Best Portable Washing Machine · Large Loads

Best Large Capacity Portable Washing Machine

For big loads, choose a 2.0 cu ft automatic washer with a hot-water inlet: our top pick is the BLACK+DECKER 2.0 cu ft, rated at 15.4 lb. That fits towels and jeans for a small family in one load. No portable washer is a full-size machine, though: an Abt expert quoted by NBC Select says heavy or bulky loads may need to go elsewhere.

Tall portable top-load washer with the lid open, a laundry basket of towels and jeans beside it

Our top 3

Top picks at a glance

Best large capacity#1
BLACK+DECKER 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer washer

BLACK+DECKER 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer

Mid-range price range

A 2.0 cu ft drum rated at 15.4 lb, with hot and cold inlets and a Bulky program.

See options ›
Best large alternative#2
COMFEE' 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer washer

COMFEE’ 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer

Mid-range price range

NBC Select’s best overall portable washer: about 15 lb, wheels and three temperatures.

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Best big twin tub#3
COSTWAY 26 lb Twin Tub with Drain Pump washer

COSTWAY 26 lb Twin Tub with Drain Pump

Budget price range

An 18 lb wash tub with a drain pump, at about 34 lb.

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In detail

Who each one suits

Specifications and capacities are each brand’s own; awards are credited to the publishers that gave them. We did not test these machines ourselves.

Best large capacity#1

BLACK+DECKER 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer

If you want a portable washer that behaves most like a full-size one, this 2.0 cu ft BLACK+DECKER is the pick. It has separate hot and cold inlets, so it can use real hot water from your tap, and a brand-rated 15.4 lb capacity that fits towels and jeans in one load.

Why it stands out

  • Separate hot and cold inlets: connect to two taps, use the sink adapter, or cap the hot inlet and run cold.
  • Six programs including Bulky and Spin Only; BestReviews named it its Best of the Best.
  • Rollers, side handles and adjustable leveling legs.
TypeFully automatic, top load
Capacity (brand)2.0 cu ft, 15.4 lb
Weight79.4 lb
Fill & drainSink adapter or hot and cold taps; drains to a 32–39 in sink or standpipe
Hot waterUses your hot tap through a hot inlet; no heater

Good fit if

  • You are a couple or small family and want fewer, bigger loads.
  • You want warm or hot washes from your own water heater.
  • You have room for a machine about 22 by 22 inches and 37.4 inches tall (53 inches with the lid open).

Skip it if

  • You cannot roll or lift about 80 lb.
  • Your only drain point is lower than 32 inches.
  • You plan to use it in an RV: its manual says it is not designed for mobile installations.

BestReviews says it tends to leak a little, so check hose connections on the first few loads.

Best large alternative#2

COMFEE’ 2.0 cu ft Portable Washer

NBC Select’s best overall portable washer: a larger COMFEE’ with a 2.0 cu ft drum, about 15 lb of capacity, wheels, a child lock and three water temperatures. It is the step up from the 1.6 when you want fewer loads.

Why it stands out

  • Six programs including Bulky and Spin Only.
  • Wheels and handles, plus a stainless-steel inner tub (NBC Select).
  • 1-year limited warranty.
TypeFully automatic, top load, wheels
Capacity (brand)2.0 cu ft, 15 lb
Weight79.4 lb
Fill & drainFaucet hose; check drain details on the listing
Hot waterThree temperature settings; no heater

Good fit if

  • You want more capacity than the 1.6 but a similar layout.
  • You wash for two to three people.

Skip it if

  • You need full spec details before buying: COMFEE’ no longer lists the 2.0 on its own store, so check the listing.
  • You cannot handle about 79 lb.
Best big twin tub#3

COSTWAY 26 lb Twin Tub with Drain Pump

The biggest twin tub on our list, and one of the few with a built-in drain pump, so it can push water up into a sink instead of needing a floor-level drain. COSTWAY rates it at 18 lb wash and 8 lb spin.

Why it stands out

  • Drain pump plus a 52.5-inch drain hose.
  • Gentle, normal and drain modes with 15-minute wash and 5-minute spin timers.
  • Only about 34 lb for its capacity.
TypeTwin tub with drain pump
Capacity (brand)18 lb wash + 8 lb spin
Weight34 lb
Fill & drainFaucet hose; built-in drain pump
Hot waterBrand gives no temperature limit

Good fit if

  • You wash for a family or do one big laundry day a week.
  • Your drain point is a sink, higher than the machine.

Skip it if

  • You want a fully automatic washer.
  • You only wash a few items at a time.

Washing for a family?

A 2.0 cu ft drum cuts the number of loads. Measure the height with the lid open: the BLACK+DECKER 2.0 needs 53.1 inches.

What buyers say ›

Tips

Three things that make the difference

01

Do not overfill

BLACK+DECKER says never to load more than 3/4 full; Danby and Magic Clean say large items must be able to move and turn over freely.

02

Mix big and small items

Magic Chef says heavy items like towels and jeans can unbalance a load and suggests adding one or two more items to even it out.

03

Use Bulky for blankets

BLACK+DECKER’s 3.0 cu ft manual lists an 84-minute Bulky program, and names a blanket sitting above the tub as a cause of leaks.

Honest note

Brand capacity numbers are not directly comparable. GE lists one portable as 2.8 cu ft under the US DOE method and 3.3 cu ft under the IEC method, and brands rate pounds differently. Compare the drum size, and keep bulky bedding for a laundromat.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What is the biggest portable washing machine?

Among the models we compared, the BLACK+DECKER 2.0 cu ft and COMFEE’ 2.0 cu ft are the largest automatics, rated at about 15 lb. NBC Select quotes a consultant saying portables range up to about 3.0 cu ft.

Can a portable washer wash a comforter?

Usually not a full-size one. None of the manuals we read says a queen or king comforter fits, and BLACK+DECKER lists a blanket sitting above the tub as a cause of leaks. Bulky bedding is a laundromat job.

How many towels fit in a portable washer?

A few. Tide says a large bath towel weighs about 1.5 lb, so a 15 lb washer takes several. Consumer Reports says compact 2–2.7 cu ft washers hold about 10 bath towels; portables are smaller.

Can I wash jeans in a portable washer?

Yes, a few pairs at a time with other clothes. Magic Chef says jeans and towels can unbalance a load and suggests adding one or two more items to balance it.

Do large portable washers need hot water?

Not necessarily. ENERGY STAR says cold water generally does a good job unless you have oily stains. The BLACK+DECKER 2.0 has a hot inlet if you want warm washes.

How heavy is a large portable washer?

About 80 lb. BLACK+DECKER lists 79.4 lb for its 2.0 cu ft, and NBC Select lists 79.4 lb for the COMFEE’ 2.0. Both have rollers or wheels.

Fewer loads, same small space

Want the full picture? See all our best portable washing machine, compared by home type, and the FAQ on hookups, drying and care.