At a Glance:
Agitators vs Impellers
How Do They Both Clean?
How Do They Compare?
Which One is Best for You?
FAQ
Why Trust Us
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 and key factors of choosing between an agitator or impeller washer.
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Agitators vs Impellers
When it comes to purchasing a new washing machine, you'll encounter options with agitators and some with impellers. While both types serve the same purpose of cleaning your clothes, they employ distinct mechanisms to achieve their goal.
Agitators
Agitators have long been a familiar sight in traditional top-loading washing machines. These machines feature a tall, column-like post in the center of the tub, with fins or vanes extending outwards. As the washing cycle begins, the agitator moves back and forth, creating a vigorous motion that helps dislodge dirt and grime from your clothes.
Advantages of Agitators:
- Deep Cleaning: Agitators are known for their robust cleaning action, making them particularly effective in removing tough stains and heavy soils from garments.
- Compatibility with Different Fabrics: The vigorous agitation produced by the agitator can accommodate various fabric types, including sturdy materials like denim or heavily soiled items.
Impellers
Impellers represent a more recent advancement in washing machine technology, primarily found in high-efficiency top-loading and front-loading washers. Instead of a central agitator, these machines utilize a low-profile cone or disc at the bottom of the tub. During the wash cycle, the impeller rotates and creates a turbulent water flow that moves clothes through the water.
Advantages of Impellers:
- Gentle on Clothes: Impellers operate with a gentler washing action compared to agitators, making them suitable for delicate fabrics that require extra care.
- Increased Capacity: The absence of a central agitator allows impeller-based machines to accommodate larger laundry loads, making them ideal for families with high laundry demands.
- Water and Energy Efficiency: Impellers typically use less water and energy during each cycle, contributing to reduced utility bills and a more environmentally friendly laundry routine.
How Do They Both Clean?
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.
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.
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.
Agitator washer key features:
- 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.
Impeller washer key features:
- Rubs clothes against each other for thorough and gentle clean.
- More room in the wash basket for bulky articles and easier loading/unloading.
- Wash basket rotates for a deeper clean.
- Shorter dry times.
- Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle.
→ Learn more: A "Dos and Don'ts" Guide for Laundry Day
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!
If you have any questions about these comparisons and thinkit 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.
Agitator & Impeller Top Picks
If you're having trouble deciding on whether to use an agitator or an impeller washer, we've curated four of our favorite agitator and impeller washers to discuss.
GE® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the GE® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
The GE® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer is a versatile and reliable laundry appliance. With its spacious 4.5 cubic feet capacity, it can handle large laundry loads with ease, making it ideal for families or individuals with high laundry demands. The washer offers a variety of useful features, including a powerful agitator that ensures thorough cleaning of tough stains and heavy soils. It also incorporates advanced technology for optimal water and energy efficiency, helping you save on utility bills while being environmentally conscious. The traditional white design adds a touch of elegance to any laundry room, making GE® washers a practical and stylish choice.
With over24,000 five-star reviews, this washer is sure to amaze. One reviewer says, "Wonderful GE Washer:My GE washer is very efficient, washes all types wonderfully and is VERY quiet. In addition, it handles a large load and clothes come out rinsed and wrung out perfectly and ready for the dryer."
Hotpoint® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Hotpoint® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
The Hotpoint® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer is a compact appliance that delivers exceptional performance. With its 3.8 cubic feet capacity, it's perfect for smaller households or limited laundry spaces. The washer boasts intuitive controls and a variety of wash cycles to cater to different fabric types and cleaning needs. The reliable agitator ensures thorough cleaning of clothes, tackling tough stains with ease. Additionally, the washer is designed with energy-saving features, helping reduce utility bills while being environmentally conscious. Hotpoint® Washers offers reliability and efficiency in a compact package.
This washer has over4,000 five-star reviews, one sharing, "Large capacity and efficient:I like simple appliances and this fits the bill. I need a washing machine that washes laundry and is dependable. I love the precise fill option for efficient use of water and the large tub is great. I also like knowing it was locally made."
GE® 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the GE® 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
The GE® 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer is a powerful and spacious laundry appliance designed to handle large loads with ease. With its generous 4.6 cubic feet capacity, it offers ample room for bulky items and multiple garments, reducing the number of loads needed. The washer features advanced technology, including a robust agitator, ensuring deep and thorough cleaning for even the toughest stains. It incorporates various convenient features, such as multiple wash cycles and customizable settings, allowing you to tailor each wash to your specific needs.
Still not sure? Check out over a thousand five-star reviews, one customer said, "Super fast washer that works!Very impressed with this new washer that we got through our home warranty after our old one gave out. The machine is quiet and the cycles are not long at all. Clothes come out clean and are laundered with ease. There are many different cycles and options to choose from, these are nice features. This was our first GE appliance, highly recommend."
GE Profile™ 5.4 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
Shop the GE Profile™ 5.4 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
The GE Profile™ 5.4 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer is a high-capacity laundry appliance that combines performance and style. With its impressive 5.4 cubic feet capacity, it can effortlessly handle large laundry loads, making it ideal for busy households. The washer showcases the innovative PreciseFill technology, which ensures optimal water usage for each load, promoting water efficiency. Its sleek Diamond Gray finish adds a touch of modern elegance to any laundry room decor. Equipped with advanced cleaning features and customizable settings, such as various wash cycles and stain removal options, the GE Profile™ Top Load Washer offers exceptional cleaning performance and a visually appealing design.
This GE Profile washer has tons of rave reviews! One reviewer said, "My First GE Washer:Not only is beautiful but works like a charm! It has just the right amount of smart capabilities. The menu is very user friendly! Best part it speaks to the matching dryer and the dryer will automatically set the cycle for your load."
→ Learn more: 6 Features that Make GE Washers Superior
FAQ
What is the main difference between washers with impellers and those with agitators?
Washers with agitators feature a tall column-like post in the center of the tub, which moves back and forth vigorously to clean clothes. In contrast, washers with impellers have a low-profile cone or disc at the bottom of the tub that creates a turbulent water flow to move clothes during the wash cycle. The main difference lies in the washing mechanism employed to clean the laundry.
Are washers with impellers or agitators more effective in cleaning clothes?
Both types of washers are effective in cleaning clothes, but their cleaning methods differ. Washers with agitators are known for their robust cleaning action, making them suitable for heavily soiled items and tough stains. On the other hand, washers with impellers offer a more gentle washing action, making them better suited for delicate fabric.
Which type of washer is more suitable for larger laundry loads?
Washers with impellers generally have a larger load capacity compared to washers with agitators. The absence of a central agitator allows impeller-based machines to accommodate larger laundry loads, making them a preferable choice for families or individuals with high laundry demands.
Do washers with impellers use less energy?
Washers with impellers tend to be more water and energy-efficient compared to washers with agitators. Impeller-based machines typically use less water during each cycle and have longer wash times due to their gentler washing action.
Why Trust Slager Appliances?
Founded over 70 years ago, Slager Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Iowa City, IA. Slager has competitive prices and industry knowledge in delivering and installing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
Whether you need to replace an old appliance, or if you’re remodeling and need an entire kitchen full of new brand-name products we are with you all the way. We will work with you to find a product that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Shop Agitator & Impeller Washers at Slager Appliances
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop washers online at Slager Appliances. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find an agitator or impeller washer for your home— whether you call us at 319-337-3833, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Slager Appliances in Iowa City, IA. Visit us today!
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