A removable-agitator washing machine is worth considering if your laundry swings between heavy, dirty loads and bulky items like comforters, dog beds, towels, or kids’ sports gear. The idea is simple: install the agitator post when you want more mechanical wash action, then remove it to create an open impeller-style basket for larger loads.
For 2026 buyers, this is not a huge product category. Whirlpool is the most visible national brand offering true 2-in-1 removable-agitator top-load washers. Many other brands sell top-load machines with fixed agitators or impellers, but those are not the same thing.
Most homeowners should budget about $600 to $1,100 for the washer itself, before delivery, hoses, haul-away, installation, valve repairs, drain corrections, or electrical work. On our job sites, the washer choice is usually the easy part. The expensive surprises are behind the machine: old shutoff valves that will not close, undersized drains, ungrounded or unprotected receptacles, weak flooring, and upstairs laundry rooms with no leak plan.
This guide covers the best removable-agitator washer choices, how they compare with fixed agitator, impeller, and front-load machines, and what to check before you order one.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- Cross Reference Part Numbers: W11614636, AP7193565, W11395428
- Compatible With Brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Sears, Kenmore and others.
- Please see product description for model compatibility!
- One Year Warranty!
Best Removable-Agitator Washers to Shortlist in 2026
If you want a true removable agitator, start with Whirlpool’s 2-in-1 top-load lineup. Availability and pricing vary by ZIP code, finish, holiday sale, and retailer bundle, but these are the models we would put on a practical homeowner shortlist.
Best Value: Whirlpool 4.2-4.3 Cu. Ft. WTW4307SW / WTW4107SW
This is the most straightforward entry point into the category. Whirlpool lists a 4.2-4.3 cu. ft. top-load washer with a 2-in-1 removable agitator and soft-close glass lid, and major retailers have carried closely related 4.3 cu. ft. models. At the time researched, Best Buy listed the Whirlpool 4.3 cu. ft. WTW4307SW at $599.99, with marketplace/new options around $599.12 to $800.07. Best Buy also showed haul-away at $49.99.
For a family that wants the removable-agitator feature without paying for smart controls or a premium finish, this is the cleanest starting point. The 4.3 cu. ft. basket is not the largest available, but it is enough for normal household loads, towels, jeans, and many bedding items when the agitator is removed.
Best fit: small to mid-size households, rental-friendly laundry rooms, first-floor laundry areas, and homeowners replacing an older top-load washer without changing the room.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Mid-Size Pick: Whirlpool 4.7-4.8 Cu. Ft. WTW5057LW
The Whirlpool WTW5057LW moves into the 4.7-4.8 cu. ft. range and is commonly shown with the 2-in-1 removable agitator and a Deep Water Wash option. This is the size range we would look at for households doing frequent towels, work clothes, bedding, and mixed weekly laundry.
The larger basket gives you more reason to use the removable agitator. With the post in place, you get stronger rollover for dirty loads. With the post out, you have room for bulkier items that can bind around a fixed agitator in a traditional washer.
Best fit: families, active households, homeowners who want a traditional top-load feel, and laundry rooms where a front-load door swing would be awkward.
Best Large-Capacity Option: Whirlpool 5.2-5.3 Cu. Ft. WTW6157PW / WTW6157PB
In the 5.2-5.3 cu. ft. class, the removable-agitator concept makes even more sense. This capacity can handle larger bedding and bigger weekly loads, but it still lets you reinstall the agitator when you are washing dirty workwear, towels, or heavily soiled clothes.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Lowe’s has listed a Whirlpool 5.2 cu. ft. high-efficiency top-load washer with impeller and agitator capability, and Whirlpool’s larger 2-in-1 models are generally in the higher end of the common $600 to $1,100 removable-agitator range.
Rank #2
- Replacement for W11614636 - MacMaxe 2-in-1 removable washer agitator designed as a compatible replacement for Whirlpool washing machines that use part number W11614636.
- Also Replaces W11395428 and AP7193565 - Cross-reference replacement for washer agitator part numbers W11614636, W11395428, and AP7193565.
- 2-in-1 Removable Design - Helps restore the removable agitator function on compatible washers, allowing the machine to be used with or without the center agitator depending on load type.
- Restores Washing Performance - A damaged, cracked, missing, or worn agitator may reduce movement inside the tub and affect cleaning performance during wash cycles.
- Verify Before Ordering - Please confirm your washer model and original part number before purchase. This part is not universal and may not fit all Whirlpool washer models.
Best fit: larger households, queen bedding, frequent bulky loads, and laundry rooms with enough clearance for a large top-load lid and comfortable loading height.
Best Smart Model: Whirlpool 5.2-5.3 Cu. Ft. WTW8127LW / WTW8127LC
The Whirlpool WTW8127 series is the model to consider if you want the larger basket plus smart features. Best Buy has listed a Whirlpool 5.2-5.3 cu. ft. high-efficiency smart top-load washer with 2-in-1 removable agitator in finishes such as Chrome Shadow.
We would only pay extra for smart controls if your household will actually use them. From a contractor’s perspective, simple controls age well because everyone in the house can run the machine without an app, account, or learning curve. Smart features can be useful for alerts, cycle reminders, and remote monitoring, but they should not outweigh serviceability, warranty, noise, and local parts support.
Best fit: homeowners who want a large washer, app alerts, premium finishes, and a more feature-heavy control panel.
Removable Agitator vs Fixed Agitator vs Impeller vs Front Load
The right washer type depends on how you live, not just the spec sheet. A removable-agitator washer is a compromise by design, and that is why it works for many households.
| Washer Type | Best For | Tradeoffs | Construction Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable agitator top-load | Mixed loads: dirty clothes, towels, sports gear, bedding | Limited brand selection; not always the most efficient option | Check lid clearance, drain performance, valve condition, and floor level |
| Fixed agitator top-load | Dirty everyday laundry and traditional controls | Center post can limit bulky items and may be rougher on some fabrics | Usually simple swaps if utilities are already correct |
| Impeller top-load | Open basket, bulky loads, lower-profile wash plate | Some users dislike load balancing or cleaning action on heavy soil | Still needs correct standpipe, hoses, shutoffs, and level floor |
| Front-load | Energy efficiency, water savings, stacking, tight closets | Door swing, bending, gasket care, vibration control | Floor stiffness and leveling matter more, especially upstairs |
If your household washes construction work clothes, muddy uniforms, towels, and bedding in the same week, a removable-agitator washer is a practical middle lane. It gives you the familiar top-load workflow and the option to create a more open basket when the load calls for it.
If maximum water and energy savings are your top priority, compare ENERGY STAR front-load machines before you buy. ENERGY STAR states that certified clothes washers use about 20% less energy and about 30% less water than regular washers, with about $530 in lifetime energy-cost savings for certified models. Some top-load washers are ENERGY STAR certified, but front-load machines often lead on efficiency.
What These Washers Really Cost in 2026
The sticker price is only one line item. For a clean replacement in a laundry room with working valves, a proper drain, and a safe receptacle, the final cost can stay close to the appliance price. For an older house or a laundry relocation, the washer can become the cheapest part of the job.
| Item | Typical 2026 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Removable-agitator washer | $600-$1,100 | Entry 4.2-4.3 cu. ft. models near $600; larger, smart, or colored models often $800-$1,100 |
| Basic delivery/setup | Often included above retailer thresholds | May require new hoses and accessible shutoffs |
| Haul-away | About $50 | Best Buy showed $49.99 for the researched Whirlpool model |
| Labor-only appliance installation | $100-$350 | HomeGuide’s 2026 average for appliance installation labor |
| Simple washer replacement | $150-$350 | Realistic homeowner budget when water, drain, and 120V outlet already exist |
| Hookups near existing utilities | $350-$600 | Thumbtack’s 2026 range when new laundry is close to water, power, and gas lines |
| More involved installation with plumbing/electrical changes | $1,039-$2,137+ | Homewyse May 2026 estimate starts in this range per machine |
| Washer outlet box materials | About $16-$72 | Lowe’s and Home Depot listings commonly fall in this range |
| Complex relocation or new laundry area | $1,500 to several thousand dollars | Depends on drain/vent routing, circuits, dryer venting, drywall, flooring, gas, permits, and access |
For budgeting, separate the appliance purchase from the room work. A $699 washer going into a correct first-floor laundry room may be a one-hour hookup. The same washer going into a second-floor closet with no drain pan, old galvanized piping, and an undersized standpipe can become a plumbing, electrical, flooring, and drywall project.
Rank #3
- GENUINE OEM: Whirlpool Genuine OEM Parts are designed specifically for your appliance, meet Whirlpool engineering standards, and are crafted to ensure the quality of your appliance
- REPLACEMENT PART NUMBERS: W11614636 Washer Agitator Assembly replaces the part number W11395428
- COMPATIBLE APPLIANCES: W11614636 is compatible with select Whirlpool washer brands
- ONE YEAR WARRANTY: Whirlpool offers the well-tested, high-quality parts that your appliances deserve with a one-year warranty
- KEEP YOUR HOME HUMMING: For over 100 years, Whirlpool has cared for your appliance as you care for your home, which is why our replacement parts are made using durable materials and innovative processes
Laundry-Room Requirements Before You Buy
Before ordering any washer, take four photos: the water shutoff box, drain standpipe, electrical receptacle, and full machine space with a tape measure visible. Those photos help an installer or contractor price the job correctly and spot problems before delivery day.
Measure the Space
Measure width, depth, height, rear clearance, lid swing, doorways, stair turns, and hallway width. Do not rely on the old washer size. Larger 5.2-5.3 cu. ft. top-load machines need enough lid clearance so the lid can open fully without hitting shelving or cabinets.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteLeave working room behind the washer for hoses and the drain hose. In tight closets, check whether the washer can be pulled out for service without removing trim, doors, or built-ins. A laundry closet that looks fine empty can be miserable once hoses, venting, and a dryer are installed.
Confirm the Electrical Setup
A washing machine needs a proper 120V laundry receptacle. Current electrical practice commonly requires GFCI protection for laundry areas, and many situations also trigger AFCI requirements depending on location, code cycle, and local adoption. Basements, garages, laundry rooms, and unfinished areas are common places where GFCI protection matters.
If you have a two-prong receptacle, loose outlet, scorched cover, extension cord, or a washer sharing a questionable circuit with other heavy loads, stop and have it checked. An appliance delivery crew may refuse hookup, and they should.
Check the Drain
Washing machines discharge a lot of water quickly. Modern plumbing standards commonly call for a 2-inch standpipe and a properly trapped and vented drain. The International Plumbing Code addresses clothes washer standpipes and receptor drainage, including standpipe requirements and indirect/special waste provisions.
On older homes, we often see 1-1/2-inch drains, improvised hose connections, standpipes cut too low, missing traps, poor venting, or drains that back up during a high-flow discharge. Before delivery, run water into the standpipe and watch for slow drainage, gurgling, or backup. If the washer drain has overflowed before, do not assume a new machine will fix it.
Inspect Shutoff Valves and Hoses
Turn both hot and cold shutoffs off and on before installation day. If they are frozen, leaking at the stem, corroded, or buried behind the machine, replace them before the new washer arrives. A good laundry box with accessible shutoffs is cheap compared with water damage. Material cost for a washing-machine outlet box is commonly around $16 to $72, depending on brand and configuration.
Use new supply hoses unless the manufacturer or retailer provides equivalent new hoses. Braided stainless steel hoses are a common upgrade. Make sure the hoses are not kinked, stretched, rubbing sharp edges, or trapped behind the washer.
Level the Floor
Top-load washers still need a level, stable floor. If the machine walks, bangs, or shakes, do not blame the washer first. Check the floor, feet, subfloor stiffness, and load balance. Upstairs laundry rooms deserve extra attention because vibration travels through framing and water leaks travel through finished ceilings.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #4
- The W11614636 agitator is designed to create a powerful water flow that thoroughly moves clothes through the wash cycle, ensuring deep cleaning and stain removal.
- Perfectly fits a range of newer Whirlpool top-load washers, including models: WTW8127LC0 WTW8127LC1 WTW6157PW0 WTW5057LW1 WTW8127LW0 WTW8127LW1 WTW4107SW0 8TWTW5057PW0 WTW4307SW0 WTW8127LW2 WTW8127LC2 WTW6157PB0 8TWTW5057PW1 7MWTW8127LW0 WTW4957PW0 WTW5057LW0 WTW6157PB1 WTW6157PW1 and more...
- Made from heavy-duty, reinforced plastic that is built to withstand high-speed spinning and heavy laundry loads without cracking or warping.
- The smooth finish and engineered fins are designed to scrub away dirt while being gentle on your clothes, preventing tangling and fabric wear.
Water Damage Prevention for Upstairs and Finished Laundry Rooms
For a basement laundry area with a floor drain, risk is lower. For a second-floor laundry closet or a laundry room over finished space, leak control should be part of the project scope.
On our remodels, we look at five items: washer pan, drain path, shutoff access, leak sensor, and flooring/subfloor condition. A pan only helps if it drains somewhere useful or gives you enough time to notice the leak. A pan with no drain can still prevent minor nuisance water from reaching the ceiling below, but it is not a complete flood-control plan.
Consider automatic shutoff valves or a leak sensor if the laundry is above living space. Also check the flooring transition at the door. Water that escapes a closet can run under baseboards, into wall cavities, and through penetrations faster than most homeowners expect.
If you are remodeling the room, this is the right time to correct weak subflooring, add a properly sloped pan or waterproofing detail, replace old shutoffs, and make sure the washer can be serviced without damaging finished trim.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When This Becomes a Construction Project
A simple appliance swap becomes construction work when the room itself is not ready. Moving laundry to a hallway closet, adding upstairs laundry, converting a pantry, or relocating machines from the basement can require multiple trades.
Expect a larger scope if you need new hot and cold water lines, a 2-inch drain and vent, a dedicated or corrected electrical circuit, drywall openings, floor repair, dryer vent routing, gas work, sound control, or cabinetry modifications. In many U.S. jurisdictions, plumbing and electrical changes require permits and inspections. Some local governments are explicit that water heater, electrical, plumbing, and similar trade work can require permits even when the appliance itself seems simple.
Budget above $1,500 for a laundry relocation, and do not be surprised if a second-floor or long-distance move lands several thousand dollars higher. Access drives cost. A short run through an unfinished basement ceiling is not the same project as opening finished walls, drilling framing, venting around structural members, repairing drywall, repainting, and coordinating inspection windows.
Old galvanized plumbing is another trigger. If the existing supply is rusty, restricted, or leaking, installing a new washer on top of it is false economy. Correct the plumbing while the wall is open.
When to DIY vs When to Hire a Pro
A competent homeowner can often handle a like-for-like washer replacement if the shutoffs work, the receptacle is safe, the drain is correct, the floor is level, and the delivery path is clear. The DIY job is usually: disconnect old hoses, remove the drain hose, move the old machine, set the new washer, connect new hoses, insert the drain hose correctly, level the machine, run a test cycle, and check for leaks.
Best Value
- Compatible with Whirlpool: Replaces part numbers W11614636 and W11395428 for your washing machine agitator replacement needs.
- Fits Specific Models: Designed for use with select Whirlpool washing machines requiring this specific agitator component.
- 2 in 1 Design: Features a removable agitator construction to assist with cleaning clothes effectively during wash cycles.
- Durable Material: Constructed from sturdy materials intended to withstand regular use in household laundry appliances.
- Easy Installation: Engineered to fit into existing agitator slots without requiring complex tools or modifications.
Hire a pro when any utility is questionable. That includes frozen shutoffs, active corrosion, old galvanized pipe, leaking valves, drain backup, missing trap, undersized standpipe, loose receptacle, no GFCI protection where required, repeated breaker trips, an upstairs laundry without leak control, or a floor that flexes under load.
Also hire help if the washer must travel up tight stairs or around finished surfaces. A 5.3 cu. ft. top-load washer is not friendly in a narrow stairwell. Damaged trim, scratched floors, or a dropped appliance can cost more than professional delivery and setup.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Use this checklist before you click buy:
- Measure washer opening width, depth, height, lid clearance, rear hose clearance, and service access.
- Measure the delivery path, including doors, stairs, landings, and turns.
- Confirm whether the washer is 4.3, 4.8, or 5.2-5.3 cu. ft. and whether that capacity fits your actual loads.
- Verify the model has a true removable agitator, not just a fixed agitator or impeller.
- Check ENERGY STAR status if water and energy use are priorities.
- Confirm the 120V laundry receptacle is grounded and GFCI-protected where required.
- Confirm the washer drain is properly trapped, vented, and commonly sized at 2 inches for modern washer discharge.
- Test hot and cold shutoff valves before delivery day.
- Plan for new hoses, haul-away, stairs, delivery restrictions, and disposal fees.
- For upstairs laundry, include a pan, leak sensor or automatic shutoff, and a realistic drain path.
- Read noise and vibration reviews, especially if the laundry room is near bedrooms or living space.
- Choose controls your household will actually use every week.
Our Bottom Line
The best removable-agitator washer for most homeowners is the Whirlpool model that matches your capacity needs and budget: the 4.2-4.3 cu. ft. version for value, the 4.7-4.8 cu. ft. version for most families, and the 5.2-5.3 cu. ft. version for larger loads and bedding. The feature itself is useful, especially for mixed-load households that want both stronger wash action and open-basket flexibility.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →But do not buy the washer in isolation. Confirm the laundry room first. A correct 120V GFCI-protected receptacle, sound shutoff valves, modern drain capacity, level flooring, and leak protection matter as much as the machine. That is where a good appliance purchase becomes a durable home improvement instead of a delivery-day problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are removable-agitator washers worth it?
Yes, for households with mixed laundry. They are useful when you want agitator action for dirty clothes and an open basket for bulky items like bedding. They are less compelling if you mostly wash small, lightly soiled loads or want maximum efficiency from a front-load washer.
Which brands make removable-agitator washers in 2026?
Whirlpool is the most visible national brand offering true 2-in-1 removable-agitator top-load washers in 2026. Many Maytag, GE, Samsung, and LG models use fixed agitators or impellers, which are different.
How much does a removable-agitator washer cost?
Most common Whirlpool removable-agitator washers run about $600 to $1,100 before delivery, hoses, haul-away, and installation. Larger capacities, smart controls, and colored finishes usually cost more.
What size drain does a washing machine need?
Modern washer installations commonly use a 2-inch standpipe with a proper trap and vent. Older 1-1/2-inch drains may struggle with high-flow washer discharge and should be evaluated before installation.
Do I need a permit to install a washing machine?
A simple like-for-like appliance swap usually does not require a permit, but moving laundry, adding plumbing, changing drains or vents, installing new electrical circuits, or altering gas lines often can. Requirements vary by city and code cycle.
Can I install a removable-agitator washer myself?
You can often DIY a direct replacement if the valves work, the drain is correct, the outlet is safe, and the floor is level. Hire a pro for valve repairs, drain changes, electrical corrections, upstairs leak protection, or any laundry relocation.
Quick Recap
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.
