Neither option is strictly better; the right choice depends on your laundry habits. Washers with agitators are superior for heavily soiled loads and provide faster cycles, while washers without agitators (impellers) are gentler on clothes and handle larger, bulkier items with ease.
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.
Pros and Cons of Both Types
They tend to have shorter cycle times and are often praised for their reliability. However, agitators can be rougher on fabrics and take up space in the drum, limiting how much you can fit in a single load. They also tend to use more water and energy than their impeller counterparts.
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.
✓ Bulky items.
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.
Two Wash Styles in One Machine: This is the biggest advantage. With a top load washer with removable agitator, you can switch between an agitator wash for heavy-duty cleaning and an impeller-style wash for gentler care. It's like having two machines without taking up extra space.
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.
A top load washer without an agitator is designed to work differently than a traditional one using low-profile wheels, fins, or cones known as impellers. The impellers cause the water to move at high speeds, moving the tub back and forth, like it would in a hand washing cycle, but at high speed and with less water.
When it's time to get started, place the comforter into your washer carefully. If your top load washer has an agitator, place it loosely around the wash tub and try to keep the load balanced. Learn more about large capacity washers, dryers and commercial laundry appliances from Whirlpool brand.
Non-Agitator Washing Machines (Impellers)
Non-agitator washers use a low-profile impeller at the base of the drum to create a gentle tumbling action. Instead of an agitator, these machines rely on water movement and centrifugal force to clean clothes.
10 Most Reliable Top Load Washing Machines
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.
It depends on your laundry needs. If you value fabric care, water efficiency, and larger loads, an impeller washer may be the better option. If you often deal with heavily soiled items and want a powerful, traditional clean, an agitator washer might suit you best.
Then check our washing machine ratings for details on over 120 agitator top-loaders, HE top-loaders, front-loaders, and compact machines.
It is not recommended to remove the agitator from most washing machines, and if your washing machine has a built-in agitator, it is needed to clean your clothes.
The best washing machine brand depends on your priorities. Overall, LG is widely rated as the top brand for reliability, cleaning performance, and smart features across front-load and HE top-load models. For durability and longevity, Speed Queen and Miele are the leading choices.
Leakage is a common issue in both older and newer LG washing machines if maintenance is skipped.
A washing machine with a removable agitator is a smart choice if your laundry needs vary from week to week. It offers the flexibility to switch between powerful agitation for heavily soiled clothes and a spacious, open drum for bulky or delicate items like bedding, activewear, and comforters.
Never wash a sleeping bag in a top-loading machine with an agitator. The agitator can strain or rip seams. A top-loader without an agitator is OK.
If you have an agitator in your washing machine, you will want to evenly distribute the sheets around the agitator by loosely crumpling up each sheet into a ball and placing them around the agitator. If you do not have an agitator, just place them around the outside of the tub as if there were an agitator.
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.)
The Best Agitator Washer Brands Fred's Recommends
For best results, load items evenly and loosely around the outside of the basket, filling in towards the center on larger loads. Do not place large items such as sheets, blankets and towels across the Infusor, found on models without an agitator.