DEWEL 17.8LBS Compact Portable Washing Machine Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This dewel 17 8lbs compact portable washing machine review looks at a top-load unit designed for tight spaces. It features a 36-liter stainless steel drum and measures 18.5 by 18.5 by 31.1 inches. The machine is fully automatic with ten wash programs and eight water levels. It weighs 44 pounds and operates at 56 decibels. This listing explains how the specs fit your laundry needs in apartments, dorms, or RVs without a dedicated laundry room.
What stands out
- 17.8 lbs capacity with a 36L stainless steel drum
- Ten wash programs and eight adjustable water levels
- 680 RPM spin speed for faster drying
- 56dB operation with suspension rods and shock pads
- 24-hour delay start function for scheduled washing
Who it fits
Good fit for
This unit suits renters, students, and RV travelers who lack a laundry room. The compact 18.5 by 18.5 inch footprint fits into small corners or cabinets. The 17.8 lb capacity handles everyday clothes and towels for singles or couples. The quiet 56dB operation and child lock make it safe for apartments and families with pets. The delay start feature helps you manage laundry around work or sleep schedules.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need to wash large loads or bulky items like comforters. The 17.8 lb limit restricts you to small to medium loads. If you require a front-load design or a larger drum, this top-load model is not suitable. The 680 RPM spin speed is moderate, so clothes will still be damp and require a separate dryer or extended air drying time.
Verdict: The DEWEL portable washer offers a practical, quiet solution for small spaces and light laundry needs. Its compact size and automatic features make it a solid choice for renters and travelers.
DEWEL Portable Washer Key Specs
Capacity: 17.8 lbs
This capacity indicates the maximum dry weight of laundry the drum can hold. You should not exceed this limit to ensure proper agitation and rinsing. This size suits singles or couples with light loads. It is smaller than standard home units, making it ideal for small households or infrequent use.
Loading Type: Top load
Top loading means you place clothes into the drum from above. This design often allows you to pause and add items mid-cycle. It typically requires less floor space clearance than front-loaders. You need overhead access, so ensure you have enough vertical space above the unit for the lid and your reach.
Tub Material: Stainless steel
A stainless steel drum is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It provides a smooth surface that is gentle on fabrics. This material helps maintain hygiene and reduces the risk of staining clothes. It is a standard choice for quality portable washers, offering better longevity than plastic alternatives.
Operation Type: Fully Automatic
Fully automatic means the machine controls water filling, washing, rinsing, and spinning without manual intervention. You select a program and start it, then wait for completion. This feature saves time and effort compared to semi-automatic models. It is best for users who want a hands-off laundry experience.
Design and Build Quality
The DEWEL unit measures 18.5 by 18.5 by 31.1 inches and weighs 44 pounds. This compact footprint allows it to fit into tight spaces like apartment corners or RV cabinets. The stainless steel drum holds 36 liters of water. You can load clothes from the top, which simplifies loading without bending down. The exterior is finished in grey plastic. According to the listing, this design prioritizes space efficiency over large capacity.
Controls are located on the front panel. An LED display shows the status of your wash cycle. You select from ten wash programs and eight water levels. The fully automatic operation handles the washing and spinning without manual intervention. A 24-hour delay start function lets you schedule cycles in advance. This layout keeps the interface simple and easy to read during operation.
The machine includes suspension rods and shock pads to reduce vibration. It also features a child lock and auto tub clean cycle. These elements suggest a focus on safety and hygiene. The compact size means you can move it when needed. However, the 44-pound weight provides some stability during the spin cycle. You should place it on a flat, level surface to ensure proper operation and prevent excessive movement during high-speed spinning.
Setup And Everyday Use Guide
Setting up this DEWEL portable washer involves connecting the cold water inlet and ensuring the unit sits on a level surface. The top-load design simplifies loading, allowing you to place clothes directly into the 36-liter stainless steel drum. You do not need to bend low, which is practical for daily use. The fully automatic operation means you select your cycle and let the machine handle the rest. You choose from ten wash programs and eight water levels. This flexibility lets you match the settings to your load size and fabric type. The LED display provides clear feedback on your selection, removing guesswork from the process. You can start a cycle immediately or use the 24-hour delay start. This feature allows you to schedule laundry for times when electricity rates may be lower or when you are away from home. The machine runs at 56 decibels, which is quieter than normal conversation. This low noise level means you can operate it in apartments or dorms without disturbing neighbors or your sleep. The 680 RPM spin speed removes excess water efficiently. This reduces drying time and makes the laundry process faster. Safety features like the child lock and door lock protection ensure the unit remains secure during operation. The auto tub clean and air dry functions help maintain hygiene between uses. You simply activate these modes to keep the drum fresh. The compact footprint of 18.5 by 18.5 by 31.1 inches allows it to fit in tight spaces. You can place it in an RV cabinet or a small bathroom corner. This setup flexibility makes it suitable for renters and those without dedicated laundry rooms.
What To Know Before Buying
Owning this DEWEL unit requires planning for its specific needs. You must ensure you have a nearby cold water source and a floor drain, as it lacks a hot water inlet or internal pump for drainage. The top-load design means you will bend to load and unload, so consider your physical comfort. Keep the area dry to prevent slipping, and wipe the exterior regularly to maintain the grey finish. This model fits well if you prioritize quiet operation at 56dB and a stainless steel drum for hygiene. It suits those who need a compact solution for apartments or RVs. However, if you require high spin speeds for heavy dampness or smart home integration, other options in our 1 Portable Washers & Dryers guide may serve you better. Check your space dimensions carefully against its 18.5 by 18.5 by 31.1 inch footprint before purchasing.
Check before you buy
- Verify access to a cold water tap and floor drain.
- Confirm your floor can support the 44-pound weight.
- Check that the 18.5 inch width fits your space.
- Ensure you can bend comfortably to load the top drum.
The product at a glance
DEWEL 17.8 lbs Portable Washer
Best for: Apartment dwellers needing quiet, scheduled laundry
- Capacity
- 17.8 lbs
- Operation Type
- Fully automatic
- Loading Type
- Top load
- Wash Programs
- 10
- Water Levels
- 8
- Tub Material
- Stainless steel
View on Amazon: DEWEL 17.8 lbs Portable Washer Affiliate link
This fully automatic top-load washer offers a 17.8 lb capacity with a 36L stainless steel drum. It features 10 wash programs and 8 water levels for tailored cleaning. The unit operates at 56dB with a 680 RPM spin speed to reduce drying time. Its compact 18.5x18.5x31.1 inch footprint fits tight spaces like dorms or RVs. The 24-hour delay start allows you to schedule cycles around your routine.
Pros
- 17.8 lb capacity with 36L stainless steel drum
- 10 wash programs and 8 water levels
- Quiet 56dB operation with 680 RPM spin
- 24-hour delay start function
Cons
- Heavy 44 lb build limits easy portability
- Larger footprint requires dedicated corner space
- No smart app or remote control features
Good fit if
- You need a quiet machine for small apartments
- You want scheduled wash cycles with delay start
- You prefer top-load access for towels and clothes
Skip if
- You need to move the unit frequently
- You require smart home integration or app control
- You have very limited floor space for a 31 inch height
Verdict: DEWEL 17.8lb Portable Washer fits renters and dorm dwellers who need scheduled, quiet laundry cycles in a fixed location. It suits those prioritizing wash programs over smart features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | DEWEL 17.8 lbs Portable Washer |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 17.8 lbs |
| Operation Type | Fully automatic |
| Loading Type | Top load |
| Wash Programs | 10 |
| Water Levels | 8 |
| Tub Material | Stainless steel |
| Operation | Fully Automatic |
| Ideal For | Apartments, Dorms, RVs, Small Spaces |
| Color | Grey |
| Dimensions | 18.5 × 31.1 × 18.5 inches |
| Weight | 44 pounds |
| Model | XQB55-168 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the DEWEL 17.8 lbs washer need hot water?
No, it does not require hot water. The unit connects only to a cold water inlet. You must have a nearby floor drain for drainage, as it lacks an internal pump. This design limits you to cold water washes, which affects cleaning performance for heavy soils.
Is this machine fully automatic?
Yes, the DEWEL model is fully automatic. It handles washing, rinsing, and spinning without manual intervention. You simply load clothes and select a program. This automation saves time compared to semi-automatic units, making it suitable for busy schedules in apartments or dorms.
How heavy is the DEWEL portable washer?
The unit weighs 44 pounds. This weight provides stability during the spin cycle, reducing vibration. Despite being portable, it is not lightweight. You should keep it in a fixed location rather than moving it frequently, as its mass makes it difficult to carry.
What is the maximum laundry capacity?
The capacity is 17.8 lbs of dry laundry. This limit ensures proper agitation and rinsing. Exceeding it can damage the motor or leave clothes unwashed. This size is ideal for singles or couples with light loads, but not for large family batches.
Does it have smart features or an app?
No, it does not offer smart features or app connectivity. The control panel uses physical settings for ten wash programs. You select cycles manually. This focus on basic functionality prioritizes reliability and simplicity over digital integration, appealing to users who prefer straightforward operation.
What color is the DEWEL washing machine?
It is available in grey. This neutral color helps it blend into various interior decors. The finish is designed to resist minor scratches. You can place it in bathrooms, balconies, or utility areas without it standing out as a bright or clashing appliance.