Portable washing machine vs. washing machine: running cost
A portable washing machine is cheaper to run: about $7 a year versus $58 for a washing machine at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $51 difference.
| Portable washing machine | Washing machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 300 W | 500 W |
| Watt range | 100–500 W | 300–1,000 W |
| Typical use | 5 loads a week | 6 loads a week |
| Energy per year | 39 kWh | 322 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.7¢ | 18¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.9¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.59 | $4.82 |
| Cost per year | $7 | $58 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $17 | $140 |
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What drives the difference
- Portable washing machine: Portable and twin-tub washers draw 100-500 W and fill from a faucet; energy per load is low unless filled with hot water from an electric water heater.
- Washing machine: A top-load washer's motor uses only about 0.1-0.3 kWh per load; the rest of the roughly 1 kWh per load is the electric water heater warming the wash water. Cold-water loads cost a fraction as much.
Ways to cut either cost
Pairs with a portable washer to avoid using a dryer.
See options on AmazonUses about 25% less energy and 33% less water and spins more water out before drying.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a portable washing machine or a washing machine?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a washing machine costs about $58 a year versus $7 for a portable washing machine. That's $51 more, or 8.2× as much.
How many watts do portable washing machine and washing machine use?
A portable washing machine typically draws 300 W (range 100–500 W). A washing machine draws 500 W (range 300–1,000 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.