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.

At-a-glance comparison

Six fit-first recommendations

We compare verified exterior dimensions and setup requirements. Prices and retailer availability can change.

RecommendationExterior sizeCapacitySetup
Smallest footprintBLACK+DECKER BPWM09W17.7 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
Balanced for one or twoHamilton Beach HBPW16021 W × 22 D × 38 H in.1.6 cu. ft. / 11 lb.Quick-connect sink adapter supports temporary faucet use
Most-reviewed compact pickCOMFEE' CLV16N2AMG20.3 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
Familiar mid-size choiceBLACK+DECKER BPWM16W20.3 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
Larger weekly loadsBLACK+DECKER BPWM20W21.6 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
Maximum portable capacityBLACK+DECKER BPW30MW23.7 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
BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W#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
COMFEE' CLV16N2AMG#3 · Most-reviewed compact pick

COMFEE' · CLV16N2AMG

1.6 cu. ft. Portable Washer

Best for: Apartment shoppers who value simple controls, wheels, and a large review base

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
BLACK+DECKER BPWM16W#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
BLACK+DECKER BPWM20W#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
BLACK+DECKER BPW30MW#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

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.

Fit guidance

How to choose for a genuinely small space

01

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.

02

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.

03

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 Under 21 Inches Wide

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

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