One of the most overlooked aspects of traveling is what to do with your clothes. Sure, you know that you have to pack them (Tetris-style cramming of suitcases aside), but what about washing them? If you’re going on a trip that’s longer than a few days, washing your clothes becomes necessary. You want to dress to impress and turn heads, not wrinkle noses with sweat-soaked clothes that reek to high heaven.
Of course, if you’ve traveled a lot, you know that paying to use the laundromat can add up quickly (especially if you have lots of clothes or need to wash for a whole family). Depending on the area, you may not want to trust a shady laundromat, and if you’re traveling via RV, it won’t be an option anyway.
Enter portable washing machines. These are just what they sound like, small-scale washers that can help clean your clothes in a quick and timely fashion. Still, not all of these models are created equal. The last thing you want is to have a washing machine break and leak everywhere, or else prove ineffective and leave your clothes a smelly mess.
That’s where the Black+Decker bpwm09w portable washer comes in. This small, clear blue plasticky model is no doubt quite portable, but can it really hold up to the rigors of your next vacation?
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
Black+Decker BPWM09W Features
Some of the most important features included in this portable washer are:
- Top loading design that makes it easy to drop dirty clothes right in
- A maximum spin speed of 1300 RPM
- Measures 25.2 in. x 22.05 in. x 14.96 in. and weighs in at 22 lbs
- Boasts 110 volts and 240 wattage
- Highly compact design that can hook easily onto a kitchen faucet – turn on the water and you’re ready to wash
- A washing capacity of 5.5 lbs as well as a 4.4-lb spin capacity
- An easy-to-use design that allows you to move clothes from the washer to the spinner quickly and efficiently
- A washer control timer of up to 15 minutes
- True Rinse Technology, which makes for a more efficient type of washing experience, including two deep rinses for all cycles and a maximum water level that ensures the tub is full of water
- The ability to use separate timer controls for separate settings and operations for the washer and spinner
- Compatible with a wide range of soap options, from detergents, tablets, and sheets to simple soap bar shavings
- Durable plastic bode with transparent, blue-tinted exterior
- An aluminum pump and sturdy motor
One consistent theme you’ll notice with this features list is how compatible it is with different operating conditions. It can work with regular detergent or the tiniest slivers of soap bars for an improvised wash on the go and everything in between. This, combined with the different settings, make it a highly versatile unit.
Here you can check an unboxing + test video by Kenslig Bisdak:
Loading Design
The top loading design of Black+Decker BPWM09W is a nice touch in terms of convenience. If you take this for granted, you have never tried to shove a bunch of clothes into a side-loading unit, slowly growing more frustrated as one shirt and pair of pants after another tumble out. With this model, you need not worry about that. Simply pop the top, dump the clothes in, and away you go.
Lightweight
The dimensions of this model are particularly interesting. Twenty-two pounds is incredibly light – almost suspiciously lightweight, one might say. After all, a washing machine requires a certain degree of internal machinery and plumbing to function. Does this model really have what it takes while weighing less than 25 lbs? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a washer. If you’re looking for something that can do as good of a job as an industrial washer at a laundromat, you’re going to be disappointed (but then why would you expect that from such a small unit anyway?).
Compact
On the other hand, if you prize portability, you should be pleased. The compact frame and lightweight nature make it ideal if you have a few clothes to wash while on the go and don’t want to be weighed down while packing. The fact it’s easily attachable to a kitchen sink is huge, since that’s partially why it can do what it does without weighing more. It makes use of an RV or hotel sink’s plumbing in part instead of a bigger, bulkier internal system of its own.
True Rinse Technology
Their utilization of that True Rinse Technology is telling here. It ensures that portable washers remain filled throughout the process. If you have ever used a portable washer before, you may know all too well how annoying it can be when the tanks only fill halfway. The True Rinse Technology ensures that this is not the case.
Pros and Cons
Some of the best aspects of the Black+Decker bpwm09w portable washer include:
- Compact lightweight design
- Ability to work with different detergents and soaps
- True Rinse Technology
- Convenient top loading design
- Added benefit of its twin tub design
Some potential drawbacks to this model from Black+Decker include:
- A lack of wash options
- Weak electrical cable
- Smaller size means smaller capacity
To begin with, it’s fair to say you’ve probably heard of Black+Decker. They’re one of the most famous and established appliance brands in America. With that kind of background, you at least know you’re dealing with a company with experience and a past reputation for quality.
The lightweight nature of this model is especially promising. If you hate schlepping heavy units, this may be the unit for you. Simply put, it’s hard to imagine ever beating 22 lbs for overall weight. Of course, with a smaller size comes less space to wash clothes. That said, if you’re packing a ton of clothes or need to wash clothes for your whole family, you’d better set some time aside because it’s going to take a while.
Still, that’s to be expected with a model of this size. Besides, the twin tub design can help by allowing you to wash different kinds of clothes at the same time.
The beneficial nature of the compact and top loading design employed by this Black+Decker model has already been attested to above. What isn’t as apparent, however, is the weaker nature of this model’s electrical cable. Again, given how this model works, that shouldn’t be much of a problem, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Finally, as alluded to above, this model can use all manner of different soaps and cleaning agents, which makes it that much easier and more affordable when washing while on the go.
Is Black+Decker BPWM09W Worth It?
Our rating: 4.6 / 5
The Little Engine (or Washer) That Could, there is a lot about the Black+Decker bpwm09w portable washer that makes it easy to recommend. With a model this lightweight and affordable, it’s hard to hold any of its minor shortcomings against it. On the contrary, added features such as its top loading and twin tub design make it that much more efficient. It’s easy to store, easy to set up, and easy to use.
This is by no means a replacement for the kind of heavy duty washing machines you’ll find at a laundromat, but then it isn’t meant to be.
If you’re looking to pack light while still keeping your clothes nice and clean, this is definitely a solid model to consider.
