The Auertech 28 lb twin tub is the #1 bestselling portable washer on Amazon, with 3,474+ reviews and a 4.2-star average. That's not a coincidence.
But a bestseller badge doesn't tell you whether it'll work in your specific situation — your apartment, your RV, your laundry volume. And the difference between loving this machine and returning it often comes down to one or two things nobody bothers to explain upfront.
This review covers real performance data, the most common failure points, how Auertech stacks up against competitors, and exactly who this washer is and isn't right for.
What You're Actually Getting: Specs That Matter
The Auertech portable washer comes in three sizes: 14 lbs, 20 lbs, and 28 lbs. Most people should buy the 28 lb model. Here's why.
The 28 lb version splits into an 18 lb wash tub and a 10 lb spin tub. That's a meaningful difference from the 14 lb mini, which gives you just 9 lbs of wash capacity — barely enough for a day's worth of clothes. The 28 lb hits the sweet spot between portability and real-world usefulness.
The motor runs at 1300 RPM for spinning. That's high for this class of machine. After a full spin cycle, clothes come out roughly 70-75% dry — you'll still need 1-2 hours of air drying, but that's a far cry from wringing things out by hand.
Key specs at a glance: - Wash tub: 18 lbs (28 lb model) - Spin tub: 10 lbs - Spin speed: 1300 RPM - Wash cycle timer: 0-15 minutes (you set it) - Built-in drain pump on the 28 lb model (pushes water up to 6 feet vertically) - Dimensions: 27" × 15" × 32" - Price: $179.99 standard / $329.99 upgraded version with self-cleaning function
The built-in drain pump on the 28 lb model is a bigger deal than it sounds. Most compact twin tubs rely on gravity drainage — meaning your drain point has to be lower than the machine. The pump lets you drain into a sink at counter height, which matters a lot in apartments.
Pro tip: Measure the distance from where you'll place the washer to your nearest drain or sink before buying. The built-in pump handles up to 6 feet vertically. If you need more reach, you'll have to add extension hose.
Cleaning Performance: The Honest Numbers
92% stain removal on common stains. That's the benchmark top portable washers hit in standard testing, and the Auertech holds up well against it.
The agitation is aggressive for the price. Users specifically mention it handles heavily soiled work clothes — grass stains, grease, dirt — better than they expected from a machine this size.
The 15-minute maximum wash cycle is plenty for most loads. Lightly soiled items are clean in 8-10 minutes.
But here's something the spec sheet won't tell you: capacity ratings are generous. The 18 lb wash tub technically holds 18 lbs, but if you fill it that full, cleaning quality drops significantly.
Stick to 70% of stated capacity — call it 12-14 lbs — and you'll get much better results. Same principle applies in standard washers, but it's more noticeable in a small machine.
Water usage per cycle is 10-22 liters (2.6-5.8 gallons). Compare that to a standard top-load washer at 45-55 liters per load. You're using 60-75% less water, which adds up fast if you're paying a water bill by the gallon or working with a limited freshwater tank in an RV.
One weakness worth knowing: the lint trap is basically decorative. Users consistently report it catches about 10% of lint. If you have pets, this is a real problem — cat and dog hair accumulates in the tub and transfers back onto clothes. The workaround is to use a fine mesh laundry bag inside the wash tub. It's manual, but it works.
Setup, Drainage & The Problems People Actually Run Into
Most Auertech complaints aren't about washing performance. They're about hoses.
The included drain hose is short and made of thin plastic. Plan to replace it or extend it before your first use. Pick up a compatible drainage hose extension and a set of stainless steel hose clamps — total cost is under $15, and it prevents the most common complaint by a wide margin.
The drain height limit is 45 inches. If your drain point is higher than that, the built-in pump can't push water to it. This catches people off guard when they're trying to drain into a bathroom sink at an awkward height.
The machine needs to be on a perfectly level surface. Not "pretty level" — actually level. An uneven surface causes vibration, incomplete drainage, and puts stress on the motor.
Use an inexpensive bubble level before running your first cycle. Takes 30 seconds and prevents a lot of headaches.
The most common problems and how to fix them:
Spinner won't engage: - Check that both the inner lid and outer spin bowl lid are completely closed — both have to be latched - Redistribute the load so it's balanced - Make sure you're not overloading (10 lb max on spin tub for the 28 lb model)
Machine won't drain: - Verify the hose isn't kinked or clogged - Confirm drain point is under 45 inches - Check that the unit is level
Motor keeps shutting off: - It has built-in overheat protection that kicks in at 275°F (135°C) - Cool-down time is 20-30 minutes - Fix: reduce load size by 20-30%, avoid back-to-back cycles without breaks
Mold appearing in tub: - Leave lids open between uses - Run a baking soda rinse cycle monthly - Make sure the machine is stored somewhere with decent airflow
Pro tip: Use about 1/3 of the detergent you'd use in a full-size washer. The small spin tub can't fully rinse out heavy soap loads, and you'll end up with residue on your clothes.
Auertech vs. The Competition
Let's be direct about where Auertech wins and where it doesn't.
Auertech vs. Giantex Twin Tub ($159.99)
Giantex is Auertech's closest competitor. At $159.99, it's $20 cheaper. But it maxes out at 20 lbs total capacity vs. 28 lbs for Auertech, and most Giantex models don't include a built-in drain pump. If you're in an apartment where gravity drainage doesn't work for you, Giantex isn't an option. If you're in an RV or somewhere you can gravity drain, Giantex is decent value — just with a smaller capacity.
Auertech vs. Comfee Portable Washer ($235-$349)
Comfee is fully automatic — you load it, press a button, walk away. It's ENERGY STAR certified and quieter at 62 dB. But the wash capacity is only 11 lbs vs. 18 lbs for Auertech. And it costs $55-$170 more. If convenience is your top priority and you have smaller laundry loads, Comfee is worth considering. For larger loads on a budget, Auertech wins.
Auertech vs. Black+Decker BPWM09W
Black+Decker is automatic, compact, and has a stainless steel drum. But it only handles 6.6 lbs per cycle. For a single person with minimal laundry, it's fine. For anyone washing more than a couple of days' worth of clothes at once, you'd be running 3-4 cycles where Auertech does one. The math doesn't work.
Price per pound of capacity:
| Model | Capacity | Price | Cost Per Lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giantex Twin Tub | 20 lbs | $159.99 | $8.00/lb |
| Auertech 28 lb | 28 lbs | $179.99 | $6.43/lb |
| Comfee Automatic | 11 lbs | $235-$349 | $21-31/lb |
| Black+Decker | 6.6 lbs | Budget tier | $25-30/lb |
Auertech is the best value for capacity in the portable washer category. That's the cleanest way to put it.
Who Should Buy the Auertech (And Who Shouldn't)
The Auertech portable washer is built for a specific kind of person. If that's you, it's one of the best appliance purchases you'll make. If it's not, you'll be frustrated inside of a month.
Buy it if you: - Live in an apartment without in-unit laundry hookups - Travel or live in an RV, van, or boat - Are in a dorm with laundry room access that's unreliable or expensive - Do laundry for 1-3 people and can manage the manual process - Want to cut out laundromat trips (the average person spends $40-60/month at a laundromat — the machine pays for itself in 3-4 months) - Don't mind spending 5-10 minutes per load manually transferring clothes between tubs
Skip it if you: - Need fully automatic operation — the semi-automatic design requires you to be present, transfer clothes, and restart cycles - Have heavy pet shedding (multiple pets, heavy shedding breeds) — lint filtration isn't good enough - Do laundry for a family of 4 or more regularly — you'll be running multiple cycles every laundry day - Can't set it up on a level surface near a water source and drain point - Want a machine you can set and forget — this isn't that
Durability is worth addressing directly. With proper use — don't overload, maintain the hoses, let the motor cool between cycles — realistic lifespan is 1-3 years. That's not as long as a full-size washer, but at $179.99, you're not paying full-size washer prices either. Auertech's customer service has a solid reputation for replacing defective units quickly, so keep your proof of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much water does the Auertech use per cycle?
About 15-20 liters (4-5 gallons) per wash cycle. A standard top-load washer uses 45-55 liters per cycle. If you're managing water consumption — in an RV, for example — that's a significant difference. Keep in mind: if you're running multiple small cycles because of capacity limits, the savings shrink.
Q: Can I use regular detergent in the Auertech?
Yes, but use significantly less than normal — about 1/3 of what a standard washer requires. The spin tub doesn't rinse as thoroughly as a full-size machine, and excess detergent leaves residue on clothes. Liquid detergent works better than powder in this machine.
Q: How long does the Auertech portable washer last?
1-3 years with regular use and basic maintenance. The limiting factors are usually the drain hose fittings (replace the included hose with a better quality one) and the agitator under heavy loads. Lighter, balanced loads extend the lifespan. The motor has built-in overheat protection, which helps.
Q: Does the Auertech work in an RV or on a boat?
Yes — it's one of the most popular use cases. The twin tub design works well in spaces without standard plumbing hookups. You fill it manually with water (a bucket works fine) and gravity drain into a holding tank or drain point. Make sure you have a level surface — this matters more in mobile environments where floors may shift.
Q: How loud is it during operation?
Louder than a fully automatic compact washer (which run around 62 dB). The spin cycle is the noisiest phase. It won't rattle walls, but it's not something you can run at 2 AM in a thin-walled apartment without waking people up. Run it during normal hours and you won't have issues.
The Bottom Line
The Auertech 28 lb twin tub is the strongest portable washer in its price range, full stop. At $6.43 per pound of capacity, nothing at a similar price point comes close. It cleans well, the drain pump solves the biggest practical problem with portable washers in apartments, and the 1300 RPM spin speed gets clothes closer to dry than you'd expect.
It's not for everyone. Semi-automatic means you're involved in the process. The lint trap is a known weak point. And the included hose needs an upgrade before first use.
But if you're washing for 1-3 people in a small space and you're tired of hauling laundry bags to a laundromat, this machine earns its spot in your apartment.
Check the current price and availability of the Auertech Portable Washer on Amazon →
Sources: - Auertech Portable Washing Machine - Amazon - Auertech 28Lbs Portable Washing Machine - Wayfair - Walmart Customer Reviews - Auertech 28lbs - Twin Tub vs. Fully Automatic Washing Machine Comparison - Water Usage Comparison - Precision Appliance Leasing - Portable Washer Troubleshooting - Aosom - ENERGY STAR Certified Clothes Washers