At a Glance:
The Difference Between Agitator & Impeller Washers
As you start your search for a new washer, you will quickly realize how many different factors you need to consider in your purchase. One thing is true no matter which brand you choose: Washers come in a variety of sizes and designs. There are high-tech smart models and basic options. And then there’s the nitty gritty, such as deciding whether you want a washing machine with an agitator or prefer an impeller style.
Even then, you’ll need to know the difference between an agitator vs impeller washer. Don’t worry if you’re fuzzy on the subject. Our experts are here to teach you more about the agitator vs impeller washer debate and to give you reviews of each, so you choose the best washer style for your home and laundering needs.
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Shop NowThe Difference Between Agitator & Impeller Washers
It helps the know the difference between an agitator vs impeller washer if you are looking for a new appliance to add to your home. When you look inside a top-load washer, you will either see an empty drum or a drum with a column placed in the middle. This column is an agitator.
An agitator separates clothes with circular motion to help them move through water in the tub. In older agitator washers— also called spindle washer—the agitator was an essential item for cleaning clothes. Otherwise, your clothes on the bottom would stay there and might actually collect the dirt that was washed off the top clothes. The agitator also prevents your clothes from becoming a giant ball, where you have to pull apart different pairs of pants.
However, modern technology has made it possible to have a top load washer without agitator. Instead of using a rotating spindle, an impeller disc—a low-profile cone that is found at the bottom of the drum—pushes clothes up and down the drum and breaks them apart.
So, which washer cleans clothes the best? There’s no definitive winner. It depends on the brand and the design, along with the personal preferences of each user. Pricing isn’t an issue with these models; overall, you’ll end up paying about the same amount for an agitator washer as you would an impeller washer. With that in mind, here are a few takeaways to keep in mind when it comes to top load washers with agitators or impellers:
- Top load washers with agitators are the best for heavy-duty cleaning
- Impeller washers have more drum capacity than spindle washers
- Agitator washers are typically the cheapest washer style on the market
- Impeller washers also require less water vs agitator washers
Top Agitator Washers
If you decide that an agitator washing machine is a better option for your home, you’re in luck, because there are multiple high-quality options to choose from. Here are three of the best top load washer models on the market to meet your laundry needs.
Speed Queen® TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Speed Queen Top Load Washer
Speed Queen is a great place to start in your search for agitator washers. This base model offers 3.2 cubic feet of wash space, which is standard for many washing machines and enough washer capacity for a household of about three. If you want a more intense cleaning experience, select the Deep Fill and Rince options, which will soak your clothes to make sure stubborn stains come out.
There are six total cycles to choose from with this washer, ranging from delicate to heavy-duty. This washer also comes with extra reinforcements and a suspension system that reduces the vibrations and noises that occur when it is running. And as an added bonus, Speed Queen washers are tested for 25 years of use.
Maytag® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Maytag Washer with Agitator
There’s a common myth that an agitator takes up space in the washer. However, it is possible to find large-capacity washers that still have agitators inside. This Maytag top load washer can fit up to 3.8 cubic feet of laundry, which is ideal for standard-size families and decent size loads of bedding, towels, and jeans.
Maytag designed its PowerWash® agitator that breaks up grime and moves clothes up and down the drum. With this design, you don’t have to worry about the clothes on the top not getting washed as well as your garments on the bottom. Of the nearly 6,000 buyer reviews, over 4,000 have given this top-rated washer a perfect score. Take a look at what some users are saying.
Featured Maytag MVWC465HW review: “I like the washer because it was built in America and seems to be a step above the Whirlpool. I also like the 10-year warranty.”
Whirlpool® 5.2 – 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Whirlpool Top Load Washer
If you are looking for an extra-large capacity washer, consider the versatility of this Whirlpool washer with removable agitator. It has an impressive storage space of 5.3 cubic feet, which means it can easily wash your king-size comforter. The Whirlpool 2 in 1 removable agitator is a great option if you can’t choose between an agitator vs impeller. You can take out the agitator for some loads and leave it in for others. The choice depends on what you need to wash and how much space you need to get the cleanest clothes possible. This smart washer seals the deal by allowing users to set cycles and check on laundry status directly from a smartphone.
Top Impeller Washers
There are also high-quality options if you decide that an impeller washing machine is a better choice for your home. Many top brands design impeller washers in different sizes and with various features. You can choose one that aligns with your budget and personal preferences.
GE® 4.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This is a powerful washer that is designed to be tough on stains. Load up your gardening clothes, pasta-stained blouse, and kids' sports uniforms with confidence knowing they will be clean by the time the cycle is done. You can soak your clothes for up to two hours for stubborn grime or you can turn on the sanitize option to remove 99.9% of bacteria. Your clothes will look and feel cleaner—just ask nearly 3,000 buyers who give this impeller washer 5 stars.
Featured GE GTW720BSNWS review: “I absolutely love this washing machine. It's huge enough to wash everything in one load. I've had it for almost 3 years and have yet to have any problems.”
LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Top Load Washer
This model combines a large capacity washer with the technology and advanced features you expect from a smart appliance. The 6Motion™ Technology uses six different motions to break up dirt and grime. This allows the washer to use 30% less energy and half of the amount of water compared to others its size. As a result, you can enjoy a deeper clean with less waste. At 5 cubic feet, this model has one of the most tub spaces in our roundup—plenty for a family of five or more.
Featured LG WT7300CV review: “I am completely obsessed with my new LG Smart Washer! It washes my clothes quite well and is very quiet. I really like how it determines the size of the load all on its own, so I know it is making the right choice.”
Once you review the impeller washer pros and cons and the different models on the market, you can choose the best option for your needs. Start by looking at what’s in stock at Easy Coast Appliance. Then, check out our washing machine discounts and rebates to see how you can save even more.
FAQs
Want to know more about agitator washers? Here are a few questions and answers on the topic.
How do washers with agitators work?
Agitators physically break up clothes that you place in the washing machine. They prevent your clothes from becoming a tight ball, where they could get stuck together or remain unwashed. Agitators also help break up grime and move clothes up and down the drum for a better clean.
How do impeller washers work?
Impeller washers use advanced technology to get the same benefits as agitators. However, they take up less room, allowing you to clean larger loads of laundry. The cone or fin at the bottom of the drum breaks up clothes and pushes them up to the top. This ensures that each garment gets clean.
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Learn More: Pros & Cons of Front Load Washers