Living in a small apartment, I’ve always been on the lookout for compact appliances that make daily life easier. Full-sized washers are a luxury not every apartment can accommodate, and while laundromats get the job done, the trips back and forth can quickly become a chore. That’s why I was excited to test out the Giantex GX24977-PE Mini Washer, a lightweight, portable machine designed for small loads, travel, or camping.
After spending time with it and digging into the experiences of other buyers, I came away with a mix of admiration and a few reservations. Here’s my honest take.
First Impressions and Setup
When I unboxed the Giantex mini washer, the first thing I noticed was how compact and lightweight it really is. I could easily move it around by myself, which isn’t something you can say about most washers. It’s small enough to fit in a bathroom corner or next to a shower, making it a practical choice for apartments, RVs, or even extended travel assignments where laundry access is limited.
Setting it up was simple, but not without quirks. Unlike standard washers, this unit doesn’t connect directly to your plumbing system. Instead, you fill it manually using the included hose or just a shower head or pitcher. The drainage is gravity fed, which means you’ll need to place the washer somewhere the water can flow out easily, like near a shower drain or sink. It took me a little bit of trial and error to get the positioning right, but once I figured it out, it became second nature.
Washing Performance
For its size, the Giantex surprised me with how well it handled everyday laundry. It works on a timer-based system, with a maximum 10-minute wash cycle. I found that for lightly soiled clothes, one cycle was plenty, but for heavier items like gym wear, I often ran a second round.
One customer described using just a teaspoon of detergent per load, which matched my experience. Too much soap is unnecessary because of the small load capacity. For a typical wash, I could fit around 5 to 6 T-shirts or a few days’ worth of underwear and socks. Anything bulkier, like jackets or large towels, was simply too big for the drum.
What stood out to me was how visibly dirty the rinse water became. This little washer genuinely agitates the clothes rather than just swirling them around, and it was reassuring to see it wasn’t just a novelty gadget.
You can also check out my roundup of the best portable washing machines to see which models stand out for cleaning power, efficiency, and overall performance.
The Spin Function
The spin dryer is where opinions get divided. Personally, I found it decent for lighter loads. It doesn’t fully dry clothes, but it does leave them damp rather than dripping wet, which speeds up air drying considerably. My sweaters, which usually drip water endlessly after hand washing, came out much easier to hang dry.
That said, I also came across a fair share of complaints. Some users reported the spinner breaking down after light use, while others had issues with it overheating or even producing smoke. My unit didn’t have these severe problems, but I did notice the spin basket’s capacity was much smaller than the washer itself. For example, a load of five shirts from the wash might require two or three spin cycles. Balancing the clothes evenly was also important, otherwise it made a racket.
So while the spin function worked for me, I can see why some buyers felt let down by it. If drying speed is your top priority, you might want to pair this with a more powerful spin dryer.
Durability and Build Quality
This is where the Giantex feels more like a temporary solution than a long-term appliance. The plastic body is lightweight, which makes it portable but also a bit flimsy. One reviewer mentioned their spinner broke after just a month of light use, while another had the motor overheat and shut down mid-cycle. In my case, the washer held up fine during testing, but I did notice the engine getting warm after back-to-back loads.
The included hoses were another weak point. They felt short and flimsy, and I ended up replacing mine with a sturdier option that fit better on my faucet. It’s clear this machine was built for convenience and portability rather than heavy-duty longevity.
Everyday Convenience
Where this machine shines is in convenience for small households, singles, or travelers. I could easily tuck it away in a corner when not in use, and moving it around didn’t require any heavy lifting. The timer-based controls are straightforward, and there’s no complex setup or wiring involved.
However, the short power cord meant I had to use an extension in my bathroom, which isn’t ideal. Also, since the drainage relies on gravity, placement is everything. In my case, I had to lift the machine slightly onto a board so the water drained fully into my shower. Small adjustments like this made it work smoothly, but they’re worth noting if you expect plug-and-play convenience.
If you’re still deciding on the right model, check out my complete washing machine buying guide for tips on capacity, features, and what really matters before you buy.
Who It’s For
From my experience, the Giantex GX24977-PE Mini Washer is best suited for:
- Apartment dwellers who don’t have in-unit laundry and want to avoid frequent laundromat trips.
- Travelers or campers looking for a lightweight machine that fits in an RV or temporary housing.
- People with delicate clothing that can’t handle rough industrial washers, since it’s gentle on fabrics.
On the flip side, it’s not a good fit for families, anyone who does heavy laundry loads, or those expecting the spin dryer to replace a real dryer.
Strengths
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to move.
- Genuinely cleans small loads effectively.
- Gentle on fabrics, ideal for delicates.
- Budget-friendly compared to installing a washer.
- Perfect for temporary setups, travel, or small apartments.
Weaknesses
- Spin dryer is small, noisy, and prone to breakdowns.
- Build feels flimsy; not ideal for long-term heavy use.
- Short hoses and power cord make setup less convenient.
- Limited capacity, no way to wash larger items like coats or blankets.
- Overheating issues reported by some users.
Final Verdict
After testing it and comparing my experience with other buyers, I’d say the Giantex GX24977-PE Mini Washer is a solid little machine if you understand its limits. It won’t replace a full-sized washer, and the spin dryer may not live up to expectations, but for small loads of everyday laundry, it gets the job done.
I loved the convenience of tossing in a few shirts or underwear and having them clean within half an hour. It saved me laundromat trips and made washing delicate sweaters much easier. At the same time, I wouldn’t rely on it as my only washer for the long haul, especially with concerns about durability and overheating.
If you’re looking for a compact, portable solution for light laundry needs, this washer is worth considering. Just treat it as a helper for small, frequent loads rather than a replacement for a full laundry setup.
