Whats the difference between an impeller and an agitator

Top Load Washers: Agitator or Impeller?

When shopping for a new washer, there are many factors to account for in your decision – from size and overall cost to energy efficiency and automation options. But one of the first, most basic decisions you’ll need to make is if you want a top load or front load machine.

If you decide to go for a top loader, your next decision will be to choose between two styles of washers – an agitator or impeller – to determine exactly how your new machine will wash your laundry.

What is an agitator?

A more traditional option, top-load washers will often contain an agitator. This tall, finned spindle sits upright in the center of the wash basket and twists, or agitates, back and forth to clean your laundry. The motion causes clothes to rub against the agitator as the machine runs, effectively breaking down any loose soils on the clothing.

PROS
  • Effective Clean: The twisting motion of an agitator is perfect for cleaning heavily soiled clothing, breaking up tough dirt and resulting in a deeper clean.
  • Familiar Functionality: Because top-load washers with agitators have been around for so long, this is a familiar option that many people feel more comfortable using.
CONS
  • Tough on Clothes: Although the technology has greatly improved, agitators can still damage clothing. Their central location in the wash basket and spinning motion can cause clothes to catch on the agitator and stretch or tear.
  • Not Ideal for Bulky Items: Since the agitator is located in the center of the wash basket, this makes it difficult to wash bulky items like pillows or comforters.

What is an impeller?  

An impeller is a low-profile disc or cone located at the bottom of the wash basket. When the machine is running, the impeller will spin and rotate to rub the clothes against each other. This friction between clothes delivers a gentle, thorough clean.

PROS
  • More Room: Because the impeller is so low profile, it takes up less room in the wash basket compared to an agitator. This is ideal for bulky items and easier loading/unloading.
  • Energy-Efficient: In order to optimize the friction between clothes, an impeller utilizes less water than an agitator. The impeller also spins at such a high speed that the clothes won’t be as wet after the wash, effectively cutting down on their time in the dryer.
CONS
  • Longer Wash Time: A top load washer with an impeller generally takes longer to complete a wash cycle than a machine with an agitator, due to the high-speed spin cycles.
  • Can Be Too Gentle: Although impellers tend to cause less damage to clothing, this gentler motion can result in a less effective clean. If your clothing often contains tough dirt and stains, these may not be removed as easily with an impeller compared to an agitator.

While there are pros and cons to both agitators and impellers, it’s important to look at which style is the best fit for your lifestyle. If you’re ready to make your purchase, look no further than Danny’s Appliance; with our unbeatable prices and excellent customer service, you won’t be disappointed!

Get in touch today or stop by our showroom in Providence, Rhode Island to browse our collection of high-quality appliances!

  • Agitator vs. Impeller | What Are They?
  • Key Differences
  • Choosing the Right One for You
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • So, Agitator vs. Impeller, Which Is Best? 

Wondering about a washer agitator vs. impeller? You’re not likely to ask about the differences, but if you want to know, you’re in the right place. Read on to see the major similarities and differences to know about.


Disclaimer: The information included in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or DIY advice. We highly suggest consulting a professional before attempting any DIY home improvements or repairs.


When choosing a top-loading machine, there are several things, including budget and brand, that you should consider. One key aspect among these is whether you want one with an agitator or impeller.

So, agitator vs. impeller –which one should you choose? This article will give you clear insight into these components and what they offer to your washing experience. 

Agitator vs. Impeller | What Are They?

The main difference between these two laundry machine parts is their function. 

Agitators

Whats the difference between an impeller and an agitator

1125089601/Shutterstock

These are revolving and sometimes pivoting rods found in the washing drum’s center or outermost part. They have handles that push up or down to switch directions.

Their key purpose is to thoroughly mix wash water among clothes and break up and suspend heavy items like rocks or rags. Agitators are most commonly found in top-loading washing machines but are sometimes found in front loaders. 

Impellers

Whats the difference between an impeller and an agitator

AppleDK/Shutterstock

These are rotating alternatives to the agitator. Their main function is similar to that of an agitator’s, mixing clothes during the wash to achieve uniform cleaning and soil removal. You can quickly identify them by the two or more blades that cover the central axis.

A key difference between the two components is their function. This is evident from their design. Whereas the agitator swings and rotates to clean, impellers have more than one blade that rotate in a water-filled drum. 

They work differently to achieve the same purpose: mixing clothes with water, detergent, and other washing additives to get a thorough wash.

Cleaning Action

One of the primary differences between washing machines that use agitators and those that use impellers is the cleaning action. With the latter, cleaning occurs as the agitator rubs against dirt and stains to loosen and break them apart.

The more it rubs, the greater its cleaning action. On the other hand, impellers use discs, cones, fins, or wheels. These rotate gently to rub clothes against each other to loosen dirt and stains. 

Agitators are great at breaking down heavy items, like rags and rocks, while impellers do a better job of screening out small particles. As such, when choosing whether to use an agitator or an impeller, you need to consider the type of clothes you will be washing and your preference. 

Choosing the Right One for You

Whats the difference between an impeller and an agitator

Vermont Art/Shutterstock

There are a few things you need to consider when choosing between the two. These include:

Your Budget 

Before you even begin choosing the type of washer you’ll purchase, there’s one major restricting factor; your budget. In this regard, top loaders that use agitators tend to be cheaper than their front-loading counterparts that use impellers. 

If you’re looking for an affordable option, an agitator will be your most likely option. On the other hand, if your budget isn’t as much of a concern, then you’re better off choosing a front-loading machine with an impeller.

Brand 

Like any other product, some brands produce washers with both agitators and impellers. However, different brands offer varying quality products, features, and warranty terms. If you’re a brand loyalist who’s looking for the best of your favorite brand, then an agitator will most likely be your choice.

Features

Agitators and impellers not only differ in their cleaning action, but they also offer a different range of features. For instance, agitators can come with attachments like scrubbers that enhance their cleaning action.

On the other hand, front-loading washing machines with impellers usually come with more advanced features like digital displays. If you prefer a washer with advanced features, then you’ll likely end up with a washer with an impeller.

Capacity

If you live in a large household and have more than two people, a washer with high capacity will serve you best. Agitators are better at handling heavy items like rags and rocks, while impellers excel at screening small particles. 

If your clothes tend to get dirtier than others, an agitator will be your best option. On the other hand, washers with impellers allow you to fit more clothes into a wash cycle.

Type of Clothes 

Before deciding whether to purchase a washer with either one of the two components, you need to consider the type of clothes it will wash. Agitators do a better job breaking down heavy items like rags and rocks while impellers are better at washing delicate garments.

If you’re looking for a washer that can handle cleaning dirty work clothes, then agitator-equipped washers are for you. If you want to wash delicate clothes with an optimal cleaning performance, then an impeller-equipped washer will be better suited for your needs.

Warranty 

Both washing machines have a standard warranty of one year that covers the parts but does not deal with labor or service calls for free. However, some manufacturers may exclude deterioration from wear or tear and damage caused by disasters like floods.

If you want to get a washer with the best warranty terms, check the manufacturer’s warranty terms and how they define “warranty” in their language.

Detergent

Agitator-equipped washers tend to use more detergent than impeller-equipped washing machines, which reduces their overall operating cost. Purchase a washer with an agitator if you want to reduce electricity bills and save on your power bill. If you want to spend less money on your detergent, purchase a washing machine equipped with an impeller.

Capacity 

Generally, agitator-equipped washing machines are available to handle 5 lbs/2.25 kgs of clothes, while impeller washers only hold 4.5 lb/2 kgs of clothes. If you want a large machine capable of handling your frequent laundry needs or have many people in your household, an agitator is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whats the difference between an impeller and an agitator

David Spates/Shutterstock

While searching for your ideal washer, you may have some questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers. 

What’s the Difference Between an Agitator and Impeller?

Agitators tend to beat clothes while impellers spin them. Both types of washers have different washing methods that sometimes lead to a different cleaning performance with varying degrees of efficiency.

How Do I Decide If Agitation or Spinning Is Better for Me?

Suppose you have delicate, expensive, or designer clothes you may not want to wash them with other garments like mechanic rags that will damage them. In that case, an agitator washing machine is your best option, as it can handle smaller loads with more care. 

If you want to use fewer detergents and save on power bills, then an impeller washing machine is your best choice, as it cleans clothes in a way that uses less detergent than an agitator.

How Do I Maintain My Washing Machine?

If you want your washer to work at its optimum capacity, then make sure that you perform the following maintenance tips on your washer regularly:

  • Never wash clothes that are too full as this may break some machine parts or cause damage to your washing machine. If you load small amounts of clothes, then make sure that you always use a delicate cycle when washing them in hot water to prevent fading. 
  • Never use a washer when it isn’t running, and ensure regular checkups to prevent issues like clogging that may, in turn, lead to rusting. 
  • Always drain the water after each cycle to avoid any mildew or mold growth inside your washing machine. 
  • Clean your washing machine regularly using baking soda, vinegar, or bleach.
  • Clean the lint filter on your washing machine regularly to avoid clogs that can be dangerous for your clothes and may lead to a fire hazard.

What Are the Best Detergents for Washing Machines?

If you want to use your washing machine effectively, then it is recommended that you choose a high-quality detergent that can fight germs and dirt while maintaining the condition of your clothes.

The key to choosing the suitable detergent lies in its contact time with the dirt, how much you should dilute it, and the water hardness, depending on geographical location.

How do I extend the life of my washing machine?

If you want your washing machine to last for a long time, you must regularly maintain and clean your washing machine.  

So, Agitator vs. Impeller, Which Is Best? 

When deciding between agitators vs. impellers, it’s not about which one is better, but rather the one that suits your needs. So, before making a purchase, consider all the above factors to ensure you get the best cleaning experience.

You Might Also Like:
  • Washing Machine Smells
  • Washer Won’t Spin
  • Washing Machine Brands to Avoid

Which is better impeller vs agitator?

Washing machines with an impeller tend to wash your clothes better than with an agitator. That means that, generally speaking, front load washers or top load washers without an agitator will do a better job at getting rid of tough stains and dirt off your clothes.

What are the pros and cons of agitator vs impeller?

Agitator vs. Impeller Pros and Cons.

Which lasts longer agitator or impeller?

Longer Wash Time: A top load washer with an impeller generally takes longer to complete a wash cycle than a machine with an agitator, due to the high-speed spin cycles.

Are washing machines without agitators better?

The lack of an agitator frees up a lot of room in the drum, creating the opportunity to clean larger loads and big comforters. Non-agitator machines use much less water which leads to less waste, cheaper water bills, and “greener” laundry.