At a Glance
What Are Agitator Vs Impeller Washers?
How to Decide Between Agitator vs Impeller Washers
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Aside from capacity, style, and brand, one of the main differences of top loading washer models is whether they use an impeller or an agitator to extract dirt and clean our clothes. In this article, we take a good look at agitator vs impeller washer options and highlight a few top rated options to help you find the right washing machine for your home.
Pick the Perfect Washer with Ease
Ready to transform your laundry days into a breeze? Shop now at John's Appliance & Bedding and experience the difference quality and care can make in your daily routine. Your ideal washer awaits!
Shop WashersWhat Are Agitator Vs Impeller Washers?
An agitator is a large finned pole built into the center of the washer. You place your clothes around it and when the machine begins, the agitator moves, releasing dirt from clothes as they spin around it.
An impeller washer is easy to spot due to the absence of the pole. These washing machines spin the clothes around from the outside. The friction of the clothes rubbing together causes the dirt to be released and the clothes to become clean. Washing machines are also available in a front-loading model, spinning clothes in their drums for an effective and efficient cleaning.
Agitator vs Impeller Washers: The Breakdown
Agitator and impeller washers have their benefits. Here, we take a look at some of the vital features we look for in a new washer and see how agitators and impellers match up against each other.
Cleaning Power
Agitator vs impeller washer for cleaning power - Winner is the agitator.
With more robust friction than impeller models, agitator washing machines are preferable when you have heavily soiled clothes or need excellent stain removal.
Water Usage
Agitator vs impeller washer for water use - Winner is the impeller.
An impeller washing machine relies on clothes rubbing together to allow dirt to be released. As this action doesn’t require much water to be effective, impeller machines often use less water than options with agitators. Saving water is kinder to the environment and saves you money in the long run.
Wash Times
Agitator vs impeller washer for washing time - Winner is the agitator.
In the battle of time efficiency, the impeller vs agitator washing machines battle is won by agitators. Their robust friction and harder spin often get the job done in a shorter wash cycle.
Budget
Agitator vs impeller washer for budget options - Winner is the agitator
A close one to call, with budget options available for both impeller and agitator washing washings. Built with advanced features and smart technologies, many options in both categories offer high capacities and impressive technology at a budget friendly price. Of the two, agitator washers are often slightly more affordable.
→ Learn more: Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Front Load Washers?
3 Best Agitator Washers
Below, we highlight 3 of the best agitator washers that provide a deep clean and value for money.
GE 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop GE 4.5 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
This American made agitator washing machine by GE features deep cleaning power and presoaking settings for intense stain removal. A speed wash setting allows for laundry in a hurry while 14 wash cycle options let you select the best clean for each load. The fast spin cycle removes water from your laundry and reduces drying time.
★ GE Model GTW465ASNWW Customer Review ★
With over 40,000 current online reviews for this model, user “SWH2024” recently added their experience:
“This washing machine is perfect for us! I love the many options I have for wash type and it gets everything super clean (even my husband's grimey work clothes!)”
Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
A large capacity washer, this agitator model can launder your bulky bedding and sheets with ease. Fitted with an advanced agitator to reduce noise and vibration, this Samsung washer allows for a quieter laundry day. With a soft close lid focused on safety and 5 temperature settings, this model puts your preferences front and center.
★ Samsung Model WA40A3005AW Customer Review ★
Enthusiastic customer “Dixie” shared their experience in a review:
“This is the washer I purchased for me and my 9 year old son's first house ❤️ my son is autistic and loud noises bother him so to our surprise and delight it doesn't make a loud alarm sound when finished instead play little music”
LG 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop LG 5.3 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
With an enormous capacity to wash the bulkiest bedding and king-size blankets, this Wi-Fi connected smart model can be controlled from anywhere. The impressive four way agitator works hard against stubborn dirt and stains. EnergyStar® Certified for excellent efficiency. this LG washer is self cleaning and features noise and vibration reduction for a peaceful laundry day experience in your home.
★ LG Model WT7405CW Customer Review ★
Happy customer “Lewmrl”, shared their feelings in a review online:
“I'm happy to be back to a washer with an agitator and a deep fill option”
3 Best Impeller Washers
A gentler wash, greater capacity, and less water use make impeller style washers a go-to for many people. We explore 3 of the best to help in our impeller vs agitator washer debate.
LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
An extra large capacity makes this LG washer perfect for big loads of laundry and busy families. A ten-year direct drive motor and NeverRust™ drum display confidence in its reliability. With an EnergyStar® certification despite its large size, this impeller washer is a beacon of efficiency, saving time, money, and resources. Control your washer remotely with the ThinQ app for even greater convenience.
★ LG Model WT7400CW Customer Review ★
User “LadyTexas” shared her recent review, writing:
“I bought my machine the end of Nov 2023 and I have really enjoyed it. The machine has a lot of great features and I love that it weighs my clothes dispenses the appropriate amount of water and timing for the clothes in a particular load”
GE Profile 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop GE Profile 5.0 Cu. F.t Top Load Washer
Featuring antimicrobial technology and an anti tangle system, this impeller washer from GE works to keep your family and clothes safe. Smart enabled, it can be controlled from your phone and offers a quick wash feature that only takes 24 minutes. Backed by a 10 year limited warranty, GE is confident you’ll love this machine and it will last in your home.
★ GE Model PTW600BSRWS Customer Review ★
With over 3000 reviews, user “babypugs” added their recent experience:
“I love the idea of not having to choose a load size... and that it is saving water and energy is a super plus”
Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop Samsung 5.0 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Building a faucet into the machine, Samsung understands the need to pre scrub heavy stains without making a wet mess in your laundry room. Vibration control reduces laundry noise and smart technology lets you control your cycle from anywhere from your phone. This model’s EZ access tub helps you easily retrieve your clothes while the deep fill option ensures your laundry has enough water to be effective.
★ Samsung Model WA50R5200AW Customer Review ★
Another highly reviewed Samsung washer, “RonnieP” added their review online:
“Very glad I chose this washer. It has many options and works really well. Very pleased”
How to Decide Between Agitator vs Impeller Washers
Choosing a new top load washer can be daunting - there are so many options to choose from. If you aren't sure where you stand on the agitator vs impeller washing machines debate, looking at which are the most vital features to you can help to guide your decision. Consider issues such as:
- Capacity needed
- Likely soil level of your laundry
- Water usage
- Energy efficiency
- Washing speed
- Your budget
→ Learn more: 8 Best Top load Washers Under $900
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about agitator vs impeller washers.
What is an Impeller Washer vs Agitator?
An impeller washer is a top loading washing machine without a central pole for agitating clothes. An impeller model washer works by spinning the clothes, letting the friction of their rubbing together to lift out dirt and debris. Impeller washers use less water and are more gentle on clothing items long term, whereas agitator washers can better clean heavily soiled clothes and clean much faster.
What is Better, Agitator or Impeller Washer?
Agitator vs impeller washing machines will always come down to a customer's personal choice. Both of these effective models sell in great numbers each year, as each household has a preference for what works best for their home.
Where to Find an Agitator Washer Near Me?
At John’s Appliance and Bedding we understand that different customers have different needs. Whatever choice you make for your new washing machine, impeller vs agitator, we are here to help you find the perfect model to suit your home and lifestyle.
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Our family-owned and operated store started with a pick-up truck and a dream. When John Hinton Jr. first opened his storefront in 1972, he never envisioned that over the next 50 years, he would outgrow his flagship location and need to open several other locations. However, that’s just what he did.
Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Washers at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop washers online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the best washer for your needs — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: What is the LG Smart Diagnosis Washer Feature?