Are you tired of hauling your laundry to the communal washing area or local laundromat? Living in a small apartment or RV doesn’t mean you should compromise on clean clothes. Today, I’m diving deep into the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer, a compact washing machine designed specifically for spaces where traditional units simply won’t fit. With years of experience reviewing home appliances, I’ve put this portable powerhouse through its paces to help you determine if it’s the solution to your laundry woes.
Introduction: Small Machine, Big Convenience
The BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washing Machine offers an impressive 6.6 lb capacity in a surprisingly compact footprint. This portable washing machine features multiple wash cycles, a clear viewing lid, and easy-to-use controls—all designed to bring the convenience of home laundry to spaces where traditional washers aren’t practical.
As someone who has lived in several small apartments, I understand the struggle of maintaining clean clothes without access to full-sized appliances. This review stems from my hands-on experience with this unit over several weeks, putting it through everyday laundry scenarios to see how it performs when space is at a premium but clean clothes are a necessity.
Who Is It For? Finding Your Perfect Laundry Match
This compact washing machine is ideal for:
- Apartment dwellers with limited space
- College students in dorms
- RV and tiny home enthusiasts
- Those looking for a supplemental washer for small, frequent loads
- Anyone wanting to avoid communal laundry facilities
- People who can’t install traditional washing machines due to plumbing constraints
However, it may not be suitable for:
- Large families with substantial laundry needs
- Those who frequently wash bulky items like comforters
- People who prefer completely automated laundry systems (you’ll need to transfer water)
- Those with no access to a sink for the water intake hose
Product Information: BLACK+DECKER Portable Washer
| Manufacturer | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|
| Part Number | BPWM09W |
| Item Weight | 48.4 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.7 x 17.3 x 31.1 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item Model Number | BPWM09W |
| Discontinued? | No |
| Size | 0.9 Cu. Ft. |
| Color | White |
| Style | 0.9 Cu. Ft. Washer |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Aluminum 2%, Steel 47%, Copper 1%, Plastic (ABS, PS) 34%, Foaming materials 3%, Glass 3%, Other 10% |
| Pattern | Washer |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Wattage | 300 watts |
| Installation Method | Portable |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Sound Level | 72 dB |
| Display Style | LED |
| Special Features | Child Lock |
| Included Components | Portable Clothes Washer |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 year parts + labor |
| ASIN | B0799Q45TT |
|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars (7,813 ratings) |
| Best Sellers Rank |
#12 in Appliances (See Top 100 in Appliances) #1 in Portable Clothes Washing Machines |
| Date First Available | January 25, 2018 |
| Amazon Return Policy | Amazon.com Voluntary 30-Day Return Guarantee: You can return many items you have purchased within 30 days following delivery. This does not affect your legal rights. More info available on Amazon. |
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| Price Feedback | Would you like to tell us about a lower price? |
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Appearance & Design: Compact Yet Capable
The BLACK+DECKER portable washing machine sports a clean, modern design that won’t look out of place in your bathroom or kitchen. Its predominantly white exterior with black accents gives it a contemporary look that blends with most decor. Standing at just 31.5 inches tall with a footprint of roughly 18 square inches, this unit can easily fit in a closet, bathroom corner, or kitchen nook.
The transparent top lid allows you to monitor the wash cycle—something I found surprisingly useful when determining if clothes needed additional agitation. The control panel is positioned at an angle for easy viewing and features intuitive digital controls with clear indicators for each cycle and function.
The unit comes with two key hoses: an intake hose that attaches to most standard faucets and a drainage hose that can be positioned in a sink or bathtub. While not the most elegant solution, this setup provides remarkable flexibility for temporary or permanent installation.
Performance & Features: Surprising Power in a Small Package
For its size, this portable washing machine delivers impressive cleaning performance. The 6.6 lb capacity translates to approximately 2-3 days’ worth of clothes for a single person, a small load of towels, or several pairs of jeans. During testing, I found it handled everyday laundry needs effectively, though it works best when not overloaded.
The five wash cycle options provide versatility:
- Heavy: For jeans, towels, and heavily soiled items
- Gentle: Perfect for delicates and lightweight fabrics
- Normal: Your go-to for everyday clothing items
- Rapid: When you need clean clothes in a hurry (15 minutes)
- Soak: Pre-treats stubborn stains before a regular cycle
The machine operates relatively quietly—much quieter than laundromat machines—though you’ll still hear water filling and draining. The spin cycle effectively removes excess water, leaving clothes damp but not dripping, which significantly reduces drying time.
One feature I particularly appreciated was the automatic shut-off, which stops the machine if it becomes unbalanced—preventing those alarming “walking” washer incidents that sometimes happen with portable units.
User-Friendliness: Simple Setup, Straightforward Operation
Setting up this best washing machine for small spaces took approximately 20 minutes from unboxing to first load. The instruction manual is clear and concise, with helpful diagrams for connecting the water intake and drainage hoses.
Daily operation couldn’t be simpler:
- Attach the intake hose to your faucet
- Position the drainage hose in sink/tub
- Load your clothes (being careful not to overload)
- Add detergent directly to the tub (HE detergent recommended)
- Select your cycle and press start
- When complete, remove clothes and allow the tub to dry with the lid open
The only minor inconvenience is needing to be present to move the intake hose from hot to cold water if your temperature preferences change mid-cycle, as the machine doesn’t have internal temperature regulation.
Durability & Quality: Built to Last in Small Spaces
After several weeks of regular use, the BLACK+DECKER portable washer showed no signs of deterioration. The stainless steel drum resists rust and corrosion, while the plastic exterior withstands the occasional bump without cracking or chipping.
The motor operates smoothly with no concerning noises, suggesting solid internal components. Connector hoses are thick and flexible, with secure fittings that prevent leaks—a crucial feature for any portable washing machine.
Maintenance is straightforward; a monthly tub cleaning with a washing machine cleaner keeps odors at bay and ensures optimal performance. Simply run an empty cycle with a cleaning solution, and the machine stays fresh and efficient.
Value for Money: Laundromat Savings Add Up
Priced between $250-$300, this portable washer represents a significant investment compared to laundromat trips or hand washing. However, the convenience factor and long-term savings make it worthwhile for the right user.
A quick calculation: If you spend $5-7 per week at the laundromat, this machine pays for itself in roughly one year, not counting the value of your time and transportation costs. Additionally, having on-demand laundry capability allows for more frequent small loads, meaning you can maintain a smaller wardrobe that stays consistently clean.
Pros & Cons: The Bottom Line
Pros:
- Truly compact design fits in tight spaces
- Multiple wash cycles for different fabric types
- Simple setup with no permanent installation required
- Quieter than traditional washers
- Effective cleaning for small to medium loads
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Transparent lid to monitor washing progress
- Automatic shut-off safety feature
Cons:
- Limited capacity requires more frequent washing
- No internal water heater (temperature depends on your tap)
- Requires manual water source connection for each use
- Not suitable for large or bulky items
- Spin cycle is effective but not as powerful as full-sized machines
- Needs level surface for proper operation
Alternatives & Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?
When considering a portable washing machine, it’s worth comparing the BLACK+DECKER model to the Magic Chef 1.6 Cu. Ft. Compact Washer, another popular option in this category.
The Magic Chef offers nearly double the capacity (1.6 cu. ft. vs. 0.9 cu. ft.) and includes six wash cycles compared to BLACK+DECKER’s five. However, it’s also approximately 25% larger in dimensions and about $50-75 more expensive.
The BLACK+DECKER model wins for extreme space constraints and budget considerations, while the Magic Chef makes sense for those who can accommodate a slightly larger unit and need the additional capacity for less frequent washing.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific priorities: maximum space-saving (BLACK+DECKER) or maximum capacity in a still-portable package (Magic Chef).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this washer need special detergent? A: While it works with regular detergent, high-efficiency (HE) detergent is recommended for best results and to prevent excess sudsing. Use approximately 1/3 of the amount you would use in a full-sized machine.
Q: Can it be used in an RV or mobile home? A: Absolutely! Its compact size and temporary water connections make it ideal for RV living. Just ensure you have adequate power (standard 120V outlet) and a suitable water source.
Q: How long does a typical cycle take? A: Cycle times vary: Rapid (15 minutes), Normal (30 minutes), Gentle (25 minutes), and Heavy (40 minutes). The Soak option adds time based on your selection.
Q: Do clothes come out completely dry? A: No, clothes will still be damp after the spin cycle, similar to larger washers. You’ll need to hang dry them or use a portable dryer/traditional dryer afterward.
Q: Is it noisy during operation? A: The BLACK+DECKER portable washer produces significantly less noise than commercial laundromat machines. You’ll hear water filling and draining, plus some mechanical sounds during agitation, but it’s quiet enough to use in an apartment without disturbing neighbors.
Conclusion: Small Investment, Big Convenience
After extensive testing, the BLACK+DECKER 0.9 Cu. Ft. Portable Washer emerges as a solid solution for those with limited space but unlimited laundry needs. It delivers reliable cleaning performance in a genuinely compact package that can transform your laundry routine from a dreaded errand to a simple household task.
While it won’t replace a full-sized washing machine for large families or bulky items, it excels at its intended purpose: providing convenient, on-demand laundry capability in spaces where traditional washers simply won’t fit. The build quality suggests it will provide years of service with proper care, making it a worthwhile investment for apartment dwellers, students, and tiny living enthusiasts.
If you’re tired of the laundromat shuffle or handwashing in your sink, this portable powerhouse deserves serious consideration. Its combination of performance, convenience, and compact design makes everyday laundry manageable even in the smallest living spaces.
Ready to simplify your laundry routine? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and see why this compact washing machine is winning over apartment dwellers and tiny home enthusiasts everywhere. Say goodbye to laundromat trips and hello to clean clothes on your schedule!