We all like living in a clean home, but the process of keeping it clean is rarely fun. Vacuum cleaners can do a lot to make our lives easier when it comes to removing dust and debris from our homes, but they come with their own little annoyances.
If you live in a large house, for example, you may find it difficult to carry your vacuum around with you, constantly switching plug sockets to clean every room.
Naturally, this can be helped by having a long power cord, but this just leads to your vacuum tripping over itself and needing to be picked up constantly.
You may think buying a rechargeable cordless vacuum is the answer, but these devices run out of battery very fast, which isn’t great for cleaning a large home either.
If you want a solution that doesn’t involve any wires, and allows you to clean your whole house with minimum hassle, then perhaps you should consider a central vacuum system.
The best central vacuum systems are designed to be easy to use, and have a range of features that make it easier for you to clean your home.
They are built into the walls of your house and often have multiple inlets that you can connect a hose to for quick and convenient vacuuming.
If you’re looking for the best central vacuums on the market today, then we have prepared this list with a few of our favorites to help you decide.
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OVO Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System
OUR TOP PICK
VacuMaid GV30PRO
This wall mounted vacuum cleaner has been highly praised for its ease of use and quality.
It features a canister made from galvanized steel that is capable of holding up to 7 gallons of dust. This means you won’t have to empty it very regularly, which makes this vacuum very low maintenance and easy to use.
The GV30PRO is designed for use in garages and comes with a 30ft hose that can be connected to four different attachments. If you place it strategically, it will work just as well as for a small apartment or bungalow.
All the stuff you suck up is filtered by a sealed HEPA bag, which can be shaken out for quick cleaning when the vacuum is full.
Installation is very easy, and all you need to do is attach the wall mount supplied in the box to a wall in your garage or home. The canister can then be slid into place and just like that you are ready to start cleaning.
As well as a regular cleaning head, the VacuMaid comes with a smaller brush for cleaning upholstery as well as a crevice tool for sucking dust out of corners.
Pros
- The canister can hold up to 7 gallons of dirt.
- Comes with a 30ft hose and four different attachments.
- Optional telescoping wand for reaching high up places.
Cons
- Designed for garages rather than homes.
Also available at: VacuMaid
EDITORS CHOICE
Ultra Clean SC200
If you’re looking for something more powerful than the previous model, then look no further than the Ultra Clean SC200. This model offers incredible suction power and is designed to work through multiple outlets strategically placed throughout your home.
At full power, this unit can move 121 CFM (Cubic Feet per minute) of air.
The Ultra Clean SC200 has a special powder coat finish that makes it resistant to corrosion. This will help to ensure that your vacuum is built to last many years of keeping your home dust free.
It is capable of holding up to 5 gallons of dust and debris, which means you won’t need to empty it very often at all.
This central vacuum unit can be equipped with a HEPA bag filter for improving the indoor air quality in your home. The mounting bracket is included in the box, but aside from this you will need to buy all the ducting, hoses and attachments yourself.
Once you have installed this vacuum, you will find it a powerful tool that makes cleaning your home much easier.
Pros
- Great suction power.
- Can be fitted with HEPA filter bags.
- Powder coat finish prevents corrosion.
- Suitable for houses up to 7,500 square feet in size.
Cons
- Noisy.
- Doesn’t come with hoses or attachments.
Also available at: BestBuy
BEST VALUE
OVO Heavy Duty Powerful Central Vacuum System
This flexible and durable helmet is one of the best in today’s market. Built for a range of water sports, this piece of headwear is equipped to keep you looking great and feeling safe.
Whether you’re a beginner tackling your first wave or a professional looking to play hard, this helmet will provide you with the reliable protection you need.
From a brand known for their recognizable and unique style, this model comes in four finishes, including a ‘satin orange’ which will not only ensure you stand out but can be extremely useful in terms of lifeguard visibility with there are ultra-crowded line-ups.
With its high-density injection-molded ABS shell and its soft, quick-absorbing EVA liner, the helmet provides not only effective protection but comfort around the top of the neck and the ears.
For further comfort, the straps of the helmet are made of a soft, nylon, webbed material rather than the harsh plastic that many manufactures tend to use.
This helmet with its durability, ventilation, and practical composition is one that is known for its mass appeal amongst surfers and water enthusiasts worldwide. If you are looking for a high-standard, substantial value for money model, you will not regret choosing the Pro-Tec Ace Water helmet.
Pros
- Light and comfortable fit
- Closed-cell padding which prevents water build-up
- Safety Standard Certification verified
- Equipped with 15 open vent holes
- Universal and built for a range of water sports
Cons
- Non-adjustable straps
RUNNER UP
Prolux CV12000 Black Central Vacuum Cleaner Unit
This central vacuum kit costs significantly more than some of the others we have looked at, but comes with all the things you will need to get started.
The powerful motor in the Prolux CV12000 can generate up to 150 CFM which makes this a great system for large homes. It has three layers of filtration in the main canister, each of which is washable for easy maintenance.
There is a transparent window that allows you to see when the dirt chamber is full and needs emptying. You can also check the LEDs at the top of the unit to see when the filters require cleaning, so you can always have maximum suction power.
As well as the main vacuum itself, you will also receive a 30ft hose and six different attachments for reaching every inch of your home.
Another great feature of this vacuum is that you can control it from the nozzle on the hose. There is a simple handle attached to the end of the hose, which is comfortable to hold and allows you to turn the motor on and off with the flick of a switch.
As well as being a very powerful vacuum, the CV12000 is also remarkably quiet, meaning you can clean in peace.
Pros
- Powerful motor capable of 150 CFM.
- Comes with a 30ft hose and all the attachments you could need.
- Three different filters for pristine indoor air quality.
Cons
- The heads that come with this vacuum get clogged easily.
Also available at: ProluxCleaners
RUNNER UP
Nadair 700 AW Compact and Powerful Central Vacuum System
This helmet is another amazing option for you to consider in your search. The Pro-Tec Ace has absolutely everything you need when it comes to protective headgear which is why is it no surprise that it is such a popular choice amongst surfing enthusiasts of all levels.
With a high-density injection-molded ABS shell and a dual-density waterproof EVA liner, this helmet is highly equipped to keep your head safe from all sorts of impacts in a wide variety of water sports.
As a surfer, I’m sure you will appreciate the helmet’s 15 open ventilation holes and the highly effective drainage system. Not only that, but its soft, thick cushioned padding and adjustable rear-fit makes for optimum comfort and practicality.
This layer provides an additional level of protection to the highly durable outer shell, allowing for maximum safety and reliability. The helmet also boasts removable cupping ear guards which can be essential to a surfer that is traveling at a high speed amongst the water.
If it’s style that you’re looking for, this helmet is great as it comes in a range of colors at both a matte and gloss finish. If you’re undecided, we think that the matte black option is particularly sleek, unless you want something brighter.
Tried and tested in all kinds of water-based elements and circumstances, this helmet is proven to protect within a range of dangerous conditions.
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Durable
- Proficient ventilation system
- Extra protection with the deep padding
- True to size
Cons
- Reviews state some issues with the ear coverings
RUNNER UP
Allegro MU4500 Champion
One of the most popular models available today, the Allegro is a powerful, versatile and affordable central vacuum cleaner.
It’s ideal for small to medium-sized properties where you don’t want to be too far away from the main canister. The Allegro has a strong motor that is capable of producing over 124 CFM, making it perfect for cleaning large areas quickly.
This is one of the best kits on this list, with absolutely everything you need for using your new central vacuum system.
It comes with all the usual equipment, including an electric hose with a switch for turning the suction on and off, and several attachments for reaching every nook and cranny of your home.
It also comes with some other accessories, including a hose cover, vacuum head with telescoping wand and a wire rack for hanging your hose on when it isn’t in use.
There is a self-cleaning microfiber filtration system, which is very convenient and means you won’t have to spend too much time on maintenance with this vacuum.
As well as cleaning your home, this kit comes with lots of great attachments for cleaning your car as well. Overall, the Allegro MU4500 is an awesome system for the money that will leave your house completely free from dirt.
Pros
- Comes with two hoses for your house and garage.
- Self-cleaning filtration system.
- Comes with lots of attachments and other accessories.
Cons
- The attachment for pet hair clogs easily.
Also available at: AllegroVacuums
Best Central Vacuum Systems Buying Guide
uying a central vacuum cleaner may seem like a daunting task at first, especially if you are looking for something that does more than just clean your carpets.
However, once you’ve read our buying guide, we’re sure you’ll know everything you need to find the right system for your home.
Power Output
One thing that really matters when choosing a central vacuum cleaner is how powerful it is. The higher the power output, the more inlets you will be able to place throughout your home for attaching a hose to.
Power is frequently shown as the amount of air a motor can move, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
If you live in a big house, then you might want to go for a model that produces at least 200CFM. A lower CFM rating won’t be able to provide adequate suction to all the inlet in your home.
Another way of measuring power you may come across is air watts. This refers to the airflow as well as the amount of power a vacuum generates and uses.
It can be a confusing measurement to come across, so just remember that the higher the air watts of your vacuum, the better it will be at providing lots of suction.
Bag Capacity
Another important factor to consider is the size of the dustbin. On most central vacuum systems, the canister will be able to hold at least 3 gallons of dirt and debris.
This helps you cut down on maintenance since you will be able to get away with only emptying your vacuum once per week.
Many systems will give you the option of using HEPA filter bags for catching microscopic dust particles and preventing them from being kicked back out. These aren’t essential, but they can be very helpful for anyone who has a bad dust allergy.
Available Attachments
Some central vacuums will only come with the main canister, leaving you to buy the hose, ducting and attachments separately.
However, this isn’t always the case, and there are some great full package kits that include most of the things you need to install your new vacuuming system.
The three main attachments you will need is a main cleaning head, a smaller brush for furniture and upholstery and a crevice tool for cleaning corners.
As well as these essential accessories, it also helps to have a telescoping wand so you can clean high up places with ease.
Noise Level
You want your vacuum to be effective, but you don’t want it to disturb your whole family with a loud motor noise.
Many central vacuum units come with mufflers that you can fit to the main air outlet. These help to reduce noise and keep your entire system nice and quiet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Install My Central Vacuum System By Myself?
If you already have a central vacuum and just need to replace the main canister, then you will have no problem fitting your new model by itself.
However, when it comes to retrofitting a central vacuum into your house, you may find it better to hire professional contractors. That is not to say that you couldn’t do it by yourself, but installing ducting for your inlets will require you to get inside your walls.
The requirement for ducting leading to and from the vacuum is by far the most difficult part of installing a new central vacuum.
One way to make this job slightly easier is by choosing the positioning of the main canister carefully. Ideally, you want the vacuum to be equidistant from all the different inlets you want it to power, which will minimize the amount of ducting you need to install.
Once this part is done, however, you will be ready to start reaping all the benefits of your new system.
How Do I Clean My Central Vacuum?
You will need to empty the dust collector on your vacuum regularly to stop your suction power decreasing over time.
This is a simple process, and often all you will have to do is pour the accumulated dust out of the bucket and wash a filter or two before your vacuum is ready for action.
However, if your system gets clogged, this can be a more difficult problem to solve.You will know that you have a clog if you are getting very low suction power at one of your inlets.
One way you can unclog your system is by plugging your hose in and putting your hand over the opening. This causes pressure to build up, which may force the clog to move further down the pipe into the main canister.
Another technique that can work is using a regular vacuum and trying to suck the clog out from the inlet.
Failing this, you may need to try and use a free flow maintenance sheet to increase pressure around the clog and force it out, or use a plumber’s snake to try and fish it out by hand.
If none of these methods work, then your last resort should be to locate the precise location of the clog and remove the offending item by hand.
Since this will require you to go into the walls of your home and find the specific piece of clogged ducting, it is recommended to try all the other methods noted above first.
