Perhaps you invested in an impeller washer and are wondering if you can convert your appliance to the old-school agitator design. You could even have the latter model, but the agitator broke. Whichever your situation is, you’re battling this one big question – Can you put an agitator in a washing machine?
Well, I’m here to help you figure out the answer. I spent hours in research, and combining that with my expertise in the field, I’ve put so much value into this article for you. And so, let’s get started!
Can You Put an Agitator in a Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put a new agitator in your washing machine if the initial one breaks. However, if you’re using an impeller machine and are planning on switching to an agitator, then it might not be possible, depending on the make and model of your washing machine.
Before I expound on what’s in my answer paragraph, let me begin by explaining what an agitator is and how these two washing machines differ. It would be best to know the basics before getting into the meat of whether you can put an agitator in a washer or not.
And for the sake of the uninitiated, an agitator is the central post found in top-loading washing machines. It resembles a screw and is often equipped with vanes or fins. These elements create turbulence in the washer so that clothes can be properly mixed and agitated, and dirt and grime can be removed.
On the other hand, an impeller is a low-profile rotating disc located at the bottom of the washer tub. There are no vanes or fins, but there are small holes in the disc that create a current.
That aside, on whether you can put an agitator in a washing machine, it really depends on what exactly you mean when you say “put.” If you refer to replacing a broken agitator, then the answer is yes, you can.
In fact, this should be relatively easy to do as agitators are easy to find and relatively cheap. You can buy them at most hardware stores or online. And once you have the replacement, all you need is a wrench to remove the broken agitator and screw in the new one.
However, if you’re talking about switching from an impeller machine to one with an agitator, then it might be possible with only the top-load models, but it would require you to change the transmission and do a few other modifications.
It’s generally not recommended as it would be more expensive and time-consuming to do so. Not to mention, there’s a chance that your washer might not work as efficiently as it did before or might break down entirely.
For that reason, I don’t advise you to take that route if you’ve got an impeller washer. But if the current washing machine is agitator-based, then you can proceed to replace the agitator if you think it isn’t working as it should or if it already broke.
Why is There No Agitator in Washing Machines?
The reason there’s no agitator in modern washing machines is that most manufacturers are now switching from traditional agitator technology to the modern impeller innovation. So, if you just realized your washer has this part missing, know it’s because you’ve got one of the latest appliances.
You see, agitator washers have to this day done notably in ridding us of dirt, grime, and stains from our clothes. They’re less costly, energy efficient, and have shorter washing cycles. Even so, they also have drawbacks, seemingly putting their alternative innovation, the impeller washer, on top.
Some cons of agitator washing machines are that they use more water, aren’t stackable, and are too aggressive on clothes, often leading to fabric damage. Impeller washers remedy all these drawbacks.
But then again, that doesn’t mean that agitator models are bad. No, they aren’t. They still do the work fine. However, if you’d love the latest in washing machine technology and are okay with spending a little more, then you can go for an impeller model.
Are Washers With Agitators Better Than Those Without?
Washers with agitators are better than those without but only on some fronts. Even so, speaking from a general point of view, washers that don’t come with the agitator technology are head and shoulders above those with agitators.
I don’t mean to downplay the good that agitator washers have done over the years. They’ve been very resourceful in helping us keep our clothes clean and looking their best. But if you take a closer look at the features of impeller washers, you’ll see that they’re better.
To justify my claim, I’ve created a table that compares the two technologies using different parameters. Let’s take a look, shall we?
| Parameter | Agitator Washers | Non-Agitator/ Impeller washers |
| Energy efficiency | ✔ | |
| Water efficiency | ✔ | |
| Less time | ✔ | |
| Fabric care | ✔ | |
| Capacity | ✔ | |
| Cleaning performance | ✔ | |
| Stackability | ✔ | |
| Lifespan | ✔ | |
| Affordability | ✔ | |
| Ergonomics | ✔ |
As shown in the table, out of the 10 parameters, impeller washers beat agitator models in 7. That’s a significant difference. And while those aren’t the only comparability factors, they do well in representing the general superiority of non-agitator washers.
So, if you’re wondering which type of washer to get, go for the one without an agitator. You’ll get more bang for your buck that way. And of course, that also means paying a little more upfront.
Do Non Agitator Washing Machines Work?
Yes, non-agitator washing machines work. In fact, they work better than their agitator counterparts in many ways. For instance, they use less water, are stackable, and have better fabric care features.
Even so, that doesn’t mean that agitator washers aren’t any good. They’re, and in fact, even outshine non-agitator models in some aspects. For example, they have shorter washing cycles, are more energy-efficient, and are generally more affordable.
So, if you’re operating with a tight budget, an agitator washer would be a more ideal choice. But if you’re not constrained by money and would love to get the perks enveloped in the latest washing machine technology, then a non-agitator model would be better for you.
How To Add An Agitator To a Washing Machine?
You can’t add an agitator to the washing machine. At least not one that didn’t come with it in the first place. The main reason for this is that agitator, and impeller washers work differently. If you have to, it means bringing in the manufacturer, which could mean spending more money for something you could have just gotten in the first place.
In general, agitators are only compatible with other agitator models. The same goes for impellers. So, if you want to upgrade from an agitator to an impeller washer or vice versa, if at all possible with your current washer, it would cost you just as much as getting an entirely new machine.
Can You Add an Agitator To a Samsung Washing Machine?
Yes, you can add an agitator to a Samsung washing machine as long as it came with one in the first place. If not, it would be impossible to do so since impeller and agitator washers work differently.
Samsung is a reputed washing machine manufacturer, and it offers both agitator and impeller models in its lineup. So, if you’re looking to get a Samsung washing machine, you can choose whichever type suits your needs best.
However, if you choose an impeller model, then there’s no way to add an agitator to it later on. That would require you to buy an entirely new machine, which isn’t very practical, to say the least.
But if you get an agitator model and the agitator fails in the course of its usage, then you can buy a replacement from Samsung, which would be a lot more sensible than buying a whole new machine.
Here’s how you can replace your old agitator;
- Disconnect the appliance from the power
- Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the two agitator caps; the inner and the outer.
- Remove the bolt that’s holding the agitator in place.
- Lift the agitator out of the washer and set it aside.
- Take the new agitator and place it in the washer.
- Put everything back in place
- Reconnect the power supply and give it a test run.
Can You Add an Agitator To a Maytag Washing Machine?
Yes, you can add an agitator to a Maytag washing machine if you have a top-loading model that came with an agitator. If not, it would be impossible to do so since impeller and agitator washers use different mechanisms to function.
Sometimes even the most reliable washer can break down, and the agitator is one of the most common parts to fail. If that happens to your Maytag washer, you can easily replace the agitator and get your machine back running.
Here’s the procedure for replacement;
- Cut power to the washing machine by unplugging it from the wall outlet.
- Open the lid and remove the fabric softener dispenser
- Loosen the bolt holding the agitator in place
- Pull out the agitator
- Return the bolt in place
- Place the new agitator in its place
- Rotate the agitator to align it with the shaft and tighten the bolt.
- Return the dispenser
- Reconnect the appliance and check
Can You Add an Agitator To a Whirlpool Washing Machine?
Yes, you can add an agitator to a whirlpool washing machine if you have the model with a 2-in-1 agitator design. The hybrid design of this type of washer combines the best of both worlds – an impeller for gentle fabric care and an agitator for deep cleaning action.
As such, you can use the washer with or without the agitator. If you choose to use it without the agitator, then your clothes will still be cleaned thoroughly. But if you want to enjoy the perks of an agitator, then you can simply add it in.
Final Verdict
Some people might wonder if they can put an agitator in a washing machine. Agitators are only compatible with other agitator machines, so it’s impossible to add one to an impeller washer, unless you have to bring in the manufacturer. However, if your machine initially had an agitator, you can easily put in a new one if the old one breaks. And as usual, always contact the respective manufacturer for replacement parts. The manufacturer is the only one who can guarantee the quality and fit of the new agitator.