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Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel Review
Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel Review by Pelaphus (Long Island City, New York USA)
Rather than "edit" my old review, I've just left it intact below under the asterisks that separate it from this update, three months into owning and using this model.
Bottom line first: I did a LOT of research before buying this Avanti portable washer and of all the portable washers out there, this is the one that requires you to do the least amount of manual work, ESPECIALLY if you also purchase the companion Avanti portable dryer. These machines are designed to be the next best thing to an "industrial strength" setup, and they are. They're sturdier, more thorough and more versatile than the competition. And the price is quite reasonable especially if you comparison shop (see below for more on that). For the most part, except for hooking it up each time you use it, and taking care to drain residual water from the hoses before tucking them away (especially if you've extended their length), the washer functions in a standard manner; and the dryer does too, though because it draws power from a basic 110 wall socket (low wattage for a dryer) can take twice as long as a built-in to dry your clothes.
The most profound diff between this washer and a built-in machine is just that -- it isn't built in. There are minor differences: no centrifuge in the tank, so long items can more easily get tangled -- sometimes (though rarely if you don't overload); serious imbalance due to tangling can create quite a ruckus -- whereupon it's wise to life the lid, which stops the machine, and do some manual untangling; and of course the fact that your water supply is a faucet and your discharge goes into a sink (some tips about that are below).
That said ... I'm actually on my second unit. My first one started leaking prodigiously about two weeks ago, and as it was still under warranty, the vendor sent a repair guy ASAP. I'd thought the culprit would be the internal connection for the discharge hose, but lo and behold, that was fine. It turned out the water tank had cracked. (No idea how. Or why.) This wouldn't be fixed with a repair job, it would rather require a replacement of the washing machine itself. That replacement was delivered quickly and efficiently and seems to be an even more smoothly operating machine than the first. I've read dozens upon dozens of reviews of this unit and I'm the only customer, as far as I can tell, to have encountered this trouble, so I'm assuming, for now, that my experience is idiosyncratic and the problem solved. But I mention it because it prompts me to get the 5 year protection plan from my vendor (if your vendor doesn't offer one, you can likely get an extended warranty from a third-party online outfit like Sqaure Trade). It's about a hundred bucks or so, and for the equiv of about twenty-plus a year, it seems excellent insurance against mishaps. (I rarely do the protection-plan thing, but if I can see that it'll pay for itself -- sort of like AppleCare for your Mac -- perhaps especially important when applied to an appliance that employs so many moving parts so vigorously -- I will take the extra hit to the wallet. It almost always turns out to be a precaution I'm relieved I took.)
But that leads me to the final item in my update. Because these are not built-in machines ... because most of you will be using them in apartments, where noise and potential leakage are always grounds for trouble ... I would not run either the dryer or the washer (especially) without being in attendance. That goes for ANY such portable appliance you might buy (including dishwashers). The sturdiest portable isn't as rock solid as a good laundry room warhorse (nor can it be; the lighter material is WHY it's portable) and you never know when a part that wears out can trigger an unfortunate consequence. Don't get me wrong: I LOVE my portable appliances ... but they are what they are, and you have to factor that into their use.
*********************
I haven't had this washer long enough to comment comprehensively on longevity (though its build is very sturdy for a "portable" apartment-friendly unit) but for reasons I won't go into here, I had occasion to give it a serious cycle-after-cycle workout, and it's just phenomenal. (Well, perhaps that's hyperbole: on the one hand, it's only a washing machine; on the other hand, the convenience and reliability it provides for an apartment dweller is liberating. What's phenomenal is what it adds to your psychic state of well-being and your sense of being an independent adult.)
I won't spend time reiterating good/bad points from other reviews here (those reviews were what motivated to buy the Avanti over any comparable unit from any other brand) ... I'll just give you some alerts to things that AREN'T covered, that you may need to know.
If the configuration of your apartment allows for the unit to live close to the water source and drainage basin (i.e. within the ** unstrained ** length of the intake and outflow hoses), that's your best bet. "Portable" and on (non-pivoting) casters it may be, but it truly is too ungainly to be schlepping back and forth. You can do it, but you won't enjoy it.
Faucet adapter: If no other device also uses your faucet water supply, you're probably good to go with what Avanti provides for hookup. If, on the other hand, you also have a countertop dishwasher, you likely have a nipple/clamp adapter system in place -- i.e. permanently in your faucet is a nipple-shaped adapter for an intake hose fitted with a springloaded collar, which fits around the nipple and clamps over it. (Incidentally, I do have a countertop dishwasher: the Minea brand Premia {6 place settings} which is terrific; though the Avanti Countertop Dishwasher, which is a more recent unit, seems to use the same parts and build/operations structure as the Premia, which is likewise a more efficient refinement of the 4 place settings Danby {4 place settings} structure.) Anyway, the Avanti accessories do NOT help you here; you'll need to go to the hardware store for two things: (1) The springloaded collar described above, to fit over your nipple adapter. It's a generic piece, and not hard to locate. (2) Another intake hose -- I recommend a longer one, which allows you more versatility of machine placement. But you'll need this not only for the length, but to prevent leakage. Though the collar clamp will screw into the Avanti-supplied hose, the well of the receptacle isn't deep enough to prevent leakage; you need some extended thread for the collar-clamp to fit snugly -- and you'll get that with a new hose.
Drainage hose: The one built into the unit is corrugated and flexible. I'm trying to see about replacing it with one that's a bit longer (though you may find it long enough) and a bit sturdier. The hose is made of flexible plastic that seems as if it may be susceptible to easy damage. (The hose seems the only flimsy part of the unit. Everything else appears sturdy and even rugged for a compact, portable unit.)
Residual drainage: Keep a can or small receptacle (a large empty yogurt container will do) permanently on hand for residual drainage: If you unhook either hose and return it to standby position without draining the leftover water still in it, you'll get puddles (at least) on your floor when the hoses relax and point downwards. Basic gravity, folks: When there's no more intake and the drainage pump has shut off, the water still in those hoses is going to wind up somewhere. Better you should control where that is.
EXTERNAL lint trapping: Though the washer comes with a smallish internal lint trap (a cloth mesh bag attached to a plastic housing that you pop out of a small bay, empty easily and then replace), that catches only half the lint of a new load. Lots more comes out "invisibly" in the drainage. You need, need, need either an external filter or a simple, cheap wire fine-mesh strainer to go into your basin's drainage port. Without one you'll almost certainly clog your drainage pipes on a regular basis, and with matter that's not necessarily bio-degradable.
Heaviness of Load: though the drum takes a surprisingly large amount of laundry, it's probably best not to load it too heavily (which I distinguish from loading it fully) because too many heavy wet items make the otherwise fairly quiet machine rock and rattle during the spin cycles, and my Spidey sense tells me that risks damaging the unit. So spread heavy loads out over two or more sessions (generally two is plenty) and -- so it would seem -- this washing machine should serve you well for a good number of years.
Finally ... Do as much internet comparison pricing as you can, and if you're near a brick and mortar store that's competitive, print out your best results and take them there. Amazon filters sometimes block out store names and prices, so I'll put it this way ... I purchased the Avanti portable washer, the companion ventless portable dryer (also brilliant!) and the stacking bracket to create a "laundry center" out of them, for just about seven C-notes, including NY state tax and NO shipping, from a chain store that starts with PC, simply because I was able to document that Amazon delivered without shipping and that AJ Madison -- online -- was selling way below PC's listed price.
Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel Review by Chic Scavanger (Washington, DC)
I got this washing machine in March 2010, and have been doing about 4 loads a week since it arrived. For the most part, the machine is the perfect solution for those who have a small space and are taking their clothes to the laundry mat. In brief:
Pros-
*Fits in small space, mine is tucked into the bathroom and while not tiny, can fit where a normal washer wouldn't
*No plumbing required, have simply hooked the drain spout into the top of the toilet, and screwed water hose onto sink's faucet.
*It has never overflowed, and have only once had trouble with an unbalanced load (washed small rug and bathmat) but even then, simply opened lid, readjusted, and it was fine
*Washes delicate items and even dry clean only beautifully. I'm the kind of person who just throws it in the washer and hopes for the best, and so far it's been great. Gentle cycle and line dry; haven't had a problem yet.
*Place to add softener
*Attractive silver machine, with nice display and many settings
*Clothes are clean without having to leave the house!
Cons-
*If you are used to a full sized washer, or those huge industrial machines, you will find the load size to be small. Our household is myself, husband, and dog (she does dirty things!) and I find myself doing laundry about every two days. This is fine for us, just have to readjust how I think about doing the laundry.
*Did require a trip to that hardware store after it arrived. Needed to get a longer hose, but after that has been fine.
*Place to put soap is a bit flimsy and leaks detergent onto my clothing. Has yet to actually cause a problem, but I don't really like it either.
*Having to plug in the machine and attach the hose to the sink every time is a bit tedious. I wanted to plumb it to the toilet, but was advised against it by a plumber as the line to ours isn't big enough.
*Line drying the clothes is a problem. Granted, this isn't the fault of the washer, but I would give a heads up that things aren't as soft and it does take a while. However, it is easier on the clothing, and the spot for the softener has allowed me to use that, which helps.
In summary, this is a wonderful machine and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a laundry solution for their apartment or condo. If you have a big family or just lots of laundry, it might not be for you. Otherwise, a great machine with few problems.
Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel Review by C. Singleton "Online buyer" (NC, USA)
I got this washer after researching many reviews. I chose this one because I read that it had a bigger tub to fit more clothes in, which it does. My first load was 2 adult jeans, five shirts a towel and various other things. This washer will easily keep me up to par with laundry now. I honestly think my clothes come out cleaner than from a regular washing machine. Not sure why this is, but it definitely gets your clothes clean. I love this washer, it really is very convenient for me. I hook it up to my sink in the kitchen, it fits perfectly and it was easy to put together. It is super quiet and easy to roll around even over my carpet. What a great invention, it's sad that I now really enjoy doing my laundry. This place has no washer hook ups so it is a blessing. It looks great, doesn't take up alot of room and has cute music it plays when done. Very happy with this purchase.
More Reviews...
Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel:: Features
- Softener Dispenser
- 12 Lbs. Load
- 2.3 CF Capacity
- Fully Automatic Washer
- Compact Washer with A Large Loading Capacity
- Item Dimensions: 22 x 21 x 37 inches; 83 pounds
- Brand: Avanti
- Product Type:
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