Washer without agitator pros and cons [According to experts]

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Washer without agitator pros and cons: Here is a summary of the pros and cons of a washer without agitator to help make the correct decision

Choosing between a washer with agitator and without agitator can be tough because there’s a lot of information online, both for and against top load washers without an agitator.

Below is a summary of the pros and cons of a washer without agitator to help make your decision easier:

First, how does a washer without agitator work?

Here is how it cleans clothes:

Now, washing machines without agitators have impellers instead.

If you don’t know what that is, an impeller is simply a low-profile cone/disc that usually rotates, making your clothes rub against each other.

It is the rubbing action/motion that gets soiled clothes clean during a wash cycle.

Of course, washers with an agitator use it to remove stains and dirt from clothes.

For starters, an agitator is essentially a giant spindle(vaned or finned) in the middle -of the wash basket- that twists/agitates back and forth, while rubbing against your dirty clothes to break down soils.

Since you now understand how both laundry cleaning mechanisms work, we will turn our attention to the pros and cons of a top loader without agitator

Washer without agitator pros and cons

Remember we are doing this to point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing between a top load washer with and without agitator.

Washer without agitator pros

Uses less water

Generally speaking, a washer without an agitator uses less water than a washing machine with an agitator.

That’s because they’re engineered to use low water levels to maximize the friction of clothes when they rub against each other (Naturally, friction tends to be more when there is less water).

This optimal friction is one thing that helps deliver efficient cleaning.

Gentler on clothes

In addition, the cones/wheels/ fins/discs normally rotate to more gently to rub clothing items against each other.

As a result, washers without agitators are much less likely to get your clothes horribly tangled like it often happens with older agitator machines.

Fits large items more easily

Because it is in the center, the agitator gets in the way of larger items such as king size comforters in the traditional washers.

In contrast, there is more space in the wash basket in agitator-less washers so you can wash king size comforters, pillows, blankets, and other bulky articles more easily.

In fact, pretty much all agitator-less washers have a much larger load capacity than washing machines with an agitator.

Shorter drying times

Another upside of washers without agitator is quicker drying of clothes.

Why?

Their higher spin speeds (compared to washers with an agitator) help extract more moisture before clothes go to the dryer (clothes dry out faster since they’re not as wet as when washed in an agitator washer).

Disadvantages of washer without agitator

Turning to the other side of the coin, there are a few weaknesses that are associated with washers without an agitator.

Here they are:

Not as good in cleaning for seriously dirty clothes

One thing we cannot fail to mention when it comes to washers without agitator pros and cons- and perhaps the biggest drawback of these washers- is their less-than-satisfactory cleaning results.

In a nutshell, if you live on a farm (or you’re involved in work that causes your clothes to get extremely dirty), you may feel that it is never getting your clothes clean enough.

Put another way, while agitation is rough on clothing, it results in a more aggressive wash so you’ll be happier with the results than with a no-agitator washer.

Don’t get me wrong! Washers without agitators cleans shockingly well when cleaning most clothes and will work just fine for most people as long as clothes are balanced (in the wash basket) before washing.

But what we are saying is washers with agitators will sometimes get the dirt out more efficiently thanks to the agitation action.

Quick Tip: Even washers with agitators function optimally when properly loaded so be sure to balance the wash basket if you want clothes to come out spotless (if you go the no-agitator washer route).

Longer wash times

For the most part, washers with an agitator wash in less time (impeller-equipped washers have to perform multiple wash motions to get a good clean).

Unfamiliar functionality

The other downside you can speak of is the “strangeness” of the design- but that’s for those used to the classic agitator washers.

You will agree with us that it’s not really an important disadvantage.

Washer without agitator pros and cons: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are washing machines without agitators better? (Are washers without agitators better)

Well, both a washer without an agitator (impeller washers) and one with an agitator can help you wash clothes perfectly if you do things the right way so there’s no better or worse choice.

In truth, cleaning performance, water efficiency, innovation and convenience, and capacity are nowadays nearly equal.

For that reason, the choice you make boils down to your personal preference (Confession: it can be a difficult decision).

Top load washer without agitator pros and cons – bonus tip

If you’re completely undecided, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by going for this 2 in 1 Whirlpool Top loader (with Removable Agitator).

The greatest advantage of the washer is its “customizationbility”..

In short, you can wash with the removable agitator installed when you have heavily soiled clothes (from farm work, construction sites, or an oil field) or quickly remove it to create extra room when you want to wash super bulky items.

That’s just amazing!

Recap

The two most prominent advantages of washers without agitators are:

1) They’re gentler on clothes

2) They have more room (and wash larger articles more easily)

On the other hand, the biggest complaint against these washers is that they struggle to clean extra dirty clothes immaculately (this is mostly an issue when the load is not properly balanced).