Kenmore, Rival Amoung Others Had Table Top Washing Machines
Often referred to as "camping washers" because one could take them along to a cabin or out in the woods and do laundry, provided youhad acess to electrical power.
Table top washers were also marketed to those living in tight quarters during and after WWII. Cannot imagine doing a family wash in one, but danties and perhaps if worse came to worse, diapers and such. There were units designed for use on the range top as well, so one could get a hot or boil wash.
Unit above is missing the small clamp on wringer attachement. This came with the unit and was how one "spun dry" water from the wash.
Operating the unit is simple: You fill the lower half (bucket if you will) with the proper amount of water and detergent. Add a few items of clothing, attached the top, set the timer (or on some models simply started the machine), and let it get on with washing. Once this was done, you stopped the machine, lifted the top, either put items through the wringer and reused the wash water, or dumped the wash water and refilled with clean water for a rinse. Repeat and so on and so forth.
Have seen table top washers in Europe as well, indeed they are still a popular way for those on caravan or camping holidays to get wash done. Though many upscale campsites now have some sort of laundromat facilites.
