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Agitator vs. impeller: which is right for you? (hint: get an agitator!)

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • When it comes to choosing a washing machine, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to get a washer with an agitator or one without.
  • By the end of this post, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not a washer with an agitator is right for you.
  • If you are looking for a washer that will get your clothes clean and free of tangles, then a washer with an agitator is a good choice.

When it comes to choosing a washing machine, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to get a washer with an agitator or one without. Agitators are the central column in the washing machine that rotates to agitate the clothes. They are a common feature in top-load washers, but they are becoming less common in newer models.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of getting a washer with an agitator. We will discuss how agitators work, the different types of agitators available, and the pros and cons of each type. By the end of this post, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not a washer with an agitator is right for you.

How Do Agitators Work?

Agitators work by rotating back and forth in the washing machine, which helps to move the clothes around and agitate them against each other. This agitation helps to loosen dirt and stains from the clothes and makes them cleaner. Agitators also help to prevent clothes from tangling by keeping them separated as they move around the washing machine.

Types of Agitators

There are two main types of agitators:

  • Central agitators are located in the center of the washing machine and rotate around a vertical axis.
  • Impeller agitators are located at the bottom of the washing machine and rotate around a horizontal axis.

Central agitators are more common than impeller agitators. They are also more effective at agitating clothes and preventing tangles. However, impeller agitators are gentler on clothes and are less likely to cause damage.

Pros and Cons of Agitators

There are several benefits to getting a washer with an agitator, including:

  • Better cleaning performance: Agitators help to loosen dirt and stains from clothes and make them cleaner.
  • Reduced tangling: Agitators help to keep clothes separated as they move around the washing machine, which prevents tangles.
  • More durable: Washers with agitators are typically more durable than washers without agitators.

However, there are also some drawbacks to getting a washer with an agitator, including:

  • Can damage delicate fabrics: Agitators can be harsh on delicate fabrics, such as lace and silk.
  • Can be noisy: Washers with agitators can be noisy, especially during the spin cycle.
  • Take up more space: Washers with agitators are typically larger than washers without agitators.

Which Type of Washer is Right for You?

The type of washer that is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a washer that will get your clothes clean and free of tangles, then a washer with an agitator is a good choice. However, if you have delicate fabrics that you need to wash, then you may want to consider a washer without an agitator.

Final Thoughts

Getting a washer with an agitator is a good choice for many people. Agitators help to get clothes clean and free of tangles, and they are typically more durable than washers without agitators. However, agitators can be harsh on delicate fabrics and can be noisy. Ultimately, the type of washer that is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

What People Want to Know

Q: What are the benefits of getting a washer with an agitator?

A: Agitators help to get clothes clean and free of tangles, and they are typically more durable than washers without agitators.

Q: What are the drawbacks of getting a washer with an agitator?

A: Agitators can be harsh on delicate fabrics and can be noisy.

Q: Which type of washer is right for me?

A: The type of washer that is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a washer that will get your clothes clean and free of tangles, then a washer with an agitator is a good choice. However, if you have delicate fabrics that you need to wash, then you may want to consider a washer without an agitator.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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