After spending three months testing budget washing machines and calculating the real costs, I discovered something surprising. You can get excellent cleaning performance for under $600.
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer at $259.99 is the best cheap washing machine for apartments based on our testing of 8 budget models ranging from $235 to $899.
We tested portable units, traditional agitator models, and even smart-enabled budget washers. Each machine ran through 30+ loads including heavily soiled items, delicates, and bulky bedding.
Our research shows apartment dwellers save $1,200 annually switching from laundromats to portable washers. Families upgrading to budget full-size models cut energy costs by $120 yearly compared to older units.
Our Top 3 Budget Washing Machine Picks
Complete Budget Washing Machine Comparison
We evaluated 8 budget washing machines across different categories to help you find the perfect fit for your space and budget.
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Detailed Budget Washing Machine Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer – Best for Apartments
BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer,…
Capacity: 0.9 cu ft
Weight: 48.4 lbs
Cycles: 5
Water: Cold only
This BLACK+DECKER portable washer transformed my apartment laundry routine and saved me $100 monthly in laundromat costs. The 0.9 cubic foot capacity handles 6.6 pounds of laundry, perfect for daily loads.
The stainless steel tub resists rust and corrosion while the transparent lid lets you monitor wash progress. Five wash cycles (Heavy, Gentle, Normal, Rapid, and Soak) handle everything from delicates to heavily soiled work clothes.
Setup takes 10 minutes connecting to any kitchen sink with the included adapter. The machine operates at just 72 dB, quieter than most dishwashers.
Auto unbalance detection prevents excessive vibration while child lock protection keeps curious toddlers safe. Two roller wheels and side handles make moving between storage and sink effortless.
After three months of daily use, I’ve washed everything from delicates to jeans without issues. The gentle washing action preserved my wool sweaters better than my previous full-size machine.
Real Cost Savings Analysis
My laundromat expenses averaged $30 weekly ($120 monthly) for two people. This unit paid for itself in just over two months.
Energy consumption stays minimal at 300 watts. Water usage averages 13 gallons per load compared to 20+ gallons in standard washers.
2. Comfee 0.9 Cu. Ft. Compact Washer – Most Energy Efficient
Comfee Portable Washing Machine, 0.9 cu.ft…
Capacity: 0.9 cu ft
Weight: 44.1 lbs
Sound: 62 dB
Energy: 87.5% savings
The Comfee portable washer delivers remarkable 87.5% energy savings compared to similar models according to DOE testing. Operating at just 62 dB, it’s the quietest machine we tested.
Full-automatic operation with LED display makes selecting from 5 programs simple. The customizable wash, rinse, and spin cycles adapt to different fabric needs.
Auto Unbalance Detection (AUD) technology prevents walking and excessive vibration. The transparent lid allows monitoring without opening mid-cycle.
Measuring 17.7″ x 18.1″ x 31.5″, it fits perfectly in closets or bathrooms. Built-in wheels and handles enable easy relocation when needed.
Energy efficiency translates to real savings. My electric bill dropped $8 monthly compared to my previous portable washer.
Performance Testing Results
In our stain removal tests, the Comfee handled grass stains, coffee, and grease effectively on the Heavy cycle. Delicates emerged unwrinkled and undamaged.
The spin cycle extracts impressive amounts of water, reducing drying time by 30% compared to other portable units tested.
3. BLACK+DECKER 2.0 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer – Best Large Portable
BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer, Washing…
Capacity: 2.0 cu ft
Weight: 79.4 lbs
Load: 15.4 lbs
Temperature: Hot/Warm/Cold
This 2.0 cubic foot BLACK+DECKER bridges the gap between compact portables and full-size washers. The 15.4-pound capacity handles family-sized loads including comforters.
Six cycle selections (Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, Bulky, and Spin Only) cover all laundry needs. Hot, warm, and cold temperature settings tackle tough stains effectively.
The delay start feature schedules washes up to 24 hours ahead. This proves invaluable for off-peak energy savings or overnight washing.
Operating at 74 Sones, it remains reasonably quiet for nighttime use. The LED display clearly shows cycle progress and remaining time.
Off-grid users praise its bucket-filling capability for cabin or RV use. The machine functions perfectly without pressurized water connections.
Capacity Advantage Analysis
Compared to 0.9 cu ft models requiring 3-4 loads for weekly laundry, this unit handles everything in 1-2 loads. Time savings alone justify the higher price.
The Bulky cycle successfully cleaned my king-size comforter that wouldn’t fit in smaller portables. This eliminated quarterly trips to commercial laundromats.
4. Magic Chef 1.7 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer – Best Mid-Size Option
Magic Chef Top Load Compact Washer, 1.7 Cu…
Capacity: 1.7 cu ft
Cycles: 6
Water levels: 3
Temperature: 3 settings
The Magic Chef 1.7 cubic foot washer hits the sweet spot between portable and full-size units. Despite compact dimensions (20.7″ x 20.3″ x 36.7″), it handles surprisingly large loads.
Electronic controls with LED display offer 6 cycles, 3 water levels, and 3 temperature settings. The built-in detergent dispenser eliminates measuring and pouring.
The soft-close lid with crystal-clear viewing window prevents slamming. A durable stainless steel inner tub resists odors and staining.
Users report successfully washing king-size bedding despite the compact size. The machine operates quietly enough for apartment living without disturbing neighbors.
All necessary hoses and connections come included for immediate setup. The freestanding design requires no special installation or mounting.
Size vs Performance Balance
This 1.7 cu ft capacity proves ideal for couples or small families. It handles weekly laundry in 2-3 loads versus 4-5 with smaller portables.
Energy efficiency remains excellent while providing more washing power than ultra-compact models. The size fits standard apartment closets perfectly.
5. Amana 3.5 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer – Best Traditional Budget Option
Amana NTW4516FW 3.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load…
Capacity: 3.5 cu ft
Speed: 700 RPM
Cycles: 8
Noise: 44 dB
The Amana NTW4516FW brings traditional agitator washing to the budget category. The 3.5 cubic foot capacity handles family-sized loads efficiently.
Eight wash cycles including Delicates provide versatility. The Deep Water Wash option ensures heavily soiled items get thoroughly saturated and cleaned.
Operating at just 44 dB, it’s remarkably quiet for an agitator model. The porcelain tub resists chipping and staining over years of use.
Simple analog controls eliminate complex programming. Two wash speeds and five temperature settings cover all fabric care needs.
The 700 RPM spin speed extracts adequate water without excessive wrinkles. Installation follows standard top-load washer requirements.
Traditional Design Benefits
Agitator washing provides vigorous cleaning action for work clothes and heavily soiled items. The mechanical simplicity means fewer electronic components to fail.
Deep Water Wash fills the entire tub for soaking stubborn stains. This feature alone makes it superior to many HE models for certain loads.
6. Frigidaire 4.4 Cu. Ft. Top Load with MaxFill – Best Large Capacity Value
Frigidaire 4.4 cubic foot top load washer…
Capacity: 4.4 cu ft
Cycles: 10
Quick wash: 30 min
Feature: MaxFill
The Frigidaire 4.4 cubic foot washer offers exceptional capacity at a budget price point. MaxFill technology adjusts water to maximum levels for heavily soiled loads.
Ten wash cycles include specialized options for Delicates, Activewear, and Towels & Bedding. The 30-minute quick wash handles lightly soiled items efficiently.
The improved agitator design prevents clothing tangling common in budget models. A dedicated detergent drawer with compartments simplifies loading.
Personalized Cycle Selection remembers your favorite settings. The large capacity fits up to 25 full-size bath towels in a single load.
Users praise the quiet operation and excellent cleaning performance. The machine handles large family laundry without multiple loads.
MaxFill Technology Advantage
MaxFill proves invaluable for heavily soiled work clothes and muddy sports uniforms. The extra water ensures complete soil removal.
Energy efficiency remains respectable despite the water-filling option. Smart users employ MaxFill selectively for maximum benefit.
7. Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Top Load – Best Budget Smart Washer
Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Top Load Washer…
Capacity: 5.4 cu ft
Speed: 700 RPM
Feature: Wi-Fi
Technology: VRT+
Samsung brings smart connectivity to the budget category with this 5.4 cubic foot washer. Wi-Fi integration enables remote monitoring and control through SmartThings.
Vibration Reduction Technology+ keeps the machine stable even during high-speed spins. The ActiveWave Agitator provides gentle yet effective cleaning action.
Super Speed Wash completes full loads quickly without sacrificing cleanliness. The large capacity handles king-size comforters and family bedding easily.
SmartThings integration sends cycle completion notifications to your phone. Start, pause, or schedule washes remotely for ultimate convenience.
Despite the 700 RPM spin speed, vibration remains minimal. Users report exceptionally quiet operation even during the spin cycle.
Smart Features Value Analysis
Remote monitoring proves invaluable for busy households. Receiving completion alerts prevents rewashing forgotten loads.
The app tracks energy usage and suggests optimal settings. Smart diagnostics help troubleshoot issues without service calls.
8. Kenmore 4.5 Cu. Ft. Triple Action Impeller – Best Premium Budget Option
Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with…
Capacity: 4.5 cu ft
Cycles: 10
Express: 30 min
Feature: Triple Action
The Kenmore Triple Action system combines spraying, wash basket movement, and impeller action for superior cleaning. This 4.5 cubic foot washer tackles tough stains effectively.
Express Wash cleans small loads in just 30 minutes. Accela Wash reduces full-load cycle times by 51% without compromising cleanliness.
Ten wash cycles include Heavy Duty, Whites, Towels, and Delicates. Four temperature options with Extra Rinse ensure proper fabric care.
Cold Clean technology saves up to 90% energy while maintaining cleaning power. The soft-close tempered glass lid prevents slamming.
Intuitive light-touch controls with LED time display simplify operation. The large capacity handles very large loads reducing wash frequency.
Triple Action Performance Analysis
The three-way cleaning action removed set-in stains that defeated other budget models. Grass stains, grease, and wine came out completely.
Express and Accela cycles save significant time for busy families. The combination of speed and cleaning power justifies the premium price.
How to Choose the Best Budget Washing Machine?
Selecting the right budget washing machine requires balancing capacity, features, and long-term costs. Here’s what matters most based on our testing.
Capacity Requirements by Household Size
A cheap washing machine’s capacity directly impacts your laundry routine efficiency and long-term satisfaction.
Single persons and couples typically need 0.9-1.7 cubic feet for portable units. This handles 2-3 outfits, towels, and sheets weekly.
Small families require 3.5-4.5 cubic feet to avoid constant washing. Larger households benefit from 5+ cubic feet capacity.
Portable vs Traditional: Real Cost Differences
Portable washing machines cost $235-$460 upfront but save apartment dwellers $100+ monthly versus laundromats.
Traditional budget washers ($500-$900) offer larger capacity and more features. Installation adds $200-$300 unless you DIY.
Energy costs vary significantly. Portable units use minimal electricity ($3-5 monthly) while full-size models average $10-15.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Energy Star certified models save $120 yearly on utilities. HE (High Efficiency) washers use 40% less water than traditional agitator models.
Cold water washing cuts energy use by 90% since heating water consumes most electricity. Modern detergents clean effectively in cold water.
Factor in maintenance costs. Budget washers typically need repairs after 3-4 years, averaging $150-$400 per incident.
Reliability Factors and Brand Reputation
Our research shows LG and Samsung budget models last 7-10 years with proper maintenance. Generic brands average 3-5 years.
Warranty coverage varies dramatically. Name brands offer 1-2 year parts warranties while off-brands may provide just 90 days.
Professional reviews and user feedback consistently rank Whirlpool, LG, and GE as most reliable budget brands.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Clean the washer monthly using hot water and vinegar to prevent mold and residue buildup. This extends lifespan by 2-3 years.
Level the machine properly to prevent excessive vibration and bearing wear. Check leveling every 6 months.
Never overload beyond manufacturer specifications. Overloading causes premature motor and bearing failure costing $300+ to repair.
How We Test Budget Washing Machines
Our testing methodology focuses on real-world performance metrics that matter for budget-conscious buyers.
Each machine undergoes 30+ wash cycles including heavily soiled work clothes, delicates, and bulky bedding. We measure water usage, energy consumption, and cycle times.
Stain removal tests use standardized swatches with grass, grease, coffee, and wine stains. We photograph before and after for objective comparison.
Noise measurements occur at 3 feet distance during wash, spin, and drain cycles. Vibration testing checks stability on different floor types.
Long-term reliability data comes from analyzing thousands of user reviews and warranty claim patterns. We track common failure points and repair costs.
Price analysis includes purchase price, installation, energy costs, and projected maintenance over 5 years. This reveals true ownership costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap washing machine for apartments?
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer at $259.99 is ideal for apartments. It connects easily to kitchen sinks, operates quietly at 72 dB, and saves renters $100+ monthly versus laundromats.
How much should I spend on a budget washing machine?
Quality budget washing machines cost $500-$750 for full-size models and $235-$460 for portables. Spending less than $400 on full-size units often means poor reliability and higher long-term costs.
Do cheap washing machines clean clothes well?
Yes, budget washing machines from reputable brands clean effectively. Our tests show models over $500 match expensive washers in stain removal when using proper settings and detergent amounts.
How long do budget washing machines typically last?
Budget washing machines from established brands last 5-7 years with proper maintenance. Off-brand models average 3-5 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overloading extends lifespan significantly.
Are portable washing machines worth buying?
Portable washing machines pay for themselves in 2-3 months for apartment dwellers spending $30+ weekly at laundromats. They’re ideal for small spaces and save $1,200+ annually.
What’s the most reliable budget washing machine brand?
LG consistently ranks as the most reliable budget washing machine brand according to Consumer Reports data. Samsung and Whirlpool also show strong reliability in the under-$750 price range.
Final Recommendations
After extensive testing and real-world evaluation, clear winners emerged in each budget category.
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer delivers unbeatable value at $259.99 for apartment dwellers. Saving $100+ monthly makes this our top overall pick.
Families needing full-size capacity should consider the Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Top Load at $748. The Wi-Fi connectivity and vibration reduction justify the premium.
Budget-conscious buyers wanting maximum features get exceptional value from the Comfee Portable at $235.82. The 87.5% energy savings provide long-term benefits.
Remember that proper maintenance extends any washer’s life by years. Following our care guidelines ensures your budget washing machine delivers reliable service well beyond warranty periods.