Portable mini washing machines

[xelent]

I’m not sure if this is the best forum to ask, but I thought I would give it a go all the same. I recently moved into a 3rd floor studio flat which has no plumbing or space frankly for a normal washing machine. Not to mention som narrow steep staircases to carry it up from.

So my question is how good are these mini washing machine? I looked at a Pyramid twin tub which washes up to 2kg of clothes and also has a spinner next to it. Has anyone ever used these items and how deeply do they really wash your clothes?

I really detest wasting up to 2 hours of my free time stuck in the laundrette, so I’m kind of hoping this would be a good solution.

Your thoughts and comments would be deeply appreciated

[don]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

Hi

Looking at the machine here listed by Jacksons camping and priced @ £68.99. I would say that given it`s load capacity of 1.5 kg and the market it`s being aimed at it`s probably only good for a few “smalls” while you are away.

Now I don`t know how big the Pyramid is but you may still be able to pick up one of the Zanussi ZWC1300 compact 3kg machine which has a 1300 spin speed which are ideal for small residences. They still do need plumbing in but like their larger counterparts will give a proper wash and last a lot longer.

HTH 🙂

Don

[xelent]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

don wrote:it`s being aimed at it`s probably only good for a few “smalls” while you are away.

Yes that was my concern also The one I was looking at was 2 kg’s which was certainly the largest capacity that I could find. I certainly think shirts and smalls will be ok, but I do wonder about bulkier items like jeans and sweaters.

I like the idea of the Zanusi, thanks for the link and the insight. I hunted everywhere to find the weight for this product, as it is considerably smaller than the regular machine, but to no avail. The reason for my concern about the weight is getting it in and out from 3 flights of stairs, which are very narrow in places. I guess if it fits its probably a 15 minute struggle with 2 guys, but it’s a legitimate concern.

However I am wondering about the plumbing, can I run the hoses off the taps, rather than fitting special pipes and washing mahine taps. I am a complete newbie at this sort of thing, but I am only renting and therefore have no wish to spend excessive amounts of money on something I might only be using for several months to a year. Do you know of other manufacturers for this sized washing machine at all.

Many thnaks for your thoughts.

[don]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

Hi

I know nothing about the Pyramid machine I`m afraid, you would need to contact the seller for that.

The Zanussi compact however would require plumbing in just like an ordinary full size machine.

The only other option I can think of where you can use taps would be a Hotpoint twin tub if anyone has a reconditioned one for sale. Good robust machines now getting on a bit, but if you can find one in good nick it could be a good buy.

HTH 🙂

Don

[xelent]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

Thanks for your help.. 🙂

[gandh1]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

Hi xelent, the zanussi 3kgs are weighty, not quite as heavy as a normal w/m but a hell of a lot easier to handle, regardless of weight. it was a few months back i last took one out to a customer, but i would estimate approx 45-50kg, approx dimensions 65Hx 50Wx 50D (cm)

the only downside is sheer cost for a new one. if you came into my shop i would ask you for £459 of your hard earned cash for one of these dropped off locally.

unless you can find a s/h one, and even then, because the model has been in production for so long without a noticeable difference in appearance, the older aged ones are prone to rusting through, and pump failures. so make sure if you find one, see it working before parting cash!

Best way to do a short test for one of these is to put an old newspaper under it and run it on a 90degree wash (to test hot and cold fill), rinse (tests gasket and drum as its the highest fill of water), then a spin (for bearing and strut/carcass wear). If it completes all 3 without leaks and massive noise its a good sign!

good news is tho if you can find a s.h one the new market is very small, and resale is even smaller so the chance of the seller finding another buyer soon is tiny. chances are whoever has one for sale would bite your hand off at the first offer you made them. so keep your initial offer low and haggle up!

as for plumbing in, they arent great fittings, but you can get “diy” cut in taps that will allow you to connect it up to mains water feed. obviously if you are in rental accomodation, seek permission first otherwise you may lose your deposit!

The other options for space that havent already been mentioned are slimline toploaders

off the top of my head, hotpoint have the wtl500 and whirlpool also produce one – awe6517, and are as close to a front loader as you can get other than the zanussi. Approx 5kg load, and 1000 spin.

If i had the hotpoint in in the shop it would be £459 delivered. If i had the whirlpool in the shop it would be £499 delivered, but i was recently told by a customer that currys had this for less than £400, which is less than i can get it at trade… so… anyway!

one thing to remember is because they are top loaders they wont fit under a worktop (obviously) and approx dimensions for both are 90H x 40W x 60D (cm)

Again it will also really like a direct feed, rather than runnig off sink taps 😛

[xelent]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

I am beginning to understand why people don’t really buy the smaller compact WM’s now. The price varients as you suggest arnt a lot different to that of the more larger and infinately more programmable ones. The cheapest zanussi I could find was for £297 here http://home-shopping-network.co.uk/c/appliances/product/ZWC1300W-1300-Spin-Washing-Machine-Zanussi-1300-Spin-Washing-Machine.html

I wouldnt mind spending the money, but my main problem is the plumbing and the 3 flights of narrow stairs frankly. So my option is veering closer to the twin tub, as they are lighter, cheaper-ish and take bigger loads. I’m sure they dont give as deeper clean as the Zanussi, but frankly I dont oversoil my clothes much and I use vanish for stubborn stains. It look like I can fit the twin tub in an unused space behind my bath, which will make it ideal for drainage purposes.

It’s a shame that there seems to be very few options for people such as myself. Living in London can be a tight squezze for many people and having a small, lightweight affordable WM would bring enormous value to ones living environment. But as a businessman myself, I know, if the markets not there, it’s not there. Thanks for your points and help by the way.

[gandh1]

Re: Portable mini washing machines

xelent wrote:lightweight

theres a reason why they arent lightweight – counterbalancing, otherwise the machine will bounce around the place!

have you considered asking one of the local independents on here or Dave_Conway about obtaining a Qualtex twin tub washer? its a bit more expensive than the camping twin tub but they seem to be fairly durable.

Ive sold one before and they are fairly slim, and arent that heavy either.

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