Here, is info from Good Housekeeping on agitators vs impellers (sp?). These ipros and cons seem fairly universal, and why I’m sticking to a top loader.…especially the new ones with removable agitator for very delicate clothes. it looks like WP and LG are the main (only?) contenders. First hand experience with either would be appreciated!!

( older, with no info on the new removable feature. )

Top-Load Washer with Agitator

Pros of an Agitator

• The main advantage of a washing machine agitator is that they are frequently less expensive.
• A washing machine agitator is known for delivering a more powerful cleaning than machines without one.
• Doss says the cost associated with maintaining them is less than washers without agitators.

Cons of an Agitator

• A washing machine agitator generally uses more water, Kerr says.
• Agitators are also tougher on fabrics, as the agitation can be too vigorous, Doss says.
• Agitators can damage delicate items and lead to tangled clothes.
• An agitator has a limited capacity for larger loads because of the central post.

Top-Load Washer with Impeller

Pros of an Impeller

• The main advantage is that they are usually more energy-efficient. They use less water over a shorter period of time.
• An impeller is gentler on clothes.
• A washing machine with an impeller has a large capacity and can easily accommodate bulky items.

Cons of an Impellor

• Washing machines with impellers are generally more expensive.
• While an impeller is gentle on your clothes, it is not as known for powerful stain removal, compared to agitators.
• Some impeller models can be hard to keep clean. They may be more prone to trapping dirt, lint, and debris.

The ideal washing machine will ultimately be determined by the user’s specific needs and preferences. Consider capacity, energy efficiency, price, and deep clean features before choosing a top-load washer for your home.

The removable agitator post, IMO, is a gimmick. It has some utility in promoting the user to arrange blankets, sheets, and other bulky items around the circumference of the basket instead of across the wash plate ... but the centerpost more likely would be removed for such items, so there's that.

It's not a one-way auger with a slip-clutch that allows rotation in only one direction to promote load rollover like the agitator on machine of years past. It affixes stationary to the wash plate and oscillates in both directions.

This guy's view review shows loads turning over just as well without the centerpost as with it. His warning about reliability problems related to the mounting spring and lack of a protective cap when the centerpost is removed are overblown IMO. Clothes roll up the center, away from the mounting area, not down the center toward it.

I'd still buy a Speed Queen. My washer is now 12 years old and still going strong. I can wash and dry in an hour. It's built like a tank and has never gone off balance.

Ty , dadoes. i want it to easily wash king comforters, etc. , which is why am not getting the too small SQ. …which I’m sure I’d love otherwise. My 25 year old wp Calypso ( which had its issues for some, I believe ) was never a problem, but I’m guessing its ”impeller” , (i guess it has) , is perhaps not the greatest cleaner. Ive not had a comparison washer in 25 years. You’re saying, I think, that the wp agitator does not improve on other impeller only washers? Do you know of side by side tests? appreciate your knowledgable input. Did you read the good HKeeping review and disagree?

Search YouTube for other videos, and the web in general for written reviews of that WP model.

Regards to Calypso, it's the granddaddy of HE toploaders, the most innovative HE toploader design thus far produced, and the best performing IMO. I have one. I don't think your machine is quite yet 25yo being that they were introduced circa 2001 (the Kenmore model was a bit earlier than the WP version). I can decode the serial number for the year/week of factory production if you want to cite it for an accurate age (not counting any warehouse time before your purchase).

Oh so tired of sitting and reading reviews! :( My 25 years was a guestiment, but been at least 22 years. No need to know exactly, though. Sadly, it has sprung a leak and not cost worthy to fix Also rusted bottom.

Can you suggest a better washer for my needs?

Dadoes, can you tell me the interior size in cu.ft. of your old WPCalypso? Mine can handle a king -size down comforter. it’s big enough , and would not want a smaller one. This will greatly help with my decision . BTW, it’s impeller, if that's what it has, seems taller than others I’ve seen pictured. Maybe why it works better? Many thanks!

All Calypsos were/are the same size, 3.5 cu ft. The Calypso impeller (more correctly called a nutator) is a completely different action from any other washer now on the market. It wobbles on the center axis to simultaneously bounce the clothes, roll them over from outside to the center, and rotate the load counterclockwise around the basket through a water recirculation shower.

Hmmm, if I were smart enough…not!… could I switch out the new wp’s impeller for my old calypso’s nutator? Silly. Here is a less ridiculous question: Since my old calypso can handle a king sized comforter, can I assume a 3.5 SQ would as well? I’m having a hard time pulling the trigger, as you can tell. While reviews are helpful, all the contradictory experiences make my head spin. 🥴 Just checked. SQ top load is 3.2.

martinca, we have a 2017 TL SQ. A king sized comforter can not be washed in it in the usual manner, but it can be cleaned in one using a different method if it is not in need of a deep cleaning. It beats going to a laundromat where who knows what has been cleaned in the machines there. The best method is to start filling the machine with water and add the detergent you want to use, make sure the detergent is dissolved or well mixed in the water, then add the comforter. Once the water level reaches its max level, stop the machine, and just submerge the comforter as best as you can for a few minutes. Turn the dial to the first spin and let it drain and spin a bit, fill it with water again for the rinse, and manually submerge it, let it spin to completion. You may want to reset it for a second spin, then you can dry it. It is not ideal, but it beats driving to a laundromat, using the machines there and coming back. I read an article that described washing and rinsing a comforter in a bathtub, and once again using your washer to damp dry it. Either of these methods may help you decide on a washer for your needs. Our SQ is solid and spins these things without any problem.

Swap a Calypso's nutator plate into a new impeller machine ... not possible. Completely different mechanisms.

Presumably you've not watched your Calypso in operation (the lid safety switch stops all action when opened). This video of a servicer's haul-away machine may be of interest. The very small load clearly shows the nutator's wobbling motion (begins at 4:30 after an initial soaking treatment). Nutation (at different speeds) and spin-soaking periods occur on varying durations depending on the cycle selection. The nutation action is better on a larger load with items rolling over as they move around the drum.

Martinca,

Like armjim, I have a Speed Queen top load washer. I'm not up for what armjim goes through to wash a comforter in it. I can wash a twin size comforter in it in a regular manner, but on the other larger beds we have comforters that I have to bring to the laundromat. Otherwise, I have quilts and throws on the larger beds (which can fit in the SQ), which works out better for me as I don't like to think what has been in the machines at the laundromat before I got there. One time, the washer at the laundromat was full of broken glass--somehow. The last time I brought pillows to the laundromat, our washed pillows smelled of liquid fabric softener for a long time, which I don't use.

I think I remember a member, on another forum, has an LG top load washer, and she said she was very pleased with it, when the topic came up over there. Have you looked into LG top load or looked at YouTube videos to see if it would fit your needs? HTH

I gave up king sized comforters 10 or so years ago. Too much of a pain to wash, the insides bunch up, they're heavy, the threads to hold the insides break. I use nice blankets now that fit in my washer. I also gave up dust ruffles at the same time and use a plain fitted sheet on the box springs.

martinca, I totally get it. You have to make the decision that is best for you. I think your dh is right-pick one and start using it. If it is not what you had hoped-sell it and buy something else. Don't settle for anything that is not making you pleased with how it performs.

martinca, here's a video of someone's WP with the removable agitator. Says he likes the machine but the centerpost attachment does nothing useful. Notice that the items near the centerpost move slightly up/down, it doesn't do anything to promote rollover.

Compare to this set of sheets in my Calypso (13 years ago).

If you want to wash a king sized comforter, you will need to move to the better cleaning front loaders. They really do offer superior performance.

dadoes that video is incredible. If my Mom and Dad's Bravos had that kind of action and water surge, I would be much happier. I guess 13 years is a lifetime in washer technology and EPA legislation.

armjim, it dates to 2001 per model & serial numbers. I bought it and the matching dryer used in January 2007. Sat in my garage until I refurbed it and put it into use in late 2008. Moved it to standby in 2018 for the AquaSmart. The full sheets cycle is in five parts on my YT channel, my camera at the time couldn't record clips longer than 10 mins.