Central vacuums have become a standard fixture in most modern homes. There are so many reasons why people are abandoning the portable vacuum canisters in favor of the central vacuum system. The most obvious is the higher suction power it has and therefore able to cater for the whole home.
With a central vacuum in place, dust and allergens will be effectively collected from every corner of the home, therefore, minimizing allergy symptoms. It will also come in handy in large hair salons and barber shops where a lot of hair is disposed of.
The best central vacuum systems used to be quiet in most cases. It has a more powerful engine and usually fixed into the home, as a semi-permanent fixture. Being more extensive and potent than conventional portable vacuums, central vacuums collect dust without the risk of recirculating it back into the atmosphere.
There are numerous central vacuum brands in the market. Therefore, they may be too many for you to draw the best central vacuum comparison chart. As such, having the best central vacuum reviews system will be the most effective way to help you to choose the best. We have put together a list of the ten most sought after central vacuum brands according to their ratings and positive customer reviews.
Best central vacuum system - Top Comparisons
We are giving a detailed list according to category & editor's raiting. Click on the following links to learn more.
3rd Best
Dirt Devil H-P 9880 Central Vacuum System
Best Overall
Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro Central Vacuum
2nd Best
Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum
Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro Central Vacuum
KeyNote
The Honeywell 4B-H803 is one of the most effective central vacuums. It has a heavy-duty steel body that assures you of durability and the ability to withstand any conditions. Its ultra-quiet performance is also a great thing to consider. That is because the only reason one gets a central vacuum is to avoid the irritating noise that conventional vacuums bring along with them.
People who have small children who can be distracted by the sound of vacuuming will also find this central vacuum very convenient in their homes. Noise can make any home unlivable and since one cannot avoid cleaning, getting a device that will clean quietly is an added advantage.
Analysis and Findings
The Honeywell 4B-H803 is one of the most effective central vacuums. It has a heavy-duty steel body that assures you of durability and the ability to withstand any conditions. The 120-volt, 630-air watt, 15-amp powerful and dual-stage motor delivers a super intense 135-inch suction. Its ultra-quiet performance is also a great thing to consider. That is because the only reason one gets a central vacuum is to avoid the irritating noise that conventional vacuums bring along with them. People who have small children who can be distracted by the sound of vacuuming will also find this central vacuum very convenient in their homes. Noise can make any home unlivable and since one cannot avoid cleaning, getting a device that will clean quietly is an added advantage.
The Honeywell central vacuum has a self-cleaning HEPA system. As a result, one does not have to keep emptying the system of dust, hair, and debris. The problem with having a system that does not clean itself is the emptying process. As much as you may avoid the dirt and the debris on the floors and carpets, if collected in a place, you will still catch allergies when it comes to emptying.
Having a well thought out system will save you all these problems. The quiet central vacuum is efficient in cleaning vast amounts of space. It can clean approximately 12000 square feet of space and hold an amount of 7-gallon dirt.
In offices and large homes as well as hotels, this vacuum will come in handy. It will save on labor as you do not have to pay someone to vacuum every room for you. It is also very convenient to have a system that is not so obvious to the human eye.
Drawbacks
The most obvious disadvantage of this system is the cost and the time and labor it will use to install. Due to the comprehensive nature of the system, so many accessories need fitting in various parts of the house for it to work well.
Comparing to a conventional vacuum, it is too much work to get it up and running. People who do not have enough space in the house or those who use their basement as part of living space may not have anywhere to put the dirt receptacle.
Decision
However, the drawbacks are not a deal breaker as this vacuum is amazingly efficient. And, the long-time warranty coverage will help to troubleshoot the major and minor unprecedented problems. Several hundred dollars may seem to be a little bit excessive price, but for a top-notch central vacuum system, this is truly not a big deal. Almost all users are highly satisfied with the performance and utility of the Honeywell 4B-H803. Installing it in the garage would ensure a thorough cleaning coverage for a large home, official space, or even a hotel.
Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
The Prolux CV12000 is highly rated and widely used in most homes in the US. It comes with a super powerful motor and a high suction power. It has a powder-coated steel body that looks utterly beautiful and easy to clean.
The 2 stage motor power is good as it can clean up to 12000 square feet of living space. You can use it in large living places and also in hotels. In a small home, the extra suction power will ensure that your home is always dust and debris free.
The Prolux vacuum reviews have shown it to be one of the most sought after central vacuums. It has immense cleaning power, a beautiful steel body and also the fact that it has a garage outlet. The garage outlet helps in cleaning your cars as the suction hose can be plugged in directly. It makes it easy for the homeowner as cleaning will be a single activity all through.
The filtration technology is also unique as it does not have a bag for collecting dirt and debris. The bagless dirt chamber has a transparent view window where you can see inside. It comes with a washable micron pre-filter and then the HEPA filter. You can get rid of the HEPA filter if they do not have a severe allergy problem and the system will work perfectly fine.
Drawbacks
Prolux CV12000 review shows it again that one of the drawbacks with any central vacuum system and time used to install the system and get it up and running. Besides, the bagless dirt chamber may also cause dirt and debris to be redistributed in the household and especially if not handled well. The filters may get clogged sometimes, and you may get them difficult to change and clean. Several users experienced poor suction in a few cases.
Drawbacks
However, these drawbacks are not too much of a game changer as this is one of the very best central vacuum brands. Troubleshooting would be easy with the longest possible warranty. For the price, the Prolux CV12000 is an excellent choice as it costs a little more than half of our top pick Honeywell 4B-H803 Pro. It weighs less than that one and suitable for small home, large living space, office, and hotels. But considering other issues, including strength, performance, and user satisfaction, we placed it one step down to our best pick. But for the second position, no one could be as better as the Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum.
Dirt Devil H-P 9880 Central Vacuum System
Analysis and Findings
The Dirt Devils HP 9880 is a very convenient central vacuum. It is internally-built to saves on space. It is adaptable to small spaces, something that may not be possible with the previous two vacuums we have reviewed.
Besides traditional living and official spaces, you can even use it for your Recreational Vehicles (RV) why it’s been also designed for.
The 120-volt, 11.7-amp motor can offer an air volume of 100-cfm, which is good enough to clean small to medium areas so efficiently. There is an overload or overheat protector with an automatic reset feature for greater protection of the motor and machine.
The one-gallon capacity is also great as one does not have to think of emptying the dirt and debris ever so often. It also comes with so many accessories like the 10-inch rug/ floor and upholstery tools that ensure not only your floors are clean but also furniture and carpets. A mesh tool bag, dusting brush, and crevice tools are other accessories that come with the vacuum.
The included accessories would ensure convenient installation and cleaning.
Drawbacks
The Dirt Devil central vacuum reviews have revealed the following drawbacks:
The flip-up hose switch is irritating for most people although it’s a good thing that the hose length is adjustable. The dirt devil is great for use in travel coaches and vehicles, but it is hardly enough for a big house. However, this is not so bad for people with fairly small homes. So many accessories also mean you will have many detachable parts that need fixing when cleaning.
Decision
Despite the minor negatives as said above, the H-P 9880 is an unparalleled choice for small to medium spaces. It’s been already a proven unit especially for why it’s made- RVs and small homes. Almost all of the Dirt Devil central vacuum reviews out there claim the H-P 9880 as the top among Dirt Devil central vacuum lineup. Though it costs several hundred bucks, for being so user-friendly, durable, and quality performer, we didn't hesitate to include it as our third best option.
Nutone PP500 PurePower 500 Air Watts Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
The Nutone PP500 is also a perfect central vacuum because it has a reasonably large disposal bag. The disposable bag can collect up to 6 gallons of dirt and therefore one will not have to keep emptying it. You could go for several months without having to empty the bags. It also has a sound suppression technology that does not require a muffler. The problem with central vacuums that use mufflers is that if it fails to work or is mistakenly left out during installation, the noise will be deafening.
The Nutone PP500 also has a mounting bracket for easy fixation on the wall. The brackets make it easy to put up and also convenient for homes. It can clean up to 4000 square feet of space. It comes with a six-foot power cord that makes it ideal for every area. The multi-direction vacuum connection is also good for small areas where you may have problems figuring out the best place to install it
The Nutone central vacuum review has revealed some of weaknesses of the Nutone PP500’s as well.
The Nutone central vacuum review has revealed the following weaknesses:
The Nutone PP500 is a fairly small central vacuum and less powerful when compared to previously reviewed models. Essentially, it is only capable of vacuuming 4000 square feet of space. It is also a point of concern that you can collect so much dirt and debris without disposing of it.
If the disposal bag were mistakenly opened, the dirt and debris would cause a little dirt storm in the house. Also, people with allergic reactions will have problems when they need to empty the enormous bag of dirt and animal hair. It will inevitably cause them to experience extreme reactions.
However, the weaknesses are not the deal breakers at all for the vacuum being amazingly efficient. It costs almost similar to the Prolux CV12000, but lower than two other vacuums previously reviewed on top. Users showed their satisfaction with the vacuum. Despite the shortcomings stated above, experts have no objection, and therefore we can call it a worthy machine for small to medium places not larger than 4000 square feet.
Ultra Clean Canadian Quality Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
The most impressive feature of the Ultra Clean Canadian is the eco-friendly powder coat finish canister that is electrostatic. With this finishing, you will not have to worry about corrosion perforation no matter how many years you use this central vacuum. It is also a relatively powerful central vacuum with an ability to clean at least 7500 square foot of home space.
Ultra Clean central vacuum reviews show that it is fairly popular in most homes. You will most likely get a free exhaust muffler when you purchase the vacuum. The filtration system uses a hybrid technology where you can use either one of the two options; the filtration bag or the metal collection pail. There is a mounting bracket for ease of installation. You can use with disposable paper bags or the HEPA bags. However, the vacuum has numerous drawbacks.
The design of the vacuum is for use with disposable bags, and this may be an inconvenience. It also cleans a reasonably small space as compared to previously reviewed models. There have been complaints of disposal bags not really fitting well and even the lack of disposal bags.
Having to buy disposal bags now and then is also discouraging as opposed to having a model that can function without. The brand also seems not to be very familiar with US buyers. The absence of a good company website is a setback as this is where customers can get the most information on the brand.
Despite having some negative issues, we couldn’t ignore the Ultra Clean All-Steel Canadian Central Vacuum a bit for its superior suction and cleaning capacity throughout the houses, offices, and other places not exceeding 7500 square feet. The price is another fact that talks strongly in favor of the vacuum. Users are pretty much convinced with the vacuum. Overall, a good choice.
Allegro MU4500 Champion Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
Allegro is a well-known name, especially as regards central vacuum cleaners and recreational vehicles vacuum cleaners manufacture. Amongst a production lineup, the Allegro MU4500 Champion Central Vacuum is a significant one. It comes with a capacity to provide an air power which is 15% more than the Allegro MU4200. Another one from MU series. Having a capacity to clean up to 6000 square feet house or office space makes the unit an ideal central vacuum for medium size house.
Lamb powered 5.7-inch, 3-stage single speed AMETEK motor comes with a 10mm shaft & bearing system and the tangential bypass and therefore gives the motor an enhanced structural rigidity. It can produce a maximum of 575 air watts cleaning power along with a volume of 124.1 cfm air flow. By consuming 15.7 amps current, it can provide an excellent and powerful suction to lift the dust and debris out there.
The all-steel construction heavy-duty canister can hold a maximum of 5 gallons of dirt. A highly-sophisticated filtration makes the air clean and leaves no dirt and debris out there. The most amazing feature about the filtration is that it’s self-cleaning and permanent. Therefore, no washing from your end or replacement of the filtration system is necessary.
With the main device, it’s accompanied by a noise dampening muffler, 30-foot electric hose, carpet specific powerhead, dust mop, non-scratch cleaning tool set, and a full set of garage kit. Though there is a noise dampening muffler, we noticed a little bit of noise while it’s in operation.
The main body is coated by electrostatic powder coat for superior corrosion perforation. Price won’t give you much hardle to buy; it’s pretty much within the range for a central vacuum cleaner. You can rely on the 32-pound unit.
Imperium CV300 Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
Although “Imperial’ is not well-known like the world famous “Dirt Devil” or “Prolux” brands, it has already manufactured few high-quality central vacuum cleaners of which Imperium CV300 is the most significant option. To be very precise, it’s a world-class machine with every possible facility that a central vacuum should have.
Initially, we considered the 5th or 6th position for it. Later, we placed it in 7th position considering its newer arrival in the market compared to the current 5th and 6th and proven records of these two. The Imperium central vacuum is super strong with a "Galvanneal Structure" (galvanizing followed by annealing of sheet steel). For being galvannealed, it's rustproof and durable.
An Amtek-Lamb manufactured Flo-Thru 2 Stage powerful motor offers 740 air watts with an excellent 138 cfm air volume. That means the 15 amp 120-volt motor offers a suction like a storm to suck and clean all the dust, dirt, and debris out there in your home or office not exceeding 7500 square feet.
It performs so quietly (58dB maximum) for the effective noise reduction muffler. To filter the dirt, there are micro-lined paper bags and Maxflo option HEPA paper bags. Dust capacity is superb as it can hold 6.25 gallons.
We found no worth mentioning drawback of the Imperium CV300. Therefore, spending half a thousand dollars would not be a bad deal for such a user-oriented and high-quality central vacuum cleaner.
OVO 700ST-35H Hybrid Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
Although we put it at 8th position, the OVO 700ST-35H Hybrid Central Vacuum is a unit highly appreciated by users and experts. The best thing about this vacuum is its larger dirt capacity. With 9.25-gallon (35 liters) dirt capacity, it’s the largest one in our list.
You can use it for large houses and office spaces because it can cover up to 9000 square feet. The 2-stage, 5.7-inch Ametek Lamb motor is very powerful that produces and produces 700 air watts. The motor features a soft start/stop technology that increases the motor lifespan by 20%. While running, the motor creates a very decent sound soothing for your ear.
The OVO Hybrid Filtration System ( includes triple-layer filtration bags) is highly efficient and can trap more than 99% of the total dust, dirt, and debris. The system will allow you to use it in bagged or bagless both conditions. The disposable filtration bags will let you dispose of the waste easily.
Electrolux 4B-H403 Honeywell Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
In this Electrolux central vacuum review, you’ll know about the Honeywell 4B-H403. Don’t get confused with our top pick Honeywell 4B-H803. Actually, both of them have similar features but the 4B-H403 comes with less capacity in every aspect than the 4B-H803.
Though this one has a heavy-duty steel body similar to the 4B-H803, a big difference is there as regards design. The 120-volt dual-stage motor delivers 500 air watts airspeed and 110-inch suction which is substantially lesser than our top option. However, it’s still good enough to grab and clean all the dirt out there.
It doesn’t create irritating noises, therefore the ultra-quiet performance is also a great thing to consider. The Honeywell central vacuum has a self-cleaning HEPA system. As a result, one does not have to keep emptying the system of dust, hair, and debris.
But, it has received some complaints, and we got a few of them true. For example, it used to get overheated, the plastic inlets are crappy and not up to the mark. Poor suction has been reported by some users as well.
It can clean approximately 3000 square feet of space and hold an amount of 4-gallon dirt, a perfect choice for a small house and office. Price is within your range and you will get it smart and convenient to use. Overall, a good choice to be on our top list.
VacuMaid P125p Cyclonic Central Vacuum
Analysis and Findings
If you have a car detailing system in your house, you must know about the brand VacuMaid. In fact, VacuMaid is one of the most reliable vacuum cleaner production brands. Last but not the least in this list VacuMaid P125p Cyclonic Central Vacuum is from that prominent manufacturer.
It is a powerful and large area coverage machine with a capacity of up to 9000 square feet. A 7.2-inch Tangential Bypass Ametek Lamb motor offers a super intense suction measuring 125-inch with 525 air watts and 116-cfm airflow. Such suction along with cyclonic filtration takes all the dirt away from your spaces. It controls the allergy-triggering dust and particles efficiently.
A can liner allowed by the air channel facilitates for mess-free debris disposal. The filters are clog-free unless a severe malfunction occurs and they won’t be messy clean for being self-cleaning. No worth mentioning negatives are found yet, and therefore a well-recommended central vacuum.
Central Vacuum System and Portable Vacuum - Key Differences?
You will notice so many differences between a regular portable vacuum cleaner and a central vacuum cleaning system. The primary one among them is that a central vacuum is a unit installed as a long-term fixture (for around 20 years) into a building and therefore called built-in system.
A portable vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, can be carried away in many areas of your home or where necessary while cleaning. Central vacuum cleaners cover a substantially larger area through their inlets and hoses while the portable models cover a smaller area. The central vacuum cleaner is stronger and powerful in terms of suction than the portable vacuums.
Central Vacuum Installation Cost - How Much?
Although the central vacuum cleaners, nowadays, come with clear guidelines, you will need the help of a professional installer unless you are one of them. You can get help from the manufacturer or search on the web by ‘central vacuum installers near me’.
However, how much does it cost to install a central vacuum cleaner? It’s not possible to give a precise answer, instead, we can give you a clear idea. Suppose, you have a home or office space not exceeding 3000 square feet. The minimum cost may be an amount between $1200 and $3000.
The cost varies based on home size and few other issues, including, but not limited to, type and number of wall inlets, accessory kit, power unit, and length of the hose. If you are installing into a new-built house or old house is another fact that plays a vital role in determining the cost. The above amount includes the charge for the professional installer as well. There will be no hidden cost, so don’t worry.
Even if it seems a big investment, the long-term ( average 20 years) service will make up the fact. You would be free from buying a traditional vacuum cleaner once in a year or two years.
Why Should A Central Vacuum Have A Quality Hose?
The best central vacuum hose is very convenient to use as it is attached to a cleaning attachment at the end. Consequently, cleaning the house will be easy and fast as you will not have to drag heavy cleaning equipment from room to room or up the stairs.
Why Choose A Central Vacuum With Strong Powerhead?
The best central vacuum powerhead will ensure cleaning in a vast home is super easy. All you have to do is to have receptacles mounted on the floor or the walls in the various rooms. You only need to plug in the hose onto these receptacles as you move along and clean your house with ease.
Should You Prefer a Pet-Hair Specific Central Vacuum System?
The best central vacuum system for pet hair will ensure you do not encounter fine hairs on your carpets or floors. Central vacuums have remotely located canisters that can be hidden in the garage or basement to ensure allergens are collected far away from living spaces.
Wrapping Up The Analysis
Central vacuum systems come in different sizes and styles. They are also suitable for various settings so rating the best, and the worst is reasonably tricky. What you need to consider most when choosing the best central vacuum is the amount of space you need to clean, the setting, and whether the noise is a bother to you or not.
The first two central vacuums are amazingly powerful given the expanse of space they can clean at a go. They are ideal for huge homes and hotels. If you are looking for a central vacuum for a smaller house, the latter reviewed models will do just fine. The best thing is that all of the above models have mechanisms of reducing noise.
The best central vacuum system can only be determined by you, the buyer. It will have to meet your needs and also fit into your budget. Each of the listed vacuums above is powerful, and they will do the cleaning well as they are the best there is in the market. A comparison will help you to choose the very best type to fit your needs. Central vacuum systems are ideal as they ensure the home is perpetually clean without the hassle of dragging heavy vacuum machinery around the house.
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