Is this worth it over a laundromat?

For one or two people washing a few small loads a week, it can pay for itself in a few months of laundromat trips. For bedding, towels in bulk or a family, the small loads make it a poor substitute.

How much can it actually wash at once?

Plan on roughly 5 to 7 lbs of clothes per wash load, not the full 21 lbs. The 21 lbs figure covers both tubs combined, and the spinner holds less than the wash tub.

Does it need special plumbing?

No. It fills from a faucet with the included hose and drains into a sink, tub or bucket. You do need the machine within hose reach of both a faucet and a drain.

How do you dry clothes after the spin cycle?

The spinner removes water but leaves clothes damp. Hang them or use a drying rack; expect several hours, longer in humid rooms.

Is it Energy Star certified?

The listing carries an Energy Star certification and an EnergyGuide label. Actual energy use depends on how often you run it and whether you use warm water.

When is the price lowest?

Portable washers like this tend to dip during spring moving season and around major sales events. Check the price history before buying; the current best price is already near its recent low.

Costway 21 lbs Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

Last price we saw

$149.99at Target, last seen Oct 31

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Our take on the Costway 21 lbs Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine

The Costway 21 lbs Portable Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine is a two-basin apartment washer: one tub washes, a spinner tub extracts water, and you move clothes between them by hand. It runs on a standard outlet and hooks to a faucet, so it needs no plumbing install. It suits small spaces and renters more than full households. Prices for this model have sat in a fairly narrow band over recent months, and the latest best price is near the low end of that range.