Costway FP11048US Portable Washer Review
Our verdict
The Costway FP11048US delivers a 20 lb capacity and a 4.2-star average from 1,500 reviews at $159.99. That combination of capacity, rating, and price is genuinely competitive, though it trails the Giantex EP21684 on review volume and recent sales. If you want a large-tub portable washer and the Giantex is out of stock, this Costway is a reasonable alternative.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget-conscious households wanting a large-capacity portable washer for everyday laundry, comfortable with manual knob controls and a straightforward two-cycle setup.
Skip if
You want fully automatic operation, push-button cycle selection, or a stainless steel drum. This is a basic manual unit, and its zero recent-purchases number is worth noting before committing.
- Load capacity 20.0 lb
- Load type Top Load
- Installation Freestanding
- Cycles 2
- Operation Manual
- Controls Knob
- Load capacity of 20.0 lb - larger than 64% of the 88 models we track
- Cycles of 2 - lower than 67% of the 88 models we track
- Noise of 50.0 dB - louder than 78% of the 88 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 1,500 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
1,500 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other portable and full-size washers and dryers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Load capacity
- 20.0 lb
- Load type
- Top Load
- Installation
- Freestanding
- Cycles
- 2
- Operation
- Manual
- Controls
- Knob
- Drum
- Plastic
- Noise
- 50.0 dB
- Smart
- Not Smart Home Compatible
- Color
- Grey+White
- Finish
- Abs
- Dimensions
- 15 X 25 X 28.5 In
Overview
The Costway FP11048US is a top-load, freestanding portable washer with a 20 lb capacity and two wash cycles. The body is ABS plastic in a grey and white finish, and controls are knob-operated. Noise is rated at 50 dB, which is quieter than many competing large-capacity portables and roughly on par with a quiet conversation.
At $159.99, it is $10 more than the Giantex EP21684, which has a larger review base (15,200 versus 1,500) and more monthly sales (20+ versus zero). That gap matters when comparing buyer confidence. Still, a 4.2-star average from 1,500 reviews is solid, and the 20 lb drum handles the same range of items as the Giantex: sheets, jeans, towels, and a week's clothing for one person.
The two-cycle design is a step above the single-cycle units in the $85 to $90 range but still limited compared to fully automatic machines with 8 to 12 programs. Manual operation means you control water fill and drain yourself, and set timing by knob. The machine does not pump water automatically; you manage the process. For buyers who understand semi-automatic operation and prioritize large capacity at a low price, the FP11048US is a workable option, even if it is no longer the top pick in its class.
Pros
- 20 lb capacity handles large loads including sheets and heavy clothing
- 4.2-star average from 1,500 reviews signals generally positive buyer experience
- 50 dB noise level is quiet for a 20 lb portable washer
- At $159.99, it is still affordable for the capacity on offer
- Two cycles provide slightly more flexibility than single-cycle competitors
Cons
- Zero units bought last month indicates low current purchase velocity
- Only two cycles: limited compared to fully automatic washers with 8 to 12 programs
- Manual knob controls with no digital display or preset programs
- Plastic ABS drum is less durable and less gentle on fabric than stainless steel
- Review count of 1,500 is modest compared to category leaders with 10,000 or more
Performance notes
A 20 lb tub can handle a queen sheet set, eight to ten shirts, or a combination of heavier items like towels and jeans in one cycle. The two cycles likely correspond to a standard wash and a gentler, slower agitation for delicates. You set wash duration and water level manually, which gives control but demands attention. At 50 dB, it is quieter than a standard conversation and noticeably quieter than the Hamilton Beach HBPW3O2AMZ (72 dB) at a much lower price. The grey ABS finish resists rust but may scratch over time. The machine does not include an internal pump, so gravity drainage is standard practice: position it above the drain point or near a sink.
What buyers say
A 4.2-star average from 1,500 reviewers is a positive result, suggesting the machine generally performs as described for everyday laundry. The low recent purchase velocity stands out: zero units bought last month is a significant contrast with the Giantex EP21684, which consistently moves more than 20 per month. That gap may reflect price sensitivity, availability, or simply that the Giantex has a much larger established reputation. Buyers who did purchase the FP11048US appear satisfied for the capacity and price, but the market is currently favoring competitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Costway FP11048US require a permanent water hookup?
No. It is a portable semi-automatic washer that connects to a standard faucet via included hoses. You attach it when needed and store it between uses. No permanent plumbing installation is required.
How much laundry fits in a 20 lb load?
A 20 lb capacity handles roughly eight to ten T-shirts and jeans together, or a queen-size sheet set, or several towels. It is enough for a small household's full weekly laundry in multiple loads.
How does it compare to the Giantex EP21684?
Both machines offer 20 lb capacity and a 4.2-star rating, and they are priced within $10 of each other. The Giantex has over 15,000 reviews and stronger recent sales, which provides higher buyer confidence. The Costway has a lower noise rating (50 dB versus unrated for Giantex), which may matter in apartment settings.