When a big, full size washing machine is not an option, a portable washing machine solves this problem. You can also take it with you on camping or put it in your RV with ease.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about portable washing machines and list 10 of the best today.
Since you searched for the portable washing machines for camping, I will first show you 10 machines to consider (some are smaller, others are a bit bigger). Every machine will be linked to its Amazon page where you can read even more reviews. Then I will elaborate more on the subject of how to choose the best portable washing machine for your needs. Let’s begin.
Top 10 Portable Washing Machines for Your Next Camping Trip
Think Gizmos Portable Washing Machine TG23
It also features a wash and spin timer. This means that you can run the wash cycle for 15 minutes on both normal and soft wash, and run the spin cycle for 5 minutes. The machine includes everything you need for it to work and wash the clothes, except for water and detergent.
It’s a very convenient machine to use and carry. It’s not that noisy compared to other machines, it’s lightweight and does a great job cleaning the clothes. That is why it is an Amazon’s Choice.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 3.6kg (wash), 2kg (spin)
- Size: 23.6” (W) x 15.2” (D) x 27.2” (H)
- Weight: 11kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
As Seen On TV Wonder Washer
So, how does it work? Simply fill the machine with water and soap, plug it for electricity, select the required cycle (standard or gentle) and set timer for up to 15 minutes. That’s it. Great for camping, boating, RV, small places and apartments and more.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 10 liter
- Size: 13” x 10” x 13”
- Weight: 3.62kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
It’s a great washing machine for delicate and small loads and you can select the required function (normal, soft, drain). It’s small, convenient and easy to carry and use.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 11lbs (wash), 6.6lbs (spin)
- Size: 31” x 27” x 16”
- Weight: 12.7kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Washing Machine
Move the clothes from the washer to the spinner, or have them working together at the same time. The washer’s capacity is 5.5lbs, its power is 240w, and the timer allows you to operate it for up to 15 minutes. The spin’s capacity is 4.4lbs, its power is 120w and the timer allows it to run for up to 5 minutes.
The machine’s True Rinse technology promises amazing rinse results, without the waste of water, as the machine features 2 deep rinses on each cycle. Simply put the clothes in the machine, add water, set the timer and start washing.
A drainage tube lets you drain out dirty water off the machine easily and the operation is energy efficient to save money. The machine is clear and transparent, so you can even take a close look at your clothes being washed. Wash different kinds of clothes and fabric like baby clothes, towels, underwear, silk, woolen sweater, hat scarf and more.
It’s manufactured and constructed of high-density plastic body, aluminum pump and an upgraded motor. All this comes to make sure that the machine works for years and can also handle any type of laundry additives you wish to use.
It’s small, lightweight and easy to move, making it perfect for camping, boating, RVing, and so on.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 5.5lbs (wash), 4.4lbs (spin)
- Size: 21.9” x 14.8” x 23.2”
- Weight: 11.3kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
SUPER DEAL Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
The motor of this washer is highly powerful, working at 1300RPM and a max frequency of 60Hz. Operation is extremely simple, as you just load it with clothes, add water, set the timer and press the start button.
This machine is also small, lightweight, easy to use and basically another perfect portable washing machine for your next camping trip.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 8lbs (wash), 5lbs (spin)
- Size: 23” x 13.5” x 26”
- Weight: 11.97kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
SUPER DEAL 2IN1 Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
This SUPER DEAL washing machine is also built to last for a very long time, as it’s constructed of high-density plastic body, aluminum pump and its motor is strong and upgraded as well (1300RPM, 60Hz max frequency), just like previous machines of this company. However, it comes with an extra-long cord which is always nice to have.
Two tubs, one for washing and one for spinning out excess water. There are separate timers for each, allowing you to use the wash tub for up to 15 minutes and the spin tub for up to 5 minutes.
The machine features 45” long inlet hose and a long drain 35.5” tube in order to drain out dirty water. This machine is great for camping, RVing, dorms, apartments and more. This machine also uses the True Rinse technology to make sure your clothes come out really clean.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 17.6lbs
- Size: 24.8” x 13.8” x 29”
- Weight: 13.6kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
Giantex Full-Automatic Portable Washing Machine
The tub is made of stainless steel to last for a long time. There’s a see-through lid in case you want to have a look during the wash, the controls are LED displayed, and the machine features 2 water pipes.
A great feature of the machine is the Automatic Imbalance Adjustment. When the machine is working and the clothes inside are spinning, this can cause violet vibrations if the clothes aren’t placed equally. At this point, when the machine detects vibrations that are not at a certain level, it will begin to adjust this imbalance, all automatically.
Another feature is your control of water level and time. When it comes to water level, you can select from 8 different levels. This also allows you to add water even during wash (if needed) and more. Because the machine is fully automatic, simply select the preferred program and water level/program and the machine does the rest.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 9.92lbs
- Size: 19.8” x 19.7” x 33.6” (W x L x H)
- Weight: 23.13kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
ZENY Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
The machine is energy efficient and features a water inlet hose and a drain hose, so the water filling and draining is extremely easy.
The washing machine is small and easy to carry from one place to another. It is quiet and has no vibrations, making it ideal for camping, RVing, dorms and more.
Simply put in the clothes, add water, some detergent, set the timer and let it work. Both tubs can also operate at the same time if you wish.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 13lbs
- Size: 23.62” x 14.96” x 27.17”
- Weight: 10.65kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
Panda Compact Washer
The machine’s control panel is easy to operate, and there’s a see through lid if you wish to check the clothes during the wash. The machine also comes with two water inlets, one for cold water and the other for hot water for your convenience.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 11lbs
- Size: 19.75” x 20.50” x 37.00” (W x L x H)
- Weight: 28.93kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
Panda PAN6320W Portable Machine
The drum is made of stainless steel, making it durable resistant to chipping and rust, and the controls are electronic for convenient and easy use. Simply connect the washing machine directly to the faucet using the hoses and connectors and you’re ready to go.
Run wash, rinse or spin automatically, or run each of the functions separately. The transparent lid allows you to check the clothes during wash.
Technical details:
- Capacity: 10lbs
- Size: 20” x 19” x 34”
- Weight: 23.13kg
Click here for price and additional reviews.
What is a Portable Washing Machine?
A portable washing machine operates just like a regular, full-sized machine, only it is a small device, designed to move from one place to another when necessary. You can place it in a closet or a storage room, and when you need to use it, simply move it to the desired room to do your laundry.
All you have to do is connect the portable washing machine to a faucet, and it’s ready to work and wash your clothes. You can also use a portable washing machine during camping, by simply using buckets of water as your source of water (depends on the model).
Portable washing machines can be manual or electric. So, whether camping, backpacking, RVing or even taking a long trip on a boat, a portable washing machine is a great device to easily clean your clothes.
How Does a Portable Washing Machine Work?
There are different portable washing machines, but all operate similarly. It comes with a hose that needs to be connected to a sink tap in order to fill the machine with water. Some machines may have two hoses, one to fill with water and another to drain them out. Some come with an option for cold and hot water and some machines can be used with buckets of water to fill them with water.
When the machine is filled with water and clothes, plug it to an electric source, and you’re ready to go (unless they’re manually operated).
A good portable washing machine can reliably serve you for years, as can be seen from an example in the following video:
Types of Portable Washing Machines
There are different types of portable washing machines. Some are manual, while others are electric. Some are loaded with water from a faucet, while others can be loaded from buckets, a sink or a bathtub. So, what portable washing machines are available?
- Front load: This type of portable washing machine comes with a door on the front to load it with clothes. This machine requires less amount of water, because its drum is positioned horizontally. It can be loaded with plenty of clothes, because it does not feature a central agitator.
- Top load: This type of portable washing machine features a door on the top to load the clothes. Today, manufacturers of this type of washer use pulsator and not agitators. This means that the washer saves more energy and have more space for clothes. This type of machine doesn’t come with a glass door, so no view of the clothes is available.
- Sonic soak: This is a mini portable washing machine that uses a technology known as “ultrasonic”. This type of machine comes to ensure that the clothes are 99.9% clean of dirt. Delicate clothes get gentle wash. Overall, the machine is very quiet. It also saves a lot of energy, since it uses 15 times less energy, as well as 40 times less water than the standard washing machine. The ultrasonic cleaner is made of stainless steel, which makes sure that the washer lasts for a very long time.
- Human/pedal powered: This is another mini portable washing machine that operates without the need for electricity, making it ideal for camping and travelling. This type of machine is operated using a pedal, which spins the clothes inside it.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Washing Machine?
Since different manufacturers make different portable washing machines, there are some factors you should consider. Let’s have a look at them.
- Size: One of the factors you should consider is the size of the drum or the tub of the machine. The weight of a portable washing machine can range between 2kg to 18kg, and the size of the drum will affect the amount of clothes you’ll be able to insert to the machine. So, the bigger the drum, the more clothes you can fit in it, as well as more water to load. Consider how many clothes you wish to wash, and choose the size of the washer accordingly. As for camping, it is probably best to choose a machine that is smaller and lighter for easy carrying.
- Construction: If you wish the portable washing machine to work for a long period of time, it’s important to know the material it is made of. The drum of the machine can be made of three possible materials: stainless steel, plastic or porcelain-enamel. Drums made of stainless steel are the most durable ones and can withstand very high speed spins. Those made of plastic are less durable. Drums made of porcelain-enamel are the weakest when it comes to durability, and can chip easily and rust.
- Operation: Wash cycle differs from one portable washing machine to another. Some machines feature multiple wash cycle options while others feature only one or two cycles. Portable washing machines that feature multiple options of wash cycles are more suitable for home use. For outdoor use like camping, RVing, boating and more, you probably don’t need so many options. Remember that for clothes that are thicker, the spin cycle should be up to 1,000 RPM. For clothes that are more delicate, the spin cycle should be between 300 RPM to 500 RPM.
- Functionality and controls: Portable washing machines can come with either manual controls that uses knobs, or digital buttons that are soft to touch and have LED displays. The later are more convenient. As for functionality, consider what you need from the washing machine and what suits you, as some can feature temperature controls, end-of-cycle signal, energy efficiency, delay start functions, and more.
- Design: The design also differs from one portable washing machine to another. That is why you can find machines with rolling wheels, noise reduction plate, side handles and more. A portable machine that comes with wheels and side handles is very easy to move from place to place, which is probably what you want during camping.
- Cost: Portable washing machines are cheaper than the standard machines. Their price can vary from $40 to $300. The price depends (as stated above) on the machine’s size, construction material, functionality, design, and other factors.
Final Words
I sincerely hope this article was useful to you, and now you can confidently choose the best portable washing machine for camping. I have also prepared an article dedicated to off grid washing machines, you should really check it out.
Keep in mind that there is more equipment you will need, whether you plan a long camping trip or live in a self-contained RV. Planning a camping trip is a serious business and requires a few more devices.
For example, the nights in the tent tend to get humid and stuffy. The best solution for a restful and quiet night is a camping air conditioner.
You will need a constant power source, to charge such important devices as a mobile phone, a camera or a laptop. Solar energy is your friend in such cases, so feel free to read a survey of this year’s best portable solar panels.
And finally, if you’re facing a potentially dangerous situation, survival becomes your number one priority. Please read my article on the best survival gadgets that will keep you safe and prepared.
