What Is an Agitator in a Washing Machine? How It Works and Why It Matters

June 1, 2022

If you’re buying a new washing machine in today’s market, a major decision is whether you want a machine with an agitator or without one. Most traditional top-load machines either have one or don’t.

As you might expect, if your machine has one, there are times you might wish it didn’t for bulky blankets. Likewise, if your machine doesn’t have an agitator, there are times you might wish it did for heavily stained work clothes.

The good news is that you no longer have to choose. Whirlpool yet again is proving itself a leader in the home appliance industry by offering a washing machine with a removable agitator that you can easily remove or install as needed with the all-new Whirlpool® 2-in-1 Removable Agitator Washing Machine.

But before you dive into the full details, what is an agitator in a washing machine, and why is everyone raving about this new 2-in-1 tech? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this essential piece of laundry gear.

What Does the Agitator Do in a Washing Machine?

When you peer inside a traditional top-load washer, you’ll immediately notice a tall post rising up from the center. That middle part of a washing machine is called a laundry agitator.

So, what does the agitator do in a washing machine exactly?

A traditional washer agitator is a spindle outfitted with specially designed vanes or fins. During a wash cycle, it twists back and forth, continuously rubbing against your fabrics. This mechanical action is designed to roll and push clothes through the water, loosening stubborn dirt, grease, and deep stains. The fins are engineered to maximize cleaning power without causing premature wear and tear on your everyday clothes.

How Does a Washing Machine Agitator Work vs. An Impeller?

To truly understand how a washing machine agitator gets your clothes clean, it helps to compare it to the alternative: an impeller.

So, how does a washing machine agitator work differently? It boils down to mechanical friction versus water motion:

Agitator Washers: An agitator in a washing machine uses direct contact. It physically moves the clothes around the tub, forcing them against the center post to scrub away debris. This makes an agitator washer incredibly efficient at delivering a quick, heavy-duty clean.
Impeller Washers (Non-Agitator): Washing machines without an agitator use a low-profile cone or disc at the bottom of the basket called an impeller. Instead of clothes rubbing against a post, an impeller pulses water to force the fabrics to rub against each other.

While impeller machines use less water and offer a gentler cycle, they typically come with longer cycle times. Agitator models, on the other hand, are the undisputed champions for dealing with heavily soiled items like mud-caked sports uniforms, rugged workwear, or gardening clothes.

Why Remove the Agitator from a Washing Machine?

If an agitator cleans so well, why remove the agitator from a washing machine at all?

While a washing machine agitator is fantastic for heavy-duty stains, it takes up a massive amount of physical space inside the wash basket. It can also occasionally catch on loose strings, bra straps, or delicate fringes.

By opting for a washing machine with a removable agitator, you get total flexibility. You can leave the agitator in for your everyday, heavily stained loads. Then, whenever you need to wash king-sized comforters, bulky sleeping bags, or delicate vintage garments, you simply pop the agitator out. Removing it instantly transforms your appliance into an impeller washer, expanding your usable drum space and providing an ultra-gentle, friction-free wash environment.

What Makes the Whirlpool 2-in-1 Removable Agitator Washer Special?

Whirlpool’s 2-in-1 unit is a large-capacity, top-loading washing machine that is both smart and highly versatile. It gives you the luxury of an agitator machine when you need it and an impeller machine when your load is better suited for a gentle wash.

Each machine features a premium, long-lasting stainless steel drum with massive load capacities: 5.2 cubic feet with the agitator installed, and 5.3 cubic feet when it’s removed.

Key Features of the Whirlpool 2-in-1 Removable Agitator:

Load and Go™ Dispenser: Fill the detergent reservoir once and trust the washer to automatically dispense the exact right amount for up to the next 20 loads.
Built-In Pretreat Station: Features an integrated, dual-temperature faucet and a built-in scrubbing brush so you can treat tough stains right inside the wash basket.
Adaptive Wash Technology: Uses smart internal sensors to detect the exact size of your load, automatically adjusting water levels and motion for an optimal clean.
Deep Water Wash Option: Need a bit more water for a heavily soiled load? This setting automatically adds more water to ensure a thorough rinse.
Smart Appliance Connectivity: Use the Whirlpool app to customize your preferences, manage wash cycles remotely, track energy usage, or even activate voice controls.

See the 2-in-1 Removable Agitator in Action at Coburn’s

Whirlpool’s 2-in-1 top-loading washing machine is the perfect example of how modern engineering makes home chores easier, faster, and highly customizable.

If you are ready to upgrade your laundry room, nothing beats seeing these innovative features up close. We invite you to visit your local Coburn’s Showroom today! Our friendly, knowledgeable product experts are here to walk you through the differences between agitators and impellers, demonstrate how easily the removable center post pops out, and help you find the absolute perfect appliance setup for your home and lifestyle.