutes, in well under 5 minutes of work.
That's pretty much it. Oh, and to make life much easier if you already have a shower with a shower wand go to the hardware store (look in my pictures) and purchase a 1/2inch male to 5/8inch tubing fitting. Grab some 5/8inch tubing and cut it about 3-5 inches long then jam the fitting into one end and place the open end of the tube onto one of the washer's inlets. The 1/2inch fitting should allow you to simply unscrew your shower wand and attach directly to that. Then just swap the setup from one inlet to the other when going from wash to rinse.
Great machine. My only negative would be the included fill hose. It is almost worthless in regards to filling the washer. My children have appropriated it because it makes a very annoying sound when blown through. I discovered sch. 40 1/2" pc pipe fits perfectly over the water inlets. For about $8.00 I was able to build a valved manifold to supply water to the washer and spinner using a standard hand held shower head hose. (See photos)
Received my washer today!!!! Love love love!!!!! It's the perfect size, very easy set up!!! I've already done 4 loads today! It looks great and works even greater!!!! Don't hesitate, just buy it!!! It's perfect here for my little tiny apt!!! It actually fits right on my kitchen counter and just drains into the sink!!! It's very powerful, and my clothes are clean!!!! And the spin dryer is incredible, takes out about 90% of the water!!! I'm impressed, and so happy I got this!!!!
Update: so it's been about 6 weeks, still going strong!!! I now just sit in in the bathtub, much easier to drain and fill that way!!! I have a removable shower head I just put in it to fill...I also bought the Panda portable dryer to use as well!! But my clothes dry so quick air drying I have only used it once! But it works great too!! Very quiet!!!
Update: whew, freaked out because I thought it had just died!!!! Lol, after tinkering around for an hr, I realized that the switch on the power strip was off!!!!!
Arrived today in a large mostly unmarked box. Seller was uber fast. This unit is considerably larger than I expected. The space inside the washer is pretty darn big. I washed a small load to verify it works and how to use it. As noted by others it is very rodust. The agitation in the washer is very effective and the water went from clear/clean to dirty quickly. The spinner is equally robust, within one-two minutes there was zero water coming from the drain tub. The items came out of the spinner damp, not wet in any way. I also got a tripod clothes dryer which has many arms and a lot of clips higher up.
-The water inlet is not very convenient, although understandably so. I will get a longer tube and I hope to find one of those rubber "slip over the tub water spout" attachments that I can hack onto the hose. This would be the simplest and prevent having to pour water manually into the wash tub. It would also make running a brief amount of water during the spin to rinse much easier. If I don't find one I'll find a way to hack a funnel to the hose as the shower is not the "hand wand" style. The hose set up provided by the manufacturer isn't workable and you will either work out something different or use a bucket to pour water into the tub(s). For the ability to wash clothing at home and the low price I think it's worth buying.
This unit is a mix of mechanical and hand work/washing. You won't be doing anything labor intensive, but you have to attend to the next step. In that sense it is a manual washer/spinner. Ours will be used by someone who has no laundry available other than carrying it to a laundry which isn't close. It will allow them to have clean undergarments, socks and jeans regardless of when the next pay day is or if the heavy snow storm has stopped. It was just the small test load but I am pleased so far with this product
I'll update this as I use this more.
Update: still pleased. I picture is of a load which washed well: 1 or socks, 2 underware, 2 tee shirts, 21 zip up hoodie, 1 long sleeve Henley 2 short sleeve polo shorts. All washed just fine see picture with them in washer side only half full. I tried to use a hose which was 1/2" interior measurement so it would slide over the inlet there by not reducing the amount of water which can flow in/through. I don't recommend this though, it can pop off too easily. Because of where this will be used the best approach is to use the hose (attached to the shower outlet) as a hose which will be put in the washer opening to fill. I haven't yet worked out the spin side and using this size hose.
Hoses are sold with an exterior and interior demensions. The person who got a 5/8" was jamming the hose into the inlet which prevents the problem I have (the hose popping off) I just didn't want to reduce water flow.
Note: You should run fresh water into the spinner while the washed clothes are in it then you are truly rinsing the detergent out.. You don't need to refill the washer side with the clothes in there, a full size machine runs clean water in the spin cycle as well.
I should have bought this way sooner. I have to pay 1.50 for laundry and 1.25 for the dryer in my apartment building and people are always leaving their stuff in there for days and always had to go get quester so I was fed up and turned to amazon of course. I'm glad I went with this size instead of a larger one. It fits in my bath tub and holds a decent amount of clothes. Perfect size for doing a load of whites and colors from about a week or two of clothes. I really wanted something just for my workout clothes instead of paying to wash them every other day but it has worked out for everything from duvet cover, sheets, towels, everything!! I tip mine over and stick it under the bathtub faucet to fill it up. Easy peasy. It did take me a few spinner drys to figure out that the white plastic circle goes ON TOP of the clothes haha I guess that's what I get for not reading directions. The wash and spinner are pretty quiet. The spinner gets my underwear and bras completely dry. Everything else I just hang up and is dry by morning. Towels and sheets I spin twice for the full time. I haven't found a need to really have to use softener either. Just buy it!!!!! Game changer.
Feature Product
- COMPACT TWIN TUB DESIGN: Portable washing machine and spin cycle is constructed of durable plastic material
- RELIABLE CAPACITY: Enjoy the convenience of washing and spinning up to 13 total pounds of laundry (Washer: 8 lbs., Spin Cycle: 5 lbs.)
- QUICK & CONVENIENT CLEAN: Washer control timer runs for up to 15 minutes while the spin cycle timer runs for up to 5 minutes each load
- EASY STORAGE & PORTABILITY: Lightweight and space-saving design makes it ideal for camping trips or dormitories
- QUIET POWER: This unit features a 1300RPM motor with a max frequency of 60Hz; Overall Dimensions: 23"(L) x 13.5"(W) x 26"(H)
Description
Best Choice Products presents the brand new Portable Washer and Spin Cycle. This compact washing machine and spin cycle unit is constructed of a durable plastic body. The lightweight and space-saving design makes it ideal for camping trips, dormitories, or anywhere with limited space. This quiet but powerful unit has a 1300RPM motor with a max frequency of 60Hz. Enjoy the convenience of washing and spinning up to 13 total pounds of laundry (Washer: 8 lbs., Spin Cycle: 5 lbs.). For a quick clean, the washer runs for up to 15 minutes while the spin cycle timer runs for up to 5 minutes each load. It features an inlet and attached hose for adding and draining water, with the option of pouring water directly into the bucket. For product assurance, this portable appliance is UL-certified. SPECIFICATIONS: Overall Dimensions: 23”(L) x 13.5”(W) x 26”(H); Washer:12”(L) x 13”(W) x 14”(H); Spinner: 7”(Dia) x 9”(Dep); Product Weight: 23.85 lbs.; Weight Capacity: 13 lbs. (Washer: 8 lbs., Spin Cycle: 5 lbs.); Power: 110V; Frequency: 60Hz; Motor Speed: 1300RPM; Material: Plastic; UL-certified; Color: Blue, White; No assembly required
Update: 10 days of using, multiple cycles, I recommend a cycle of warm water and bleach to sanitize and kill odors, otherwise it has still been a great product. Already went through a 25 load bottle of laundry detergent. Its paid for itself already.
I have had this wonderful machine for about 2 days and I must say I am impressed. It's hard to believe a little device like this can perform so well. As stated by other reviewers the hoses won't fit all faucets but with adapters it can work wonders. Clothes get clean and spinning gets them close to dry. A MUST have if you're like me and live in an apartment and hate using facilities. I will update my review after I have used it for a few months.
Edit: One year later and I am impressed to say the least. This machine has been a life changer and I would purchase again if need be. The only issue I've had has been with one of the hoses breaking but a trip to Home Depot saved the day. I LOVE THIS MACHINE!
The reviews on this product seem to be mixed depending on how you use it. I live in a high rise condo and the convenience of this washer was very appealing. I use my washer about once a week. I have used it with towels, jeans, sheets, etc. I place enough laundry to fill the washer about two thirds of the full, fill with warm water, add a couple of drops of low suds detergent, then close it and set the timer. After it is done, I let it drain and then repeat the washing process with clean water. A typical load is 15 min washing, 10 min rinsing. If you put in too much soap, you may have to rinse twice. I then take enough items out of the washer to fill two thirds of the spin dryer. Note.. depending on your wash load, you may to have to spin dry two or three times as not all the clothes from the washer fits into the spin dryer. The spin dryer works great. The clothes come out very dry.. even jeans. I then hang the clothes on a rack and within a few hours, most are air dry.
As for my placement and storage, I decided to use my bathtub to hold the washer (photo attached) and I store it in the closet with the doors flipped up so it drys out during the week The bathtub is handy as there is no way for the washer to leak or make a mess. To fill the unit I use a Rinse Ace Snap 'N Spray 6-Foot Quick-Connect and Detachable Hose with On/Off Sprayer that I purchased on Amazon (Link: http://a.co/8ANI0tZ). I attach the hose to shower when I want to fill the washer. It is also handy to rinse out some clothes by hand.
I originally hooked up the washer on a surge protector through a GFI outlet. When I tried to start the washer, it would not start at all (yes the surge and GFI protector were on). I then eliminated the surge protector and plugged directly into the GFI. The washer then worked.
The final recommendation is that if you don't stress out the washer, put enough water, rise well, and don't overload the dryer, you should be OK.
UPDATE 11/2018:
I have had this for 11 months and am still thrilled with it. No, it is not a set-it-and-forget it machine, so if that's what you need/want, spend the money for a fully automatic version. I live alone and my laundry consists of work clothes (desk job), pajamas and gym clothes, so this is a perfect machine for me. I got a shower head with an 8-foot cord so I don't have to use a bucket to fill it (the shower head was worth the $40, SO much easier).
So, while filling I add LESS than a tsp of detergent and run the agitator for a few seconds to get good suds (seriously, don't use more detergent, your clothes will be full of suds). Add clothes, set timer for whatever - 5 minutes does it for me since I'm basically freshening things up. Sometimes I drain and refill with water and a little fabric softener for a rinse, but sometimes I don't, depends on your detergent and preferences I suppose. FYI I think the "soft" setting is basically just fewer agitations, it doesn't seem to be any less intense, so keep that in mind for delicates. Speaking of delicates, this is great for handwashes - fill the tub up a little, add some Woolite, swish around by hand a few times, let it sit for a few minutes, drain and spin. So much better than a bucket in the tub.
You will definitely have to split up loads for the spinner, don't overfill the thing or it will jump around like it's trying to run away. If it does start jumping around, either you've overfilled it, or the clothes just need to be rearranged - take them out and just sort of drop them gently into the spinner, don't press them down or push them against the sides or whatever. Don't know why this works, but it does.
For my lifestyle, this is a great machine.
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Quick review while my bazillionth load is washing:
Well worth the money and time/labor involved in setting it up. If you are impatient and/or kind of lazy, stop reading this and just go drop your clothes off at a wash-and-fold place. Got this into my house at 4pm and have been doing laundry ever since (it is now 11pm. I know. I need a life.)
Things I recommend having on hand:
- Rag to wipe up water you spill on the top/side (since I use a bucket to fill, a little splashes around, also when switching items from washer to spinner)
- Some waterproof-ish totes (you know those bags you get at the grocery store or TJ Maxx or wherever) - I use one bag for items that are waiting to go back in to rinse (I do a separate rinse in the washing tub, but that's a personal preference), and one bag for items that just came out of the spinner and need to be hung up to dry)
1) All these people saying you need like 1 tsp of detergent? They are RIGHT. ALL of them.
2) Put everything in a mesh bag before washing. Everything. All the things. Into mesh bags. The pulsator is intense - the bags get all tangled around each other so you can imagine what it might do to your clothes.
3) The spinner means *business*. Be nice to it and it will be nice to you. That weird plastic circle thing that comes with the machine goes on top of your clothes in the spinner (I'm really dumb so it took me longer than it should have to figure that out). Don't overload the thing; you will probably have to split your wash load in at least half, maybe into thirds for the spinner. If it starts thunking wildly you have done something wrong. Take something out, fluff whatever's in there, and try again. That said, I washed and spun a king size flat sheet, and a couch cushion cover (not at the same time though) and it handled both beautifully.
4) The drainage tube is a joke, so find a way to elevate this next to your tub or sink (BTW all you people putting an ELECTRIC APPLIANCE *in* your tub or shower, what on earth is wrong with you). Someone else suggested a Rubbermaid tote for elevation, which is genius - I grabbed one from my closet and presto, machine basically level with tub and drainage tube happily aimed toward the drain. Before I did this, I was lifting the machine and tilting it into the tub every time. I mean, I work out and all, but still it was tiring.
5) Don't bother with the water inlets unless you are MacGyver or know MacGyver and can have him help you rig up some sort of adaptors. I filled the tub with a bucket. Good for the biceps.
So much more to say but overall very happy. Only 4 stars and not 5 because the hoses/inlets are just silly, and the instructions are completely useless - everything I need to know I learned from these reviews. Godspeed and happy laundering.
I was in need of a portable washer that would fit comfortably into my apartment, but I didn't want to pay a fortune. I browsed online and came across this one, on amazon.com. After reading product reviews, such as the one that I am making, I decided to make the purchase. I am pleased with my decision.
This washer/spinner combo is excellent. The unit is very lightweight and easy to transport. It requires no assembly, and it is easy to operate. It has a nice design, and overall appearance. It is affordable, which is an added bonus.
I was going to place it into my bathroom (which is very small) but due to where the outlets are placed therein, I decided on the kitchen. (The unit needs to be plugged into a grounded outlet.) I placed it atop a small table, but you don’t have to. I have placed a bucket underneath to drain the water. (The drain hose must be lower than the unit in order for the water to drain properly.) The hoses provided for the water inlets are thin, but they do the job. If you prefer, you can hook up a garden hose with an adapter to the inlet, or simply use a bucket to fill the basin. I have found it easier to do the later.
The washer and the spinner may be operated concurrently, or individually. The basin of the washer is a decent size, and comfortably fits a few pair of pants and shirts. The spinner is small and can only fit a few items at a time, and you have to be careful not to overload it, but, it does a good job of wringing the excess water from the garments. They are barely damp when removed. Depending on the temperature of your home, the garments will dry in a few hours’ time or less.
The temperature of the wash depends on the temperature of the water that you put into it as the controls are manual. Don’t overdo it on laundry detergent. 1 to 2 tablespoons should be sufficient, unless you want a sitcom in your kitchen. (Trust me on this one.) Fabric softener can be added into the wash along with the detergent. You can add water to the spin cycle, but it really isn’t necessary. Washes are timed in intervals of 3 minutes (15, 12, 9, 6, and 3). For heavily soiled, I use 15 minutes, but a 9 minute cycle is sufficient for an average wash. The spin cycle is also timed by the minute (5, 4, 3, 2, and 1) but 3 minutes is adequate to remove excess water.
This Best Choice Products Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine and Spin Cycle Combo is a very cost-effective solution to the laundry problem when one lives in an apartment or small space.
I was not solicited nor paid by either Amazon.com or Best Choice Products to write this review. I am simply pleased with my purchase.
Best Choice Products Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine and Spin Cycle w/ Hose, 13lbs. Capacity
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