In order to help you with your laundry day, manufacturers have invented two major washing machine types: top loading and front loading washing machines. The top load washer can also be classified into two types, agitator washers and High-Efficiency washers (impellers). Here, we have got you covered only the best top load washer with agitator.
Our next discussion will attempt to explain why top load agitator washing machines are more desirable and what are the drawbacks of this type of washer? Apart from the advantages and disadvantages of the under-reviewed genre of washing machines, we will discuss size, price, capacity, smart options, wash cycle control, noise, energy/water efficiency, and gentleness on clothes of a washer.
Therefore, buying a top-loading washing machine with agitators can be the best investment you will ever make, so make your purchase with us.
Contents
- 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of top-loading washing machines with agitator:
- 2 Disadvantages of agitator washer:
- 3 Top 05 Best Top load washer with agitator:
- 4 Buying Guide of the best top loading washing machine with agitator:
Advantages and Disadvantages of top-loading washing machines with agitator:
Don’t underestimate yourself because you are inclined towards top-loading. Though top loading machines are a throwback to the past, they are still relevant and efficient for numerous reasons. Let’s look at its various advantages first.
Less Expensive:
In general, top-loading machines tend to be less expensive than front-loading washers. One who has a low budget but wants some decent options in washing machines must go for top-loading machines with an agitator.
Most top loading washers cost in the range of $200-700, depending on their brand and quality of the purchase. It depends now on your budget whether you choose a top-loader or a front-loader.
Time Efficient:
An agitator washer has a definite competitive edge based on time efficiency. Washing the same amount of clothes in an HE washer takes longer than washing them in an agitator machine.
In general, an impeller washer takes 80 minutes for the same amount of clothes to be cleaned while an agitator takes 60 minutes only.
Easy to Use:
Using an agitator washer is as simple as turning on a ceiling fan. It does not have a large cluster of buttons that may make you confused while washing the clothes. A small number of buttons and switches are easy to understand.
Incredibly, a kid can also set the washing cycle on a top loading agitator machine. Therefore, top-loading traditional washing machines are the ideal choice for elders who do not have enough understanding of technological advancements in washers.
Disadvantages of agitator washer:
It would be unfair if we only made readers aware of the benefits of agitator top loading washers. It is therefore essential to shed light on the dark side of under-reviewed machines. Let’s take a look at a few disadvantages below.
Tough on Fabric:
Washing clothes in a top loading washer can be harder when they are being agitated by a vertical column. Conversely, the impeller’s gentle touch can give you the best experience washing clothes.
We can conclude that agitator washers aren’t ideal for clothes that need extra care. When it comes to tough and rough clothes like bed sheets, cleaning towels, and curtains, agitator washers can deliver amazing results.
More consumption of water and energy:
When we compare an agitator washer with an HE washer (impeller), we find that agitator washers consume more water and electricity to clean the clothes. As a result, agitator washers don’t save energy or water. Top loading washers with impellers do.
Noise:
Washing clothes in a way is a normal activity for women during the weekends. And imagine one Sunday morning when you are sleeping peacefully, but you are disturbed by a deafening grinding mill sound of a washer that disturbs your serenity. How awkward the moment will be.
Most of the washing machines come with high noise. But when we compare an agitator washing machine with an impeller machine, the agitator washer is slightly noisier than the impeller machine. But there is not a huge difference between the noise levels of both.
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Spin speed:
The spin of an agitator washing machine is relatively lower than the impeller washer. The agitator washer’s spin speed ranges from 700RPM to 900RPM.
On the flip side, the impeller washer’s speed varies from 1000RPM to 1400RPM.
The lower spin speed of the agitator washer has one advantage and one disadvantage. A lower spin speed reduces washing machine vibration, which is great for agitator machines. Conversely, a low spin speed does not extract maximum water from clothes, which increases the work burden on a dryer.
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Top 05 Best Top load washer with agitator:
To compile the list of top-loading agitator washing machines, we have analyzed different factors like; wash cycle, temperature control, soak option, capacity, RPM, water efficiency, and material. By analyzing all the features mentioned above, we were able to enlist the following top-rated products for you.
Related Article: Agitator Vs. Impeller washers
1- Speed Queen TR3000WN Top Load Washer
Elegance and simplicity are the two main characteristics in the design of this Speed Queen machine. This white-colored compact top loading machine comes with excellent finishing that is suitable for small to medium size families. Let’s have a look at its different features one by one.
The size capacity of this washing machine is 3.2 cubic feet that are more than adequate for a family of 3 to 4 members. The stainless steel drum adds more value when it comes to gentle wash. The tub not only provides gentle wash to the clothes but also allows you to load them up within the capacity. As we have mentioned before, the tub is made of stainless steel; so, there is no worry about getting it rusted.
The Wash temperature knob permits you to select the desired and required water temperature according to the fabric of clothes that need to be washed in it. You can choose wash temperature from the given options; hot, warm, and cool. Another knob is there on the dashboard to make the washer more water-efficient. By selecting the load size (small, medium, or large), the water is filled accordingly. Not ends yet, another load size option is there to make you tension-free that is auto-fill. The auto-fill option is intelligent enough to select the water level according to the load size and fabric of the clothes.
Now let me tell you something about its wash cycles. This machine comes with 4 different wash cycles that make your washing day super easy. You can select one cycle from the given options like; Heavy-duty, Normal Eco, Prem Press, and Delicate.
Lastly, the maximum spin speed of the machine is 820 RPM. As compared to the older version, this spinning speed has been improved much. However, this spinning speed can’t meet the spin speed of impeller washers.
Pros
- 4 Wash cycles for a different type of fabrics
- 3 Different wash temperature for excellent washing results
- Sizeable Stainless steel washing tub size
- 4 load size to enhance water efficiency
Cons
- Relatively pricey product indeed
Final Verdict
For fast washing with dozens of customization options, the Speed Queen washing machine can be yours at an affordable price. Compact in size, elegant in design, and efficient in washing are the features that may make you shock.
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2- FRIGIDAIRE Top Load Washer, White, 44-1/4" H
Another decent, elegant, and simple washing machine with an agitator is here to be reviewed. Aside from simple and attractive design, there are certain numbers of reasons that may grab your attraction. Let’s check all the pros and cons of this washer one by one.
First, let me describe something about its tub. The drum size is 4.1 cubic feet that are larger than the above-mentioned Speed Queen model. Similar to the above, the drum is made of stainless steel that is adorned with an agitator for fast washing tasks. Moreover, stainless steel is less likely to get rusted or dented over time. Therefore, you can’t question its durability.
With 5 different temperature settings, you will be allowed to make your washing experience versatile. Cold, tap cold, warm, eco warm, and hot are the temperature options that can take your washing experience to the next level.
Unlike the above-reviewed product, this machine comes with 12 different wash cycles. We think, 12 different wash cycles are more than enough to wash different types of fabrics. So, these 12 different wash cycles will get all types of fabric washed efficiently. No matters, either you want to wash heavy-duty fabric clothes, or there are some delicate kids clothes that need to be washed; just adjust the wash cycle accordingly and start washing.
Amazingly, the dashboard of the machine has been adorned with different soil level settings as well. For instance, you can select any given options for excellent cleaning; extra light, light, heavy, extra heavy.
Different types of dispensers are also there in the machine-like; Bleach Dispenser, Detergent Dispenser, Fabric softener Dispenser.
Lastly, having described dozens of its plus points, now it’s time to inform you about its negative points as well. The users are not satisfied with its spin speed that is 680 RPM. With this spin speed, the water extraction process can’t be done efficiently, and the dryer needs to put extra work while drying the clothes.
Pros
- Sizeable stainless steel drum
- 12 different wash cycles for high customization of washing different fabric
- Faster washing because of agitator presence in the drum
- 5 temperature settings
- 5 soil settings
Cons
- Spin speed isn’t satisfactory for many
Final Verdict
FRIGIDAIRE is one of the best brands when it comes to washing machines, and refrigerators. Therefore, if you are a brand-oriented person, give a try to FRIGIDAIRE washer with plenty of washing options at an affordable price.
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3- Amana NTW4516FW White Top Load Washer
Amana NTW4516FW is one of the best entry-level top-loading washers with agitator. Similar to the above models, this one is also designed to be compact and simple. Apart from design, let’s have a look at its material, wash cycle, spin speed, temperature settings, and soil options.
First, let’s have a look at the size of the drum. The drum size is 3.5 cubic feet that can handle the clothes washing task of a small family efficiently. Unlike the above ones, the tub has been made from porcelain. In fact, porcelain material is not like too much by washing machine users. Hence, we can assume that porcelain tub material is a negative point of this machine. A vertical post agitator is there in the center of the tub for a fast washing task.
For added functionality, the centered agitator in the tub is dual-action that is quite suitable for heavy fabric clothes.
There are 8 wash cycles that can get covered almost all basic types of fabrics. These 8 wash cycles are Regular, Casual, Delicate, Heavy, Bulky items & sheets, Drain/Spin, Clean Washer, and Rinse/Spin.
Like any other standard top-loading washer, this machine has also wash temperature options as well. You can select from the following Temp options; Tap Cold, Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Moreover, there are three other options to balance the water level. You can choose the required water level by just rotating the knob on the dashboard.
In last, it’s noteworthy to inform you about the spin speed of this washer. The spin speed is 700 RPM that is reasonable but not satisfactory for many users.
Pros
- Available at a low price
- 8 wash cycles for a versatile washing experience
- Suitable for small families
- Different temperature options
Cons
- Porcelain drum is not liked by many
Final Verdict
At an affordable price, this Amana washer with plenty of basic features is the best choice for many. If you also have a tight budget and want a decent washer, give it a try AMANA washer.
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4- GE GTW685BSLWS with Stainless Steel Basket
Are you a homeowner? If yes, you would have any GE appliance in your home. GE is a well-known name when it comes to electronics home appliances. Hence, if you are a person who is much conscious about the brand of the buying product, GE GTW685BSLWS is made for you. Let’s start analyzing its different features;
The size of the drum is quite suitable for a medium-sized family (3 to 4 members). The tub measures 4.5 cubic feet. Furthermore, it is made of stainless steel, so, no worries about durability. Moreover, the tub of the machine has been equipped with an agitator. The agitator is a dual-action that provides complete clothes rinse.
Amazingly, the GE washer allows you to wash clothes in 14 different wash cycles. So, these 14 wash cycles ensure to get every type of fabric covered in the washing task. Some of the most commonly used wash cycles of this machine are Activewear, Jeans, Casual, Speed Wash, and white.
For complete rinsing of clothes, 6 water temperature options are there on the dashboard. So, choose from the following temperature settings according to the fabric; Hot, Warm, Colors, Cool, Cold, and Tap Cold.
Additionally, you will observe three dispensers in this washer; bleach dispenser, detergent, Fabric softener.
In short, we can say that this GE washer offers every basic feature for washing clothes that is considered essential.
Lastly, the washer’s maximum spin speed is 800RPM that is considered quite well for clothes washing. However, clothes take more time to dry, if they are washed with this spin speed.
Pros
- The washer is made by a well-known brand
- Durable and cost-effective
- Dual-action agitator washer
- Good for medium size families
- 14 wash cycle enhances the versatilities
Cons
- Spin speed is not satisfactory
Final Verdict
For a person, who wants to buy a washer of a reputable brand, but has a tight budget, GE GTW685BSLWS is one of the best top loading washing machines with an agitator. Invest in this product and use it for a year because of its quality material and manufacturing.
5- Kenmore Top-Load Electric Washer and Dryer
Like GE, Kenmore is another brand that needs not be introduced. Whether you have to buy a refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, range, vacuum, electric grills, washer, or dryer, Kenmore manufactures everything for homeowners. Here, we are going to review Kenmore electric washer and dryer.
As the name shows that the package consists of one washer and one dryer. The washer’s tub size is 3.8 cubic feet. And the tub is made of stainless steel which is the other name of reliability and durability.
More than 10 wash cycles are there to give you the perfect washing experience for every type of fabric.
For optimum use of water, there is a knob on the dashboard which helps to choose the options between Deep fill and auto-fill. So, choose according to your needs either you want deep fill or autofill. In the deep fill option, the washer uses more water, while in Auto refill, the sensor senses the need for water and wash clothes accordingly.
Five wash temperature options have also been provided for complete washing. You can choose Cold, Cool dark, cool light, warm, hot. So, choose the temperature according to the demand of the fabric.
The point of attraction in this washer is its triple action agitator. Triple action agitator gives a detailed washing experience and it can make the task faster. The inclusion of the dryer in the package makes the spin speed discussion irrelevant.
Pros
- One of the most reliable brands
- Wash and Dryer combo Package
- Durable and quality manufacturing
- Trip action agitator washing machine and dryer
Cons
- A pricey product
Final Verdict
Because of the inclusion of the dryer in the package, the price of the product is slightly higher than the agitator washer mentioned above. However, quality material and reputable manufacturers make it more desirable for many.
Buying Guide of the best top loading washing machine with agitator:
Just investing money in a product doesn’t ensure you that the product will be perfect. Therefore, aside from investing money in a product, investing time before buying is also essential. Hence, it is always advised to research vigilantly before purchasing any product. And same is the case with an agitator washing machine. Let’s have a look at a different features which you should consider before buying an agitator washer.

Capacity:
Capacity could be the first factor that either causes prices to skyrocket or causes them to fall. It is necessary to evaluate your family size in order to figure out which capacity of a top load washing machine is suitable for you. As the size of the family increases, capacity should be increased accordingly.
3 to 4 cubic feet of washer tub is more than enough for a family of three to four people. However, if you have a larger family, you will have to select a tub accordingly.
Material:
The longevity of a washing machine is ensured with good quality material. You should therefore check the quality of the material. Find out what kind of materials have been used to manufacture the body of the washer. It is important to examine the drum’s material since the drum is more prone to get rusted.
The tub is usually made of stainless steel or porcelain. Stainless steel tubs are preferable according to users, as they last longer.
Size:
Similar to the feature, Capacity, the size of a washer depends upon the available space in the house. As a general rule, top loading washing machines with agitators are designed to be compact; however, first, ensure that enough space is available.
Decide which agitator washer will suit you the most once you have measured the space.
Cycles:
Washing clothes at weekends is more versatile if there are multiple cycles in a washing machine. Hence, a good agitator washer tends to have different cycles for different types of fabrics.
It is typically the case of agitator washers to have 4 to 10 separate rinse cycles. On the above-listed list of top loading washing machines with agitators, several models have more than ten different washing cycles, which will be a great benefit to many.
Water and Energy Efficient:
In some cases, a washer’s initial cost can be relatively low when compared to any standard model available on the market. Nevertheless, the operating costs of that cheap washer could be higher than you anticipate. Cheaper washers are not designed to consume optimal water and energy. This will result in you having to pay more.
Therefore, check either the washing machine is water-efficient or not. Likewise, find out how much energy it will consume and how much electricity you will have to pay for it. Make your decision wisely after considering these two aspects.
Smart and automatic Features
With technological advancements, the world has become a completely different place. The same is true for washing machines. Different smart features in washing machines have revolutionized the concept of clothes washing.
With smart features, you can choose the cycle depending on the fabric of your clothes. Moreover, you can select the water-saving option by just rotating the knob on the dashboard of the washer. In a smart washer, you can choose different water temperatures when it comes to washing different fabrics, as different fabrics need different temperatures.
Washer and Dryer Combo:
You might decide to purchase a washer with the dryer in it unless you already have one. There is no need to buy a combo when you already have one.
As far as price goes, you’ll pay more for a combo package, but you get more for your money.
Last Words:
In addition to our comprehensive buying guide, the best top load washer with agitator reviewed-above will make it easy for you to choose the right washing machine for your needs. We would appreciate hearing from you if you have any agitator washers in your home that you have experienced in the comments. Also, if you have any other questions related to the reviewed products, you can ask in the comment section. Answering your query would be our pleasure. Thank you. Stay blessed.
FAQ:
Are top load washers with agitators better?
We have described the advantages and disadvantages of the top load agitator washer above. If you have a tight budget and want quicker clothes cleaning, an agitator washer can be the best choice for you. Moreover, agitator washers are easy to use and even a kid can easily operate them without getting confused.
In contrast, agitator washers don’t tend to be water and energy-efficient. Furthermore, agitator washers are expected to be slightly noisier than impeller washers.
Now the choice is yours, either you choose a washer with an agitator or without it. Check available budget, family size, and available space before going to purchase.
Can you put an agitator in a washing machine?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a big no. If you want a washing machine with an agitator, you will have to buy a washer with a built-in agitator. There is no option to manually add an agitator in a tub. So far, not a single manufacturer introduced to add an agitator to the drum.
Which is the best top loading washing machine agitator?
We have enlisted almost the top 05 agitator washers and all are performing well, according to users. However, if you want to choose one of the best among the 05 above given options, we will recommend GE GTW685BSLWS.