If you’re shopping washers, the model numbers can start to blur together fast. The good news: the differences between these top-load machines really do matter—especially if you’re balancing things like bulky loads, heavy soil, pet hair, family volume, and “I just want it to work for years.”

The #1 difference that changes everything: agitator vs impeller vs removable

Before we get to the models, here’s the simplest way to think about wash action:

• Traditional agitator (center post): best for work clothes, heavy soil, sturdy fabrics, and “old-school” cleaning feel.
• Impeller (low-profile plate): best for bulky items, gentler movement, and fewer tangles.
• Removable / 2-in-1: best if you want both, depending on the load.

Quick spec snapshot (capacity + wash action)

Pros & Cons

WTW8127LW (Whirlpool) — “Do-it-all, biggest flexibility”

Pros

• Huge 5.2–5.3 cu. ft. capacity for comforters and big family loads
• Removable agitator so you can switch to impeller space when needed
• Sanitize cycle with Oxi option

Cons

• More features = more to learn than a basic knob-style washer
• If you never plan to remove the agitator, you may not need this tier

Best for

• Families, bulky loads, and anyone who wants one washer that can “change personalities” based on the load.

SHOP THE WTW8127LW

WTW5025SW (Whirlpool) — “Agitator clean + built-in faucet”

Pros

• 4.5 cu. ft. with a traditional agitator style clean
• Built-in faucet for prewash/spot-treating right in the tub
• Straightforward daily washer that handles “real laundry” well

Cons

• Not as roomy as the 5.2–5.3 cu. ft. models for super bulky items
• Agitators can be tougher on very delicate items vs. impellers

Best for

• Households that want a classic, reliable top-load feel with a handy faucet for messy clothes.

SHOP THE WTW5025SW

WTW5020SW (Whirlpool) — “Impeller space + built-in faucet”

Pros

• 4.6 cu. ft. with impeller wash action—nice for bulky items and fewer tangles
• Built-in faucet convenience
• Great “middle ground” if you don’t want an agitator post

Cons

• If you’re washing heavily soiled workwear daily, some people prefer a strong agitator feel
• Impeller wash action can take different cycle choices to get your preferred results

Best for

• Comforters, mixed family laundry, and shoppers who prefer impeller designs.

SHOP THE WTW5020SW

MVW4005SW (Maytag) — “Simple, traditional, budget-smart”

Pros

• Traditional dual-action agitator cleaning style
• Deep Fill option when you want more water in the tub
• Great “set it and forget it” washer approach

Cons

• Smaller 3.8 cu. ft. capacity than the others here
• Fewer premium convenience features than the higher-tier models

Best for

• Smaller households, straightforward laundry needs, and value-focused shoppers who still want an agitator.

SHOP THE MVW4005SW

MTW4205SW (Maytag) — “Heavy-duty feel without going huge”

Pros

• 4.2 cu. ft. capacity step-up
• Power™ agitator + Deep Fill option for tougher loads
• Quick Wash when time matters

Cons

• Not as feature-packed as the MVW5435PBK tier
• Still not “mega” capacity if you’re doing oversized bedding constantly

Best for

• Busy households that want Maytag muscle, but don’t need the biggest capacity.

SHOP THE MVW4205SW

MVW5435PBK (Maytag) — “Most feature-loaded Maytag on this list”

Pros

• 4.7 cu. ft. capacity
• Extra Power + Power™ agitator aimed at stain fighting
• Includes Deep Fill option and a Built-In Water Faucet

Cons

• If you want “simple knobs and nothing else,” this may be more than you need
• Feature-rich models reward choosing the right cycle/options for the load

Best for

• Families, sports uniforms, messy laundry, and anyone who wants a stronger wash + built-in faucet convenience.

TC5003WN (Speed Queen) — “Old-school toughness, built to last”

Pros

• No lid lock (a big preference point for some shoppers)
• 5-year warranty emphasis
• Built around a classic, straightforward wash approach

Cons

• 3.2 cu. ft. capacity is smaller than most modern “big tub” washers
• If you want maximum tub space for bulky loads, this isn’t that category

Best for

• Buyers who prioritize durability, classic operation, and long-term ownership mindset over sheer tub size.

SHOP THE TC5003WN

A simple “who should buy” cheat sheet

• Biggest flexibility + capacity: WTW8127LW
• Agitator + built-in faucet value: WTW5025SW
• Impeller space + built-in faucet: WTW5020SW
• Most budget-friendly traditional feel: MVW4005SW
• Maytag muscle mid-tier: MTW4205SW
• Most loaded Maytag here: MVW5435PBK
• Durability-first classic ownership: TC5003WN

Come compare them in person at Beacon

Specs are helpful—but the best way to choose is often seeing the tubs, controls, and lids in person (and telling us what you wash every week). Come in and we’ll help you narrow it down fast.

📍 Contact Beacon Services & Appliances
📞 (352) 726-7530
🌐 www.BeaconSaves.com

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