Speed Queen claims its agitators are less likely to wear out fabrics because the wash tub that your clothes come into contact with is made from stainless-steel, a material that’s supposedly gentle on linen. It’s also worth noting that not all agitators are created equal ─ well, at least according to who you ask. However, many new top loaders now come with ‘smart’ features designed to offer better cleaning results and protect your clothes from damage, removing the need for an agitator. Despite copping criticism for its rough treatment of clothes, the agitator has traditionally been a popular feature in washing machines, rubbing against clothes to help break apart stains. Is there actually a difference between top loaders with and without an agitator? The short answer is − not anymore.
Washing machines with an agitator vs without agitator Impellers also have a similar appearance to low-profile agitators but are smaller, allowing you to maximise on space in the washer. Impellers are made to produce less friction and work at a reduced intensity compared with full-size agitators. However, there is still a chance the items can become entangled with each other and still create enough friction to damage clothes that way. Unlike agitators, impellers aim to prevent items from getting caught up in the spinning fins or vanes, therefore minimising the contact between the agitator and the load. Impellers are similar to low-profile agitators because they still use vanes that rotate to create a strong ‘current’ in the washer to achieve a more even and effective clean. Top loaders can alternatively come with an impeller. What’s the difference between an agitator and an impeller? The main difference is that these are shorter and resemble more of a wide bump at the bottom of the appliance.
Low-profile agitators (or low-profile pulsators) work the same way, but are designed to place less friction on your clothes than with full-size agitators. They’re typically built into the washer as a central post in the drum that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help remove stains.
Agitators can be found in some top loader washing machines, as either a regular agitator or low-profile agitator. Generally speaking, an agitator is designed to minimise tangling and help distribute garments evenly throughout the washer. In this guide, we take a look at whether it’s better to buy a washing machine with an agitator and where you can find them. Fortunately, these days you’ll be more likely to find the much kinder, less intense low-profile agitator rather than the regular alternative. Many brands continue to bring in the traditional agitator to their new top loaders to ensure an effective clean, despite the device being known for having a rough handle on garments.