Head-to-head · Best Portable Washing Machines

Black+Decker Small Portable Washer vs Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Black+Decker Small Portable Washer comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about quiet apartment users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Portable Washing Machines

Black+Decker Small Portable Washer

4.4

4 sourcesall derived$459.99as of Aug 1

The Black+Decker Small Portable Washer offers a practical solution for those without in-unit laundry, praised for its quiet operation and stainless steel drum. Reviewers noted it's easy to set up and use, with multiple wash cycles and a portable design. However, some users found it heavy and difficult to maneuver on carpet, and the draining hose can cause splashing if not positioned correctly. It's best suited for apartment dwellers or those without permanent washer hookups, though it may not fit all water outlet configurations.

Strengths

— Quiet operation with soft-lid closing
— Stainless steel drum for durability
— Easy setup with attachable hose

Watch-outs

— Not fit for all water outlets
— Heavy at 80 lbs, difficult to move on carpet
— Draining hose placement can cause splashing

$459.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Portable Washing Machines

Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer

4.3

2 sourcesall derived$590as of Aug 1

The Magic Chef MCSTCW20S5 is a 2.0 cu. ft. top-load washer built for apartments, dorms and vacation homes rather than family laundry. Six automatic cycles, three water levels and three temperature settings cover most of what a small household produces, and the stainless steel tub, LED display and built-in detergent dispenser are unusual at this size. Video reviewers found the spin cycle louder than expected. It is a second washer, not a replacement for a full-size machine.

Strengths

— 2.0-cu. ft. capacity is perfect for apartments, vacation homes or any small laundry space
— LED digital display makes selecting wash settings intuitive and easy
— Six fully automatic wash cycles including normal, heavy, delicate, quick, bulky and spin only

Watch-outs

— Noise level during spinning is a little louder than expected
— Delay start function is present but not highlighted as a major benefit

$590 · Buy at stevesappliances.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Black+Decker Small Portable Washer

The Black+Decker Small Portable Washer offers superior performance over the Giantex and Superday models with its stainless steel drum and multiple wash cycles. While the Giantex is more compact and lightweight, it lacks the durability and effective spin cycle of the Black+Decker. The Superday's plastic build and poor spin performance make it less reliable. The Black+Decker's quiet operation and easy setup make it a better choice for apartment dwellers.

Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer

The Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer provides a good balance of capacity and functionality for small spaces, offering more wash cycles than the portable models like the Giantex and Superday. While the Giantex is more compact, it lacks the LED display and detergent dispenser of the Magic Chef. The Superday's plastic build and poor spin performance make it less reliable. The Magic Chef's stainless steel tub and intuitive controls make it ideal for renters and dorm dwellers.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black+Decker Small Portable Washer	Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer
Capacity	2.0 Cu ft	2.0 cu. ft.
Type	Automatic	Top Load
Wash Cycles	6	6
Spin Speed	850 RPM	800 RPM
Weight	80 lb	77.2 lb
Tub Material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Power Consumption	300 watts	—
Dimensions	24.8"D x 23.7"W x 39.4"H	37"h x 21.7"w x 22.2"d

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