Apartment laundry guide

Best Portable Washers for Apartments

A portable washer only works in an apartment when the cabinet, open lid, hoses, faucet adapter, drain route, and building rules all work together. These six models span very small frequent-load machines through larger roll-away washers, with the measurements and setup details placed side by side.

Match a washer to my space Compare six models & retailer links

Measure before you buy

Measure the storage path and operating location
Add clearance above the published cabinet height for the lid
Confirm your faucet threads fit the supplied quick connector
Plan a drain route that cannot jump out of the sink or tub
Check your lease or building laundry rules before ordering

At-a-glance comparison

Compare six options by fit and setup

Start with exterior dimensions, operating clearance, access, and setup requirements. Then verify the exact model, current availability, and purchase terms at the retailer before ordering.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Small Space Buyer earns from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay. Walmart links are included for comparison.

Recommendation	Exterior size	Capacity	Setup	Retailer options
Smallest footprintBLACK+DECKER BPWM09W See fit details	17.7 W × 18.1 D × 31.5 H in.	0.9 cu. ft. / 6.6 lb.	Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included	Check Amazon for BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W Check Walmart for BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W
Balanced for one or twoHamilton Beach HBPW160 See fit details	21 W × 22 D × 38 H in.	1.6 cu. ft. / 11 lb.	Quick-connect sink adapter supports temporary faucet use	Check Amazon for Hamilton Beach HBPW160 Check Walmart for Hamilton Beach HBPW160
Compact 1.6 cu. ft. optionCOMFEE' CLV16N2AMG See fit details	20.3 W × 20.7 D × 37 H in.	1.6 cu. ft. / 11 lb.	Water inlet hose and faucet converter are included; verify the faucet threads before ordering	Check Amazon for COMFEE' CLV16N2AMG
Familiar mid-size choiceBLACK+DECKER BPWM16W See fit details	20.3 W × 20.7 D × 36.6 H in.	1.7 cu. ft. / 11 lb.	Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included	Check Amazon for BLACK+DECKER BPWM16W Check Walmart for BLACK+DECKER BPWM16W
Larger weekly loadsBLACK+DECKER BPWM20W See fit details	21.6 W × 22.2 D × 37.4 H in.	2 cu. ft. / 15.4 lb.	Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included	Check Amazon for BLACK+DECKER BPWM20W Check Walmart for BLACK+DECKER BPWM20W
Maximum portable capacityBLACK+DECKER BPW30MW See fit details	23.7 W × 24.8 D × 39.4 H in.	3 cu. ft. / 26.5 lb.	Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included	Check Amazon for BLACK+DECKER BPW30MW Check Walmart for BLACK+DECKER BPW30MW

Decision gate

Can your space support the washer while it is running?

A portable washer is not just a cabinet to store. The faucet, drain, open lid, hose route, loading position, floor, and building rules all become part of the purchase decision.

01Confirm the faucet adapter and thread documentation

02Plan a secured drain route before choosing capacity

03Leave lid, hose, loading, and roll-away clearance

Use these checks to narrow the list, then open the exact specification and retailer listing for the model you are considering.

#1 · Smallest footprint

BLACK+DECKER · BPWM09W

0.9 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: One person, very tight spaces, and small loads washed often

Exterior size: 17.7 W × 18.1 D × 31.5 H in.
Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft. / 6.6 lb.
Performance: 5 wash cycles
Setup: Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included

Check Amazon Check Walmart Verify specs

#2 · Balanced for one or two

Hamilton Beach · HBPW160

1.6 cu. ft. Top Load Portable Washer

Best for: A balanced capacity for one or two people without full-size hookups

Exterior size: 21 W × 22 D × 38 H in.
Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft. / 11 lb.
Performance: 6 wash cycles
Setup: Quick-connect sink adapter supports temporary faucet use

Check Amazon Check Walmart Verify specs

#3 · Compact 1.6 cu. ft. option

COMFEE' · CLV16N2AMG

1.6 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: Apartment shoppers who value simple controls and wheels

Exterior size: 20.3 W × 20.7 D × 37 H in.
Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft. / 11 lb.
Performance: 6 wash cycles
Setup: Water inlet hose and faucet converter are included; verify the faucet threads before ordering

Check Amazon Verify specs

#4 · Familiar mid-size choice

BLACK+DECKER · BPWM16W

1.7 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: A familiar mid-size choice with broad Amazon and Walmart availability

Exterior size: 20.3 W × 20.7 D × 36.6 H in.
Capacity: 1.7 cu. ft. / 11 lb.
Performance: 6 wash cycles
Setup: Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included

Check Amazon Check Walmart Verify specs

#5 · Larger weekly loads

BLACK+DECKER · BPWM20W

2.0 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: Larger weekly loads when you still need a movable, sink-connected washer

Exterior size: 21.6 W × 22.2 D × 37.4 H in.
Capacity: 2 cu. ft. / 15.4 lb.
Performance: 6 wash cycles
Setup: Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included

Check Amazon Check Walmart Verify specs

#6 · Maximum portable capacity

BLACK+DECKER · BPW30MW

3.0 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: Shoppers prioritizing the most capacity while keeping a faucet-connectable design

Exterior size: 23.7 W × 24.8 D × 39.4 H in.
Capacity: 3 cu. ft. / 26.5 lb.
Performance: 6 wash cycles
Setup: Quick-connect sink adapter, water-supply hose, and drain hose are included

Check Amazon Check Walmart Verify specs

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Small Space Buyer earns from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay. Walmart links are included for comparison and may become affiliate links after program approval.

Illustrative laundry corner with a compact washer beside a green sink cabinet — Illustrative room layout, not a photograph of a recommended model or a verified installation.

How to use this shortlist

These recommendations compare published specifications; they are not hands-on test results. The labels describe different needs within this six-model selection, not a universal performance ranking. Start with body dimensions, then check the exact model’s manual for lid, hose, electrical and drainage requirements.

Rule a model out if it blocks a walkway, cannot open fully, lacks a documented faucet connection, or cannot reach an approved drain. A larger tub is not an upgrade when the complete operating setup does not fit.

Try your measurements

Check one dimension at a time

Use the same direction for all three inputs: width, depth or height. Add all required extra space on that axis, including movement and manufacturer clearance. Repeat for the other axes and check obstructions separately.

Available clear space (inches)Product body size (inches)Required extra space (inches)

Enter all three measurements. Leave required extra space blank if it is unknown; do not assume zero.

Available space − product body − required extra space = space remaining

Check faucet compatibility before choosing a washer →

Fit guidance

How to choose for a genuinely small space

Start with the complete operating footprint

Published dimensions describe the washer cabinet, not every inch it needs while running. Allow room behind the machine for inlet and drain hoses, above it for a fully opened lid, and in front or beside it for safe loading. Measure doorways, corners, and the route from storage to the sink if you plan to roll it away.

Match capacity to the loads you actually wash

A 0.9 cubic-foot washer is easier to store but works best for one person washing small loads often. Mid-size 1.6 to 2.0 cubic-foot machines reduce the number of loads. The largest portable models approach full-size weight and footprint, so they make more sense when capacity matters more than frequent moving.

Verify water, drainage, and apartment rules

Quick-connect adapters do not fit every faucet, especially pull-down sprayers and unusual aerators. Confirm the threads before ordering and secure the drain hose every time. Some leases or buildings restrict portable washers because of leak risk, so written approval can be as important as the measurements.

Plan the complete setup

Read the guides that answer the next question.

These guides cover exact size limits, measurements, connections, and operating clearances that product listings often leave unclear.

Exact-dimension shortlist

Portable Washers 21 Inches Wide or Less

Compare portable washers no more than 21 inches wide, with capacity, depth, lid clearance, faucet hookup, and drainage details.

See qualifying products Buying guide

Portable washing without a permanent hookup

Compare temporary water, drainage, and storage routines before buying.

Read the guide Buying guide

Faucet adapter compatibility

Check aerators, threads, hoses, and quick-connect fittings.

Read the guide Buying guide

Portable washer drainage

Plan a safer route to a sink, tub, or approved standpipe.

Read the guide Buying guide

Apartment appliances without permanent hookups

Plan every temporary connection, clearance, and shutdown routine.

Read the guide

Common questions

Best Portable Washers for Apartments: FAQ

Can a portable washer connect to any apartment faucet?

No. Most use a quick-connect adapter that needs compatible faucet threads. Pull-down, pull-out, and nonstandard faucets may require a different plan or may not work safely.

Do portable washers need a permanent hookup?

The models compared here can use a temporary faucet connection and drain into a secured sink, tub, or compatible standpipe, but each manufacturer's instructions still apply.

How much extra clearance should I leave?

Use the published cabinet dimensions as the minimum, then follow the manufacturer's hose and ventilation guidance and measure enough space to open the lid fully.

Use your measurements

Get recommendations ranked for your exact space.

Match a washer to my space