As a landlord, finding the best washing machine for rental property is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to offering the kind of amenities that are going to attract the best quality tenants possible.
At the same time, the odds are pretty good that a washing machine in a rental property (like all the other appliances) are going to be put through the ringer – no pun intended – and are going to be used and abused more than you might expect.
Finding an economical option that is durable, efficient, and comes with top-quality materials and build quality (not to mention a great warranty) is critical.
That’s why we put together this detailed guide.
Our Top Pick – Kenmore 28″ Top-Load Washer
Kenmore has been making exceptionally well-built appliances for decades now, and this triple action agitator washing machine is no exception.
A little bit “bare-bones” compared to some of the smart washing machines money can buy today, this washer will still get the job done quite well without breaking your bank account – or breaking down when your tenants use it, necessitating expensive repairs or replacement.
Features
- 4.2 ft.³ capacity
- Top loading washer
- Weighs 134 pounds
- Triple action agitator
What We Like Most
Kenmore name brand has always stood for quality and durability, something that landlords are always looking for in appliances that they are purchasing for their tenants.
It’s nice to know that these machines are built to be almost “bombproof”, can be used and abused for years without breaking down, and are going to be able to handle the kind of oversized loads and frequent wash cycles that might have killed lower quality machines.
On top of that, while this is a premium piece of washing machine technology it doesn’t command a premium price tag the way that options from GE, Samsung, LG, and others might have.
Combine all of that with the fact that this machine is relatively easy to work on yourself, has a fantastic warranty, and is still an exceptional washing machine capable of consistent and deep clean cycles and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favorite with landlords.
What We Didn’t Love
There is something to dislike about this Kenmore washing machine it has to be the fact that only two cycles – the Bulky and Heavy Duty cycles – are able to be run with the Deep Fill mode toggled on.
That’s nowhere near a dealbreaker, though.
Pros and Cons
- Exceptional build quality
- Great reputation for durability even with misuse
- Deeper cleans clothing cycle after cycle
- Easy to use and easy to work on
- Not that feature-rich
A Great Budget-Friendly Alternative – BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washer
If space in your rental property is at a premium you’ll want to consider this portable washing machine from the folks at Black and Decker.
Features
- 100% portable set up
- 0.9 ft.³ washing capacity
- Five individual wash cycles
- Top loading
- Highly water and energy efficient
What We Like Most
The portable nature of this washing machine really helps to set it apart from the rest of the pack.
You’ll be able to set it up pretty much anywhere in a smaller rental property (including smaller apartments and condos) without getting in the way and without it making a lot of noise or requiring a ton of extra plumbing.
On top of that, this thing does a great job of deeply cleaning clothing even if it isn’t necessarily the largest washing machine on the market.
You’ll have to run more loads through it to get a week’s laundry done – but this thing is more than up to the task.
What We Didn’t Love
This machine is going to be more susceptible to damage if tenants are using it 100% full with heavy loads of laundry all the time – like if they are washing comforters or towels (or, even worse, both of those things at the same time).
Pros and Cons
- Very well-built portable washing machine
- Super compact and fits in almost any rental property
- Deep cleaning capabilities on par with traditional sized washers
- Bogs down when overloaded
- Can be expensive to repair or replace
Closing Thoughts
Finding the right washing machine for your rental property becomes a whole lot easier when you zero in on the two options we highlighted above.
If it’s more of a traditional washing machine you’re after, go with the Kenmore. That’s a great piece of equipment that’s going to serve you and your tenants well for years to come.
If space is at a premium and you need something more compact the Black and Decker is going to be right up your alley.