Agitator vs impeller is a top question when shopping for a new washing machine. Front load washers do not need agitators because they clean by lifting clothes up as the drum turns and then dropping the clothes into the water; however, many top load washers do not replicate the same movement, instead relying on friction between clothes to clean them. A tall vertical spindle affixed in the center of a top load washer, an agitator aids in stirring clothes together in the detergent water for a better, cleaner outcome.
So, what are the best top load washers with agitators? Read on to discover our top 6.
At a Glance:
Best Overall: GE 4.6 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer (GTW725BPNDG)
Best Budget: Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WA40A3005AW)
Best Splurge: LG 5.7 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Top Load Washer (WT7700HVA)
Best Large Capacity: LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WT7800CW)
Staff Pick #1: Maytag 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (MVWC565FW)
Staff Pick #2: Whirlpool 4.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WTW5105HW)
What is an Agitator?
An agitator is a built-in feature of some top load washers. It takes over the spinning motion of traditional front load washing machines, moving clothes around to allow for water and detergent to soak in better.
While an agitator is not necessary for a washing machine, agitators do facilitate a better, deeper clean in top load models. We don’t have to tell you cleaner clothes are a great benefit and a compelling reason to choose a washer with an agitator — safeguarding your and your family’s hygiene is of the utmost importance.
The Best Top Load Washers: Our Top 6 Picks
There are dozens of top load washers with an agitator that follow this model to choose from — we’ve narrowed it down to our top 6 picks.
1. Best Overall: GE 4.6 Cu. Ft. Diamond Gray Top Load Washer (GTW725BPNDG)
Our pick for the best washer with an agitator is this GE model. This dark gray model has a modern, sleek look that will look amazing in any space. The control panel features several options that can be easily activated to customize the wash cycle to the load of laundry. Another great feature on this washer is the Tide PODS™ dispenser, which allows laundry pods to can be placed in a designated tray and be automatically dispensed at the proper time. Meanwhile, a dedicated water jet pierces the pod and activates the detergent for increased cleaning power. You will also find a dual-action agitator, a deep fill cycle, and multiple rinse options.
Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft.
Features:
- Tide PODS™ Dispense
- QuietWash
- Dual-action agitator
- Stain removal guide
- Deep Fill
- 10-year warranty
- Sanitize with Oxi
2. Best Budget: Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WA40A3005AW)
Our best budget pick goes to this Samsung top load washer, which includes the ActiveWave™ agitator that is specially designed to reduce noise, vibration, and tangling. In short, this Samsung top load washer with agitator maintains the powerful cleaning power of a traditional agitator. Plus, eight preset wash cycles on this machine are pre-programmed, including an extra-high water fill level for large loads. The soft-close lid makes closing the top door safer, gentler, and quieter, and the interior drum is also gentler on clothes, outfitted with smaller water holes to prevent snags, effectively extending the lifetime of fabrics without sacrificing cleaning power.
Capacity: 4.0 cu. ft.
Features:
- ActiveWave™ agitator
- Soft-close lid
- 8 preset washing cycles
- Diamond drum interior
- Self-Clean cycle
3. Best Splurge: LG 5.7 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Top Load Washer (WT7700HVA)
Our splurge-worthy pick goes to this graphite steel LG washing machine. It’s not hard to see why — its ultra-large drum enables the largest load possible, shortening the time it takes to do all your laundry. For reference, this washer can accommodate a king-sized comforter and bedding set in a single load. In terms of cleaning power, a powerful, high-pressure nozzle saves up to 30 minutes per load, further cutting down laundry time but without losing cleaning power. Even your largest loads will experience the optimal clean in a shortened cycle. And if that’s not enough, steam technology gently but powerfully penetrates fabrics to virtually eliminate dirt, odors, and wrinkles.
Capacity: 5.7 cu. ft.
Features:
- Quick cycle time cuts up to 30 minutes off
- More room to clean with 5.7 cu. ft. of space
- Steam Cleaning
- Energy Star® Most Efficient 2015
4. Best Large Capacity: LG 5.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WT7800CW)
A large interior capacity is a game changer when it comes to laundry: Fewer loads can get the job done in significantly less time. Our pick for the best large capacity top load washer is this 5.5-cubic-foot LG model, wherein every load will come out extremely clean and well cared for. Smart features allow this washing machine to be started remotely from anywhere inside or outside of the house, also enabling automatic re-ordering of detergent when it’s running low, ensuring it never runs out.
Features:
- 5.5 cu. ft. Mega Capacity
- TurboWash3D™ Technology
- 6Motion™ Technology
- ThinQ® Technology
- Water Plus
- ColdWash™ Technology
5. Staff Pick #1: Maytag 4.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (MVWC565FW)
This 4.2-cubic-foot capacity Maytag top load washer with an agitator is built for the most powerful cleaning in its class with the PowerWash® cycle that tackles stubborn stains and dried-on messes. The central spindle provides concentrated cleaning and robust wash action, aiding PowerWash® in removing tough stains. A deep rinse option helps eliminate detergent residue and excess fabric softener, ensuring an ultimate clean every time. Best of all, auto-sensing intuitively adjusts water levels for each wash, saving water and energy in the end.
Capacity: 4.2 cu. ft.
Features:
- Extra-large 4.2 cu. ft. capacity
- PowerWash® agitator deep cleans using a unique agitating action
- Deep Water Wash option adds additional water to accommodate extra-large loads
- Auto Sensing option intuitively adjusts water levels for each wash
- Deep Rinse option sheds leftover detergent and fabric softener for the purest results
- Stainless-steel drum for efficient moisture-wicking and durability
- Proudly made in the USA
6. Staff Pick #2: Whirlpool 4.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer (WTW5105HW)
Our second staff pick is this Whirlpool top load washer with an agitator that comes with a built-in faucet and a pretreating brush, conveniently bringing you commonly used tools to the site. Two-way wash action is enabled by the agitator to provide a powerful clean. Lastly, a convenient Quick Wash cycle allows for speedy washing of small or lightly soiled loads.
Capacity: 4.7 cu. ft.
Features:
- Pretreat station
- Single load dispenser drawer
- Automatic presoak option
- Intuitive controls
- Adaptive wash technology with Active Bloom™
- Deep water wash option
Shop Top Load Washers at Spencer’s TV and Appliance
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop the best top load washers with agitators online or visit us today at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions.