Compare GE & Sears Portable Washers

Dimensions

• Portable washers are portable mostly because of their diminutive stature, and the GE and Kenmore portable models have similar exterior dimensions. Both washers are approximately 38 inches high; the GE model, however, is more than an inch wider and more than 3 inches deeper than the Kenmore. The GE is significantly lighter, though; it weighs in at 106 pounds, while the Kenmore weighs a relatively hefty 148 pounds.

Capacity

• Thanks to their easy-to-move dimensions, portable washers are unable to deal with as much dirty laundry at one time as a stationary washer, and neither the GE nor the Kenmore model has a capacity that approaches that of even the smallest standard washer. The GE portable washer, however, makes good use of its slightly larger exterior dimensions and, with its 2.7 cubic foot capacity, can hold nearly 30 percent more than the 2.1-cubic-foot Kenmore portable model. Both machines are equipped with stainless steel wash baskets.

Controls and Features

• The GE model is versatile, with 14 wash cycles and three water temperature settings; it only offers a single wash/spin speed setting, though. The Kenmore model offers only four different wash cycles, but its three speed settings and three temperature settings give it enough possible wash cycle combinations to handle a wide variety of fabrics and clothing types. The GE model is equipped with electronic controls; the Kenmore's controls are mechanical.

Efficiency

• The Kenmore model is slightly more energy efficient than the GE model. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Guide, the GE washer consumes an estimated 389 kWh of electricity per year, and the Kenmore uses an estimated 384 kWh. The difference is negligible, however; the Energy Guide estimates a yearly operating cost of $41 for both washers when used in conjunction with an electric water heater. Neither washer is Energy Star Compliant.

GE WSLP1100HWW

• An earlier, smaller portable GE model, the WSLP1100HWW, is still in stock at some retailers. The WSLP1100HWW has a capacity of 2.5 cubic feet, which puts it between the newer GE model and the Kenmore in terms of size, and its 106-pound net weight is exactly the same as that of the WSLP1500JWW.