If you’re like a lot of people, you probably have a washer and dryer in your home. If you’re like a lot of people, you probably have a top loading washer machine. They have been around for years. Not to many people have a wringer washer anymore. I used to help my mom by putting the clothes thru the wringer. I really thought I was a good helper.
What is a top loading washing machine?
It’s a washing machine that you put clothes in the top interior of the top loading washing machine. A top-loading washer eliminates the need to bend over when loading and unloading the machine and gives you clearer visibility into the drum so that no sock gets left behind.
I heard once that missing socks from the dryer end up as Tupperware lids that don’t match.
Top Loading Washing Machine Agitators versus Impellers
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. Most people prefer top loading washer machines. Washing Machines Agitator vs. Impeller with an agitator.
What is better an impeller or agitator?
What’s An Agitator?
Agitators look like tall cones with swirly wings sticking out of them. They are the most common type of washing machine mechanism. With an agitator, you fill-up the tub with water and the agitator pushes the water around. Agitators directly stir and wash the laundry themselves, which means that those wings have to be TOUGH.
What’s An Impeller?
An impeller looks a lot like a lemon juicer. It’s shorter and flatter, but still has “fins” on the edges of the top. It has a base at the bottom that contains holes that let the water filter through. This makes them good for fast draining and drying. Impellers are better when you want to push water around instead of push laundry around.
What Are The Pros And Con Of Agitators?
Today, agitators are generally considered to be the standard choice among washing machine designers. Let’s look at the pros and cons of these mechanisms.
The Benefits Of Agitators
Agitators are the standard type of washing machine mechanism for a reason. Here’s why people love them…
- Agitators are better for heavier loads. They are able to push the laundry around more effectively, giving you a better scrub. If you are a mechanic or have kids that play football you already know how heavy those loads can be. Agitators can handle them better.
- They’re more common. Most washers use agitators. They’re standard and that means they are easier to find parts for. This can occasionally lead to lower repair costs, though that’s not always the case.
- The agitator works by rubbing directly against clothes for a deeper scrub. This is a washer style that works directly on the clothes, which means it’s good for tough stains. Agitators are particularly good with denim, by the was.
- It’s easy to detect problems with the agitator. Agitators literally stick out of your washer and tend to make a bigger noise when they are
The Pitfalls Of Agitators
While they’re the go-to, the demand for impeller washers is increasing. That’s because agitators have serious issues.
- They can use a lot more water. Agitators have to have tons of water filling up their barrel in order to work well. This can be bad for areas with water advisories.
- Draining and drying your laundry will take a while longer. This can be an annoying issue for some people
- They can be a bit too rough for delicate s. True stories, agitators have destroyed my bras on more than one occasion. (Back when I could still use them.)
- Agitators take up more space. This can make fitting bulky items in your washer harder. So, you might end up having to take your comforters to the laundry spot near your home.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Impellers?
Impellers are not as common as agitators, but they definitely have their place in the world of washer design. Here’s the scoop on the perks and pitfalls of this increasingly popular option.
The Perks Of Impellers
Impellers are beginning to get popular on the market. You’ll understand why when you read the benefits that come with them…
- Impellers are gentler on clothes. It’s rare to hear of an impeller “eating” clothes. This is because this mechanism rubs clothes against each other, rather than hitting them with tough blades.
- They are eco-friendly. They use was less water and power than a typical agitator will. This makes them the best choice in areas where you might be unable to get water at reasonable rates. (Looking at you, California.)
- You get easier draining and drying. Draining and drying your clothing can take a while with regular agitator washers. With impeller washers, you will be able to have a faster rinse cycle.
- You also get more room in your washer. Impellers are smaller, after all. This means that you can fit bulkier items like pillows, comforters, and coats, easily.
The Pitfalls Of Impellers
Impellers are great, but they are far from perfect. In fact, a lot of people don’t really like them that much. These drawbacks will make you rethink getting a washer with an impeller:
- They’re not exactly the best stirrers. Impellers are not as actively capable of stirring your clothing as agitators, to a point. They can rub clothes against each other, but not rub the clothes directly. If your load is too large, your clothing might not actually be able to hit the water in some cases. They’re starting to improve upon this issue, but it’s still problematic.
- It can be pretty hard to find an impeller washer in certain areas. If you are in a part of the country that isn’t known for having a lot of stores, you might need to special-order them. This is starting to change but it’s still an issue.
- They can break without you noticing them. This is a huge issue that people tend to have with impellers. Since they are low-profile, it can be hard to tell when they’ve broken. Most of the time, you will be able to tell when they’re not working well, though.
Detergent for TopLoading Washing Machines
Only HE (high efficiency) detergents should be used in these newer washers. High-efficiency front or top-loading washers are designed with low water levels and a tumbling washing action. HE detergents are low sussing and specially formulated to provide clean wash loads in these energy-saving washers.
Use of any other kind of detergent in a high-efficiency washer, not only can confuse your washer cycle and stop the machine but can prevent it from washing properly or rinsing thoroughly. HE detergents are comparable in price to regular laundry “detergents, so look for the (HE) symbol and ensure that you are using the correct detergent for your high-efficiency washer.
Best Top Loading Machines of 2022
Our Best Washing Machines of 2022
#1 Electrolux-EFLS627U Front-Load Washer
#2 GE-GFW850S Appliance Front-Load Washer
#3 LG-WM3900H Front-Load Washer
#4 LG-WT7800C Top-Load Washer
#5 LG-WT7300C Top-Load Washer
#6 Samsung-WF45R6100A Front-Load Washer
Always do Extensive Research when appliance shopping
Here is my review of Front-Loading washer machines