Small Home? Consumer Reports Says This Laundry Appliance Can Fit Your Needs

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Cramped corners. Shared spaces. No laundry hookups. If all of this sounds familiar, a portable washing machine may be for you. Unlike a full-sized washer, they take up much less space and are perfect for people who live in small homes or apartments. The problem, however, is that there are countless brands and models out there, and with everyone claiming to be the best, the average homeowner can get confused fast. You don't need to worry, though. Consumer Reports has got your back. After evaluating close to 100 washing machines, Consumer Reports placed the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cubic Feet Portable Washer at the top of its portable washer rankings.

The washer can wash up to 6.6 pounds of laundry at a time. Plus, it only weighs around 48.4 pounds and has two bottom roller wheels and two side handles. Consumer Reports also ranked it very high when it comes to portability and ease of use. They also noted that it runs quietly, has an LED display that shows wash cycle information, and offers customizable wash cycles. In addition, they appreciated its lint filter. This allows it to catch loose threads before they can move into the drain hose.

The washer has good customer feedback, too. Buyers consistently praise it for its cleaning performance, quiet operation, and compact size. One Best Buy buyer even said that the washer "fits well in even the smallest kitchens." Put simply, if you are looking for a small portable washer, the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cubic Feet Portable Washer is a good choice. In fact, it is the best washing machine for small spaces according to reviews.

Even though the BLACK+DECKER 0.9-cubic-foot Portable Washer ranked high in Consumer Reports' portable-washer testing, it still has a few limitations. The biggest one is capacity. Consumer Reports noted that the capacity is not very large and that the washer fills almost completely, even with a small load. Best Buy reviews point to the same issue. Buyers consistently say that it works best for only small loads and light laundry. Don't expect it to handle the full family's regular wash.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this washer uses only cold water. Now this may be fine for many everyday loads, but it could be a dealbreaker if you regularly prefer hot water for certain laundry items. So, make sure you keep this in mind when shopping for a new washing machine. Other than that, Consumer Reports also listed slow tub filling as a downside, noting that cycles can take several minutes longer than expected.

Besides that, some Best Buy reviewers also brought up leaking and hose-connection problems. These issues are to be expected, too. That is because portable washers depend on a proper sink connection and drainage setup. So, make sure to check your place for these things before buying this washer. Otherwise, you could also end up with leakage or connection issues. That said, the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cubic Feet Portable Washer is not a bad choice at all. If anything, it is a great pick for small laundry rooms or other small spaces. You just need to make sure you understand what it can and cannot do before you purchase it for your home.