Stuck deciding between a top-loading washing machine with an agitator or an impeller?
Here’s what experts say about an agitator vs impeller.
Agitators are more common, but impellers recently gained popularity due to their modern design and water-saving features.
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Jacob Fox
What Is a Washing Machine Agitator?
A washing machine agitator is a unit used in top-load washing machines that helps to clean clothes.
An agitator is a large spindle located in the center of the machines wash drum.
Credit:Jacob Fox
It has extended fins or blades to move the clothes around.
The agitators motion creates friction between the clothes for an effective clean.
But many new washing machine models are designed with an alternative mechanism called an impeller.
Credit:Getty Images / oat_autta
Getty Images / oat_autta
What Is an Impeller?
An impeller is a gear found in top-load washing machines.
It moves water and detergent around while clothes are being washed.
Credit:Jacob Fox
Impellers are designed to be gentler on clothes.
An impeller also takes up less space in the washing machine, allowing for larger loads to be washed.
Impeller vs. Agitator Washers: How Do They Work?
Both an agitator and an impeller make top-load washing machines more efficient.
They work toget rid of dirt and soilparticles from fabrics by moving the clothes around during the wash cycle.
Agitators have a central post with fins that move back and forth, spinning.
Clothes get thoroughly cleaned over a regular cycle.
While both top-load washing machine mechanisms are designed to clean clothes, they have different advantages and drawbacks.
This can cause the machine to make loud noises, vibrate, or pause.
Impeller washers are usually quieter than agitator washers.
Like most other washing machines, impeller washers typically last between 10-13 years.
