You’ve had it with laundry mishaps, and you’re done asking, “Do I need a new washer?” But which washing machine is best for your pile of dirty laundry? Whether you’re dealing with delicates or laundering lacrosse jerseys — choosing the right washer for your home can make a huge difference. Check out this comparison of impeller vs. agitator washers to figure out which one to get!
Agitator vs. Impeller Washing Machines: What’s the Difference?
There are so many choices when shopping for a washing machine. Front load or top load washers? Impeller or agitator? Digital display or manual dial? Some washing machine features are simply a matter of personal preference, but agitator and impeller washers function differently.
Typically, front-load washers don’t need an agitator or impeller to move clothes, but top loaders will have one or the other. The washing machine component in both options sits in the center of the wash basket, moving your clothes to help break up stains and dirt.
Both have built-in spray action. This powerful spray of water moves clothes around to facilitate a deeper clean. But, while they have the same basic purpose, impeller vs. agitator washing machines both have pros and cons all their own.
What Is An Agitator Washer?
Agitators have tall spindles — with either vanes or fins — secured in the center of the wash basket. During the wash cycle, they twist, turn, and move clothes through the water — “agitating” them — to loosen dirt quickly.
Washing machines with agitators have various wash motions which can vary depending on the wash cycle you’re using — delicate, standard, or heavy wash. But even with a specific wash cycle, agitator washing machines aren’t always gentle on clothes.
Agitator Washer Pros
- Agitator washing machines may have shorter cycle times. Need your laundry done quick, fast, and in a hurry? Because agitators use multiple wash features, clothes are cleaned quickly, making for shorter cycle times.
- Agitator washers loosen up and remove stains, odors, and debris effectively. These cleaning options are ideal for tough stains and heavy-duty items. Their vanes and fins twist and turn, ensuring the whole load gets enough detergent, water, and friction.
- Agitators may be more affordable. Agitator washing machines are a tried and true option. They’ve been around a long time and can be easier to find when making a purchase. Because of this, costs may be cheaper, and they may take less money to maintain.
- Energy-efficient models with agitator washers are available. Just look to see if it’s ENERGY STAR® certified.
Agitator Washer Cons
- Agitators may offer less wash space. Since the agitator column takes up space in the washing machine, these options may have less room for washing bulkier items like blankets and pillows. However, there are high-capacity agitator units available.
- Agitator washing machines may be less energy efficient. While energy-efficient agitators are largely available, standard options may use more water and energy than similar impellers. Impeller washer mechanisms naturally use less of both.
- Agitator washers can be hard on fabrics. Since there is greater friction on your clothes during wash motions, agitators may increase wear on your clothing fabrics over time. Items may also get snagged on the agitator itself and potentially tear.
What is An Impeller Washer?
Impellers often feature a low-profile cone, wheel, fin, or disc. All of which spins to move water, creating cleaning currents and rubbing the clothes against each other to help loosen and remove stains. Impellers are common in high-efficiency washing machines and may be gentler than agitators since they never actually make physical contact with your clothes.
Impeller Washer Pros
- Impellers may help preserve your fabrics better. They avoid rough physical contact with clothes for a gentle clean.
- Impellers often offer more wash space. There’s more room in the wash basket for bulky items like blankets or pillows since there is no tall agitator column in the washer.
- Impeller washers generally use less water. For optimized friction and cleaning, impellers may use smaller amounts of water during washing. This feature can require less detergent and help reduce energy costs, saving you more money on laundry day. To find an energy-efficient impeller washer, look for the ENERGY STAR® certification.
- Impeller washing machines offer high spin speeds. To ensure a more thorough clean, impellers utilize high spin speeds. Since this process helps remove more water from your clothing, it may take less time to dry your clothes as well.
Impeller Washer Cons
- Impellers may offer a less thorough clean. Because of their gentle washing motion, impeller washers may not always get rid of deep dirt and stains like an agitator washer.
- Impellers may tangle or twist your laundry. During high spin speed cycles, clothes can get twisted in the center of the wash load, throwing off the machine’s balance.
- Impellers may require a higher investment upfront. Because impellers are a newer technology than agitators, washing machines with impellers may be more expensive.
Impeller vs. Agitator — Which is Better?
When shopping for a new washer, consider the advantages and disadvantages depending on your lifestyle and household needs. Both an impeller and agitator washing machine will get your clothes clean. They just do it in different ways.
On one hand, agitator washers are great if you commonly deal with tough dirt and grime and need to aggressively get your clothes clean. We’re looking at you, sports parents. However, the lack of room in the drum from the agitator column could mean smaller loads and higher energy costs.
On the other hand, impeller washers are typically more gentle on your clothes and can help you save on detergent, water, and energy. But because they are more gentle, they might not be as effective when deep cleaning your clothes.
Cleaning Features |
Agitator Washing Machine |
Impeller Washing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Affordability | ✔ | |
| Load Capacity | ✔ | |
| Energy Efficiency | ✔ | |
| Cycle Time Duration | ✔ | |
| Fabric Preservation | ✔ | |
| Cleaning Efficiency | ✔ | ✔ |
The Best Agitator vs. Impeller Washing Machines Are at Rent-A-Center
Are you apt to choose an agitator? Compelled toward an impeller? Can’t decide? Whatever the case, Rent-A-Center has what you need. From the best impeller washers from Maytag, Amana agitator machines, and even the 2-in-1 impeller AND agitator washer from Whirlpool, Rent-A-Center carries the brands you love at a price you can afford.
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