For the strongest reported scores among the agitator top-loaders in Consumer Reports’ 2026 Buying Guide, start with the LG WT8405CW (80 overall), LG WT7005CW (78) or LG WT8205CW (78). Those dated ratings are a useful shortlist, not a universal verdict: the right washer depends on the loads you wash, available space, efficiency priorities and features you’ll actually use.
What an agitator does—and what it does not tell you
An agitator is a tall post in the center of the basket that moves back and forth. Whirlpool describes the action as rubbing against clothes to help loosen soil. An impeller, by contrast, is a low-profile cone or disc that moves clothes against one another; because it takes up less tub space, an impeller washer may offer more capacity. These are design differences, not proof that one type always cleans better.
LG describes its agitator wash action as moving clothes left and right, up and down. That is the manufacturer’s explanation of its system, rather than independent comparative test evidence. Whirlpool’s washer-type guide and LG’s top-load washer page explain their respective designs.
How the leading models compare
The table shows the agitator entries with the highest overall scores in Consumer Reports’ 2026 Buying Guide. Scores are guide ratings, not guarantees for every household or a claim that the models have been retested since publication.
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- The WH43X30957 Agitator Assembly is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (Authentic OEM) part from General Electric that fits various models from the following brands of washers: GE, Hotpoint. Make sure to check below for your part number
- OEM Part WH43X30957 Agitator Assembly is a brand new part; quality tested as per GE standards. GE part WH43X30957 may differ in appearance, but is a functional equivalent to prior parts including: WH43X25304, WH43X26845
- The GE WH43X30957 Washer Agitator Assembly (Replaces: WH43X25304, WH43X26845) rotates back and forth to move the clothes inside the tub to clean the load
- This is an authorized, brand new, genuine GE part.
- It is recommended to either refer to your appliance service manual, contact your appliance manufacturer, or contact a service professional to validate the needed part number for your appliance prior to purchasing
| Model | Overall | Reliability | Owner satisfaction | Washing | Energy | Water | Gentleness | Noise | Vibration | Cycle time | Dimensions (H × W × D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG WT8405CW | 80 | 50 | 30 | 50 | 40 | 50 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 90 min | 43 × 27 × 29 in |
| LG WT7005CW | 78 | 50 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 70 min | 45 × 27 × 29 in |
| LG WT8205CW | 78 | 50 | 30 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 50 | 105 min | 43 × 27 × 29 in |
| LG WT7305CW | 77 | 50 | 30 | 50 | 40 | 50 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 70 min | 45 × 27 × 29 in |
| Samsung WA46CG3505AW | 69 | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table |
| Samsung WA54CG7105AD | 68 | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table | Not stated in the cited table |
Scores and listed cycle times are from Consumer Reports, Buying Guide 2026, pp. 59–60. Its table also rates Whirlpool WTW5015LW and GE GTW385ASWWS at 56 overall, Maytag MVW5035MW at 56, Whirlpool WTW4957PW at 55, Maytag MVW6500MBK at 51, and Maytag MVW4505MW at 49. That spread is a reason to compare models rather than assume all agitator machines perform alike. The sub-scores are useful for priorities, but without the guide’s rating-scale context, a number should not be treated as a stand-alone promise or interpreted as a universal measure of what matters most.
Current Whirlpool configurations to consider
Whirlpool’s live comparison chart provides examples of conventional agitator machines and models with a removable agitator. Capacities and listed features below reflect the chart; exact features can differ by suffix or revision, so confirm the precise product page and manual before buying.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL CLEAN: Agitators pack a punch in the washing machine. As your washer spins, the Agitators pound into the fabric, forcing soil and stains to the surface.
- STRONG AND REUSABLE: Made with 100% eco-friendly and durable silicone. Free of lead, BPA, and phthalates.
- INCLUDES: A total of 4 agitator balls, each ball weighing approximately 1.5oz and measuring 2.5 inches in diameter. Just what you need to get your laundry cleaner and drier.
- FASTER DRY: In the dryer, Agitators lift and separate the fabric allowing hot air to flow more efficiently, helping dry your laundry quickly. The bumps and spikes on the balls massage the fabric so it comes out softer and fluffier.
- USE: Toss all 4 Agitators into the washer with your cloth diapers or regular laundry. When the wash cycle is complete, transfer the Agitators (along with your laundry) into the dryer. Specially designed for the Esembly cloth diapers (sold separately), safe and effective on all of your household laundry.
| Model | Configuration and listed capacity | Features highlighted in Whirlpool’s chart |
|---|---|---|
| WTW5105LW | Agitator; 4.7 cu. ft. | Pretreat Station, 360 Wash Agitator, deep-water wash option, quick wash, presoak, stainless-steel basket |
| WTW5015LW | Agitator; 4.6 cu. ft. | Built-in faucet |
| WTW5025SW | Agitator; 4.5 cu. ft. | Built-in faucet and 360 Wash Agitator |
| WTW4957PW | Removable agitator; 3.8–3.9 cu. ft. | Deep-water wash, quick wash, soil selection, presoak, stainless-steel basket |
| WTW5057LW | Removable agitator; 4.7–4.8 cu. ft. | Not stated in the cited chart |
| WTW6157PB | Removable agitator; 5.2–5.3 cu. ft. | ENERGY STAR certification and direct-drive motor |
| WTW8127LW | Smart removable-agitator model; 5.2–5.3 cu. ft. | Smart features, Load & Go, Pretreat Station Plus, ENERGY STAR certification |
A removable agitator gives you the option of an agitator for some loads and an open basket for others. Check the manual for instructions and any limits on operation or load size with the agitator removed. Whirlpool’s top-load comparison chart is the place to verify its currently listed configurations.
Choose by the laundry you actually wash
Capacity and bulky items
Use advertised capacity as one comparison, not a guarantee that a comforter or other bulky item will fit or wash effectively. Consider the item’s dimensions, room for movement, how often you wash large loads and the washer’s actual basket shape. A larger stated capacity may also come with a different exterior footprint, so compare both usable space and published dimensions.
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Rank #3
- WHAT TODAY'S WASHING MACHINES ARE MISSING | Add back in the Agitation to scrub your clothes clean!
- CONSERVE WATER AND DETERGENT | Avoid re-washing clothes and enjoy cleaner clothes!
- SAVE TIME AND MONEY | Get your clothes truly clean the first time!
- BLEACH AND CHLORINE FREE | Boost your laundry without irritating your baby or the environment!
- LASTS FOREVER | Silicone based agitators never wear out! Lifetime Guarantee!
Cycle time and fabric care
The Consumer Reports guide lists cycle times ranging from 70 minutes for the WT7005CW and WT7305CW to 105 minutes for the WT8205CW among the four LG models above. Treat those as the guide’s reported figures, not a guarantee for every selected cycle or load. The same guide separately scores gentleness; the WT7305CW’s listed gentleness score is 20, compared with 30 for the other three LG models in the table. Compare these measures alongside the kinds of fabrics you wash, rather than assuming an agitator is automatically rough or that a shorter listed cycle suits every load.
Efficiency and ongoing costs
ENERGY STAR advises shoppers to compare the yellow EnergyGuide labels of similar models for energy use and estimated annual operating cost. Its clothes-washer page says full-sized ENERGY STAR-certified washers use 14 gallons per load, compared with 20 gallons for a standard machine; it also says certified front-load washers use about 50% less energy and water than a top-load agitator washer. These are program-level comparisons, not measurements of every individual washer. Verify the exact model’s current certification and label. ENERGY STAR also says water heating accounts for about 90% of the energy used to operate a clothes washer; cold washing can reduce energy use, depending on the load and soil. ENERGY STAR’s clothes-washer page provides its label and category guidance.
Rank #4
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
Confirm fit, installation and exact model details
Before ordering, compare the full model number—including its suffix—with the manufacturer’s current listing and manual. Confirm capacity, included features, certification and installation requirements for that exact version. Measure the washer area, access route and doorways; check lid clearance, hookups and room for service access. Published height, width and depth do not establish that a washer will fit through a doorway or work in a particular laundry area. Ask the seller or installer about delivery, installation, warranty and any removal or hookup requirements.
Consumer Reports’ guide lists snapshot prices, but they are not current quotes and are omitted here as a basis for shopping. Check current price and availability with the seller; model suffix, delivery terms and included services can affect the offer.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Capacity: The 4.1 cu. ft. capacity of this washer machine provides ample space for large laundry loads, making it ideal for daily use in homes and for large families
- Agitator Clothes Washer: Top load washing machine with agitator helps provide fast, effective cleaning for tough, heavy duty stains and heavily soiled laundry needs
- Stainless Steel Wash Tub: Durable stainless steel wash tub in this washing machine resists rust and wear. Designed for longevity, providing reliable performance for all your top load washer needs
- Multiple Wash Cycles: Wash your laundry at home with this Black and Decker washing machine. Our clothes washer has 10 cycle selections to choose from for a variety of clothes, washes and needs
- Timed Delay Feature: With a 24-hour delay function, this full size washing machine offers flexibility in scheduling. Perfect for busy lifestyles, simply plan wash cycles at your convenience
A practical way to make the decision
- Set your priorities. Decide whether cleaning results, reliability, gentleness, cycle time, efficiency, bulky-load flexibility or specific conveniences matter most.
- Shortlist exact models. Use the dated Consumer Reports scores as one comparison point, then check the manufacturer’s current specifications and model suffix.
- Match capacity and fit. Account for your usual loads, bulky items, basket space, exterior dimensions and installation clearance.
- Compare operating information. Read each model’s EnergyGuide label and confirm any ENERGY STAR certification rather than inferring efficiency from capacity or features.
- Verify the final purchase details. Confirm current availability, included features, delivery, installation, warranty and manual instructions with the retailer or manufacturer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
