Normally my reviews are focused on “high tech” cooling related technologies – you know, things like CPU coolers and SSD heatsinks and fans and even computer cases!
Last March I bought a Black + Decker “portable” clothes washing machine. When I moved to Arkansas later that summer, I left it with a neighbor – a grandmother – who has used it religiously since then. I’m pleased to report that it has passed a real life endurance test, and works just as well as the day I bought it.
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Now that we’ve established that we’re dealing with a good, quality product – lets take a closer look at the machine!.
This washer is a bit smaller in size than most traditional clothes washers. The model tested has a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet. A smaller version is available – though I wouldn’t recommend that model simply due to it’s low capacity. There’s also larger versions available which handle up to 3 cubit feet of capacity.
I’d recommend the 1.6 cubic foot model for single individuals and couples. If you have a family with children, you’ll probably want to opt for the 3 cubic foot model instead.
The 1.6 cubic foot model can handle all but the largest of blankets. Here’s an image of one blanket I washed using this washer (pardon the dirty floor). Now you’ll want to avoid trying to put the bulkiest of blankets in this smaller model – I tried washing a blanket too large for this unit and had a couple of cuts as a result. So if you’re looking to wash the largest, bulkiest blankets – go for the 3 cubit foot model!
To give you a better idea of the depth and load capacity of the 1.6 cubit foot model, I put a 2-liter of Mountain Dew Soda inside of it. No, I didn’t wash it 😀
The great thing about this “portable” dishwasher is that it does NOT require a traditional washer or dryer hookup – though you can use a traditional hookup if you desire. To setup the unit, you’ll first install the adapter spout to a sink’s water dispenser.
Keep in mind, that if you’re using the sink adapter – you’ll need to adjust the temperature you desire from the sink’s control knobs. The next step you’ll do is to take one of the included hoses and attach it to the back of the washing machine.
You’ll attach an included adapter to the other end of the hose, and then connect the adapter to the sink’s water dispenser.
Now you’re probably wondering – alright, that explains how to get water in the unit. But how does it get rid of the water? The answer to that is a hose that is located on the side of the unit.
You might notice the plastic brace that keeps the hose in a U-shape. That’s to help insure the hose stays in place. You’ll want to hook it up to your kitchen sink, unless you have a floor drain available.
You will want to watch the drain hose the first time you use it. Pushing the water through it does cause resistance, and you’ll want to be sure it is fully secure in its place – because if it isn’t, the hose might jump and cause a mess! This is very easy to avoid though, just make sure you watch the hose the first time or two you use the unit to understand how to position it properly.
Here’s a little video showing the water come out, if anyone cares to see it.
As shown in the picture above, there are multiple options for cleaning clothes. Again, keep in mind that if you need warm or hot water – you’ll need to adjust your sink water dispenser as appropriate.
The machine has a built-in filter to capture small particles and lint. You’ll want to check that every couple of weeks and make sure it’s not filled with junk!
I suppose it would be relevant to this review to show you how it is “portable” – it has two wheels on the backside, allowing you to tilt the machine to easily move it.
Finally, Black and Decker recognizes that not everyone has a perfectly flat floor. So there are standoffs which can be adjusted on the front of the machine to insure level operation.
The last thing I’d like to mention about this wonderful product from Black + Decker is the spin cycle – it is extremely effective, to the point that drying is almost not needed. When using this washer, I didn’t bother also using a clothes dryer – I simply hung the clothes for a short time to let them fully dry.
Conclusion
The Black + Decker Portable clothes washer is a well-built machine that will serve you well. It is especially useful for individuals who live in apartments without washer or dryer hookups, and you don’t really need a clothes dryer to use in conjunction with it. I’d like to reiterate that I bought this washer in March of 2024 – so it has been well tested, this review was over a year in the making – and works just as well today as the day it was bought!
If you’re interested in purchasing this machine, the 1.6 cubit foot version reviewed here is currently available on Amazon.com for $327.76. There are larger and smaller models available to suite your needs.
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