Product review (5 stars): Excellent Small Washing Machine
I got my Haier XQBM22-C Portable 4.9-Pound-Capacity Pulsator Washing System with Stainless-Steel Tub yesterday - Tuesday, December 20 (from Amazon - with free shipping and a $25.00 "HoHoHoHo" discount! - total price: $144.99) - after ordering it just last Friday. Four days from order until arrival is fantastic, especially this time of year. Amazon is truly amazing!

It took but a few minutes to unpack and set up the washer. The process is very easy. I did my first load ("medium" size) and everything worked to perfection.

Today, however, I tried a "large" load and I put in too much Tide(R). Well, you guessed it - suds all over the floor (and you should have heard the comments made about me and my intelligence by my wife!). Haier recommends "high efficiency" laundry detergent and they aren't kidding. We'll be buying some tomorrow.

The washer, having no agitator, is very "easy" on clothing and its overall washing cycle is rather fast. It performs similarly to a front-loader (or one of the new agitator-less "high efficiency" top loaders). The stainless steel drum is a really nice touch - this is usually found only on the most expensive washing machines. It spins rapidly (it even re-balances the load itself in most cases) and extracts the water very well, thus minimizing drying time.

I notice that there are some differences between the operating manual which can be downloaded from Amazon's site and the printed one which is supplied by the manufacturer. The downloaded version is more helpful concerning operation (though the "setup" procedure in the printed manual is more accurate).

Though you must clean the lint filter every time, this is really no bother as it is extremely easy and convenient to do. The filter in the water inlet must also be cleaned monthly (depending on use), but this, too is reltively easy to do. (I can't get my fingers in to remove that filter; a pair of long-nose pliers made removing it easy.)

I do wish the unit had wheels - this would make moving it much more convenient, though its handles are well-placed and moving it is not really that big a deal. It is not too heavy and its weight is well-balanced; it is not awkward to carry.

I do have a question - WHO the h*** thought up "Jingle Bells" for an end-of-cycle alarm? Oh, brother!!

We bought this machine as an "extra" machine to use when we have only small or delicate loads or for use when our "main" washing machine breaks down. It is certainly an excellent purchase - the quality is high and the price is definitely right. I think we'll be using this little machine more often than we had initially anticipated.

I recommend it to anyone who has any need at all for a small automatic washer, either for use in an apartment or for an "extra" machine, as in our case.

And buy it from Amazon! They're terrific!

(This unit has been discontinued. This&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Haier-HLP21N-Pulsator-1-Cubic-Foot-Portable-Washer/dp/B002UYSHMM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Haier HLP21N Pulsator 1-Cubic-Foot Portable Washer</a>&nbsp;appears to be its successor and should be equivalent.)

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Update: December 14, 2006

I've had this machine for exactly a year now and I am as happy with it as when I first got it. The only issue I had was obtaining the caster kit which took many months to arrive (from PartStore<dot>com - an excellent company with which to deal). But it finally DID arrive and now it is much easier to move the machine next to the sink.

I have nothing but praise, so far, for the machine itself as well as Amazon's sales and service. I have some misgivings about Haier's responsiveness to customers as they would not answer either my questions or queries from PartStore as to when the caster kit would be available. They do make most parts available from PartStore, and other suppliers, so parts should be no problem, if ever needed. I ordered a few extra lint filters as that seems to be proprietary for this machine. Most other parts appear to be "standard" types.

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Update: December 17, 2007

It has been almost exactly two years now since we got this machine and I have to say that it remains excellent in all regards. I generally use it for washing underwear and often we use it at the same time we use our larger (regular) washing machine. Then we put both loads in the dryer. This saves us a lot of time.

I have purchased every replaceable item that I can from the above-mentioned PartStore. I was able to get the Caster Kit which makes moving the machine much easier. Unfortunately, that item is no longer being made by Haier - I'm glad I got it when I did. Other than a few proprietary items made for this machine, which I purchased, most of the machine appears to be made of common components which should be easy to obtain in the event of a breakdown.

My wife and I have been very satisfied with this machine, both in terms of its quality, and its price as sold by Amazon. Where else could you get a machine of this capacity and quality at a price of $144.99, which INCLUDES shipping?

As I said above, Amazon is truly amazing!

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Update: December 23, 2008

Well, another year has gone by and my Haier washing machine is still working perfectly.

I bought a number of "spares" from PartStore.com "just in case" but, so far, I have not had to use any of them.

I must say that the $144.99 I spent for this machine is just about the best $144.99 I have EVER spent!

If this machine is indicative of Haier appliances in general, then I can confidently predict a bright future for them.

The next time I am in the market for any appliance, Haier will definitely be on my "short list."

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Update: December 16, 2009

Here I am again. Still another year has gone by and this little washing machine continues to perform as it did when new. What more can I say other than the following: if this product is typical of Haier's quality, then the company is definitely a winner!

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Update: December 17, 2010

As this unit has long-since been discontinued, this will be my final comment on this machine.

It is now five years old and it still works as it did when it was new.

I can think of no better attribute nor can I think of any better compliment.

Haier makes newer models of portable washing machines (all at higher prices, unfortunately). If you are in the market for one, I STRONGLY recommend that you consider this brand. I had read of some peoples' problems with this particular model but I can say absolutely that I have had NOT EVEN ONE issue with it.

I bought a range of spare parts, the ones which are unique to this model - just in case; it seems that that was money wasted. I have never had to use any of them (other than to replace the lint filter once - I am quite careful with it). Most of the parts making up the machine are standard items which can be found in any local plumbing supply store.

Of all the items I have purchased from Amazon over the years, this product is by far the best value.

If and when it breaks down and cannot be repaired (and that eventuality does not appear to be happening any time soon!), I shall buy another Haier model.

I recommend Haier portable washing machines unreservedly.