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A twin tub washer is the simplest way to do real laundry without hookups: one tub washes, the other spins most of the water out. They are cheap to run, light to move and work in apartments, dorms, RVs and cabins. But they wash very differently from a front-loader, and that difference matters for your clothes.
I have spent 14+ years in textile wet processing, controlling how water and mechanical action treat fabric in industrial machines. Below are four twin tub washers on Amazon, judged on capacity, drainage, spin and fabric care. This is a specification analysis, not a hands-on test of each machine. Here is how we review.
Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub Washer
12 lb wash · 8 lb spin · semi-automatic · timer knobs
- SafeCotton, towels
- SafeSynthetics
- Short wash, mesh bagKnits, activewear
- Hand wash insteadWool, cashmere
- Wash capacity
- 12 lb
- Spin capacity
- 8 lb
- Size
- 15 × 24.8 × 28.5 in
Verdict: One of the most popular twin tubs on Amazon: simple, light and easy to fix. Keep wash times short for knits.
Check price on AmazonQuick picks
| Machine | Best for | Wash / spin (listing) | Drain | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub | Most proven, small spaces | 12 lb / 8 lb | Drain hose | $100–$150 |
| Auertech 28 lb Twin Tub | Best everyday capacity | 18 lb / 10 lb | Drain pump | $150–$200 |
| COSTWAY 26 lb Twin Tub | Gentle cycle option | 18 lb / 8 lb | Drain pump | $150–$200 |
| Auertech 48 lb Twin Tub | Families and big loads | 30 lb / 18 lb | Drain pump | $350–$400 |
Prices change often. The price bands are a guide; check the current price on Amazon.
How to choose a twin tub washer
1. Capacity: read both numbers
The headline number adds the wash and spin tubs together. The useful number is the wash capacity. The spin tub is usually smaller, so you may spin a load in two batches.
2. Drain pump or gravity drain
A drain pump pushes water up into a sink or bathtub. Without one, the drain hose must run downhill, so the machine has to sit higher than the drain. A pump is worth paying for in most apartments.
3. Spin speed
Faster spinning leaves less water in clothes, so they dry faster on a rack and spend less time in a dryer. That reduces shrinkage too.
4. Space and weight
Measure where it will stand and how you will fill it, usually with a hose from a faucet adapter. A full tub of water is heavy, so place it before filling.
The four best twin tub portable washers
1. Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub: most proven for small spaces
A semi-automatic twin tub with a 12 lb wash tub and an 8 lb spinner, measuring about 15 × 24.8 × 28.5 inches. It is one of the most popular portable washers on Amazon.
- Fabric view: the small wash tub suits one or two people. Smaller loads also move more freely, which means less twisting.
- Watch out: the spinner holds less than the washer, so spin in two batches when the wash tub is full.
- 【Easy to Operate】: This is our portable mini compact twin tub washing machine which is easy for you to operate. Saving so much time that you don't have to go to the laundromat or wash things by hand in the tub.
- 【20LBS Large Capacity】: Washing tub: place clothing in the wash tub section, rated washing capacity: 12 lbs. Run the rinse cycle for the desired minutes, Rated spinner dryer capacity: 8lbs (half of the washing capacity, you may spin twice).
- 【Semi-Automatic Design Relieves You from Hand Washing】: Using this washing machine, you can set washer timer to 15 min and spin timer to 5 minutes per load. You could choose the suitable time when washing based on clothes types. Different from common standard washing machines, you have much more freedom and options to make preprogrammed settings.
- 【300W Wash Power &110W Spin Power】: Ideal for small loads. Delicate and light weight makes the washer easily moveable as you need. The wash motor is also powerful. 300w washing power & 110w spinner power will help you save much effort on washing.
- 【Compact Twin Tub Washing Design 】: Convenient for home use. The filter net on the side of the washing barrel can quickly filter when washing, and you could easily pull it off when cleaning the tub. The cover plate needs to be put above the clothes inside when you use the spin tub to avoid high speed shaking and spinning. Easy assembly is required with all accessories packed in the package.
2. Auertech 28 lb Twin Tub: best everyday capacity
An 18 lb wash tub and a 10 lb spinner, a 1,300 rpm spin motor and a built-in drain pump, at about 15 × 27 × 32 inches.
- Fabric view: the fast spin leaves clothes drier, so they air-dry sooner, the gentlest way to finish knits.
- Good to know: the maker notes a little water may be left inside from factory testing.
- [Large Capacity Twin tub Washer] Auertech portable mini washer has two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub, allowing you to wash and dry clothes at the same time. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in bathrooms or closets. Perfect for dorms, apartments, RVs, etc. Note: There is water in the washing machine because it is tested before packaging, we do not sell used products!
- [Powerful Performance] Equipped with a 1300 rpm powerful motor, clothes can be washed quickly and efficiently. Washer capacity: 18lbs, Spin capacity: 10lbs. Recommended maximum water line: 13.5 inches. The transparent window allows you to see the process of washing or spinning. Our mini washer machine can achieve low consumption and save water, while free your hands.
- [Equip with Drain Pump & Adjustable Inlet Hose] This portable washing machine equipped with a drainage pump. You can choose freely drain water to a higher position or a convenient place randomly. You never need to worry about the drainage problem.
- [Separate Time Control & Lint Filter]Users can control washing time, washing mode and spinning time through the three control switches on the panel. There is two water inlets on the panel for connecting the hose to easily add water. With the simple control panel, this mini washer is easy to operate and you can get clean clothes in three steps.
- [Product Usage Tips] 1. Don't overload. Overload may cause the motor to turn on overheating protection. 2. Balance the spinner to prevent it from losing balance, hitting the inner walls, stopping work. 3. If the machine doesn’t drain, check that the water hose is not clogged or bent, which may prevent the spinner from working properly. 4. Make sure the drain height is less than 45 inches.
3. COSTWAY 26 lb Twin Tub: best for a gentle cycle
An 18 lb washer and an 8 lb spinner, with timer knobs, a drain pump and gentle and normal wash options.
- Fabric view: a gentle setting slows the pulsator, which matters more for knitwear than any capacity number.
- [Twin Tub Washing Machine]This washing machine features the twin tub for convenient use, which allows you to wash and dry clothes at the same time. What’s more, the washing and drying function can be used independently, bringing a lot of convenience to your laundry. This is a good choice to free your hands and save your time.
- [Timing Function &3 Selection Modes]Our laundry washer comes with 5 minutes washing time and 5 minutes spinning time on the control panel for easy operation. Just rotate the timer knob to choose the suitable time according to your needs. In addition, you can choose the mode of gentle, normal, or drain based on the material of the garments.
- [Large Capacity for Daily Use]18lbs capacity for washing tub and 8lbs capacity for spin tub can accommodate a large quantity of clothes at once for household use. It is big enough for several items and even for larger garments like jeans or bed sheets. You only need to put in clothes and detergent, set the washing machine to wash.
- [Powerful Motor &Built-in Drain Pump]The power of washing is 280W and the power of spinning is 140W which help you to use it more effectively. Hence, you can wash the clothes of the whole family at the same time. And it is equipped with a drain pump which allows you to drain out dirty water directly after washing.
- [Compact & Portable Design]Featuring a clear washer lid, you can view the process of clothes at any time while using the washing machine. Plastic material prevents it from rusting in wet environment. Meanwhile, compact design makes it suitable for dorms, apartments, RV’s, camping trips or anywhere with limited space.
4. Auertech 48 lb Twin Tub: best for families
A large twin tub with a 30 lb wash tub, an 18 lb spinner, a 1,300 rpm motor, a drain pump, gentle and normal options and a viewing window, about 20 × 34.5 × 40 inches.
- Fabric view: a bigger tub lets bulky items like towels and bedding move, so they wash evenly instead of balling up.
- Skip it if you are short on space; it is much larger than the others.
- 【Large Capacity Twin tub Washer】Auertech portable washer has two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub, allowing you to wash and dry clothes at the same time. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in bathrooms or closets. Perfect for dorms, apartments, RVs, etc. Note: There is water in the washing machine because it is tested before packaging, we do not sell used products!
- 【Powerful Performance】Equipped with a 1300 rpm powerful motor, clothes can be washed quickly and efficiently. Washer: 30lbs, Spin Cycle: 18lbs. The transparent window allows you to see the process of washing or spinning. Our washer machine can achieve low consumption and save water, while free your hands.
- 【Equip with Drain Pump & Adjustable Inlet Hose】 This portable washing machine equipped with a drainage pump. You can choose freely drain water to a higher position or a convenient place randomly. You never need to worry about the drainage problem.
- 【User-friendly Design】Thanks to the high quality PP body, this washing machine is lightweight, does not deform and rust easily, and has a long service life. The washer produces the powerful water flow that effectively cleans clothes and reduces wear. It is equipped with a drain hose to easily drain out dirty water.
- 【Time & Space Saver】The washing cycle is up to 15 minutes and the spinning cycle is up to 5 minutes each load, it could save your valuable time. The overall dimension is 34.5" x 20" x 40" inches, it is suitable for limited space. No installation is required.
How to wash clothes safely in a twin tub
- Sort by fabric: towels and jeans together; knits, activewear and delicates separately.
- Use cold water and dissolve the detergent before adding clothes.
- Wash knits for 5–8 minutes, towels and jeans for 10–15.
- Rinse once or twice; twin tubs need a manual rinse to clear detergent.
- Spin in batches no larger than the spinner’s rated capacity, and balance the load.
- Hang dry, or tumble dry briefly on low. Wool and cashmere should be hand washed instead.
Prefer one machine that washes and dries? See our guides to the best washer dryer combos for apartments and for RVs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for small spaces and no hookups. They wash quickly, use little water and spin clothes fairly dry. The trade-off is hands-on work and a rougher wash action than a front-loader. They need somewhere to drain, such as a sink, tub or floor drain. Models with a drain pump can push water up into a sink; others need the hose to run downhill. It is not recommended. The pulsator action can felt and shrink wool. Hand wash wool and cashmere instead. About 5–8 minutes for knits and delicates and 10–15 minutes for heavy cottons. Longer washes add wear without getting clothes much cleaner.Are twin tub washing machines good?
Do twin tub washers need a drain?
Can you wash wool in a twin tub?
How long should I wash clothes in a twin tub?