Agitator vs Impeller. Many people do not know what those are and what the differences are between the two.
If you have a top-load washing Machine, you might notice a tower-shaped part ( Agitator ) or a disk (or cone) part at the drum’s center. That is where all the actions are concentrated in a washing machine.
The agitator or impeller is an essential part of a washing machine, as it helps in creating a rubbing action, which in turn loosens the dirt in clothes. Without an agitator (or Impeller), a washing machine can not wash clothes.
Many consumers do not have a fair idea about agitators or impellers and often choose a product that does not meet their requirements.
Both agitators and impellers have advantages and disadvantages, and this article will be all about the differences between Agitators Vs Impellers.
At the end of this article, you will be informed enough to decide which one is the best for you.
What Is An Agitator?
The agitator is the part found at the center of the drum of a washing machine. It is like a tall spindle, a vaned or finned tower. It agitates back and forth and rubs against clothes to loosen the dart.
Agitators are found in top-load washing machines, or more precisely, in low-cost top-load washing machines.
Now the question is, how do you decide if you need an agitator-based washing machine or not?
If you plan to wash heavily soiled clothes frequently, an agitator is the best bet for you, as the rubbing action of the agitator and clothes can soften hard soil. On the other hand, agitators will consume more water and power.
Although new technologies have been developed for agitators that will consume almost similar levels of water and power, they still have a long way to go to match impellers.
One more thing you need to consider is that you can not wash delicate clothes in an agitator-based washing machine, as there is always a chance that the rubbing action will damage your clothes.
Positives
- Can wash filthy clothes
- Provides more efficient cleaning
- Has a faster cycle time
- Fractional force is generated by rubbing the agitator with the clothes
- Relatively cheaper
Negatives
- Not suitable for delicate clothes
- Consume more water
- Consume more power
What Is An Impeller?
An impeller is a low-profile cone-shaped or disk-shaped part that spins and rotates to rub clothes against each other and thus loosen dirt gently.
The impeller drives clothes from the outer rim of the wash basket to the center, using a small amount of water to optimize the friction.
In contrast to an agitator, an impeller rubs clothes on each other, so there are fewer chances of fabrics getting damaged as clothes won’t be spinning around the impeller. That is why an impeller-based washing machine is the best for delicate garments.
The other benefit is that an impeller washing machine consumes less power and water compared to an agitator washing machine.
However, the biggest problem is that impeller washing machines are not suitable for removing heavy dirt as the frictional force between clothes is generally less.
Impeller washing machines are also called pulsator washing machines.
Positives
- Does not damage clothes
- Provides more space for clothes
- Consume less power
- Consume less water
- Rub clothes with other clothes and not with the impeller
Negatives
- Can not wash heavily soiled clothes efficiently.
- Relatively costly
Agitator Vs Impeller Washer
Here is the difference between an agitator and an impeller in a tabular form so that it is easy to decide.
| Agitator | Impeller |
|---|---|
| Clothes rub against the agitator | Clothes rub against each other |
| Better wash quality | Poor wash quality |
| Chances of clothes getting damaged | Less chance of clothes getting damaged |
| Not suitable for delicate clothes | No issue with delicate clothes |
| Perform well with heavy darts | Good for lightly soiled clothes |
| Consume more power | Consume less power |
| Ideal for removing stubborn dirt | Not suitable for heavy dirt |
| Short cycle time | Long cycle time |
| Occupies more space | Occupies less space |
| Relatively cheaper than impeller-based washing machines | Impeller washing machines are costly |
Agitator vs Impeller Washing Machine: Which Is Better?
So which one is right for your family? An agitator washing machine or an impeller washing machine?
Well, it all depends on your requirements. If you plan to wash your regular clothes like your baby clothes, office formal, or lightly soiled casuals, then the agitator and the impeller will do the job for you.
However, if you want to wash heavily soiled clothes regularly, then an agitator will be the best bet for you.
Please remember that agitators are not suitable for delicate fabrics. If you need to wash delicate clothes, it’s better to choose an impeller washing machine.
Can’t we get a washing machine with an agitator and an impeller?
Absolutely, but in India we don’t have such machines. In the United States, Whirlpool has a washing machine with a detachable agitator and impeller.
Based on your wash load or type of wash, you can choose between the two and attach it. Isn’t that great?
FAQ | Impeller Vs Agitator
What Is An Agitator In A Washing Machine?
The Agitator is a tall spindle, vanned, or finned tower at the center of a top-load washing machine that agitates back and forth and rubs with clothes to loosen the dirt.
What Is An Impeller In a Washing Machine?
The Impeller is a small cone-shaped or disk-shaped part at the center of a top-load washing machine that spins and rotates, allowing clothes to rub against each other to loosen the dirt.
