Impeller vs Agitator - Which Washer is Best for You?

Impeller vs. agitator: a question that people often ask the experts but fail to get a satisfied answer.

Agitators are devices that are equipped with washing machines. Its primary function is to move the clothes inside the machine.

Same as the agitators, there are impellers that are also similar devices having the function of moving the clothes within the machine.

The main point here is that the top-loading washers use both of these devices. While the difference between these two is the function of the moving cycle, which we will further explain below by comparison.

Some Details About Agitators

Agitators are the traditional devices that most top-loading machines use. These are tall, spindle, and placed in an upright position between the center of the wash basket that is inside the washing machine.

What these spindles do is that they move back and forth as you switch on the machines to remove the specks of dirt and grimes from the clothes.

The back and forth motion that is created as the spindle moves allows the clothes to rub against the agitator. They move in multiple different ways to clean the clothes deeply.

Washer Features

Look out for the following features when thinking of buying an agitator washer for your cleaning tasks:

Efficient Cleaning

Because the spindle moves in a twisting motion, it deeply cleanses the clothes.

Heavily Stained Clothing

This device allows the tough dirt and grime to break up and leave the clothes free from all the heavy stains.

Familiar Functionality

As these agitators are being used for a long time, most users are already familiar with this device, making them easily choose and trust these devices.

Pros

It allows the device to rub it against the clothes to break down the stains and remove them.
Familiar functionality
Quick washer time than usual
Rinse and clean feature
Rotating wash basket for deeper cleaning.

Cons

Even though these devices have been used for over a time now, the only problem that occurs a bit with them is that they still can damage clothes.
The agitators are placed between the center of the washing machine. So whenever a bulk amount of clothes are placed inside the device, it becomes difficult for the agitators to move freely and quickly, leaving behind stains and being less efficient in the cleaning process.

Some Details About Impellers

An impeller is a short cone-type shaped device that is attached to the center of the washing machine. The machine automatically allows the impeller to work whenever it is switched on.

It works by moving the cone-shaped device. As soon as the impeller starts moving, it rubs against the clothes placed inside the machine.

By rubbing against the clothes, it creates friction that allows the clothes to get out fresh looking and clean.

Washer Features

Ahead are some of the top features to keep in mind when looking for a top-quality impeller washer:

More Spacious

As the agitator takes a bit more space because of its large spindle placed inside the machine, it doesn’t leave much room for many clothes to be cleaned at once.

Whereas the impeller device is relatively low profile, it allows more clothes to get cleaned in a single wash.

Energy Efficient

The impeller uses less water than the usual agitator to create friction between the clothes inside the washer machine.

High Speed Spinning

Because of its low profile shape, the impeller spins faster than the traditional spinning devices.

Effective Spinner

As the impeller has a quick-paced spinner, the clothes after the spin doesn’t contain as much water as the other machines.

On the other hand, the dryer lets it dry more quickly because of less water containment.

Pros

Rubbing clothes against each other for an efficient and cleaner wash.
Much more spacious than the usual and traditional washer devices
Quicker and more efficient dry-out time.
Rotation of the washing basket for a deeper cleanse.
Soaks the clothes with water to wash and rinse the cycle to clean and dry perfectly.

Cons

Due to the spin cycles of the washer loading machines having impellers, they usually take more time to clean and complete the whole cycle.
Usually, the impeller tends to clean more effectively than the other washer devices. But because these are too gentle on the clothes in the cleaning process, it doesn’t actually clean and washes as effectively as expected.

Useful Tip:

When we talk about impeller and agitator, these machines work correctly when properly loaded. You have to place the clothes evenly with the correct balance for their smooth working.

Agitator vs Impeller: Major Differences

Here are some of the primary differences between agitator and impeller:

Do Top Washer Loading Machines Have a Filter?

Most of the top washer loading machines do have filters inside them to stop the machines from creating smell and leaving all the clothes ending up with it.

So, to avoid that, filters are placed inside some of the top-loading machines. Some front-end washing machines should be kept open to avoid a smell creating and ruining the clothes.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better, Agitator or Impeller?

When it comes to impeller vs. agitator, it usually depends on the preference of users, but in general, the front end washer with impellers is considered better than agitators.

Do Impeller Washers Clean Well?

Impeller washers are present inside the washing machines to make more room for the clothes to move and, at the same time, create more friction.

Are Washing Machines without Agitators Better?

Washing machines without the agitators are better because agitators occupy more space, making less room for the clothes to get washed.

Which is a Quieter Agitator or Impeller Washer?

Compared to the agitator, impeller washers are much more gentle on the clothes and are less noisier than agitators.

Do Impeller Washers Tangle Clothes?

If you improperly place the clothes without alignment or sequence, they may get tangled inside the washer.

Do Impeller Washers Use Less Water?

Yes, impellers consume lesser water than agitators and help lower energy costs.

What Does Impeller Mean on a Washing Machine?

Impeller is low-profile rotating devices placed inside the washing machines to spin and create friction to clean clothes.

What Washing Machines Do Repairmen Recommend?

Repairmen mostly recommend these two high-power and efficient machines: LG WM4000HWA and GE GFW850SPNRS.

Conclusion

So when figuring out the comparison of impeller vs. agitator, see which ones are the correct type of washer machine device for your family depends on much of your preference and the way people in your house live.

Keeping both the above devices in mind, if you want to clean and sanitize the kid’s or babies’ clothes or even you want to remove the tougher stains like the oils, paint, or sauces from your favorite pair of jeans;

The agitator and the impeller could both be the ones to get your job done successfully.

Although each individual has their own preference of having a fast-paced spinner or an efficient cleaner, it may depend on your own choice.