• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

CleanersExpert.com

Best Central Vacuum Systems 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

by Thomas Hart, Last Updated - July 2, 2020

Central Vacuum SystemCleaning your house can be a pain, and fewer jobs are more inconvenient than vacuuming. This task requires that you purchase an expensive piece of equipment that is relatively large for an appliance. Then, not only must you find a place to store it, you also have to lug it around during use.

In order to alleviate this problem, manufacturers have developed the central vacuum systems. This system uses ventilation ducts and a central hub to provide all the vacuum power you need in every room of your home. Just connect an attachment to an outlet, and you are set to go.

However, choosing the right central vac can be a difficult process. With a plethora of specs and features to examine, not to mention plenty of deceptive advertising tactics, it can be easy to get confused.

the winner
OVO 700ST With Hybrid Filtration
The Best Whole House Vacuum System in Our Rating
  • 2-Stage Powerful Motor
  • Top-of-the-line Hybrid Filtration System
  • Equipped with noise-reducing echnology
  • LED Light System
Check this product on Amazon

That is why we have put together a list of the ten best central vacuum systems available. Furthermore, we have provided a convenient and easy buyer’s guide to help you become an informed consumer and choose the right central vac for you.

Top Central Vacuum Systems in 2022

ImageModelFiltrationAmpsAir Watts 
OVO 700ST-35H

/Editor’s Choice/
HYBRID Filtration System10.8700 Check Price
Ultra Clean SC200
(Best for the money)
1. Filtration bag
2 .Micro-fiber permanent filter for enhanced motor reliability
13.8550 Check Price
Allegro MU4500 Champion
/Hose & Powerhead Kit/
Self cleaning Fibro-Tex Filtration Systems15.7600 Check Price
Prolux CV120003 levels of filtration:
  1. Bagless dirt chamber
  2. Washable Micron Pre-Filter
  3. Washable HEPA Filter
12.5400 Check Price
Imperium CV300HEPA filtration bags15740 Check Price
Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 CPermanent self-cleaning filter15640 Check Price
Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet ProSelf-cleaning Triumph HEPA filtration15630 Check Price
VacuMaid P125pCyclonic System13.5525 Check Price
Nutone PP650 PurePower1. HEPA filter
2. Exhaust filter for cleanest indoor air
13.5650 Check Price
Beam SC375AHEPA CleanStream™ Filtration System14.5600 Check Price

What Else I Need to Buy Together with the Central Vacuum Unit?

To help answer this question, please, read our detailed reviews of the best-selling accessories for a successful installation and use of your central vacuum unit:

  • Best Central Vacuum Accessories Kit – How to Choose the Right One!
  • What is the Best Central Vacuum Powerhead?
  • 4 Best Central Vacuum Installation Kits – Our Recommendations

What is the Best Central Vacuum System on the Market?

Answer: List of the Best Central Vacuum Systems

  1. OVO 700ST-35H
  2. Ultra Clean SC200
  3. Allegro MU4500 Champion
  4. Prolux CV12000
  5. Imperium CV300
  1. Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C
  2. Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro
  3. VacuMaid P125p
  4. Nutone PP650 PurePower
  5. Beam SC375A

1. OVO 700ST-35H – Powerful Central Vacuum System

OVO Central Vacuum UnitThis well-made OVO central vac comes with some impressive features, including 700 airwatts of power, a 2-stage Ametek Lamb motor, and 140-inch waterlift capacity. It’s undoubtedly a powerful central vac and it’s made from heavy-duty steel.

This vac is designed for large spaces and can cover areas of up to 9,000 square feet. To further extend the unit’s lifespan, OVO has integrated Soft-Start technology into it, which gives the unit a 3-second delay so that debris doesn’t fall out after you’ve closed the power unit.

As you may know, filtration is a very important feature to look out for in any central vac and OVO delivers in this regard as well. It offers cyclonic filtration with a two-step air purification system and disposable filtration bags. It’s a great way to maintain good air quality while enjoying the efficacy of this beautiful machine.

On top of that, the filtration bags come with three layers of purification which allows them to get rid of debris without causing mini dust storms. There’s also an air-containment gasket that allows the unit to maintain the same suction level while eliminating air loss.

Most users say the LED status indicator is their favorite feature because it’s designed to let you know whenever the debris container is at capacity so that it doesn’t overflow.

The package also includes an installation bracket for easy mounting, noise-canceling inserts for noiseless operation, and heat protection safety so the motor doesn’t overheat no matter how much you use it.

Pros
  • Comes with a powerful 2-stage Ametek Lamb Motor
  • Can cover a space of up to 9,000 square feet
  • Soft-start technology to extend motor’s lifespan by up to 20%
  • 3-second delay on shutdown allows efficient emptying of the hose
  • Works quietly thanks to noise-canceling technology
  • Built-in LED readout lets you know when the unit is full
Cons
  • It’s on the pricey side

Summary

All told, the OVO Large Capacity central vacuum system comes with all the features you need to clean a large home. It has the capacity to clean 9,000 square feet of space, an incredibly powerful motor, LED status indicator, noise-canceling technology and even a mounting bracket so that you don’t have to struggle with the installation.

2. Ultra Clean SC200 – Good and Cheap

Ultra Clean SC200Our budget central vac definitely earns its title. While it may be the cheapest product on our list, it is also riddled with power issues–specifically, it cannot generate enough. This made even more troubling by the fact that the Ultra Clean SC200 is only rated for a 7500 sq. ft. house, which is more medium-sized than anything else.

It is a bit odd that the motor uses 13.8 amps, which could be better but is not terrible, and the drive diameter is a decent 5.7”. Moreover, this central vac features a tangential bypass design, though it functions on a 2 stage system.
Regardless, the 550 total air watts is one of the lowest we reviewed. Coupled with a pitiful 121 CFM and a meager 125” water lift, it is difficult to see what the Ultra Clean does to lose so much suction power. At least it provides a permanent micro fiber filter that does not need to be cleaned and offers the versatility of a hybrid container style.
Pros
  • The cheapest central vac on our list
  • Tangential bypass motor is the best
  • A 5.7” drive diameter is pretty good
Cons
  • The CFM is low
  • The water lift is low

3. Allegro MU4500 Champion – Central Vac Motor with Most Amp

Allegro MU4500 Champion VacuumOur first central vac is the Allegro MU4500 Champion, which has a specific niche in which it excels but is a bit subpar beyond that. One of the best things about the Allegro is its motor. It features a tangential bypass design which allows it to generate a pretty solid suction.

It is the bypass design of the motor that allows the Allegro to perform so well in regards to its water lift. Unfortunately, this power is somewhat limited to a small area with a maximum house size of only 6000 sq. ft. This shows up most prominently in the somewhat low 600 air watts.

This would be okay, except the Allegro is also one of the more expensive central vacs on our list, which makes its value questionable unless you have a specific type of space for its intended use. Still, the 5.7” drive diameter is nice, though not exceptional, while the 2 stage motor may make it a bit more prone to needing repairs.

While the bagless container with an inverted filter is good, the micro fiber filter will need to be cleaned.

Pros
  • One of the best water lifts on our list
  • The most amps of any motor on our list
  • A tangential bypass motor is one of the best
Cons
  • A 6000 sq. ft. maximum area is small
  • One of the more expensive central vacs on our list

4. Prolux CV12000 – Best Central Vac Warranty

Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum Power UnitThe Prolux CV12000 can be a bit underwhelming – especially in regards to its power. However, it is also one of the most reliable central vacs, offering a 25-year warranty. That is more than double the next closest competitor. Moreover, the Prolux utilizes a 3 step filtration system which also removes more allergens from the air than most of the other entries on this list.

Still, as previously mentioned, the power is a bit substandard. While the motor features a bypass design, the water lift is still a low 120”. Moreover, the motor only uses 12.5 amps which fairly low. Oddly, the CFM of 150 is one of the better performers on our list. Still, the total air watts of 400 is on the low end.

Considering the Prolux does not offer information on its drive diameter, this feature coupled with the low motor amps is probably responsible for the lower suction rate.


Pros
  • A 12000 sq. ft. house is as big as it gets
  • 150 CFM is one of the best
  • 3 filtration levels provide crisp, clean air
  • Best central vacuum for the money on our list
Cons
  • 12.5 amps is on the low end
  • 400 total air watts is low

5. Imperium CV300 – Quiet and Excellent Power

Imperium CV300 The design of the Imperium CV300 make it a bit quieter in practical terms than other CVS in our list. The decibel levels are determined by the motor’s noise, which those two products are only separated by a single decibel. However, the Imperium further smothers the sound of the dirt in movement with a bag that features its own filter.

However, this is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it muffles the sound of the dirt as it is sucked into the container. On the other hand, it makes the filtration a bit worse than other models which have dedicated filters. Moreover, this means you will need to change the bag – which is a bit more expensive than most due to the filter requirement – more often.

The Imperium puts out excellent power. While the drive diameter is an adequate 5.7”, the power generated from the motor’s 15 amps is near the top. The 138 CFM is in the top quarter while the 138” water lift is even better than that. Together they combine to generate 740 total air watts, which is one of the best on our list.
Pros
  • Incredibly quiet at 58 dB
  • 740 watts is one of the best
  • 138 CFM is pretty good
Cons
  • A thru flow motor is not as good as a bypass
  • Requires a bag

6. Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C – Best Central Vac Motor

Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 CIf you never want to worry about your motor, then the Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C central vac is likely your best bet. It is tied for first with a 7.2” drive diameter that utilizes a tangential bypass motor design. The only flaw with the motor is that it is 2 stage, but it still uses 15 amps.

Oddly, all of that power does not seem to translate to suction as much as one would like. For the three primary suction ratings, the Electrolux only scores average or slightly below. 640 total air watts is technically average, though 650 would be closer. The same sentiment applies to the 137” water lift, while the 125 CFM is definitely on the lower end.

All of this may have something to do with the fact that the Electrolux is rated for a 12000 sq. ft. house, which, while the largest rating, may spread out the Electrolux’s suction power a bit thin.

Pros
  • A 7.2” drive diameter is tied for best on our list
  • A tangential bypass motor cannot be beat
  • 12,000 sq. ft. house is as big as it gets
Cons
  • The CFM of 125 is a bit low
  • 640 air watts is only average

7. Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro – Best for a Large House

Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet ProHoneywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro with a 7.2” drive diameter corrects all the mistakes the Electrolux makes, though its motor is not quite as good. However, both the Electrolux and the Honeywell feature a tangential bypass drive design on a 2 stage system.

Still, this central vac features a self-cleaning HEPA system with a bagless container design that is made out of steel. It is also significantly cheaper than the Electrolux, while still providing the same amount of amps to the motor.

The total air watts are pretty much the same as is the water lift at 630 and 135” respectively. The CFM is even an identical 125. However, this central vac is actually quieter than the Electrolux while still being able to service the same gargantuan 12000 sq. ft.

Pros
  • A 7.2” drive diameter is tied for best on our list
  • A tangential bypass motor is great
  • 12000 sq. ft. is as big as it gets
Cons
  • The CFM is somewhat low
  • The water lift is slightly below average
  • The air watts are about average

8. VacuMaid P125p – Cyclonic Central Vacuum

VacuMaid P125pThe VacuMaid brand has established itself as a reliable name in the central vacuum manufacturing industry. This P125p Cyclonic Central Vacuum Power Unit is a testament to their commitment to continually innovate in this field. Its pure cyclonic system can separate heavy particles to protect the motor while expelling the dust in a similar way to clothes dryer.

This makes for a very efficient filtration system that doesn’t require the addition of a foam filter or paper bag. It’s easy to install for both existing and new constructions and it has the capacity to cover an area of up to 7,500 square feet. Did we mention that it’s made in the USA? Yep, and it features a powder coated heavy-duty galvannealed steel construction which also happens to be corrosion resistant.

Pros
  • Made to last from powder coated and corrosion resistant steel
  • Can improve air quality through cutting-edge filtration
  • Comes with cyclonic filtration
  • Features muffler kit to eliminate noise during operation
  • Large capacity dirt canister
  • Comes with Patented Air Channel technology for efficient dirt elimination
Cons
  • None

Summary

The VacuMaid P125p Cyclonic Central Vacuum Power Unit is rated as one of the best central vacuum units on the market and for good reasons. It’s very well-made, thoughtfully designed, offers no-nonsense installation and works noiselessly. Plus, it provides all of this at an accessible price point. What more could you ask for?

9. Nutone PP650 – Best Small to Mid-Size House Central Vac

Nutone PP650 PurePowerThe Nutone PP650 PurePower is a bit of a solution without a problem. Its power is somewhat less than ideal. A CFM of 113 is one of the worst, while a water lift of 130” is disappointing at best. Still, this central vac somehow manages to generate an average rated 560 total air watts from its adequate, if not great, 13.5 amp motor.

The motor may be part of the problem, though it is not genuinely a weakness. The thru drive definitely helps explain some of the water lift issues, but the Nutone at least uses a single stage system, so wear and tear will be minimal.

Moreover, the central vac is rated for a 9000 sq. ft. house, which might explain why its power is a bit low: it might be spread a little too thin. Still, its HEPA filtration is solid and the option to use it as a bagged or bagless central vac provides some versatility.


Pros
  • 9000 sq. ft. house is pretty decent
  • Hybrid collection provides versatility
  • A single stage motor is more durable
Cons
  • The CFM is low
  • A thru flow motor is not as good as a bypass
  • The water lift is low

10. Beam SC375A

Beam SC375AThe SC375A central vac is one of Beam’s best-selling models and it comes with 600 air watt motor and a capacity to clean a large space of up to 7,000 square feet. Its motor is designed to provide optimal airflow to speed up the cleaning process. You can use it to clean bare and hardwood floors with the same ease. In fact, this is the type of central vac that will clean out an entire area with one swipe, which means there’s no need to go over the same spot over and over again when cleaning with it.

Like other Beam units in the Serenity and Classic range, this one has a soft start motor that’s designed to prolong the unit’s overall lifespan. For filtering purposes, this unit comes with a bagless dirt receptacle with a 15-liter capacity and all you have to do is twist it off when you’re ready to empty it. Plus, the receptacle is lined with an antibacterial agent called Alphasan which helps to minimize odors as well.

You’ll be glad to know that this unit is backed by a lifetime warranty to cover the permanent filter so that you won’t have to replace dirty filters at your own cost. The HEPA filter has a long lifespan and can maintain the same airflow throughout. Beam has thought of everything as this unit also features a utility inlet right on the canister so that you can easily plug it into the can when you need to.

Thanks to the sound insulation system, this unit runs very quietly. This is in addition to the carbon filter and sound insulation wrap, of course.

Pros
  • Nice slim design
  • Sound-Off Muffler™ & Quiet Pak™ sound insulation system makes for quiet operation
  • Comes with a permanent filter
  • Covers an area of up to 7,000 square feet
  • 600 watts high-performance motor
Cons
  • No complaints here!

Summary

This amazing central vac from Beam is incredibly popular and is one of the brand’s best sellers. It’s a high-performance model that can clean large homes with a capacity to cover 7,000 square feet of space. It has a low profile design with a slim body and a front mounted utility valve that makes it ideal for mounting in basements and garages, and it’ll never be too far for you to clean your car with.

Plus, you can’t beat its whisper quiet operation and large capacity filter. It definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best central vacuum cleaners on the market.

Central Vacuum System Buyer’s Guide

Central vacs have a surprising number of features that all form together and coalesce into a suction rating. Of course, there is no actual “suction rating” standard, and we are instead forced to figure out which central vac is better based on an understanding of how these specs work in unison.
Ultimately, CFM, water lift, and drive diameter are the most important for determining the central vac’s suction. The motor type, its number of stages, and its amps will determine the motor’s effectiveness.
Finally, the collection, filtration, and materials all play a part in the cleanup, durability, and cleanliness of the central vac.

Collection

Dirt from central vac systemCollection is either bagged or bagless. Ultimately, you are going to have to empty both types–even if the central vac features an exhaust system. However, bagless collection does not also require you to continuously purchase replacement bags.

Filtration system

There are numerous types of filtration and none of them have been demonstrated to be appreciably better than the others. Ultimately, this factor will weigh more heavily on if you are expected to replace or clean the filter yourself. Obviously, permanent, self-cleaning filters are preferred.

Materials

While steel is the most common and most durable material, some manufacturers will try to cut corners by using metal alloys or metallic composites. Other brands may skip metal altogether and just use some form of plastic composite. Keep in mind, any composite will have a higher chance of mildew due to its porous nature.

Motor Type

The 2 types of motors are bypass and thru flow. Generally, bypass is better because it isolates the motor’s part from the debris. Thru flow, due to its design, can have issues with water lift and wet debris in general.

Drive Diameter

The drive diameter plays a major function in determining the motor’s suction power. In this regard, the bigger the better. 5.7” is a good rating with anything above that being great. Above 7” is stellar. If a manufacturer uses a drive diameter smaller than 5.7”, they will not advertise it.

Air Watts

Air watts is actually best represented as a general term for suction power. However, since it is actually the combination of 2 different specs, CFM and water lift, it can stay the same while one or the other of its particulate factors differ greatly. It can help get an idea of suction power, but is not the end-all-be-all.

Motor Systems

Central vac motor systems come in either 1 or 2 stages. 2 stages may be able to generate a modest amount more power, but they also suffer from more moving parts. The fewer moving parts, the fewer things can go wrong. As such, single-stage motors are generally more durable.

CFM

CFM is one of the primary factors that measure a central vac’s airflow. Combined with water lift, CFM will influence the central vac’s total air wattage. Keep in mind, a CFM can be high, but the system design may provide more or less suction depending on its design.

Amps

Amps are a good way to measure the raw power of the motor. While they do not determine the central vac’s ultimate suction power, they do give you a good idea of what it can be capable of.

Obviously, the higher the amps the better, though 15 is a good mark to hit. Anything below 13 amps will have severe limitations.

Water Lift

Water lift is the other spec that helps determine total air wattage. This quality defines the central vac’s ability to suck water. However, this rating is determined with a top-down flush arrangement, so be sure to keep that in mind when you are using the central vac.

House Size

The size of the house will, in part, determine your central vac’s suction. The larger the house, the more powerful your vac must be or suffer from lost suction due to a diffuse air flow. However, many central vacs are rated for houses bigger than their power may truly serve well.

Noise

This is purely a personal taste feature. If you have a small house or the central vac will be located in area where people congregate, the noise level will be more important. If the house is larger and the central vac can be stored in a corner, basement, or somewhere else similar, this should not be a concern.

Conclusion

After a thorough look, we see that not all central vacs are created equally, but that does not necessarily mean one is simply better than the other. All of these central vacs fill a niche, and within that niche they are generally superior.

However, if you were to choose one central vac that stands out about the others, you almost certainly have to go with the Imperium CV300 or Allegro MU4500. As the central vacs with the highest performance, it will suck up pretty much anything you throw at it.

Of course, it does have some limitation in regards to the size of the house for which it is rated, and it is also one of the more expensive items on our list. Moreover, the engine design is a thru flow instead of a bypass.

Still, this does not prevent that vacs from claiming the top water lift rating, and the single stage engine should prevent too many issues with repair. Moreover, it is whisper quiet and generates the most sheer power.

Table of Contents

  • Top Central Vacuum Systems in 2022
  • What Else I Need to Buy Together with the Central Vacuum Unit?
  • What is the Best Central Vacuum System on the Market?
    • Answer: List of the Best Central Vacuum Systems
    • 1. OVO 700ST-35H – Powerful Central Vacuum System
      • Summary
    • 2. Ultra Clean SC200 – Good and Cheap
    • 3. Allegro MU4500 Champion – Central Vac Motor with Most Amp
    • 4. Prolux CV12000 – Best Central Vac Warranty
    • 5. Imperium CV300 – Quiet and Excellent Power
    • 6. Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C – Best Central Vac Motor
    • 7. Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro – Best for a Large House
    • 8. VacuMaid P125p – Cyclonic Central Vacuum
    • 9. Nutone PP650 – Best Small to Mid-Size House Central Vac
    • 10. Beam SC375A
      • Summary
  • Central Vacuum System Buyer’s Guide
    • Collection
    • Filtration system
    • Materials
    • Motor Type
    • Drive Diameter
    • Air Watts
    • Motor Systems
    • CFM
    • Amps
    • Water Lift
    • House Size
    • Noise
    • Conclusion
Thomas Hart

About Thomas Hart

Co-founder of "Cleaners Expert" website (cleanersexpert.com).
After moving in to our new house, I realized there were few independent guides and resources to assist customers in finding household cleaning appliances. I wanted to provide a solution to assist homeowners, contractors, and other readers when searching for new household or commercial appliances. We review dozens of products for each article and provide our opinions on the best products currently available. We hope our information helps you in your decision making process!
Read more about me.

Primary Sidebar

Navigate Our Top 10 Central Vacuum Systems
  • Our Top 10 Best Central Vacs
  • Best Central Vac 2022
  • Best Kit with Hose & Powerhead
  • Best Budget Central Vac
  • Best Central Vac for a Large House
  • Central Vacuum System (Buyer’s Guide)
Central Vacuum Related Reviews:
  • 7 Accessories Kits
  • 4 Central Vacuum Installation Kits
  • 7 Best Powerheads

Footer

  • About
  • Contacts
  • Privacy Policy
  • Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
  • Central Vacuum Systems
  • Terms of Service
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Cleaners Expert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright © 2017 · CleanersExpert.com · All rights reserved
DMCA.com Protection Status