Agitator vs impeller washers: What’s the difference in how they work?

What makes agitator washers so special?

Agitator washers are the classic top-loaders most of us grew up with. You’ll know it’s an agitator model if there’s a tall post sticking up in the center of the wash basket, usually with fins or vanes running down the sides.

That post doesn’t just sit there; it works hard. During the wash cycle, the agitator rotates back and forth, churning clothes through soapy water with a strong, fast motion. It’s a no-nonsense approach to cleaning, especially effective at breaking up ground-in dirt and stains.

If your agitator washer has started making unpleasant grinding sounds during this motion, it might be worth checking out why your washer makes a grinding noise during agitation.

Why people love them:

• They’re fast. Agitator washers tend to have shorter wash cycles, so laundry day moves quicker.

• They’re tough on grime. Heavily soiled clothes (muddy socks or work uniforms) often come out cleaner with a little extra agitation.

What to watch for:

• That same aggressive action can be rougher on fabrics, especially delicates.

• An average, they use more water than impeller models. This matters if you're trying to cut back on consumption or live in a drought-prone area.

• If your agitator isn’t moving like it used to, the agitator dogs may need replacing.

Agitator washers are like the dependable pickup truck of the laundry world - powerful, straightforward, and not afraid to get a little dirty.

Why impeller washers take a gentler spin on cleaning

Impeller washers ditch the tall central post for a low-profile disc or cone at the bottom of the tub. Instead of aggressively churning clothes around, the impeller creates strong water currents that gently pull clothes down and across the washplate.

This design uses a combination of water motion, detergent, and friction between fabrics to lift away dirt. It’s less about brute force and more about efficient water flow and drum movement.

What makes impeller washers appealing:

• They’re easier on clothes. The gentle wash action helps reduce wear and tear, especially for delicates.

• They’re roomier. Without a bulky agitator post, you get more usable space for bedding, towels, and big laundry loads.

• They’re efficient. Impeller models use less water and energy overall, especially in high-efficiency designs.

Where they sometimes fall short:

• Heavily soiled clothes may not get quite as clean, especially in older or budget models.

• Wash cycles tend to run longer to make up for the gentler action.

Think of impeller washers as the sleek hybrid car of laundry - efficient, modern, and smooth on the ride, just maybe not your top pick for muddy football uniforms.

Washing machine agitator vs impeller - key differences

Both washer types get the job done, but how they get there, and how your laundry turns out, can vary quite a bit. Here’s how agitator and impeller washers stack up in the areas that matter most.

Cleaning performance

Agitator washers don’t mess around. The back-and-forth motion of the agitator post gives clothes a good scrub, making them a solid choice for tough stains, muddy jeans, or anything that’s been through the wringer (literally).

Impeller washers take a more passive approach, using water currents and fabric-on-fabric friction to lift away dirt. It works well for average laundry loads but might struggle with deeply soiled items depending on the model.

If your clothes aren't fresh after a cycle and there's no mechanical issue, try these tips for cleaner clothes before giving up on your washer.

Bottom line: If your laundry’s mostly lightly used clothing, impellers are great. If you’re washing work uniforms, sports gear, or kid clothes on a daily basis, you might prefer the power of an agitator.

Fabric care

Agitators clean with force, which can lead to extra wear over time. You might notice stretched fabrics, pilling, or frayed edges (especially on delicate or loosely woven items).

Impeller washers, with their lower-profile movement, treat your clothes more gently. That means your favorite t-shirts and sweaters may last a bit longer.

If you’re all about longevity, impellers take the edge for fabric care.

Water and energy use

Impeller washers are designed with efficiency in mind. They typically use less water per load and often spin out more moisture, which can help reduce drying time and lower energy use.

That said, not all agitator washers are water hogs. Many newer agitator models are high-efficiency (HE), meaning they’re designed to clean with lower water levels; some nearly on par with impeller washers. The key difference is that they still use that familiar central post to move clothes.

In short: Impellers tend to be the top choice for efficiency, but modern HE agitator models can hold their own when it comes to saving water and energy.

Load capacity

No central post means more space. Impeller washers can handle larger items like comforters or sleeping bags with ease, and their open tubs make loading and unloading less awkward.

Agitators take up more real estate inside the drum, which can limit how much you pack in.

If you’re team “giant laundry day,” impellers offer the room you need.

Cycle length

Agitator washers often run quicker cycles. That aggressive motion gets clothes clean in less time, so if speed matters, they’re hard to beat.

Impellers tend to take their time, using soaking and tumbling over longer periods to gently remove dirt.

Need laundry done fast? Agitator. Don’t mind a longer, gentler cycle? Impeller.

Which washer type is better for you?

Both agitator and impeller washers get the job done but they take different approaches to cleaning, and one may suit your laundry style better than the other.

Choose an agitator washer if:

• You do a lot of heavy-duty loads like work uniforms, sports gear, or muddy jeans.

• You want faster cycle times and a familiar wash style.

• You’re not overly concerned about fabric wear on more rugged items.

Go with an impeller washer if:

• You regularly wash delicates or want to be gentler on clothes overall.

• You like the idea of saving water and energy with every load.

• You need more room in the tub for bulky bedding or big family loads.

Still torn? It might help to think about what your laundry day usually looks like. Are you battling grass stains or just freshening up T-shirts? That’s often the real deciding factor in the washing machine agitator vs impeller debate.

Final rinse: Agitator or impeller, we’ve got your back

Whether your washer swirls with an agitator or spins with an impeller, the most important thing is that it gets the job done, and keeps doing it. If your current machine isn’t pulling its weight, or you’re just trying to understand what makes these washers tick, knowing the difference is a solid first step.

And if things go sideways mid-cycle? We’ve got you covered no matter the washer style. Our DIY washer repair help page has troubleshooting guides, how-to repair articles, and videos to walk you through the most common issues.

From replacement parts to laundry appliance accessories and step-by-step instructions, Sears PartsDirect has what you need to keep your washer - agitator or impeller - running strong.