An impeller washer is a type of washing machine that uses a low-profile cone, wheel, fin, or disc that spins or rotates to gently rub clothes against each other to help loosen stains. Unlike agitator washers, impeller washers use less motion and water to optimize the friction of the clothes rubbing against each other. Impeller washers are designed to provide gentle, efficient, and thorough cleaning, and they tend to be more energy-efficient than agitator-based machines.

In contrast, agitator washers have tall spindles, vaned or finned, that twist back and forth, rubbing against clothes, slightly agitating the fabric to help break down soils. They physically break up clothes that you place in the washing machine and rub against clothes to help break apart stains and loosen soils. Advances in agitator technology generally ensure they’re not hard on clothes.

When deciding between an agitator and impeller washer, personal preferences and laundry needs should be considered. Agitators are better for heavily soiled loads, while impellers are gentler on clothes and have a larger drum capacity, allowing for more significant laundry loads in a single cycle.