Nictemaw NI5573_8_GR Portable Washer Review
Our verdict
The Nictemaw NI5573_8_GR asks $239.99 for a 2.8 cu ft portable washer with a 1300 RPM spin and touch controls. Its 3.8-star average from 113 reviews indicates a mixed early reception, and the machine's 20 lb frame is surprisingly light for its drum size. Buyers who want a large portable drum with modern controls can consider it, but the limited review pool means confidence in long-term durability is still developing.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Small households or apartment renters who want a large-capacity portable washer with touch controls and a fast spin, and are willing to be an early adopter of a newer product.
Skip if
Skip if you want a machine with proven long-term reliability or prefer the certainty of thousands of reviews. The 3.8-star average and 113 reviews are both lower than established competitors at similar or lower prices.
- Capacity 2.8 cu ft
- Load type Top Load
- Installation Freestanding
- Cycles 5
- Spin speed 1300 RPM
- Operation Fully Automatic
- Priced 41% above the category median ($169.99 across 88 tracked models)
- Capacity of 2.8 cu ft - larger than 69% of the 88 models we track
- Weight of 20.0 lb - lighter than 64% of the 88 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating3.8/5
3.8 average across 113 owner ratings
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Value for money3.9/5
$86 per cubic foot, below the category median
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Popularity1.1/5
113 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
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Storage space4.8/5
2.8 cu ft, roomy for this category
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
- Capacity
- 2.8 cu ft
- Load type
- Top Load
- Installation
- Freestanding
- Cycles
- 5
- Spin speed
- 1300 RPM
- Operation
- Fully Automatic
- Controls
- Touch
- Drum
- Stainless Steel
- Color
- Dark Grey
- Finish
- Dark Grey (Painted)
- Dimensions
- 20 X 20 X 34.6 In
- Weight
- 20.0 lb
Overview
The Nictemaw NI5573_8_GR is a fully automatic portable top loader with a 2.8 cu ft stainless steel drum, touch-panel controls, five wash cycles, and a 1300 RPM spin speed. At $239.99, it is among the pricier portable washers on the market. The dark grey finish and 34.6-inch height give it a modern, appliance-like appearance that fits standard counter clearances more comfortably than taller machines.
Set against the Nictemaw NI5577_4 at the same $199.99 price bracket (see that review for the 10-cycle, 169-review sibling), the NI5573_8_GR is $40 more and has fewer cycles (5 versus 10) but adds touch controls and a published 1300 RPM spin speed. Against the Giantex EP21684 at $149.99 with 15,200 reviews at 4.2 stars, the Nictemaw is $90 more expensive with a 3.8-star average from 113 reviews, a trade-off that requires confidence in the capacity advantage.
The 20 lb unit weight is notably low for a 2.8 cu ft washer. Most fully automatic washers of comparable capacity weigh 40 to 60 lb. That lightness helps with portability but may mean the machine walks on smooth floors during high-speed spin cycles unless placed on a non-slip mat.
Pros
- 2.8 cu ft capacity handles larger loads than most portable alternatives
- 1300 RPM spin speed effectively removes water, cutting drying time
- Stainless steel drum is more durable and odor-resistant than plastic
- Touch controls provide a modern interface for cycle selection
- Fully automatic operation from fill through spin
- Only 20 lb, genuinely easy to move despite the large drum size
Cons
- 3.8-star average from 113 reviews indicates mixed early buyer experiences
- Near-zero monthly purchases signal the model has not yet built market momentum
- No heating element, so wash temperature depends entirely on your water supply
- Light 20 lb weight may cause vibration walking during high-speed spin
- Five cycles is fewer than some competitors at a lower price
Performance notes
The 1300 RPM spin speed is one of the higher figures for a portable washer and is the machine's most verifiable performance advantage. Clothes exiting at 1300 RPM are meaningfully drier than those from machines spinning at 800 to 1000 RPM. The 2.8 cu ft drum can realistically fit a queen-sized comforter, though bulky loads should be sized conservatively to allow adequate tumbling. Touch controls respond to selection by cycle type but may be less responsive with wet fingers than physical push buttons. The stainless steel drum handles fabric better at speed and does not develop interior cracking like plastic. At 20 lb, a non-slip mat under the machine during spin is a practical recommendation to prevent movement.
What buyers say
The 3.8-star average from 113 reviews is the lowest rating among the Nictemaw portable washer line reviewed here. That is a meaningful data point, though 113 reviews is a small sample. Common positive themes for machines like this center on the large drum and fast spin. Common negative patterns tend to involve noise, vibration, or early component issues that show up in first-year use. The near-zero monthly purchase count indicates the model has not yet achieved wide adoption. For buyers who prioritize large capacity and are comfortable reading through the existing 113 reviews carefully, the spec sheet is competitive, but patience with an unproven track record is required.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Nictemaw NI5573_8_GR need a permanent water hookup?
No. It connects to a standard kitchen faucet with quick-connect hoses included in the box. No permanent plumbing or dedicated laundry connection is needed.
Can the Nictemaw NI5573_8_GR wash a queen-size comforter?
Its 2.8 cu ft capacity makes it one of the few portable washers large enough to attempt a queen-size comforter. For best results, reduce the rest of the load to zero when washing bulky items to give the drum enough room to work.
What does a 1300 RPM spin speed mean for drying?
Higher spin speed extracts more water during the spin cycle, so clothes come out significantly less wet than from machines spinning at 800 to 1000 RPM. Less water in the fabric means less time needed in a dryer or on a drying rack afterward.