Do You Need an Agitator in a Washing Machine?

What is an agitator and how does it work?

An agitator is a mechanical post located in the center of some top loading washing machines. It rotates or rocks to move clothes through wash water, creating friction that helps lift soils from fabrics. Traditional agitators are tall posts with widely spaced fins; newer high efficiency designs use shorter posts with softer fins or dual action to reduce fabric wear. In contrast, impeller washers rely on a low-profile disc or cone at the bottom of the drum to create water movement and a tumbling action rather than a central post.

From a cleaning perspective, agitators excel with heavily soiled, bulky loads such as towels, work clothes, and athletic wear. They can deliver strong mechanical action that dislodges embedded dirt and can shorten certain wash cycles. However, agitators typically use more water and energy than impeller designs, and they can be rougher on delicate fabrics or small loads. They also take up more interior space, which can limit drum capacity for bulky items.

If you’re weighing options, ask yourself how your household loads break down—heavy-duty versus delicate, large towels versus a few shirts. This is where the familiar question do you need an agitator in a washing machine becomes practical rather than theoretical. Your answer depends on laundry habits, fabric care priorities, and budget.

Do you need an agitator in a modern washer?

Do you need an agitator in a modern washer? The short answer is not necessarily. Most contemporary washers use impellers or front-loading designs that deliver excellent cleaning with lower water and energy use. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, impeller and front-load configurations often outperform traditional agitator models on efficiency and fabric care, while still handling bulk items reasonably well. That said, some households still favor agitators for their direct cleaning power on tough soils and the familiarity of the loading experience.

For renters, families with children, or households that run large, soggy loads, an agitator can feel like a practical workhorse. For others who prioritize energy efficiency, fabric care, and shorter overall operating costs, an impeller or front-load washer is usually a better fit. The key is to map your typical loads against the design strengths of each option, compare drum sizes and cycle options, and review warranty terms. There is no universal winner; the best choice depends on your specific laundry pattern and budget.

Pros and cons of agitators vs impellers

• Pros of agitators:
  • Strong cleaning for heavily soiled or bulky loads
  • Shorter cycles in some models and straightforward loading
  • Familiar load geometry for many users
• Cons of agitators:
  • Higher water and energy use on average
  • Can be harsher on fabrics and reduce drum space for small loads
  • More difficult to fit bulky items in some models
• Pros of impellers (top-load or front-load):
  • Gentler on fabrics and better for delicates
  • Lower water and energy consumption on most models
  • More drum space for large or bulky items
• Cons of impellers:
  • Some users report longer wash times for certain cycles
  • Slightly more locks between loads and cycles can take time to optimize

In practice, the choice boils down to load types and priorities: if heavy soils and bulkier items dominate, an agitator can be advantageous; if fabric care and efficiency matter more, an impeller or front-load model is typically preferable.

How to decide based on your laundry needs

To decide, list your typical loads and priorities:

• If you wash heavily soiled items (work clothes, sports gear, muddy towels) and want quick cycles, consider an agitator model.
• If you value fabric care, energy efficiency, and you frequently wash small loads or delicates, an impeller or front-load washer is often the better choice.
• Consider space and installation: top-load models with agitators can be taller and require clearance above the drum, while front-load units have a different footprint and door orientation.
• Evaluate water pressure in your home: some high efficiency top-loads depend on steady water supply to achieve their best cleaning action.
• Check maintenance and warranty terms: agitator models may have different service patterns than impeller designs.

In short, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Do a quick audit of your loads, then compare models that fit your budget and space. As you shop, use the do you need an agitator in a washing machine question as your guidepost to balance cleaning power with efficiency.

Maintenance and common issues

Regardless of design, regular maintenance helps sustain performance:

• Keep the drum and agitator fins clean from detergent buildup and lint. A soft brush and mild detergent can remove residue.
• Do not overload the washer. Overloading can strain the agitator or impeller and reduce cleaning effectiveness.
• Balance is important. Uneven loads cause vibration and wear; run a tub clean cycle if you notice buildup or odor.
• Clean the filter or drain pump access as outlined in the user manual. Impeller designs may have different accessible components than agitator models.
• For top-load models with agitators, check the linkage and lid switch periodically for proper engagement. For impeller designs, ensure the drum is level and the door seals remain intact.

Maintenance routines extend the life of your washer and protect delicate fabrics. When issues arise, consult the warranty and seek service from qualified technicians.

Energy and water use considerations

Energy and water use are central to choosing between agitator and impeller designs. In general, impeller and front-loading washers use less water and energy per cycle while delivering competitive cleaning results. Look for Energy Star rated models and compare the total annual energy and water usage on the specification sheet. Real-world use depends on cycle selection, load size, and water pressure. If you frequently wash large, bulky loads, an agitator may still be competitive on cycle time, but the overall operating cost could be higher. When evaluating options, consider your climate, electricity costs, and typical laundry volume to estimate long-term savings.

Quick picks for typical households

• If you do a lot of bulky, heavily soiled loads and want simplicity, a top-load washer with an agitator can be a solid choice. It often delivers robust cleaning with straightforward operation.
• If you mostly wash regular-day clothes, towels, and delicates, and you value energy efficiency and fabric care, a top-load impeller or front-load washer is usually ideal.
• For households with space constraints, compare drum size and door configuration to avoid overloading and to maximize usable capacity.
• Always compare model-specific features, warranties, and maintenance requirements before buying. The Best Washing Machine team recommends testing different models in-store or reading real-world user reviews to gauge performance and longevity.