Agitator vs. Impeller: Which Top Load Washer Cleans Better?
When shopping for a new washer, one of the first choices you’ll face is this:
Should I get a washer with an agitator or an impeller?
I’ve tested both, and honestly — it depends on your needs. In this post, I’ll break down how each type works, which one cleans better (in different situations), and which is right for your home.
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Agitator and Impeller Washers?
Agitator Washers
Agitators are the classic choice. You’ll see a tall post in the middle of the drum with fins or vanes. During the wash cycle, this post twists back and forth, rubbing clothes against itself and the drum to remove dirt.
- Great for heavy-duty cleaning
- Best for mud, oil, uniforms, and dirty kids’ clothes
Check out these ones in Amazon
Impeller Washers
Impellers use a low-profile rotating cone or disc at the bottom of the drum. It spins and sprays water, creating powerful currents to move clothes gently through the wash.
- Gentle on fabrics
- Ideal for everyday laundry, delicates, and large loads
Check out these ones in Amazon
Which Cleans Better?
Agitator Washers Win for Deep, Tough Stains
If you regularly wash work gear, muddy towels, or extra dirty loads, agitators are more aggressive and often get out grime faster.
Impeller Washers Win for Fabric Care + Size
Impeller models are more gentle, meaning less wear and tear on your clothes, and they usually have more space since there’s no bulky post in the middle.
Great for comforters, sheets, and delicates.
Water and Energy Use: Impeller Takes the Lead
Agitator washers typically use more water and electricity.
They rely on soaking and heavy agitation, so they’re not the most efficient choice.
Impeller washers are often high-efficiency (HE) certified, using less water per cycle and saving you money over time.
Load Capacity: Impeller Wins Again
Without the central agitator post taking up space, impeller washers have bigger usable drums.
That means you can wash more at once — ideal for large households or laundry once-a-week folks.
Cycle Time and Noise Levels
- Agitators tend to finish loads faster, but they’re usually louder.
- Impellers may take a bit longer but offer a quieter, smoother wash.
If your washer is near a bedroom or living space, the reduced noise from an impeller washer is a big plus.
So Which Washer Should You Choose?
Here’s my take:
| Choose an Agitator Washer If You… | Choose an Impeller Washer If You… |
|---|---|
| Wash dirty uniforms, greasy clothes, or work gear often | Want to protect your clothes and save energy |
| Prefer faster wash cycles | Need space for large items like bedding |
| Don’t mind higher water use | Value quieter performance |
| Like the traditional feel of old-school washers | Prefer modern, efficient machines |
Bonus Tip: Look for 2-in-1 Hybrid Washers
Some washers — like the Whirlpool WTW8127LC — let you remove the agitator, so you get the best of both worlds.
I love these because I can wash heavy-duty loads one day and delicate clothes the next, all in the same machine.
Final Verdict
So, which top load washer cleans better — agitator or impeller?
= If you want powerful stain removal, go with an agitator.
= If you want larger loads, fabric protection, and efficiency, go with an impeller.
And if you want to switch between both, a hybrid washer is your best option.
I Used Both — Here’s What I Noticed
After years with an agitator washer, I decided to try an impeller model — just to see if the hype was real.
At first, I missed the old-school feeling of that central post grinding through dirty clothes. But after a few loads, I realized my clothes were coming out just as clean — and they looked better, too.
Impeller Washers Feel More Modern
If aesthetics and a sleek laundry setup matter to you, impeller washers usually have a cleaner, more open interior, and they feel more high-tech.
They often come with extra features like Wi-Fi, sensors, and smart cycles — things that make the whole experience feel elevated.
Agitator Machines Are Simpler to Use
For those who love set-it-and-forget-it functionality, agitator washers are straightforward.
You don’t need to think about load size, spin speed, or soil level — just drop your clothes in, select normal, and go.
They’re perfect if you don’t care for smart tech and just want something that gets the job done without overthinking it.
Delicates and Workout Clothes Last Longer with Impellers
I wear a lot of stretchy gym gear, and agitator washers used to wreck the elasticity.
Once I switched to impeller, I noticed fewer snags, less pilling, and my leggings held their shape longer.
If you wash a lot of delicate or performance fabrics, impeller is absolutely the better option.
Agitator Washers Are Great for Kids’ Messes
If you’ve got toddlers, teenagers in sports, or anyone in the house who’s constantly dirtying up clothes, agitators are your secret weapon.
They’re not gentle, but they’re really effective at breaking down caked-on mud, food stains, and sweaty uniforms.
Maintenance and Repairs: Impellers Are Easier
Impeller washers generally have fewer moving parts, which can mean fewer repairs in the long run.
Also, the drum is easier to clean since there’s no central agitator post getting in the way — a win for anyone who likes to keep things fresh and low-maintenance.
Impeller Washers Are Friendlier for Small Laundry Rooms
If space is limited, impeller washers are usually a bit more compact inside, but offer larger usable space for your loads.
That means fewer loads per week, saving time — and less laundry clutter taking over your living space.
You Might Want to Try a Hybrid Washer
If you’re still torn, I recommend looking at hybrid models with removable agitators.
They’re getting more popular because they let you switch between modes depending on the load — agitation when you need it, gentleness when you don’t.
What You Choose Depends on Your Lifestyle
At the end of the day, the best washer for you isn’t about the mechanism — it’s about what you wash, how often, and what you care about most.
Want cleaner uniforms? Go agitator.
Want to protect your clothes and save water? Go impeller.
Want both? Go hybrid.