Looking to ditch your dependence on the utility grid? An off grid washing machine can help you take a big step towards energy independence. Not only will you save money on your monthly energy bill, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not as vulnerable to power outages.
There are a few different options when it comes to choosing an off grid washing machine. The most popular option is a solar-powered washing machine. These units rely on the sun to heat water, so they’re completely free to operate once you’ve made the initial investment in the unit itself. If you live in an area with consistent sunlight, a solar-powered washing machine is a great option for going off grid.
Another popular option is a hand-cranked washing machine. These units don’t require any external power source, which makes them incredibly easy to use anywhere, even if there’s no sunlight or running water available. Hand-cranked washing machines are perfect for those who want to be able to wash their clothes even when the power is out.
In this article, we will take a look at the most recommended solutions for an off grid washing machine, as well as discuss the best approach to selecting such a machine.
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Garatic Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine | • Dual washing action • Exceptionally quiet • Capable of washing 8 lbs. and spinning 5 lbs. |
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COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine | • Certified efficiency • 5 different programs • Auto Unbalance Detection feature |
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Lavario Manual Non-Electric Portable Clothes Washer | • Full off-grid, no electricity needed • Patented unique design • Thoroughly washes all clothes |
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Magic Chef Compact Washer | • Reduced electricity consumption • Very compact • Electronic display |
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Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine | • 20 minutes and your clothes are ready • Lightweight and portable • Capable of dealing with a lot of laundry |
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Dezitrek All in One Hand Non-Electric Wash Bag and Plunger Set | • Easily stored and carried • Does not require electricity • Full off-grid solution |
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Helohome Portable Washing Machine | • Extremely space-saving • Programs for every level of washing • Certification of energy saving |
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Table of Contents
- How to Choose an Off Grid Washing Machine
- Top 7 Off Grid Washing Machines
- Final Verdict
- Further Reading
How to Choose an Off Grid Washing Machine
Capacity
How many clothes do you need to wash at once? A smaller capacity might mean more laundry days, but it will also use less water and energy.
Water Usage
This is an important factor whether you’re on or off the grid. Some washing machines use less water than others, so look for one that has efficient water usage if possible.
Energy Consumption
Again, this is something to consider no matter what type of washer you have. Look for an option with low energy consumption – LED lights often indicate that a product is more energy-efficient.
Off-Grid Power Options
If you’re truly living off the grid, then you need to make sure your washing machine can run on solar power or another alternative source of energy. Many modern appliances now offer this option.
Portability
This might not be a concern for everyone, but if you plan on moving around frequently, then it’s worth considering a portable washing machine. That way, you won’t have to worry about finding a new place to plug it in every time you move.
Top Load VS Front Load
The following video discusses whether you should get a top load or a front load washer:
Ultimately, the best off grid washing machine for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Hopefully, these tips will help make your decision easier!
Top 7 Off Grid Washing Machines
Garatic Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
You can control and time both washing and spinning cycles separately, and then just let the machine do the rest. Garatic Washing Machine is famously quiet, which means you can operate it at any time of the day without bothering anyone with its noise. In addition, it comes with a built-in gravity drain.
While it’s compact, it’s actually noticeably powerful, capable of washing 8 lbs. of clothes and spinning 5 lbs., which is not different from a regular washing machine. All in all, it’s simple and affordable, and can be easily connected to any off-grid energy source, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
Technical Details:
- Motor: 1300 RPM
- Washing cycle: Up to 8 lbs., 15 minutes
- Spinning cycle: Up to 5 lbs., 5 minutes
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine
This washing machine is fully automatic, and it comes with 3 water levels and 5 programs: Normal, Rapid, Soft, Heavy, and Soak. The machine is also fully customizable, and you can even build your own program according to the expected load volume as well as wash, rinse, and spin times.
The COMFEE’ Portable Washing Machine comes with a transparent lid, which allows you to observe the washing process and make changes, if necessary. The inner tub is rustproof and impressively durable. The drain pump helps getting rid of the used water.
Another unique feature of this washing machine is the Auto Unbalance Detection. It helps fixing unbalanced load, preventing the machine from “dancing” and jerking uncontrollably. If the unbalance is too severe, the machine will notify the user, allowing to fix the problem manually.
Technical Details:
- Max spin speed: 840 RPM
- Capacity: 9 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 7 x 18.1 x 31.5 inches
- Weight: 1 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Lavario Manual Non-Electric Portable Clothes Washer
Lavario Manual Non-Electric Portable Clothes Washer works by a simple up-and-down movement of your hands. This creates a thorough washing and cleaning of any type of laundry, from light socks and underwear to jeans and jackets. The designers of this unique product have tested numerous other machines until they came up with the idea for this invention.
The manual movement creates a continuous flow of water through the clothes. As a result, the dirt is completely removed from the clothes, and they come out clean and ready to be worn again (after you dry them, naturally).
Lavario Manual Non-Electric Portable Clothes Washer saves tons of money and consumes no electricity whatsoever. It can be ideal for anyone who wants to run an environmentally friendly homestead. You can also use it in RVs, camping, student dorms, and anywhere else. Manufactured in the United States.
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 24 inches
- Weight: 10 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Magic Chef Compact Washer
Additionally, this unit is very compact, which is ideal when you’re living in a tiny house and don’t have too much space to spare.
The washer comes with an electronic display and is fully programmable. You can select different cycle modes, water levels, laundry types, and so forth. The lid is made from a see-through glass, and legs are adjustable.
The Magic Chef Compact Washer also has a couple of advanced features. It has an auto-imbalance detection system, which ensures that it remains stable during the washing process. It also has an auto-shutoff function, which contributes to the energy preservation.
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 9 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 5 x 20.5 x 33.1 inches
- Weight: 1 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine
Giantex Portable Mini Compact Twin Tub Washing Machine is lightweight and portable, which is another plus when you’re living in a small off-grid house. You can even take it on a camping trip, or around the country in your RV. It saves time by eliminating the need to drive to a laundromat.
Despite its compact size, it’s quite powerful and capable of dealing with a big load of laundry. It comes with a 300W washing power and 110W spinner power. Just make sure it’s elevated off the surface, so that its gravity drain will work properly and efficiently.
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 8 x 15 x 28.5 inches
- Weight: 28 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Dezitrek All in One Hand Non-Electric Wash Bag and Plunger Set
With this smart invention, your clothes can be on the go in merely a few minutes. Using the included plunger, you can manually wash your clothes using the same method that a regular washing machine uses. The plunger’s motion drives the water through the clothes, and they come out clean and ready to be worn (after drying them, of course). When not used, the wash bag doubles as a laundry hamper.
The wash bag is very compact, it can be stored anywhere and used everywhere – in your off-the-grid house, an RV, camping trip, vacation, and so on. The plunger’s handle is telescopic and can be instantly folded, adding to this product’s portability.
This is probably the cleanest and most eco-friendly item on this list, since it has the smallest impact on the environment.
Technical Details:
- Capacity: 3 gallons
- Dimensions: 5 x 9.5 x 24 inches
- Weight: 66 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Helohome Portable Washing Machine
It’s pre-programmed to handle several levels of washing load, such as Heavy, Bulky, Normal, and Delicate. You can also set it to Spin Only. Additionally, there are three water levels and three temperatures to select from. All of these settings can be viewed on a modern LED display. A transparent lid lets you directly observe the water condition.
A unique feature of this washing machine is the Child Lock that prevent any curious child from accidentally pressing any button and stopping the washing process.
As for the electricity consumption, Helohome Portable Washing Machine was issued a certificate by the US Department of Energy. The certificate states that this machine demands only a $8 worth of energy per year. Which basically means that it won’t drain your house’s system and can be safely used in an off-grid homestead.
Technical Details:
- Annual energy consumption: 63 kilowatt hours
- Capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Dimensions: 67 x 20.28 x 36.61 inches
- Weight: 4 lbs.
Click here to read more reviews and compare prices.
Final Verdict
While all washing machines on the list are perfectly compatible with an off-grid homestead, two of them particularly stand out.
If you have some electricity to spare, I suggest going for Garatic Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine. It doesn’t require a lot of power, yet it’s powerful on its own and gets the job done. Its quiet operation is a big plus, especially if you’re living in a small house and don’t wish to have any redundant noise nearby.
On the other hand, if you prefer to go completely non-electric, then you must have the Lavario Manual Non-Electric Portable Clothes Washer. It’s operated manually, yet the final result isn’t different from the one you get with an electric washing machine. The maker of this washer really outdone themselves, creating a highly efficient off grid washing machine that can faithfully serve you for many years to come.
Further Reading
So there you have it, our recommendations for the best off grid washing machine. A washing machine is a necessity, even if you’re living in a relatively remote location. There are few more things you can add to your homestead, which are obviously necessary and can greatly improve your independent lifestyle.
Off grid shower is an essential “luxury”, and the linked article explains what the best off-grid showers are today and how you can build your own.
Off grid solar generators can power up every possible device, even a refrigerator. The linked article discusses how to choose a generator that fits your needs and ranks the best solar generators for off grid living.
And finally, off grid septic systems are another necessity that you cannot avoid or live without. This article explains everything there is to know about septic and sanitation systems: how to handle greywater and blackwater, how to compost, and much more.
Good luck in your off grid journey!