Washers with an agitator vs washers without an agitator (impeller washers) both have pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
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Quick Take
- Agitator washers use a pole in the middle of the wash tub to churn clothes through the water for cleaning.
- Impeller washers use a spinning disc or discs at the bottom of the tub to move clothes through water.
- Agitators provide more vigorous cleaning action which is better at removing tough stains.
- Impellers are gentler on clothes which reduces wear and tear.
- Impeller washers tend to have larger tub capacities.
- Agitator washers typically cost less.
How Agitator Washers Work
Traditional top-load washers use an agitator – a tall, vertical pole in the middle of the wash tub. During the wash cycle, the agitator twists back and forth to rub clothes against each other and push them down into the water. This churning action provides a thorough clean by using intense friction and motion to scrub out dirt and stains.
Agitators are effective at cleaning because they aggressively manipulate the clothing. However, this also makes them harsher on fabric, which may cause premature wear. The constant twisting and rotation of an agitator can pull on clothes and create small holes or tears over time.
Advantages of Agitator Washers
- Powerful cleaning – Agitators provide intense scrubbing for heavily soiled items.
- Stain removal – The churning of an agitator excels at working out tough stains.
- Affordable – Simple design means agitator washers are usually cheaper.
- Easy maintenance – Agitators have few moving parts so require less repair.
Disadvantages of Agitator Washers
- Rougher on clothes – Aggressive agitation can damage delicate fabrics.
- Smaller capacity – Agitators take up space, limiting tub size.
- Limited wash motions – Only vertical oscillations rather than more varied movements.
- Noisy – The churning of the agitator can be loud during wash cycles.
How Impeller Washers Work
Impeller washers do not have an agitator in the middle of the tub. Instead, they use one or more impellers – rotating discs or plates – mounted on the bottom of the tub. The spinning impellers create a current that pushes and guides the clothes through the water for cleaning. This is a more gentle wash action that tumbles clothes rather than grinding them against the agitator.
Without an agitator, impeller washers can hold significantly more laundry in their tub. The lack of a central agitator also allows for more flexibility in wash motion, with the ability to customize rotations and vibrations for optimal fabric care.
Advantages of Impeller Washers
- Gentler on clothes – Less wear and tear on fabrics.
- Quieter operation – Less noise than the churning of an agitator.
- Increased capacity – No agitator allows for much larger tub.
- Smart features – Impeller motors enable advanced wash motions.
Disadvantages of Impeller Washers
- Reduced cleaning – Impellers are less forceful at scrubbing out stains.
- Higher cost – More complex design is more expensive.
- Difficult repairs – Fixing the impeller mechanism is more involved.
- May require affixing – Impellers work best when clothes are affixed to the tub.
Agitator vs Impeller: Direct Comparison
| Agitator Washer | Impeller Washer | |
|---|---|---|
| Wash Mechanism | Center pole agitates clothes | Bottom discs tumble clothes |
| Cleaning Ability | Excellent stain removal | Reduced cleaning power |
| Fabric Care | Rough on clothes | Gentler wash motion |
| Capacity | Smaller tub size | Increased tub capacity |
| Noise | Louder agitation | Quieter operation |
| Price | More affordable | Higher cost |
Conclusion
There are persuasive arguments on both sides of the agitator vs impeller debate. Agitator washers provide unmatched cleaning power and are more budget-friendly. But impeller washers are gentler, quieter, and boast more space and smart features. Ultimately, it comes down to individual priorities around cleaning performance vs fabric care and machine cost vs capacity.
Those wanting deep stain removal may prefer an agitator washer. Households with lots of laundry to wash at once or with many delicate items could benefit more from an impeller model. Carefully considering your unique needs and laundry habits will determine whether a washer with an agitator or without best fits your home and lifestyle.