With a standard 1.6 cubic foot capacity, the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 portable washer is a space saving washer which is still large enough support families. What really makes the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 stand out from the best portable washers is the value for money it offers. This low-cost washer is one of the least expensive we reviewed, but it has an LED display with program options to rival more high-end options.
Insignia NS-TWM16WH9: What you need to know
The Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is a portable top-loading washer, which means it is typically safer then front load washers for families with curious children. Because you load from the top, both the control panel and the washer door are safer from younger children who cannot reach. If you do have a family, you'll probably want a washer with a larger capacity to handle laundry for the whole family.
The Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 has a 1.6 cubic foot capacity. For context, that's roughly a third of the capacity of a regular top load washer - it won't fit a queen size comforter and it will struggle with large loads of towels or linens, for example. This is to be expected with any portable washer, but they can still significantly reduce the need for trips to the laundromat for day-to-day tasks. Consider the GE GNW128PSMWW for something a bit larger.
In terms of functions, the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 has one of the better offerings in the portable washer game. For a start, there's five wash cycles: Quick Wash, Delicate, Normal, Heavy Duty, and Bulky Items. You can also choose an extra rinse or spin only option, and choose from three temperature settings and load sizes. There's even a delay wash
If you're in the market for a portable washer, it's likely you live in a smaller living space such as an apartment. Although portable washers are largely similar in dimensions, a few extra inches can be the difference between storing your washer in a convenient closet and being forced to leave it out, cluttering your living space. The Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is 36 .5 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and 20.5 inches deep. It will fit comfortable in most smaller spaces but if you have a specific spot in mind, be sure to measure it before buying.
The Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is a two inlet portable washer. This means you can hook it up to your hot and cold faucets and run cold, warm, or hot washes easily. Some portable washers such as the Danby DWM030WDB only hook up to one inlet, which means you can only use this washer for cold washes. If you have a little more money, we think it's worth opting for the Insigna to have the option of different temperatures when doing laundry. However, one issue with this washer is how short its intake and drain hoses are. This can be overcome by buying extenders, but be prepared to place this washer directly in front of your sink when in use to make sure everything reaches.
The estimated annual running cost of the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is $8. Typically, portable washers are inexpensive to run, but this and the Magic Chef MCSTCW16W4 are some of the cheapest. The Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is covered by a year's warranty, which is the same as the rest of the portable washers we reviewed.
Should you buy the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9?
With five customizable wash cycles, as well as extra rinse and spin options, the Insignia NS-TWM16WH9 is a reliable and versatile portable washer at a reasonable price. If you're looking for something a little more capable of large loads, it's not our top pick. However, this is still a great choice for those looking to strike the balance between small dimensions and decent capacity when looking for a portable washing machine.
