Contents
- Comparing the 10 Best Central Vacuum Systems
- 1. OVO 700ST-35H – Robust Central Vacuum System
- 2. Ultra Clean SC200 – Best Central Vac for a Large House
- 3. Allegro MU4500 Champion – Great Value for Money
- 4. Prolux CV12000 – Longest Warranty for a Central Vac
- 5. Imperium CV300 – Reliable & Powerful
- 6. Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C – An Underrated Central Vac
- 7. VacuMaid P125p – Best Cyclonic Central Vacuum
- 8. Nutone PP650 – Ultra Silent with Optimal Suction
- 9. Beam SC375A – Good for Mid-Sized House
- 10. HP Products 9880 – Best Central Vacuum System for RVs
- A Detailed Buying Guide for Central Vacuum Systems
- What to Look for When Buying a Central Vacuum System?
- Wrap Up
What if I told you that you could keep every room in your house clean without having to lug a vacuum around your home? Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, the best central vacuum systems make that far-fetched idea into a reality!
Today’s vacuum market is huge. It’s valued at almost 4.73 billion dollars as of 2020! While there’s no shortage of premium cleaning machines, all of those commercially available vacuums have one fundamental flaw.
They all must be carried to individual rooms and emptied regularly. Right now, vacuuming your carpets and bare floors is probably a labor-intensive task. As a result, you might not clean as often as you want to. Does that sound familiar?
Because these systems are designed to accommodate the cleaning needs of your entire building, most offer superior performance and massive dust bins.
Interested in getting your own central vac system? You’ve come to the right place!
Comparing the 10 Best Central Vacuum Systems
We’ve curated a great collection of systems to suit your needs. Our goal is to help you find an option that works for your home. In our buying guide below, we break down all the important features you need to pay attention to.
Before we get into that, take a look at our picks for the best central vacuum systems that money can buy. We update our recommended picks regularly, so check back often to see the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.
| Product | Filtration | Amps | Air Watts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. OVO 700ST-35H (Editor’s Choice) | Hybrid System | 10.8 | 700 | Check Price |
| 2. Ultra Clean SC200 | Hybrid Technology | 13.8 | 550 | Check Price |
| 3. Allegro MU4500 Champion | Self-Cleaning Micro Fiber Filtration System | 15.7 | 600 | Check Price |
| 4. Prolux CV12000 | Bagless HEPA Filtration | 12.5 | 400 | Check Price |
| 5. Imperium CV300 | HEPA Filtration Bags | 15 | 740 | Check Price |
| 6. Electrolux PU 3900 C | Self Cleaning Filter | 14 | 550 | Check Price |
| 7. VacuMaid P125p | Cyclonic Filtration | 13.5 | 525 | Check Price |
| 8. Nutone PP650 | HEPA & Exhaust Filter | 13.5 | 650 | Check Price |
| 9. Beam SC375A | Permanent Self-Cleaning Filter | 14.5 | 600 | Check Price |
| 10. HP Products 9880 | HEPA Bag Filtration | 11.7 | 501 | Check Price |
1. OVO 700ST-35H – Robust Central Vacuum System
- POWERFUL: 700AW, 5.7’’ 2-Stage motor - 140.2 CFM
This OVO central vacuum system is a powerhouse that’s ready to make your home spotless. It’s suited for large homes up to 9,000 square feet. Even if you don’t have a house that big, you can take advantage of the suction power to install inlets in virtually every room.
Technology:
The central vac is packing some impressive technology inside. While other systems require complicated wiring, this one is relatively simple to install. It has an integrated circuit breaker for simplicity. There’s also a soft-start feature that helps reduce strain on the motor. Once you turn the vac off, it’ll keep running for approximately three seconds. The delay helps to remove any remaining dirt in the hose, which is a nice touch.
Performance:
Powering this vacuum is a robust two-stage motor. It’s about three times as powerful as your average vacuum, producing 700 air watts. If you are looking for something consistent and powerful regardless of the inlet you’re using, this vacuum has you covered. With a water lift rating of 140 inches, it’s more than capable of taking care of any job.
Specs:
- 700 airwatts
- 65 dB operation
- Two-stage motor
- Hybrid filtration system
- 25-gallon canister
- 7-inch drive diameter
- Covers homes up to 9,000 square feet
- Comes with washable filters
- 3-second delay to remove remaining debris from hose
- Integrated circuit breaker
- Can be connected to 8 or more inlets
- Can be retrofitted into older homes
- Large footprint
Conclusion:
All in all, OVO has knocked it out of the part with this system. It’s powerful, quiet, and designed to be as efficient as possible.
2. Ultra Clean SC200 – Best Central Vac for a Large House
- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $US 499. 99. Top Quality Central Vacuum Power Unit Made in Canada since 1997 built in Vac 7, 500 Sq. Ft. Home **** Limited Time Offer: FREE EXHAUST...
From Ultra Clean is this attractive central vac system. The main unit is housed in a durable steel shell. It’s powder-coated to create a lasting finish. Beyond its elegant looks, this vacuum has decent power and some great convenience features.
Technology:
One notable aspect of this unit is the filtration system. While most vacuums stick to either a bagged or bagless design, this unit does both. You can utilize a large collection bag if you want to keep dust contained or just let everything fall into the bottom of the metal canister. Either way, the air is getting filtered. The vacuum has a permanent microfiber filter built right in.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this unit checks off all the boxes. It uses a tangential bypass motor. It’s a two-stage motor with plenty of suction power. In total, the vac system can create 550 air watts of suction power a move 121 cubic feet of air per minute. The only downside of the model is that it’s a bit loud. Ultra Clean does through in an exhaust system to cut back on noise, but it takes up a considerable amount of room with it installed.
Specs:
- 550 air watts
- 121 CFM
- Made for homes as big as 7,500 square feet
- Hybrid filtration system
- Two-stage motor
- Tangential bypass motor
- Includes exhaust muffler
- Powder-coated metal finish
- Integrated over-current breaker
- Large dust collection canister
- Can be quite loud without muffler
- Takes up a lot of space
Conclusion:
The Ultra Clean central vac system does a great job across the board. Thanks to its powerful motor, this beast can serve most homes very well.
3. Allegro MU4500 Champion – Great Value for Money
- ✅ Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $US 1024.99. All Steel Construction Top Quality Canadian Made since 1997. Two Stage 5.7 inch Fan System Ametek Lamb Premium class Blower Motor....
Made for homes as big as 6,000 square feet, this Allegro vac system can achieve some great suction power. This particular unit comes with a ton of accessories. After installation, you can get started cleaning right away.
Technology:
The vacuum cleaner is well-designed. It’s built with longevity in mind and features a protected powder-coat finish. Inside, you’re not going to find a traditional filtration system like you would on other systems. Allegro has chosen to use a permanent filter. It’s capable of removing contaminants as small as 3 micrometers. Yet, you don’t have to clean or replace it at all.
Performance:
The heart of this high-performance central vac is a tangential bypass motor. The cooling fan and motor are completely separate from one another. Not only does this improve performance, but it improves reliability, too. You can install the system with an exhaust that points outside of your home, making it easy to keep the area dust-free.
Specs:
- Steel construction
- 7-inch drive diameter
- 600 air watts
- 1 CFM
- Uses tangential bypass motor
- For homes up to 6,000 square feet
- Maintenance-free filtration
- Comes with attachments and hoses
- Includes sound muffler
- 5 gallon canister
- Powder-coated finish
- Can’t be used with a bag
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a complete package, give this system a shot. It’s a worthy investment that’ll help you keep your home dust-free for years to come.
Also, don’t forget to check out our choices for the dust mite vacuum reviews out there!
4. Prolux CV12000 – Longest Warranty for a Central Vac
- The New Prolux Central Vacuum Cleaner is one of the best central vacuum systems made! The Prolux Central Vacuum improves the value of your home and the health of your family, by removing dirt and...
This top-rated central vacuum from Prolux has some of the most impressive specs in the industry. It’s a powerful machine that can be used for homes as big as 12,000 square feet!
Technology:
Inside the vac, you’re not going to find a bag. This unit is completely bagless, making it easier to clean out. Just remove the bottom-load canister to get rid of dirt. While it may not have a bag, this vacuum does utilize a three-stage HEPA filter. Some of the layers are even washable, allowing you to save on maintenance costs.
Performance:
The two-stage motor used to power this vacuum can move up to 150 cubic feet of air per minute! That figure is not very common in the vacuum world. To keep all that power contained, the system comes with a sound muffler. It attaches directly to the exhaust to noticeably dampen sound.
Specs:
- Bagless
- 150 CFM
- Two-stage motor
- For homes up to 12,000 square feet
- Comes with 25-year warranty
- Three-stage HEPA filter
- Metal construction
- Comes with sound muffler
- Attractive design
- Powder-coated finish
- Prone to losing suction
- Can’t be used with a bag
Conclusion:
The Prolux central vacuum doesn’t just look good. It performs well, too. The system is great for homes of any size.
5. Imperium CV300 – Reliable & Powerful
- MADE IN THE USA - 10 Year Motor Warranty
Looking for a central vac system with all of the bells and whistles? Imperium has you covered. This unit is quite simple in terms of looks. However, it’s packing plenty of surprises once you turn the system on.
Technology:
This is a bagged vacuum. Unfortunately, Imperium doesn’t provide you with the option to not use a bag. If that’s not a deal-breaker, you’ll be happy to know that the canister is very spacious. At 6.25 gallons, it’s one of the larger dust reservoirs out there.
Performance:
You’re not going to get an innovative technology in this vac system. However, it does its job well. Inside the housing is a two-stage motor with a 5.7-inch drive diameter. It’s a 15-amp motor that can generate plenty of strong suction power.
Specs:
- 740 air watts
- Bagged vacuum
- 25-gallon capacity
- Designed for homes up to 7,500 square feet
- Comes with 10-year warranty
- Made of galvanized steel
- Relatively compact design
- Powder-coated finish
- Quiet operation
- Up to 138-inch water lift rating
- Not as feature-rich as other options
- No bagless option
Conclusion:
Despite its simple looks, this central vacuum has it all. It’s a solid piece of cleaning equipment that works great with homes big and small.
6. Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C – An Underrated Central Vac
Here’s another good option for large homes and commercial buildings. Electrolux designed this unit to accommodate spaces up to 12,000 square feet.
Technology:
One thing that sets this vacuum apart from others on the market is the LCD screen. Located on the front of the device, this screen provides some simple information. It can tell you when you need to empty out the bagless filter or when the repository is reaching its limit.
Performance:
While it’s fully capable of serving large homes, it doesn’t have the highest suction rating out there. The unit delivers 550 air watts. That figure is respectable, but it’s a bit lower than something we’d expect from a unit of this size.
Specs:
- Made for homes as big as 12,000 square feet
- Bagless vacuum
- 550 air watts
- Made of metal and plastic
- Comes with 10-year factory warranty
- Digital LCD screen
- Includes exhaust muffler
- Soft start motor
- User-friendly
- Relatively quiet
- Not as powerful as other options
- Can’t use it with a bag
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this central vacuum system is a great buy. It’s flexible enough to be used in massive buildings. Thanks to the LCD screen, it also happens to be very user-friendly.
7. VacuMaid P125p – Best Cyclonic Central Vacuum
- IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY - VacuMaid central vacuums will improve air quality in your home. Central vacuums reduce your allergy symptoms and respiratory problems.
This sleek and modern central vacuum system from VacuMaid is more than just good looks. It has a large drive diameter to provide you with consistent power throughout your home.
Technology:
If you’re not a fan of bagged systems, you’re in luck. This unit doesn’t take traditional bags. However, you can use a liner to keep messes contained whenever it’s time to empty the vacuum out. One negative aspect about this vacuum is that it doesn’t have a traditional filter. On one hand, you’re missing out on improved air quality. On the other hand, the unit is pretty much maintenance-free.
Performance:
Like most of our top-ranked central vac systems, this model uses a tangential bypass motor. It’s powerful, effective, and long-lasting. There is one difference to this unit, though. The motor is sporting a 7.2-inch drive diameter. This increases suction power significantly.
Specs:
- 525 air watts
- 116 CFM
- Good for homes up to 9,000 square feet
- 2-inch drive diameter
- Tangential bypass motor
- Galvanized steel construction
- Can be used with canister liner
- Powerful suction
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Sleek design
- Large dust canister
- No traditional air filter
- Produces 76 dB
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a central vacuum system that’s easy to care for, this model may be for you. The vacuum fits right in to any garage or basement space and provides more than enough power to clean most homes.
8. Nutone PP650 – Ultra Silent with Optimal Suction
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From Nutone is the PurePower 650 central vac system. This machine has what it takes to clean homes big and small. Not only that, but it manages to improve the air quality while you clean.
Technology:
When you pop open the canister, you’ll notice that it’s quite flexible in terms of design. This unit can be used with a traditional bag or without one. The choice is yours. Whether you use a bag or not, the system has a separate air filtration feature. It’s a sealed HEPA filter that can get rid of fine particulates. Complementing the filter is a secondary exhaust that removes carbon dust from the motor.
Performance:
Across the board, the PurePower 650 does a decent job. It can produce up to 650 air watts. This is not the most powerful central vacuum out there. But, it’s still more effective than a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Specs:
- 650 air watts
- Sealed HEPA filter
- Hybrid collection system
- 6-gallon canister
- Good for homes up to 9,000 square feet
- Works with or without bag
- Quiet operation
- Improves air quality as you work
- Suction not as powerful as other options
- Prone to overheating
Conclusion:
Nutone is a big-name brand for central vac systems. The PurePower 650 shows why the manufacturer has become so popular with homeowners.
9. Beam SC375A – Good for Mid-Sized House
If you’re tight on space, installing a central vacuum system can be tough. Luckily, Beam has created this compact model. It has a thinner profile, allowing you to fit it into tight spots with ease.
Technology:
This vacuum has a lot going on for it. The system has some great features to minimize sound as much as possible. First, integrated insulation inside the unit helps to dampen the sound of the motor. Secondly, an anti-vibration mounting system ensures that the movement of the motor doesn’t radiate through your home.
Performance:
A bypass motor is at the heart of the system. It produces an impressive 650 air watts and moves 142 cubic feet of air per minute. This allows the system to efficiently clean homes up to 8,000 square feet.
Specs:
- 650 air watts
- 142 CFM
- Hybrid collection system
- 4-gallon canister
- Made for homes up to 8,000 square feet
- 116-inch water lift
- Relatively small footprint
- Built-in sound insulation
- Self-cleaning filter
- User-friendly canister lock
- Produces up to 76 dB
Conclusion:
With its sleek looks and slim profile, this central unit will work well in any home. It’s built with simpler operation in mind and does a great job of picking up messes big and small.
10. HP Products 9880 – Best Central Vacuum System for RVs
- Built in for convenience and space-saving purposes
The Dirt Devil central vacuum system is a bit different than others on this list. It’s not designed for large homes. The unit is compact enough to fit virtually anywhere.
Technology:
Because it’s so small, this vac doesn’t need a ton of high-tech features. The unit is very small and can be mounted in discrete places. While you can only connect it to one inlet, the system offers more than enough power to use lengthy hoses.
Performance:
Performance-wise, the Dirt Devil vacuum doesn’t disappoint. Don’t expect it to provide you with mind-blowing power. The suction power is similar to traditional vacuums. When you consider its size, the fact that Dirt Devil was able to make such a powerful machine of this size is impressive.
Specs:
- 501 air watts
- HEPA filter
- 100 CFM
- 1-gallon capacity
- Bagged vacuum
- Made for smaller homes or RVs
- Very compact
- Easy to install
- Comes with several accessories
- Small canister capacity
- Not as powerful as other models
Conclusion:
We recommend this central vac system for anyone who wants to keep a small space clean. Whether you’re looking for a central vacuum for your RV, boat, or shed, this unit has you covered.
A Detailed Buying Guide for Central Vacuum Systems
Compared to other cleaning machines, central vacuums are a big investment. They can cost several thousands of dollars to install. Not only that, but there are also costs associated with running ductwork throughout your home.
Don’t let that turn you off! These systems have a lot to offer and can simplify your life significantly. Before you commit to a system, there’s a lot to consider. With this buying guide, we aim to take the mystery out of central vac systems and help you invest in a product that you can trust.
What to Look for When Buying a Central Vacuum System?
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Collection
When you vacuum, the dirt has to go somewhere! With central vacuums, all of the dust you suck up is sent to a large repository. Oftentimes, it’s located away from the central hub of your home. More often than not, you’ll find them installed in basements or garages.
Like traditional vacuums, you can get a bagged or bagless unit. Bagless options are quite popular because they tend to be easier to maintain. However, bagged systems have their advantages, too. They are usually better for those with allergies. Plus, bagged vacuums can be installed to emit exhaust outside of your home, which is a nice perk.
Whether you decide to go with a bagged or bagless system, you won’t have to worry about emptying the dust out anytime soon. Most systems hold several gallons of debris. Depending on how you use it and the size of your home, you most likely will only have to empty it out a couple of times a year.
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Filtration System
While it’s an often overlooked vacuum component, your filter plays an important role in keeping your system running smoothly.
Let me explain…
When you turn the vacuum on, the air is sent through the filtration system before it makes its way to the canister. Over time, debris will get caught in the filter, which reduces airflow. By periodically replacing the filter, you can prevent potential damage and maintain strong suction power.
There are a few different types of filters for central vac. The most common is an inverted filter. Usually made of fabric and Teflon, these filters need to be replaced twice a year. They have a conical shape and are pulled upwards whenever you turn the system on. This filters the air before its recirculated.
Also available are foam and cartridge filters. Cartridge filters are similar to what you’d find in a car. They have a cylindrical shape and can prevent tiny particles from exiting the system as air is blown through the exhaust. Foam filters take on the same shape and perform the same function. However, rather than accordion paper, these filters use dense foam.
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Materials
With proper care, central vac systems can last for 20 years or more. That’s because they’re made out of heavy-duty materials. Some models have a steel canister and motor housing. Others use premium-grade plastic. As a good rule of thumb, the more durable the material is, the better.
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Motor Type
There are a few different types of motors used to power central vacuum systems. They’re all quite powerful. However, minor design differences can affect overall performance and longevity.
The most commonly used motor in the industry is a tangential bypass motor. When the motor is on, the air is immediately redirected outside of the motor chamber. Typically, it’s sent through an exhaust system. This design ensures that the precious components of the motor aren’t exposed to dirty air. It’s a robust motor that also provides plenty of power to get the job done.
Next up, we have peripheral bypass motors. Like the previous bypass motor, dirt and vacuumed air are not sent through. The main difference is that these motors have integrated fans for cooling.
Finally, there’s the standard flow-through motor. As the name would suggest, vacuumed air is sent through the motor itself. This is done to keep the machine cool. These motors tend to be on the quieter side. However, with that reduced noise you’re also sacrificing suction power and longevity.
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Drive Diameter
In the vacuum industry, the drive diameter refers to the size of the motor inlet. It directly influences the power of the system. So, larger is better. Ideally, you want to get a system with a drive diameter of at least 5.7 inches. Though, diameters up to 7 inches are best.
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Air Watts
Air watts are a measurement that’s used to represent the effectiveness of a vacuum. It’s actually a combination of several different specifications, which we’ll cover in a bit. A higher air watt rating indicates that the vacuum has plenty of power, so stick with higher numbers when you’re choosing a system.
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Motor Systems
We’ve already covered the types of motors these systems use. However, you also need to consider how many stages a unit has. Single-stage motor systems have a lot of airflow. However, they tend to have less suction because the air has a long way to travel. If you want the best suction power possible, go with a two-stage model instead.
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CFM
Remember how we said that air watts were a combination of multiple specifications? Well, one of those specifications is CFM, or cubic feet per minute. It’s a measurement that represents how much air a system can move and how fast it completes the task. Generally speaking, a higher CFM is better.
It should be noted that a high CFM doesn’t always mean that the vacuum has more suction power. Other factors come into play, so make sure you compare all specifications when shopping.
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Amps
Another way that manufacturers show off power is through amps. The amps rating reflects the amount of electrical current a system uses to operate. A higher amp rating typically means that the system has a more powerful motor attached to it.
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Water Lift
Not every central vac system is capable of sucking up water. However, these systems will still have a water lift measurement.
Let me tell you why…
Water lift is an important specification that shows off how powerful a unit’s suction is. Vacuums are sealed systems that could, in theory, move water efficiently. The water lift measurement is used to give you a better idea of a product’s capabilities. It represents how many inches the vacuum could realistically pull water up a tube.
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House Size
Before you buy your system, you need to think about the size and layout of your home. Central vacs come in many different configurations to suit homes of any size. Thus, you need to choose a product that matches your needs. Most systems will easily accommodate homes up to 3,000 square feet. If you have a building with even more space, you’ll need to invest in a heavy-duty system.
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Noise
The beauty of a central vacuum system is that the main motors are out of sight. If the motor is located in the basement or garage, it’s usually out of earshot.
With that said, these systems still do produce noise. Luckily, most manufacturers provide some decibel ratings to give you a good idea of what to expect. A lower decibel number indicates that the system is on the quieter side.
To check out in-depth reviews of all the best wall mounted garage vacuums head over to our buying guide.
Wrap Up
Central vacuum systems are a game-changer. While they’re not as popular as the blossoming stick vacuum market, central systems take cleaning to a brand-new level. Instead of taking a beefy vacuum from one room to another, why not install a central system and have an inlet in every room? Check out our top picks to see what these machines can do.
