Compact Washing Machine

I had never heard of compact washing machines, until recently I was channel surfing, and I came across a show depicting a young couple trying to find an apartment overseas. Well, they did and it had a tiny washing machine that emptied out into a deep sink.

While that is not something that most people would want, if your options are using a Laundromat or one of these - you are going to want your own compact washing machine.

These handy units usually have simple drain hose that you can setup to empty into a basin, and they run off of a standard wall outlet. Obviously, they also take up a fraction of the space of a standard washing machine as well.

Yes, you will find yourself doing smaller loads more frequently, but that is a small price to pay to dump the trip downstairs and out to a dirty unsafe laundry room. An additional bonus is that you don't have to worry that someone will steal your undies while you are back in your apartment answering the phone.

Compact Washers are Made for Apartments

Your lease agreement should be looked at before you just bring in a portable washer and dryer, but if are allowed to have an aquarium or water-bed, there should be no issue with a compact washer. And if you move - you really can take it with you. Just drain the unit, unplug it, and get your boyfriend to carry it to his SUV.

If you have a portable washer, you are also going to want to set-up some way to take care of drying as well. You have several choices here - you can use a clothes drying rack, hang them up on an indoor clothesline, or get a compact clothes dryer.

If you go for a compact dryer, you will want to check it out in advance to make sure how it vents. Some units need a vent hose to dump hot moist air outside, some vent back into the room, and some don't vent at all.

One huge advantage of a setup like this is that when you go to spend a few weeks at Mom's house - you can take your portable compact washer and dryer with you. No more overloading Mom's machine.

Portable Washer Dryers - What to Look For

Haier America is probably the most prolific manufacturer in this category, but most major washer and dryer companies have at least one model. Haier has a wide range of units - from truly tiny machine under a cubic foot, up to units that really push the boundaries of the category. Their largest machine will still be al to smaller than a regular washer, though.

Some of their dryers use a "condensation system" to dry - and it does work, although it will take your clothes a lot longer to dry. The upside is less danger from electric heating elements and no hot exhaust into your bathroom or kitchen.

Any dryer you pick should have a moisture sensor, and any washer should absolutely have a "power saver" or "light soil" setting. Most of us don't really get our clothes dirty. Mostly they just have a little dried sweat and perfume on them. So why put them through a full wash cycle, and use all of that extra water, time and electricity?

If you live in an area with a retailer, you should absolutely go into the showroom, and make the salesman run the machine through a cycle. Watch for the following:

• Any "hot" smell - indicative of cheap wiring and heat control
• Excessive noise - will you be able to watch TV with this thing in your house?
• Put the controls through their paces - make sure they all work
• Check to see if the washer is Energy Star rated
• Make sure they stand behind their warranty - check online for feedback form customers on Amazon.com and elsewhere.

Compact washers can be a real time and money saver - you just have to make sure you pick the right one for your needs.

Compact Washing Machines on Sale

Just in time for Christmas, there are a lot of models out there to choose from. Let's take a look at some industry leaders:

Kenmore 2.1 cu. ft. Compact Portable Top Load Washer - 4472
This unit has a few features you may not find on other units - not such a surprise since it is coming from Kenmore! Take a look a what it offers:

• You can set this for 2 different water levels. this is a "green" feature - and it saves wear and tear on the water pump.
• Multiple temperature settings - this is a must - but you don't see it on all machines in this class
• This machine is quiet! Kenmore has something they cal "Quiet Pack Plus Sound Insulation:. Apparently, it works.
• They include sink hook-up hardware

The Kenmore is available at multiple retailers, including online for about $700.00
That may seem a little pricy, but remember you are getting Kenmore warranties and reliability.