Agitator vs. Impeller Washing Machine: Which is Best?
Agitator and impeller washing machines both have benefits and can provide a powerful clean, but the methods are slightly different. Read on to learn more about the difference between agitator and impeller washing machines.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AGITATOR AND IMPELLER WASHERS
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.
Agitators and impellers are both found in top loading washing machines, like these top load washers available from Maytag brand.
WHAT IS AN AGITATOR?
Agitators are a part of the washing machine found in the wash basket. They are tall spindles, vaned or finned, that twist back and forth, rubbing against clothes, slightly agitating the fabric to help break down soils. Agitators can tackle your toughest loads without being tough on your clothes.
MAYTAG® POWER™ AGITATOR
KNOCK THE STUBBORN OUT OF STAINS
Maytag® washers with the Power™ Agitator use a 360-degree wash action to keep clothes moving and help break up messes
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Experience powerful cleaning you can depend on with Maytag® agitator washers. These machines combine the traditional agitator design with modern features to help you power through laundry day.
The Power™ Agitator, available on select models, uses a 360-degree wash action that keeps clothes moving to help break up messes. For stubborn stains, use Extra Power to boost stain-fighting performance on any wash cycle.
What is an Impeller?
Impellers are low-profile cones, discs or fins found in the wash basket that spin or rotate to create a gentle cleaning action. Unlike traditional agitators, impellers work by creating currents in the water that move clothes through the wash basket, causing them to rub against each other to help remove dirt and stains.
Impellers allow for more space in the wash basket, which means clothes can move more freely, helping to reduce wear and tear. The design also makes it convenient for loading and unloading bulky items.
Impeller washers also typically use less water and energy than agitator models. They create a thorough clean by driving clothes from the outer rim of the wash basket to the center, using moving water to optimize the friction between garments.
Impeller models also often have high spin speeds that wick away moisture from clothes, often resulting in shorter dry times.
MAYTAG® POWER™ IMPELLER
HELP DISSOLVE STAINS AND SOILS
Maytag® washers with the Power™ Impeller use vigorous wash motions and triple action spray to keep clothes thoroughly soaked with water and detergent
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Experience powerful cleaning performance with Maytag® impeller washers. These machines offer generous capacity and powerful cleaning, with features like the Power™ Impeller on select models. Customize your wash with the Deep Fill Option, or tackle quick loads with the 30-minute Quick Wash Cycle, both available on certain models.
How Do Agitator and Impeller Washers Work?
A washer with an agitator gets its cleaning power from the central post that twists back and forth, while washers with impellers use the low-profile disc to rub the clothes together in order to help remove stains.
Both agitator and impeller washers have their unique advantages, and understanding their differences can help you choose the right machine for your laundry needs. Learn more about how washing machines work to find the best type of washer for your household.
HOW TOP LOAD WASHERS WITH AGITATORS WORK
Top load washers with agitators use a central post that twists back and forth to create friction with clothes, helping to break apart stains and remove soil. This traditional design combines multiple washing motions to deliver a thorough clean while being gentle on fabrics.
Agitator washers typically operate with higher water levels and may offer customizable settings. They often have shorter cycle times, making them efficient for frequent use or large households. To help maintain optimal performance, it's important to use the washer correctly and clean the agitator regularly.
HOW TOP LOAD WASHERS WITH IMPELLERS WORK
Don't let low water levels fool you: Washers with impellers typically use a lesser amount of water to optimize the friction of the clothes rubbing against each other. This is what helps deliver gentle and thorough cleaning. The impeller, a low-profile cone or disc, spins to create currents that move clothes through the wash basket. This design allows for more space in the drum, accommodating larger loads and bulky items.
While cycle times may be longer in impeller washers than agitator washers, impeller models often feature high-speed spin cycles that extract more water, reducing drying time. Many impeller washers also offer deep water wash options for heavily soiled loads, combining water efficiency with cleaning flexibility.
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IMPELLER VS. AGITATOR: WHICH IS BETTER?
When choosing between agitator and impeller washers, consider your laundry needs.
Agitator washers are typically more traditional, tend to use more water and may have shorter cycles, ideal for heavily soiled loads.
Impeller washers often use less water and motion and may have larger capacities, making them perfect for bulky items and delicates.
Both types of washers offer powerful cleaning, so your choice depends on your specific preferences and laundry habits. Which one you buy should be based on factors such as the type of laundry you typically wash, how much laundry you do, your concern for water and energy efficiency and your personal preferences for wash cycle duration and capacity.
AGITATOR WASHER BENEFITS
Traditional, familiar design
Quicker wash times than impeller machines, depending on the cycle.
- Agitator rubs against clothes to remove and rinse away loose soils and help remove tough stains
IMPELLER WASHER BENEFITS
May use less water, depending on the cycle
Rubs clothes against each other to deliver a thorough, gentle clean
- More room in the basket for bulky articles
Efficient models are available on both agitator and impeller washers—just look to see if it’s ENERGY STAR® certified.
AGITATOR VS. IMPELLER WASHERS FOR PET HAIR
Both agitator and impeller washers can be used to remove dog and cat hair from your clothing. Maytag® Pet Pro top load washing machines come in options with agitators and impellers and feature the Pet Pro Filter that visibly removes pet hair.
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Get a clean you can see with the Maytag® Pet Pro washer that's built to remove pet hair. Press the Pet Pro Option to unleash additional water and a deep rinse to lift and remove pet hair with help from the built-in Pet Pro Filter.1
Find a Washing Machine That’s Right For You
You’ve got options when it comes to the wash action and cleaning power of these two top-load designs. Whether you prefer an agitator or an impeller washer, Maytag brand has hardworking models to tackle any load. Find the best washing machine for your household.
Maytag® washing machines
Designed for performance, control and convenience
Maytag® washing machines take stain fighting seriously with cycles built to push the limits of power
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Maytag brand offers a range of powerful washers designed to tackle your toughest laundry challenges. Whether you're dealing with pet-related messes or everyday stains, Maytag® top load and front load washers deliver dependable performance and convenient features. Explore the full lineup of washers from Maytag brand to find the perfect match for your household's needs, combining useful features, capacity and cleaning power to make laundry day a breeze.
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1. Results vary based on pet hair type and fabric type
