Impeller vs. Agitator Washers: Which is Best for Your Laundry?

Choosing the right kind of top load washing machine can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding between an impeller and an agitator design. In this guide, you learn how each washer works, what their strengths are, and which best suits your lifestyle. Let’s dive into the differences and help you make a smart, DIY-friendly decision!

How Washers Work

Knowing how your washer moves your clothes helps you decide which design meets your needs best. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Agitator Washers: These traditional top-load machines feature a tall, central post with fins or vanes. The agitator twists and turns, forcefully rubbing clothes against one another and the agitator itself – ideal for removing tough, ground-in dirt.
• Impeller Washers (HE Models): These machines use a low-profile plate at the bottom of the tub. Instead of a central post, they create water jets and controlled turbulence to gently move clothes and allow fabrics to rub against each other for cleaning.

Key Features of Impeller vs. Agitator Washers

Cleaning Performance

When it comes to removing dirt and stains, each washer type brings its own approach:

• Agitator: With its vigorous, twisting action, it excels at scrubbing away heavy soil – perfect for work clothes or muddy play gear.
• Impeller: Modern impeller washers deliver very good everyday cleaning, relying on concentrated detergent and water jets for effective stain removal. While they may sometimes require a pre-treatment for extremely set-in stains, many models now offer specialized cycles like deep fill options.

Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, consider pre-treating your clothes before placing them in the washer to boost cleaning performance.

Gentleness on Clothes

If fabric care is a top priority, here’s what you need to know:

• Agitator: The aggressive central post can be harsh on textiles. Over time, repeated rubbing may lead to wear, pilling, or even stretching of delicate fabrics.
• Impeller: Without a central agitator, clothes are less likely to snag or suffer from abrasion. This gentler action protects delicate items and extends the life of your wardrobe.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Reducing water and energy use can make a big difference in your utility bills. Compare these two approaches:

• Agitator: Traditional models require more water to operate effectively, leading to increased energy consumption for both water heating and drying.
• Impeller: As High-Efficiency washers, these models use sensors to adjust water levels according to load size. Their faster spin speeds also remove more water from clothes, cutting drying times and lowering energy usage.

Capacity

Think about the sizes of loads you usually wash:

• Agitator: The central agitator takes up significant drum space, limiting load capacity and making it challenging to wash bulky items like large comforters.
• Impeller: With its open drum design, there’s more room for large loads, making it easier to handle bulky bedding or heavy-duty laundry needs.

Wash Cycle Time

Time is precious, and the length of cycles differs between these washers:

• Agitator: Their cycles tend to be shorter, typically completing a wash in around 30 to 45 minutes.
• Impeller: These models often take 60 to 80 minutes due to water-saving methods and advanced sensing features.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Budget is always a factor in any home appliance decision:

• Agitator: Generally, these models have a lower upfront cost, making them attractive for initial budgets.
• Impeller: Although the purchase price may be higher, long-term savings on utility bills can offset the cost over time.

Ease of Use & Loading

Laundry day should feel simple, so consider how each washer handles loading:

• Agitator: Loading can be a bit tedious as you work around the central post. Clothes sometimes get tangled during the cycle.
• Impeller: With an open drum, these washers allow you to load and unload bulky items with ease. Just remember, you must use HE (High-Efficiency) detergent to prevent over-sudsing.

Noise Level

No one likes a noisy machine. Here’s how they compare:

• Agitator: The mechanical action of the central post can be louder during the wash cycle.
• Impeller: Generally quieter in the wash cycle, although the high-speed spin can still produce notable noise.

Selecting the Right Washer for Your Home

Making the right decision starts with assessing your own laundry needs. Follow these steps to determine whether an impeller or agitator washer suits you best:

1. Assess Your Laundry Needs: Write down the types of garments you wash most often. Ask yourself if your clothes are typically heavily soiled (leaning toward an agitator) or if you prefer gentler cleaning for delicate fabrics (favoring an impeller).
2. Consider Volume and Bulky Items: Do you regularly wash large loads, comforters, or bulky bedding? An impeller washer’s spacious drum might be the best fit.
3. Evaluate Efficiency Priorities: Think about your water and energy bills. If utility savings are a priority, the impeller design’s lower water requirements and faster spin cycles can result in long-term benefits.
4. Decide on Cycle Time vs. Cleaning Strength: If you need a quick cycle for everyday loads, an agitator might be appealing. However, if you value the longevity of your garments and are willing to spend extra time on each cycle, an impeller washer offers gentler treatment.
5. Review Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings: Compare the initial purchase price with the potential savings on utility bills over time. Sometimes the extra cost of a high-efficiency impeller washer pays for itself in water and energy savings.
6. Test and Compare: If possible, visit a showroom or read customer reviews to hear about real-world experiences regarding noise level, maintenance, and overall performance.

How To Get More Information

Whether you choose the robust action of an agitator or the modern efficiency of an impeller washer, taking the time to review your laundry needs and habits will set you up for success.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to reach out. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Keep Reading:

How to replace the lower agitator in a Kenmore washer

How to replace Whirlpool washer agitator dogs 80040 (with video!)

Is the All-In-One Washer Dryer a Pain to Maintain?