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Best Central Vacuum Systems 2017 – Buyer’s Guide

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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.

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.

Best Central Vacuum Systems 2017


ModelFiltrationAmpsAir Watts 
Allegro MU4500 ChampionSelf cleaning Fibro-Tex Filtration Systems15.7600 Check Price
VacuMaid GV50PRO Professional
(Editor’s Choice)		5-layer HEPA-style bag15740 Check Price
Prolux CV120003 levels of filtration:
  1. Bagless dirt chamber
  2. Washable Micron Pre-Filter
  3. Washable HEPA Filter		12.5400 Check Price
Purvac Barracuda
(Editor’s Choice)		1. SilverClear Pre-motor filter
2. HEPA filter		14.8780 Check Price
Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 CPermanent self-cleaning filter15640 Check Price
Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet ProSelf-cleaning Triumph HEPA filtration15630 Check Price
H-P Products 9880 Dirt DevilHEPA filtration bags11.7500 Check Price
Imperium CV300HEPA filtration bags15740 Check Price
Nutone PP650 PurePower1. HEPA filter
2. Exhaust filter for cleanest indoor air		13.5650 Check Price
Ultra Clean SC2001. Filtration bag
2 .Micro-fiber permanent filter for enhanced motor reliability		13.8550 Check Price

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

Allegro MU4500 Champion VacuumOur first central vac is the Allegro, 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
  • 600 air watts is rather low

2. VacuMaid GV50PRO Professional – Best Shop Vac

VacuMaid GV50PRO ProfessionalIf the Allegro was somewhat limited to its space, the VacuMaid is even more so. In fact, if going by house size, the VacuMaid only covers 5000 sq. ft. However, this central vac was designed for the explicit purpose of being the best shop vac, and if used for that purpose, it is exceptional.

It’s quick and easy installation sees it mounted to the wall will an exhaust designed to send even the largest pieces of sawdust and shavings flying out of your house. Moreover, it also provides numerous attachments that are specially designed to clean up home workshops.
However, as a vac for workshops, it is expected that the space is used to a lot of noise. Unfortunately, the VacuMaid only adds to that noise as one of the loudest central vacs on our list at over 90 dB. Another thing to consider is that the VacuMaid uses a thru flow motor design which is unideal for vacuuming liquids.
However, the VacuMaid’s water lift of 138” is surprisingly good. While the CFM of 138 is about average, this combines to generate 740 air watts which is one of the best on our list.
Pros
  • 740 air watts is one of the best
  • A water lift of 138” is fairly good
  • Ideal for a workshop setting
Cons
  • Through flow, motors are not as good as bypass
  • One of the loudest central vacs on our list
  • A house size of 5000 sq. ft. is small

3. Prolux CV12000 – Best Central Vac Warranty

Prolux CV12000 Central Vacuum Power Unit

The Prolux 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
Cons
  • 12.5 amps is on the low end
  • 400 total air watts is low
  • 120” water lift is fairly low

4. Purvac Barracuda – Best Performance Central Vac

Purvac BarracudaWhen you want the most powerful central vac for your house, you should get the Purvac. Of course, the best does not come cheap, and the PurVac is one of the more expensive models we reviewed.

Still, with all of the features that are either the best or near the best, it might be an investment worth making. First, the Purvac provides the most total air watts with 780. Combine that with an astounding 151” water lift, and this central vac is already impressive. While 140 CFM is not the best, it is pretty high up on the list.
Interestingly, the motor is only 14.8 amps and uses a tangential thru flow design. This is likely why the house size this central vac is rated for is between 4500-9000 sq. ft., instead of the better 12000. Still, with a single stage motor, you should not have to worry about repairs as often – unless you are talking about the container, which is not made out of steel like most central vacs, but uses a composite instead.
Pros
  • 780 air watts is the highest on our list
  • 151 water lift is the best on our list
  • This is the quietest central vac on our list
Cons
  • Is fairly expensive
  • The materials are not steel
  • A bypass motor would be better than a thru flow

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

Electrolux Quiet Clean PU 3900 C

If you never want to worry about your motor, then the Electrolux 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
  • Only average water lift
  • 640 air watts is only average

6. Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet Pro – Best Central Vac for a Large House

Honeywell 4B-H803 Quiet ProOur second central vac 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

7. H-P Products 9880 All-in-One – Best RV Central Vac

Dirt Devil CV 1500This central vac is less of an individual product and more of a kit. In fact, this product is actually a bundling of the Dirt Devil CV 1500 with an assortment of attachments and additional items, like bags. In fact, that brings us to its first flaw: it only comes in a bagged collection system. However, it does at least use a separate HEPA filtration system.

Still, the power is lacking with this central vac, but that may be because it was actually designed for use in an RV and not a house. This is made even more apparent with the Dirt Devil’s profile which is the smallest out of any central vac on our list.

In that small package, you get a motor whose details are not revealed. What we do know is that it uses 11.7 amps. With the least amount of amps on our list, it is still able to generate a surprising, is low, total air watts of 500. Still, both the CFM and the water lift are either tied for the least or hold that dubious honor all on its own.

Pros
  • The smallest central vac we reviewed
  • Perfect for smaller spaces on the go–like an RV
  • Less expensive than most central vacs
Cons
  • The least CFM out of any product on our list
  • Lest motor amps on our list
  • Tied for least water lift

8. Imperium CV300 – Best Quiet Central Vac

Imperium CV300

While the Purvac is technically the quietest model on our list, the design of the Imperium will actually make it a bit quieter in practical terms. 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.

Still, much like the Purvac, 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
  • The filtration is part of the bag

9. Nutone PP650 PurePower 650 Air W – Best Small to Mid-Size House Central Vac

Nutone PP650 PurePower

The Nutone 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. Ultra Clean SC200 – Best Budget Central Vac

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 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
  • The motor amps are low

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 Purvac Barracuda. As the central vac 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 the Purvac 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.

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