Using Portable Clothes Washers

So when would someone need a portable washing machine?  There are a number of circumstances where this type of washer comes in handy.  The most frequent is when living in an apartment that either doesn’t have onsite laundry facilities, or even if it does and you want the convenience of doing your laundry in your own home.    They are also very affordable and the investment can quickly pay for itself when considering the cost at a Laundromat.   The cost of a portable washer and dryer pair is typically less than a single standard sized unit.

Then there are the occasions when perhaps you have a standard sized set at home but need an on-the-go laundry solution, for example while on vacation or in a college dorm.  In these cases, there are table-top versions available that can truly be taken anywhere

Haier Portable Clothes Washer

One of the best selling and most well known of the portable clothes washers is made by Haier.    This model holds up to 1 cubic ft of wash.    It is electric, so it needs access to an electrical plugin and needs to be attached to a kitchen faucet.   The unit is 66 pounds, which is about the same size as a small child or medium sized dog.

The reviews for this clothes washing machine are overall favorable.  The biggest obstacle people seem to run into is the fact that the water lines need to be attached to the kitchen sink and sometimes people run into issues attaching it properly.  However, several resourceful people have recommended purchasing a quick disconnect connection to attach to your sink that once on, can be left on.  Then you don’t have to worry about taking it on and off.

The overwhelming consensus on the washer is:

• A definite must have if living somewhere where laundry facilities aren’t available
• Make sure that the hoses are securely attached
• Don’t overload the washer

Find the best price on the Haier Portable Clothes Washer

Find the best price on the Haier Portable Clothes Washer

Table Top Portable Clothes Washer

So maybe you need a washer that is even more portable and takes up less space than the Haier washer.  Believe it or not, there are table top clothes washers available.  The Wonderwash portable washer is a manual washer (ie handcrank) that is designed to circulate the water and detergent effectively through the clothes giving a clean wash.

You don’t have to worry about hooking up hoses or plugging it in, simply add the clothes, detergent and water.    This makes it a perfect laundry solution for just about any situation: camping, RV’s, dorm rooms, apartments.  Some people with a regular washer use it to clean their hand wash only items.

Since it is manual, it obviously does not have a rinse cycle.  You will either need to wring out the clothing after washing them or the company does also sell a portable dryer to spin out the excess water.

Find the best price on the WonderWash Portable Clothes Washer

Find the best price on the WonderWash Portable Clothes Washer

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The configuration of the GE Spacemaker washer and dryer is know by several terms such as a “stack pack,” a “washer dryer combo,” a “stackable,” or more descriptively, as a “laundry center.”  Truly, the unit is so narrow that a laundry organizer could be slid right in alongside and still minimal space will be used.

GE Spacemaker Washer

The GE Spacemaker line is one of the most popular of the company’s home appliance series.  A variety of applicances, such as microwaves (another top seller,) dishwashers, and refrigerators are all available in the Spacemaker series and enable you to make the most of small spaces.

However, the standout in the series is the GE Spacemaker washer and dryer.  The model comes in both electric and gas for the economy conscious.    The extra large capacity holds 2.7 cubic units.  In addition to the choice of energy source, the unit allows for further adjustment with three settings for wash cycles, three wash and rinse temperatures, and three water levels.  Use just what you need when you need it.

The front loading dryer is mounted on a sturdy frame above the top loading washing unit leaving the footprint a mere 27 by 30 inches.  One word of warning, if installing the combo unit beneath cabinets or in an enclosed space be sure to check all of the dimensions including the height.

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Choosing a GE Spacemaker Washer and Dryer

If you are considering purchasing a Spacemaker washer and dryer unit, there are several factors to consider.  First, you need to carefully measure the space that the unit will occupy to make sure that the unit will fit.  Measure width, depth, and height.

Second, confirm that the area can be vented to the outside, while there are other front loading washer dryer combos that do not require venting at all, the Spacemaker unit does require it.

If the dimensions and venting requirements match those of your home, the GE Spacemaker washer and dryer combo unit may be an excellent option for your laundry needs.  The unit can be ordered online and shipped to you, or you make get the best of both worlds.  Choose your model, order online at a store such as Sears and have it delivered right to your door.

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Types of Stackable Washers and Dryers

There are two main types of stackable washers and dryers.  The first type will have a top loading washer with a front loading dryer secured over it.   This type of unit normally has a smaller capacity than its standalone counterpart.

The second type of stackable washer and dryer combo is a front loading washer combined with a front loading dryer.  These models will typically have close to the same capacity as the top load models.  As a matter of fact, kits are available to stack most standard size front load washer and dryer units.

Front Load Washer and Dryer Combos

As technology improves, so does convenience for every day household tasks.  One of the latest developments in laundry appliances is the front load washer and dryer combo.  Rather than buying two separate units to wash and dry your clothes, a combo unit will do both.  Just put your clothes in, start the cycle, and come back to fully washed and dried clothing.

The other benefit to the washer and dryer combo units is that many of them are ventless.   Most standard washing machines require a vent to the outside to operate properly.  This is a cost to consider when purchasing any type of stackable washer and dryer.  However, this is not a concern with a combo unit.  The unit can literally be placed anywhere.

The one downside to the front load washer and dryer combos is that while they do save on water and electricity, they typically take longer to dry the clothes than a separate drying unit would.  However, for the working person, this inconvenience is negligible and greatly outweighed by the benefit of not having to switch a load from the washer to the dryer.

If you are in an apartment or small home without laundry facilities, add stackable washers and dryers to your shopping list.  There is a wide selection available in washers and dryers today including stackable dual units as well as front load washer and dryer combos.  Whatever your housing situation, the right washer and dryer is out there for you.

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New Age of Home Appliances:  Front Loader Machines

As mentioned, the purchase of front loader machines are on the rise for residential use for a number of reasons.  Not the least is that the price has dramatically decreased for home units.  In years past, front loading machines were typically only found in commercial laundry mats and residential models were prohibitively expensive.  Now, while a front loading washing machine is not as cheap as a top loader model, they are much more affordable for the average home owner.

Front Loader vs Top Loader Washing Machines

What are the advantages of a front loader washing machine vs a top loader?  First, front loaders have a greater capacity as they do not have an agitator, requiring fewer loads of laundry to be done.  Second, they require much less water than a typical top loader.  Both of these factors will result in savings in both energy and time.

Compare Front Loader Washing Machines

If you are planning on purchasing a front loader washing machine, it is always a good idea to compare models and prices.  Rather than having to drive from store to store as buyers were forced to do in days past, doing your due diligence research is now a snap with online stores and consumer review sites.

The most well know rating and review site is obviously Consumer Reports.  However, it is not the only one.  There are now many web sites that allow individual customer reviews that are unfiltered and updated in real time.   Amazon is a great site to get the scoop on real customer experience as buyers have the option of both rating the machines as well as leaving a review.

If you are looking for a way to save time on the unavoidable task of laundry and would like to save money and be eco-friendly at the same time, consider buying a front loader washing machine as your next home appliance purchase.  Join the ever growing ranks of homeowners who have made the switch .

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According to the Good Housekeeping Research Institute (Yes . . . there is such a thing,) the best set for overall performance is the LG SteamWasher and SteamDryer set.  While some washers lose temperature with larger loads, LG scored points for an even temperature regardless of load size.  Additionally, the model features an “Allergiene” mode which washes away common allergens at multiple points in the wash cycle and boasts a certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The SteamDryer will be a favorite with conservationists as it took the least amount of energy to dry the clothes.  The eco-friendly front load steam dryer also has an airflow sensor that will alert the user to problems with duct flow.

While the LG Steam Front Load Washer and Dryer set earned the overall top marks, the Samsung Steam Washer had a competitive showing as well.

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Find the best buy on the GE Spacemaker washer and dryer stack pack

Stacking a washer and dryer on top of each other is not a new innovation.  Apartment models, sometimes known as “stack packs,” have been available for years.  However, the washer itself would be a top loading unit with the dryer being held on a rack directly above the washer.  Both the washer and dryer were much smaller than a standard size unit.

However, with the advent of front loading washers and dryers for residential use, there are now two options for a front load washer and dryer combo.  The first is to buy a standard front loading set and simply buy a washer and dryer stacking kit and put one on the other. With both units being front loading, almost any washer and dryer set will be stackable.

Click here to find the best buy on a front load washer and dryer combo.

The second option is to buy a washer and dryer combination model.  Rather than having to buy two separate appliances, it is an all in one unit.  While each complete wash and dry cycle takes quite a bit longer (most take approximately two and a half hours,) it is truly the epitome of a space saving unit.  Owners also appreciate the convenience of not having to move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.  Pop the clothes in, start the unit, and come back to a clean load that has already been washed and dried.

If your home is short on laundry space, consider a front load washer and dryer combo unit.  Not only will you reap the standard front load washer and dryer benefits of saving on energy and water, but you will also save valuable floor space in your home.

Click here to find the best buy on a front load washer and dryer combo.

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The advent of the internet has made finding ratings on appliances a snap.  No longer do you have to manually cull the opinions, the information is now literally at your finger tips.  A search for “front load washer and dryer ratings” will bring up a wealth of information.  Blogs where the author either praises or complains about their new purchase.  Forums where visitors discuss at length the pros and cons of the different models, and where is the best place to buy the product.

Numerous comparison shopping sites abound with not only ratings by actual customers on the product themselves, but also on the store which they bought it from.  In addition, many online stores now allow buyers to rate and review their purchase to give feedback to future customers.

One of the largest online marketplaces is Amazon.com where buyers can build a reputation for ratings and reviews of not only books, but a wide variety of products as well.

However, if you are thinking about purchasing a front load washer and dryer, you don’t necessarily want to become a research expert just because you are buying a home appliance.  This is why we have gathered offerings from a wide range of manufacturers and compiled them in one place along with the front load washer and dryer ratings available.

If you have purchased one of the washer and dryers listed on the site, please give your feedback to aid future purchasers in their search.

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