Agitator VS Impeller
Agitators and impellers are both found in top loading washing machines, but they clean in two different ways.
So what’s the main difference between agitators vs. impellers?
KNOWING WHICH ONE’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Washing machines with agitators use a central post that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help break apart stains. In contrast, washing machines with impellers use a low-profile cone or disc that spins/rotates to rub clothes against each other to get them clean.
TOP LOAD WASHING
MACHINES WITH AGITATORS
Agitators are tall vertical spindles, veined or finned, in the center of the washer. Washers with agitators are all about the motion in the wash basket; and, despite what you may have heard, advances in agitator technology ensure they’re not hard on clothes.
SPRAYING ACTION
Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle.
WASH BASKET ACTION
Rotates for a hard-hitting clean.
AGITATOR ACTION
Rubs against clothes to help break apart stains and loosen soils.
BENEFITS
Agitator rubs against clothes to remove and rinse away loose soils.
Familiar functionality.
Efficient models are available on both agitator and impeller washers — just look to see if it’s ENERGY STAR® certified.
TOP LOAD WASHING
MACHINES WITH IMPELLERS
Don’t let low water levels fool you: Washers with impellers use a small amount of water in order to optimize the friction of the clothes rubbing against each other. This is what helps deliver gentle, efficient and thorough cleaning.
SPRAYING ACTION
Soaks clothes with water recirculated from the wash/rinse cycle.
WASH BASKET ACTION
Rotates for a hard-hitting clean.
AGITATOR ACTION
Uses low-profile cones, wheels, fins or discs that rotate to gently rub clothes against each other.
BENEFITS
Rubs clothes against each other to deliver a thorough, gentle clean
More room in the basket for bulky articles and easy loading/unloading
Efficient models are available on both agitator and impeller washers — just look to see if it’s ENERGY STAR® certified.
