Yes, an agitator makes a significant difference. Washers with central agitators are generally better at removing tough stains and mud, and feature faster cycle times. Washers without them (impeller or front-load models) are gentler on clothes and offer more drum capacity for bulky items.
Agitators in a washing machine do an excellent job cleaning dirty and grimy clothes, but they can also be tough on certain types of clothing, such as delicates and knits. Non-agitator washers are typically more expensive but more efficient and have a larger capacity.
Whether or not you can run your washer without the agitator depends entirely on your machine's design.
A washing machine with an impeller uses less motion and water than a washer with an agitator. Designed so laundry has more room to move, it drives clothes from the outer rim of the wash basket to the center, using a small amount of water to optimize the friction. This is what helps deliver a gentle, yet thorough clean.
Neither system is universally better; the choice depends on your cleaning priorities. Agitators clean faster and are superior for heavily soiled, large loads, while impellers offer gentler, more water-efficient cleaning that is better for delicate items and provides more space for bulky items.
10 Most Reliable Top Load Washing Machines
On the short end, the washers to avoid will last around seven years (or less) and are prone to repairs during that time. On the high end, reliable washing machines can last more than 15 years, well beyond their expected timelines.
Yes, you can wash a comforter in a top-load machine with a center agitator, provided the comforter fits loosely in the tub with enough room to move. If the comforter is packed tightly, it won't get clean and can get damaged.
They Can Be Water Hogs
Any washer you purchase today will use less water than one sold 20 years ago, thanks to stricter federal efficiency standards. Top-load agitator washers, however, still typically use more water than HE top-loaders and front-loaders.
For a homemade option, you can try cleaning your washing machine with vinegar. Just pour two cups of distilled vinegar into your detergent drawer. You can also use soda crystals (or baking soda) to clean your washing machine. Sprinkle half a cup into your drum and then let your washing machine run on a hot setting.
The best washing machines without an agitator (often called impeller models) are gentler on fabrics and offer larger wash capacities. Top picks include the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Top Load Washer for outstanding cleaning, and the GE Profile 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Top-Load Washer for smart-home integration and tangle prevention.
Removing an agitator opens up space in the wash tub. As a result, it is easier to clean bulkier items like comforters. In addition, you can fit more clothes in the machine and get laundry done faster.
A washing machine without an agitator uses a low-profile plate at the bottom of the tub, called an impeller or pulsator, to move the clothes. Instead of relying on a center post to beat and rub the laundry, it circulates the water and forces clothes to gently rub against one another to remove dirt.
To get clothes clean in a washing machine without an agitator (impeller washer), load items loosely in a donut shape, leaving the center hub visible, and avoid overloading, which allows clothes to rub against each other for cleaning. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent, select longer wash cycles (e.g., Heavy Duty), and utilize extra rinses to ensure clean laundry.
Our surveys indicate that LG is the most reliable brand for front-load and top-load HE washers, while LG and Speed Queen are the most reliable brands for top-load agitators. Electrolux, LG, and Miele shine among compact front-load washers.
Whether an agitator is "better" depends entirely on your laundry habits. An agitator is ideal if you frequently wash heavily soiled clothes and need fast cycles, while a non-agitator (impeller) washer is better for large, bulky items and gentle fabric care.
Yes, agitators can ruin clothes. Because they operate by twisting back and forth and forcing clothes to rub against each other and the center post, they increase friction and wear, which can cause pilling, tearing, and snagging—especially on delicate, loosely woven, or heavily decorated garments.
For a 7-year-old washing machine, a repair is usually worth it if the repair cost is less than half the price of a new machine and your washer is generally in good shape. However, if the fix involves a major component like the motor or tub bearing, replacing it is often the more cost-effective choice.
Impellers allow for more space in the wash basket, which means clothes can move more freely, helping to reduce wear and tear. The design also makes it convenient for loading and unloading bulky items. Impeller washers also typically use less water and energy than agitator models.
Use a large capacity washer and dryer. Your comforter needs room to agitate and tumble – it can't get clean otherwise. A large capacity washer is typically one with at least 5.0 cu. ft.
Washing A Down Jacket
The good news is that most down jackets can be washed in a front loading washing machine or a top loading washer without an agitator. (Unfortunately, agitators can damage down filling.)
Yes, but only if your home machine is a large-capacity washer (4.5 cubic feet or larger) and your comforter isn't too thick. If your machine is smaller than 3.5 to 4.0 cubic feet, cramming the comforter in can burn out the motor, tear the fabric, or leave soap trapped inside.
Speed Queen is the longest-lasting washing machine brand, boasting an industry-leading lifespan of 20 to 25 years. They use commercial-grade metal parts and industrial motors. For heavy use, Miele and LG are also top-tier choices.
'Removing clothes within 30 minutes (or even sooner) is a good habit to get into, as it helps prevent that stale odour from forming. Leaving damp laundry in the machine for several hours can undo lots of the freshness you've just achieved with detergent and fabric softener, meaning you may need to rewash the load. '
On average, expect to spend $350 to $575 for washing machine agitator replacement. A broken agitator in a washer is a significant fix. If the agitator is broken, the clothes will not oscillate back and forth. The agitator is critical since it moves the clothes through a combination of detergent and water.