At a Glance:
Agitator vs Impeller Washer: What’s The Difference?
Pros and Cons of an Agitator Washing Machine
Pros and Cons of an Impeller Washing Machine
6 Top Load Washers with Agitators We Recommend
Choosing The Right Top Load Washer with Agitator
Top loading washers with agitators for stain removal are a classic, affordable, and effective way to do your laundry quickly at home. Finding the best washing machine for your home can feel like a challenge with so many high quality options available. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of agitator and impeller washers and highlight the best top load washer with agitator models on offer at Bekins.
Explore Bekins Washer Selection
Find your next washing machine with an agitator at Bekins. Choose from a wide selection of brands and styles to find the perfect fit for your laundry room.
Washers with AgitatorsAgitator vs Impeller Washer: What’s The Difference?
Choosing between an impeller vs agitator washer for your home comes down to your personal priorities and the features that will make the most difference to your family.
An agitator washer contains an agitating post in the center of the machine. As the post twists during the cycle it creates aggressive movement, loosening dirt and stains from clothing to be washed away. An impeller washing machine does not have a central post and relies on spinning clothes together to work the dirt out of your clothing.
Pros and Cons of an Agitator Washing Machine
Using a classic agitator washer offers many advantages and a few disadvantages. We explore the good and the bad of these ever-popular washers.
Pros of using an agitator washing machine:
- Affordable pricing: With a wide range of models available, simple and classic agitator washing machine options remain budget friendly.
- Superior stain removal: More aggressive movement creates a more effective clean. See your stains removed in one wash with an effective agitator.
- Faster cycle times: Removing dirt quickly, an agitator washer takes less time to complete a load.
The best top load washer with agitator models combine superior stain removal while caring for clothing, with affordable pricing and user friendly controls.
Cons of using a washing machine with an agitator:
- Less capacity: The centrally placed agitator takes up some room in the machine. For bulky items, larger capacity agitator washing machines are available.
- Noise level: With its simple mechanism and more aggressive cycle, an agitator washing machine can be louder than other models.
Pros and Cons of an Impeller Washing Machine
Impeller washing machines work differently to agitator models, offering some different advantages and disadvantages.
The pros of an impeller washing machine:
- Less clothing wear and tear: As a less aggressive way of washing your clothes, an impeller washing machine can help your clothes stay newer for longer.
- Easier loading of bulky laundry: Comforters, bedding, and sheets are much easier to load, as there is no central agitator to work around.
- Reduced stain removal: With more gentle agitation, impeller machines don’t have quite the same stain removing power as their agitator counterparts.
- Longer cycles: A less aggressive wash action over a longer period of time helps the impeller effectively clean.
- Purchase price: Using more complex technology to complete a laundry cycle, impeller washing machines often cost more to buy.
Cons of impeller washing machines:
6 Top Load Washers with Agitators We Recommend
Each with fast wash times and powerful stain removal, we review the best top load washer with agitator options available.
LG 5.3 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Model # WT7405CW
An extra large capacity and a 4-Way™ agitator make light work of tough stains and the bulkiest loads. EnergyStar® certified for power, water, and money savings, this LG model offers a NeveRust™ stainless steel tub and a direct drive motor with a 10 year limited warranty.
Built to last, this durable washing machine also features:
- Smart connectivity with remote access via ThinQ app
- TurboWash3D™ technology for advanced cleaning
- ColdWash™ for superior cleaning and greater energy savings
Online user “MissPokey” shared their joy after a recent purchase:
“We bought this set not too long ago. However, this has been the best machine I have ever used. I love all the available option choices for load selection and it is super quiet!! My clothes actually smell clean coming out of this washer. I am VERY HAPPY with my washer and dryer set!!”
Whirlpool® 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Model # WTW4855HW
Whirlpool White Top Load Washer
User friendly controls offering 12 cycle options, this Whirlpool agitator washer lets you choose your water level, saving resources when you wash smaller loads. With a convenient quick wash cycle option that can do last minute washing in just 30 minutes, this model also features:
- Large capacity for comforters and bulky items
- Late lid lock for adding forgotten items at the last minute
- A smooth stainless steel wash basin for snag free confidence
Happy customer, “Washer” recently shared their thoughts online:
“Great product with great features and price. Also easy to operate.”
Maytag® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Model # MVW5035MW
This large capacity agitator washing machine from classic heritage brand Maytag, features heavy duty stain busting technology. USA designed and assembled in Clyde, Ohio, this auto sensing top load washer is reliable and affordable.
Offering a convenient, built-in faucet for rinsing and pretreating stains, this user friendly washer also includes:
- Quick wash option for laundry in a hurry
- Stainless steel wash basket with confident 10 year limited warranty
- Affresh™ cycle to keep your machine in tip top condition
Speed Queen® TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Model # TC5003WN
Speed Queen White Top Load Washer
Classically built, user friendly, and focused on aggressive stain removal, this powerful agitator washer has an unlocked lid for adding additional items. Designed for durability, this transmission driven model also features:
- Solid Mount Suspension System for vibration control and longevity
- Long lasting stainless steel tub
- Deep fill options for large loads
Extremely happy with their recent purchase, user “Memaw904” shared their experience online:
“This new machine gets our clothes so much cleaner, also the clothes are dryer when I take them out of the washer, therefore takes less time in the dryer. I love the no lock lid and also you do not have to adjust the water level, it does it automatically.”
Whirlpool® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Model # WTW5015LW
Whirlpool White Top Load Washer
With an extremely popular built-in water faucet for removing dirt and rinsing, this affordable Whirlpool model is one of the best top load washer options available. A large capacity for bulky laundry loads and a quick wash setting to keep up with real life, this agitator washer also features:
- Presoak option for powerful stain removal
- 360 Wash Agitator to move clothing in all directions for a better clean
- Deep water setting for heavy loads
Noticing a difference with this model right away, customer “JanS” shared her thoughts:
“I never realized that my clothes weren't getting 100% clean until I got my new washer. What a difference.”
Learn more: GE Profile One and Done: Pros & Cons
GE Profile™ 5.3 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
Model # PTW705BPTDG
GE Profile Diamond Gray Top Load Washer
EnergyStar® certified for an efficient and cost effective laundry day, this stylish model from GE Profile® is a candidate for the best top load washer with agitator available. Microban® antimicrobial technology prevents the build up of bacteria, keeping your washing machine fresh and odor-free.
Smart enabled for a convenient and intuitive experience from your smartphone, this popular washer also features:
- Tangle control to protect your clothing
- Smart FlexDispense™ for automatic detergent dispensing
- Sensor powered cleaning technology for an effective clean, everytime
A happy customer making the most of the smart technologies in this washing machine, user “KGrace123” shared their review online:
“I love all the wash features and that I can download my wash preferences has a nice large drum for my growing family”
Learn more: Dryer Not Heating? How to Fix
Choosing The Right Top Load Washer with Agitator
To select the best top load washer with an agitator for your home, consider which features are a priority. Some things to consider include:
- Capacity: If you have a large family or regularly wash bulky bedding and comforters, a large capacity may be a priority.
- User friendly interface: For customers who prefer a classic style, user friendly washing machine, a model with manual dials would be ideal.
- Stain busting power: For washing sportswear or heavily stained clothing on a regular basis, a powerful agitator and presoak options can change your laundry game.
- Efficiency: For keeping the bills low, an EnergyStar® certified washing machine works hard to save you money.
Learn more: Miele Washing Machine Reviewed
FAQs
Is a washer with an agitator better?
Offering a more aggressive wash with its dirt loosening movement, an agitator washer is ideal for people who need a powerful clean, and effective stain removal. With many user-friendly models available, an agitator washing machine is a favorite of customers who like an effective wash with a classic style.
What does an agitator do in a washer?
Extremely effective for removing dirt and stains, an agitator creates movement in your washer by twisting back and forth in the center of the machine. This rubbing action allows a washing cycle to finish in a shorter period of time.
Do you put detergent in the agitator?
Each washing machine has a different dispensing area for detergent. Some agitator washers dispense detergent from inside the agitator itself, while others have a small dish or labeled area at the edge of the washer under the lid. Some models still require detergent to go directly into the tub. To maintain your washer and look after your clothes, place detergent where your specific model indicates.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install, and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services and then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Top Load Washers at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop top load washers online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you find the best washer for your home — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.