excellent value, just enough features: what more do you need?

i've had my washer now for a week, and after 8 loads generally agree with most of the reviews here on amazon. this machine is my 2nd portable washer in the past 8 years (the 1st was a GE that was nearly full-sized). at this point i am happier with this machine and its smaller-sized load than i was with my previous machine that could handle 3x the amount of laundry.

this machine is very quiet, and somehow gets the clothes cleaner than the other larger machine. Haier claims this machine has a 6.6 pound capacity but in my experience a 5 pound load is what it handles well.

in pratcipal terms this 5 pound load of laundry equals:

* 4 bath towels

* a set of sheets (top, bottom and two pillow cases)

* 4 pairs of mens pants (3 khaki-types plus a pairs of denim jeans)

* about 8 pairs of socks, 6 boxers, 6 t-shirts

for me this means about 4 loads per week (i let a LOT of laundry piling up when i knew my washer was coming in a week). at the "Normal" setting a load of laundry takes about 40 minutes, and comes out very well "spun" and ready to hang-dry over night.

one thing i especially like about this washer is that while the tub is filling with water you can leave the cover open and add the detergent, then add the clothes before the agitation cycles begin. since this washer lacks a dispenser for detergent it is convenient to add the detergent to the machine while it fills.

there are three wash cycles (heavy, normal and quick), and three water levels. the other options are for a spin and a rinse. the control panel has membrane buttons similar to a microwave oven. the lid to the washer is made of transparent plastic which seems like a nice touch but in practice if you use even warm water this window clouds over from the steam.

using this washer is a bit more "hands-on" than a full size washing machine. for example you must adjust your water temperature manually, since there is only one hose that supplies water from a faucet. after the wash cycle begins you can turn your sink faucet to "cold" if you want cold water for the rinse, then you can walk away.

the drain hose must be in place in the sink, shower, or bath tub. the drain hose has a U-shape on the end that can be used to hang it in place. i've found the best arrangement in my bathroom is to hang this from the bar on the inside of my glass shower doors. this points the water into the tub and down the drain.

some of the other reviews mention that the user's guide is confusing. i did take the time to read through before i began setting up and using the machine and found that the instructions are about as good as you can expect with this type of product--and really not the worst i've ever seen.

one problem i did encounter was that the instructions seem to suggest that an item known as a "thread adapter" is included, but it is not (reading reviews on amazon and also walmart you will find several mentions of this item being missing). the "thread adapter" is a fitting that might be needed to attach the "quick connect" to your faucet, depending if you have "inside threads" or "outside threads" on your sink faucet. i happened to have a "thread adapter" on hand (it came with a Brita water filter) so i was able to set up my machine without an unplanned trip to the hardware store.

another minor problem that i have encountered is that when you're done using the washer and want to un-hook the water hose from your sink, the hose will be filled with about a cup of water that could spill onto the floor. on solution is to turn off the water, remove the hose from your sink and hold the free end up, then turn on the "power" to the washer and hit the "normal" wash cycles button. this will allow any water in the hose to drain into the wash tub. if you use the washer ever few days this small amount of water in the tub should not be any problem. you could also catch the water into a small container so that it doesn't end up in tub between uses.