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If you have settled for a top loading washer, you have to choose between impeller type and models with an agitator. This article looks at the agitator vs impeller pros and cons to help you make the right decision for your laundry needs.
What is the difference between agitator and impeller washers?
Before we go to the actual agitator vs impeller pros and cons, it is important that you understand the key difference between the two washing machines.
You see, the two top-loading washing machine models clean your clothes in two contrasting ways- and that is the most telling difference between them.
So below is a brief explanation of how either machine washes clothes:
What is an impeller washer?
Impeller washers are simply high-efficiency (HE) washers that feature an impeller (instead of the traditional agitator) hence the name impeller washer.
To be clear, an impeller is nothing else but low-profile discs (or cones) that typically spin/rotate to make your clothes rub against each other so they get clean during a wash cycle.
I want you to get this right: The impeller does not make actual physical contact with your clothes.
No! Instead, as it spins (and the impeller rotates at a very high speed during spin cycles), it creates turbulent currents in the water.
It is these currents that move dirty clothes through the wash water – the resulting friction (as they’re rubbing against each other) gets them clean.
As you might have guessed, impeller washers are a little gentler on your clothes than washers using agitator technology.
What is an agitator washer?
You are probably not new to an agitator washer but just to recap, these washer models have the classic agitator (in place of the newer impeller).
For the benefit of starters, an agitator is a spindle sticking up in the middle of the washer’s wash drum.
Now, the agitator –and it normally has vanes or fins- twists and turns (back and forth) when a wash cycle is going on.
Bear in mind that the turning and twisting of the agitator help push clothes through wash water.
But here is the overriding thing: The agitator rubs against clothes themselves to help loosen soils and break down stubborn stains.
For that reason, agitator washers tend to provide better cleaning results for extra dirty clothes (from farm work, construction sites, oil fields, etc.)
Unfortunately, this aggressive washing action can be hard on clothes and they may come out wrinkled (depending on the selected wash cycle).
Agitator vs Impeller pros and cons: Which is better agitator or impeller washer?
Impeller washer pros
Gentler on clothes
As mentioned earlier, a top load impeller washer delivers a gentler cleaning action.
And the good thing is that your clothes will be thoroughly clean (as long as it is balanced and you have chosen the right wash mode).
Saves water
Uses less water (it’s engineered to work with low water levels to boost friction between clothes) than old agitator models.
It’s worth mentioning that energy savings depend on individual models and impeller washer is not necessarily more energy efficient.
Easier to load/unload
The impeller takes up reduced space in the wash drum, making these models easier to load/unload than agitator washers.
So they’re the easiest to use to wash bulky articles such as blankets and comforters (king size).
Drier clothes (after a wash cycle) = less drying time
Impeller washers provide shorter drying times because their high spin speeds help wick away a lot more moisture than agitator models.
Disadvantages of a washer with an impeller
Here now are the most pronounced impeller washer cons:
Does not clean heavily soiled clothes very well
While kinder on clothes, the impeller washing style has a cost: heavy dirt isn’t cleaned as effectively as with agitator washers.
Not very familiar
Not surprisingly, some folks still find the impeller “stranger” to some extent.
Agitator washer pros
Better cleaning performance (on horrible dirt)
The agitator action tends to remove heavy dirt and grease from clothes better than the impeller.
So if your job regularly results in tough stains (like for a farmer, mechanic, and machinist), you should go the agitator route.
Yeah- that’s the truth.. It’s going to be harder on your clothes but it will get the nastiest stains out much better than impeller style washers.
Shorter wash times
For the most part, agitator washers finish washing in less time (some newer impeller washers have however caught up with agitator washers).
Familiar design
If familiarity is important to you, an agitator machine is easier to figure out since it’s the oldest style around.
Easier for DIY repair
Agitators are, in general, easier to fix when they do get problems than impeller washers.
Plus, they don’t break as easily as some impeller washing machines.
Agitator washer cons
Longer drying times
Clothes are more wet so they will take a little longer to dry up than with impeller washers.
More Brutal on clothes
Agitator washing machines are more prone to making clothes tangled.
Loading larger articles a bit difficult
The agitator takes up quite some room in the drum so it’s not as easy to wash bulkier items as with impeller washers.
Agitator vs impeller pros and cons – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s better an agitator or impeller?
The agitator wins in one vital point: It gives better cleaning results when washing and rinsing seriously dirty clothes due to the agitation action on clothes.
Other than that, an impeller washer might be the better investment overall (it’s gentler on clothes, saves water, has more room for bulky articles, and it offers shorter drying times).
Final words
Don’t forget personal considerations such as your budget and any special laundry needs even as you ponder about the above pros and cons of each washer style.
At the end of the day, washers can be an expensive investment and you want a machine that will serve all your needs the best way for years to come.
One final thing: If you’re still sitting on the fence, there are some washers with both an impeller and agitator such as this Whirlpool 2-in-1 washer (the agitator is commonly removable).
MORE ARTICLES:
Washer without agitator pros and cons [According to experts]
Top load vs Front load washers pros cons (which washing machine is better)
Top loader washing machine not getting clothes clean? Here is what to do
