At a Glance:
How Does an Impeller Washer Work?
Impeller vs Agitator: How They Compare
When deciding on a new top-loading washing machine, you will need to choose between two different styles: agitator and impeller washers. Agitators and impellers are both found in top-loading washing machines, however, they move and clean clothes in two unique and distinctive ways. Both types of washers will help you conquer that mountain of laundry, it’s just a matter of how that makes all the difference.
So, which style will help you get through laundry day the best? Check out our head-to-head breakdown in this top load washing machine buying guide to help you choose between an agitator or impeller washer.
Discover Top Load Washer Deals
Laundry days are easier when you have a powerful top load washer from the top brands found at Fred's Appliance.
Shop Top Load WashersHow Does an Agitator Work?
To start things off, let’s break down how these two types of washer cleaning styles differ from each other. You are probably more familiar with a washing machine with an agitator because they have been around for a longer amount of time (and that’s okay!)
Over the years, advances in washer technology have ensured that agitators can take on your toughest loads without being too tough on your clothes. Traditional agitators are tall spindles located in the center of the wash basket that twist (or agitate) back and forth, rubbing against the clothes to help break down dirt and other particles.
Washers with an agitator are considered the heavy-duty workers of laundry appliances and are recommended for full-size households that go through a lot of laundry throughout the week. Denim, canvas, and other tougher fabrics typically wash best in an agitator washer too, while gentler fabrics need special care before tossing into an agitator washer.
Recommended Agitator Washer: GE Profile™ 5.4 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
This GE Profile washer with agitator is a clear example of how far agitator washers have come. Aside from smart compatibility that makes using this washer even easier, thoughtfully designed features like Smart Wash and Rinse with soil detectors and SmartDispense Technology take the guesswork out of laundry day. With over 5 cubic feet of washer capacity, this is one of the largest top load washers on the market made for busy households and high laundry demands.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTW900BPTDG Review:
“I am so impressed with the size and functionality of the washer! Our purchase was driven by two factors size and color (yes, very superficial) but it has turned out to be a great investment. The size of the washer is impressive, and all the options just make it all worth it. I was amazed when putting my oversized king-size quilt in and the washer was half empty.”
How Does an Impeller Washer Work?
On the flip side, a washing machine with an impeller does things slightly different than an agitator. Impellers are low-profile cones or discs that spin and rotate to rub clothes against each other to get them clean. They also use less motion and water than a washer with an agitator. Impeller washers are designed so that the laundry has more room to move in order to enhance the friction between clothes, which helps in delivering a gentle, yet thorough clean.
If you do regular loads of towels, jeans, bedding, or other bulky laundry loads, impeller washers offer the most capacity next to front load washers. Additionally, the gentle tumbling of an impeller washing machine is also great at preserving clothes because there's less friction happening during the wash. At the same rate, top load impeller washers trail slightly behind agitator washers when it comes to removing stubborn clothes stains, although they're typically on par when it comes to everyday clothes stains.
Recommended Impeller Washer: Maytag® 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Maytag Impeller Washer
Talk about impressive! With over 2,700 5-star reviews, this Maytag top load washer is a proven workhorse. Despite not having the most features, what this impeller washing machine does come with counts. You can easily treat stains before a wash with the built-in faucet, and the Deep Fill option lets you use the entire 5.3 cubic foot tub to handle comforters, jeans, towels, and other bulk washes. Hard stains? Press the Extra Power button and give your dirtiest loads a boost of cleaning to blast stains away the first time.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW7232HW Review:
“I haven't needed to buy a new washing machine in 20 years, so this was definitely an upgrade. I was afraid it might be a little too complicated, but it's actually fairly easy to control. I love the remote enable feature and soak (perfect for those baseball pants). The built in faucet is so handy! I got the version with the impeller instead of agitator and was nervous about it, but I have loved getting to wash some bulkier items and I still feel like my clothes get really clean!”
Impeller vs Agitator: How Do They Compare?
Before making your final decision, you will have several options and features to compare when it comes to the wash action and cleaning power of these two washers. Now that you’re aware of the two potential washing mechanisms for handling your dirty laundry, let’s break down how the two stack up against each other.
Benefits of an agitator in a washing machine
- Rubs against clothes to break down tough stains and clean
- Familiar functionality
- Wash basket rotates for a hard-hitting clean
- Shorter overall wash times
- Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle
Benefits of no agitator washer:
- Rubs clothes against each other for a thorough and gentle clean
- More room in the wash basket for bulky articles and easier loading/unloading
- Shorter dry times
- Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle for more efficiency
Which One is Best for You?
Okay, now that we’ve compared the two, it’s clear that agitator and impeller washers are both decked out with modernized features to help get you through laundry day. But the question still remains: Which washer is just right for you and your lifestyle?
Whether you are sanitizing gym clothes , cleaning coffee stains out of your favorite jeans, or making sure you have clean sheets for the week, both agitator and impeller models can help you get the dirtiest of jobs done with ease. With both agitator and impeller washer’s impressive cleaning performances, energy efficiency, capacity, and convenience being extremely similar, your decision really lands on your personal preference – and that’s it! Both washers will get the job done efficiently, it’s just a matter of which style or brand you want to commit to!
So, which is better: agitator or impeller washer? Here' a quick cheat sheet to help you weigh the agitator vs impeller washer pros and cons for yourself and decide which is the better option for your home.
| Feature | Agitator Washers | Impeller Washers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | ✖ | ✅
| |
| Water Efficiency | ✖ | ✅
| |
| Capacity | ✖ | ✅
| |
| Cost | ✅ | ✖
| |
| Cleaning Performance | ✅ | ✖
| |
| Cost of Repair | ✅ | ✖
| |
If you have any questions about these comparisons and think it might be time to purchase a new washer, contact us today or shop our catalog of high-quality washing machines from America’s top appliance brands.
FAQs
How to clean a washer with agitator
To clean an agitator washer, start by removing the fabric softener dispenser. Rinse it under a sink making sure to remove any detergent build-up. Replace the dispenser. Next, run the washer's self-clean cycle or a regular wash with the deep fill option. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash and baking soda and allow the load to run normally. When the wash is done, open the lid and wipe down the surface of the tub. Allow the interior to dry with the lid open.
How to load a top load washer with agitator.
To efficiently load an agitator washer, place items around the spindle. Do not over load the washer because it will prevent the agitator from moving and prevent the washer from washing properly.
How to load clothes in an impeller washer.
Although impeller washers don't have a spindle, users should avoid covering the disc. Instead, load around the impeller like a "donut", which encourage the regular tumbling of an impeller washer and circulate all the items inside.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Top Load Washers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop washers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you learn about the differences between impeller vs agitator washers Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: 7 Best Top Load Washers for Every Type of Household