We all know that one essential thing in life is keeping things clean. We work hard to keep our homes, clothes, and cars clean. How about our wood stoves or fireplace?
Ash vacuum cleaners can do a fantastic job cleaning up the mess a wood stove or fireplace makes. It's one of the best ways to keep your home or office clean during the cold months.
This blog will show you the best ash vacuum cleaners on the market and then take you through what you should look for in an ash vacuum.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
Choosing the best ash vacuum can be challenging. With all the different brands and models available, how can you be sure you're making the right choice?
We've done the hard work for you. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each product and its company and also paid attention to consumer reviews so that they could select only the best options for you. We want to ensure that you get a quality ash vacuum that will meet your needs and expectations.
The 7 Best Ash Vacuum Reviews
1. PowerSmith PAVC101 Ash Vacuum
PowerSmith's 10-amp ash vacuum is equipped with a 16-foot cord and 50-inch hose for various applications. Wheels make it easy to transport the canister, so if you also need a shop vacuum, look no further.
Warm ash can be handled up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit using its heat-resistant metal hose and canister.
It has a powerful 10-amp motor and 16-ft power cord, but this vacuum's capacity is smaller at 3 gallons. However, its compactness and wheeled base make it convenient to use.
It features a two-layer filter system with a heat-resistant outer layer and a finer inner layer, so it traps fine ash and dust.
The PowerSmith has a replaceable fire-resistant filter system, which will contain even the finest particles of ash or dust within the canister for proper disposal.
What We Like:
- Long cord and hose offer flexible range.
- Made of durable heat-resistant metal.
- A fire-resistant filter system catches fine particles and dust.
- Includes multiple extensions and nozzles.
2. YibinTC Ash Vacuum Cleaner Dual Filtration System
The YibinTC Ash Vacuum Cleaner is a great option. With 22 Kpa of suction power and a 1200W motor, it's ideal for quickly cleaning cold ash from pellet stoves, fireplaces, grills, fire pits, and wood-burning stoves.
The blower and vacuum function lets you not only clean the fireplaces but also connect to the replacement parts to clean the dust in the room. You can also use it as a leaf blower to quickly clean leaves off your driveway or sidewalk.
The large 20L/5.3-gallon metal canister provides sufficient capacity for dust and ash, and the 9.8ft (3m) power cord, 3.9ft (1.2m) flexible hose, and three wheels that can be rotated 360° make it easy and convenient to use. Plus, the dual filter system with a HEPA filter protects the motor from damage and eliminates secondary pollution. And the best part is that the filters are washable and reusable, so you won't have to keep buying new ones.
What We Like:
- Powerful motor for quick cleaning.
- Blower and vacuum function.
- Metal hose for easy connection.
- Replacement parts are available.
3. Vanpore Gallon Ash Vacuum
The Vanpore Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent tool for cleaning all areas of ash in seconds: fireplaces, pellet stoves, fire pits, and BBQ grills. Connecting the hose to the air outlet can also be switched to a blower.
The filter screens' flawless seal prevents ashes from exiting the vacuum's exhaust pipe, preserving the health of the respiratory system. The filter screens can also be cleaned and reused frequently.
You can use it like a standard shop vac off-season. The pure copper motor comes from the same supplier and produces up to 1200W of suction power, which is twice as powerful as conventional motors. It quickly, easily, and safely completes a messy task. The unique HEPA filtration technology can capture the most minute ash and dust particles.
The patented HEPA filter system can trap the finest ash and dust particles. The filter screens have a perfectly sealed design that prevents ash from getting out of the vacuum's exhaust pipe. This will help protect your respiratory tract health.
In addition, the filter screens can be used repeatedly after cleaning. With a wheeled base and extended flexible 157" cord, you can quickly move it around, saving time and effort. It also ships with a complete set of hose attachments.
What We Like:
- Easy and quick to use.
- Compatible with both warm and cool ash.
- 5-gallon canister.
- Heat-resistant hose.
4. BACOENG Ash Vacuum
This BACOENG has a powerful 10-amp motor for intense suction power and an overheating prevention mechanism.
To trap ashes inside the vacuum, it has a dual filtration system featuring a HEPA filter and a Dacron filter bag. This makes it especially suitable for allergies and asthma.
It has a capacity of 5.3 gallons, and a red indicator indicates that it's time to clean the filter when the ash coverage reaches 100% on the filter surface. It has a long 15ft power cord, so you don't have to worry about extension cords. Three extension wands, a crevice tool, an upholstery nozzle, and an attachment for picking up ash from smooth floors and carpets are included.
Due to its wheels, the BACOENG is still maneuverable despite its vast tank. All are cleverly and neatly stored by slotting them into the product's feet.
What We Like:
- Compatible with cold and warm ash below 104F.
- Enough capacity to clean a large wood stove without losing suction and emptying it.
- Perfect vacuum for fireplace ash with its two-system filter securing all ash.
- The convenience of its very long power cord and easy maneuverability.
5. Porter-Cable Ash Vacuum
This system has metal parts to clean up both warm and cold ash. It has a lightweight design with an insulated handle, enabling easy transportation from place to place.
The Porter-Cable ash vacuum is a canister ash vacuum cleaner with excellent dirt pickup power. This vacuum has a 4-horsepower motor that provides adequate suction for fast operation and a 4-gallon metal tank that gives durability and accommodates plenty of ash. With an aluminum extension wand, this device offers flexibility. It has a prefilter and cartridge filter to prevent ash from escaping. However, this device doesn't come with attachments.
This Porter-Cable ash vacuum cleaner is suitable for both warm and cold ash pickup. It can be used in bonfire pits, fireplaces, and even wood-burning stoves.
The device has an all-metal tank, hose, and nozzle, so it's ideal for even hot ash. Featuring a lightweight body, this device supports hassle-free transportation. It has a sturdy insulated handle for safe carrying. This device is secure to use outdoors with a waterproof on/off switch.
What We Like:
- The unique dual filtration system.
- All-metal construction is suitable for warm or hot ash.
- Lightweight design.
6. Stanley Ash Vacuum
The Stanley Ash Vacuum is excellent for quickly and efficiently cleaning up fireplaces, wood/coal-fired ovens, ashtrays, fire pits, and barbecue grills. It features a four-peak HP motor for substantial suction power and a compact and portable 4-gallon capacity metal tank for excellent performance.
The Stanley Ash Vacuum's sizeable 4-gallon capacity tank means that you won't have to stop to empty it out frequently.
The vacuum also comes with various attachments that make it perfect for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas.
The aluminum extension wand and the metal hose are heat-resistant, and the large waterproof on/off switch provides security and convenience.
The double filtration system with a cartridge filter and prefilter helps prevent particles or dust from entering the motor and protects the engine from being damaged. The filters are washable, reusable, and replaceable for added convenience.
What We Like:
- Can quickly and easily clean up fireplaces and stoves.
- Compact and portable.
- Excellent suction power.
- Heat-resistant and capable of suctioning cold or warm ash below 104° F.
- Durable.
7. Pellethead Ash Vault Pro
This vacuum has a powerful 10A motor that provides excellent dirt-pickup power. People with allergies will appreciate the dual filtration system with a HEPA filter, which makes this device a good choice for indoor applications.
The Pellethead Ash Vac Pro ash vacuum cleaner is a dedicated canister vacuum for ash. This vacuum is corded, delivering a consistent power supply for flawless performance. It comes with several attachments, including a brush for dusting.
The vacuum also comes with a crevice attachment that simplifies cleaning grills, pellet stoves, and other equipment with narrow openings.
The dual HEPA filters on this device prevent ash from escaping back into the home. However, this device is not suitable for hot ash.
This Pellethead Ash Vac Pro ash vacuum has a powerful 10A motor that provides superior suction power. With a noise rating of just 78 dB, this vacuum cleaner is ideal for use in living spaces and other places where noise is undesirable.
It has a large 5-gallon tank to minimize the need for regular emptying. A 7-foot metal hose and 10-foot power cord offer extended reach. This device has a heavy-duty metal build for durability.
What We Like:
- The excellent HEPA filtration system.
- Incredible suction power.
- Comes with a crevice tool and brush.
Why Is Clearing Up Ash Important?
If you have a fireplace or pellet stove, then the ash will surely be something you'll need to contend with often in the winter seasons.
Cleanliness is an essential factor to consider to avoid unpleasant health issues. However, if you choose to clean using the conventional method that involves a brush and dustpan, it could become an even more risky scenario as you have to be closer to the soot.
That's why it's best to use specialized equipment to assist you in the more straightforward elimination of waste. A fireplace ash vacuum cleaner will surely be the best option for this scenario.
Another reason to be cautious is you should manage to handle wet ash over an extended period duration, and then you could be at risk of suffering from third-degree burns or necrosis.
The reason is that when it becomes wet, wood ash will begin creating an alkali solution, namely lye, and salt, which turns into a hazardous alkali-based agent. Therefore, if these points are enough to consider adding a new item for your equipment to clean, read down to read our review of the top equipment available to give you peace.
Apart from being a well-known irritation to the breathing tract and eyes, ash could be a significant risk to one's health in different ways too.
What to Consider Before Choosing the Best Ash Vacuum
There are many different types of ash vacuums on the market, each designed for a specific type of ash. Cold ash vacuums are designed for cleaning up only cold ashes. If you use an ash vacuum that is explicitly designed for cold ash, on warm or hot ash, your vacuum could catch on fire.
If you buy an ash vacuum that specifically states it is built for warm or hot ash, then you can safely use that ash vacuum on warm or hot ash.
Ash vacuum cleaners typically come with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles and may also have a metal intake nozzle to prevent hot ashes from entering the vacuum cleaner.
Some ash vacuums also come with a pellet stove cleaning kit, which helps clean up wet ashes. When selecting an ash vacuum, it is essential to choose one that is designed for the type of ash you will be dealing with. Below are factors to consider before buying an ash vacuum.
Portability
You may need to move your ash cleaner throughout your home. Ash vacuums are helpful and can clog up an attractive hearth, whereas homes with multiple hearths might require a portable ash vacuum.
Most ash vacuums come with a rudimentary type of handle, but the most potent models are often heavy and difficult to maneuver. Think about the distance that is between the storage area and the fireplace.
If there are stairs between the hearths or an uphill climb to reach the outdoor trash container or a cleaner, a vacuum with a lighter weight may be more effective.
Capacity/Storage
Before you shop for an ash vacuum, consider the size of your fireplace and the frequency at which it is used.
If the fireplace creates plenty of waste since it's frequently used or is particularly large, you should look for an ash cleaner with a bigger capacity.
Ash vacuums come in various sizes, from small handheld models to larger shop vacuums with pull-around. The storage containers range in size between 3 and 8 gallons. The top Ash vacuums come with sealed canisters that contain not only the ashes but also contain their scent.
Many wood stove or fireplace wood stove owners who like frequent fires or rely on it to warm themselves may wish to purchase a powerful, large-capacity ash cleaner to make it less necessary to empty it frequently.
People who are not avid fireplace enthusiasts may be satisfied with a handheld model with a lower capacity.
Power
The greater the strength of the motor greater the vacuum's suction. The power of an ash-filled vacuum is measured in watts or amps. A higher amperage or wattage can mean an ash-free vacuum that is capable of drawing the most significant amount of ash.
Most manufacturers mention the amperage and the wattage of their motors in their product specifications. Most ash vacuums can connect home electrical outlets, while batteries can power smaller models.
Hose and Cord Length
Because most ash vacuums require power from outside, the cord and cord length are in tandem with the ability to move.
Distance between the closest outlet and the fireplace can make the difference between simple cleaning and only barely getting to it.
The accessibility to the hearth or stove is crucial as well. Cords that are longer and hoses allow for more accessible choices to clean every inch of the hearth.
Certain handheld ash vacuums can be placed directly over the ash. Be sure to verify the size of your hose prior to purchasing.
A longer hose might be required if the fireplace is massive or the wood stove is difficult to reach. While not every model has them, most hoses are between 3 and 10 feet in length.
The electrical cord's length, which can vary in size between six and sixteen feet, is crucial. Much like an ordinary vacuum, some movements might be necessary to get an elegant fireplace. Some models come with retractable cords and integrated tube management systems designed for organization functions.
Filtration Type
To avoid problems from the beginning, look for an ash vacuum with dual filtration. It is recommended that either a HEPA-type. Most of the time, many of the models available on the market are equipped with this feature, making the process of choosing much more manageable. Double filters are required since one will pick up tiny particles, and the other will take care of the larger particles.
Volume
The amount of ash you intend to clean will assist you in choosing the kind of cleaner you need to choose. For example, To clean your charcoal grill, to clean a charcoal grill, you'll require a smaller model. It means you'll save a few dollars.
Suppose you are looking to purchase a pellet stove as your desired option. In that case, you may need an inexpensive but effective cleaner With additional accessories that can get into every nook and corner.
And lastly, If you own a fireplace, a more substantial one should be selected to ensure that everything can fit. Smaller units could get clogged when many pieces are stuck inside the units, causing malfunctions or irreparable damage; consider the dimensions of the soot that will be gathered.
Heat-Resistance
Another important aspect is that the model you select will be able to endure extreme heat and be constructed of metals or other similar materials that are fireproof.
Fortunately, each unit in our list is constructed from these materials; however, only three can only three of them can. Some are suitable to be used with wet debris or straight-up liquid collecting; however, none is able to manage dust, damp ash, or other similar particles if they have a filter since they are likely to accumulate in the fabrics and cause a blockage to the machine.
Noise Level
Noise is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing the right Ash vacuum. Jet engines operate with 140 decibels A-weighted (dBA), and the average household refrigerator emits around 55 dBA.
Traditional vacuum cleaners produce an average of 75 decibels which is why they have significant sound levels.
Some manufacturers do not provide decibel levels in their specifications for their products. However, most vacuums with high power are more raucous than the ones with lower energy.
The majority of ash vacuums operate within the 79-90 decibel range. The minimal variance between the high and low decibel levels means that noise could be a second aspect when deciding on the most suitable Ash vacuum for your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use vacuum cleaners to clean my fireplace?
Regular household vacuum cleaners aren't designed to work in conjunction with fireplace ash; therefore, aside from small cleaning around your wood stove or fireplace, It is recommended to make use of a shop or ash vacuum.
Particularly it is not recommended to remove hot or warm ashes with your regular household vacuum, as this could cause fires.
Do you require an additional vacuum to remove ash?
Shop vacs are generally suitable for sucking up ash; however, specially-designed Ash vacs might be better.
They have filters made to deal with ash, and they're usually less expensive than regular shop vacuums since they do not have wheels or long hose tubes and heads.
How do I find the most effective ash vacuum for pellet stoves?
I highly recommend PowerSmith Ash Vac for use with pellet stoves. It is a good stove with a large capacity and potent suction. Many have complained slower powered models aren't powerful enough to completely clean the pellet stove.
What happens when you clean ash with a vacuum?
Cleaning up the ash from cold vacuums isn't a problem with most units, but be careful not to do it in large quantities with the regular models.
It is possible to start an unintentional fire by vacuuming hot or hot incense using the wrong device. Ash vacs are mostly made of metal, not plastic, and are built to withstand temperatures.
Ash vacuums are also known to be resistant to heat and flame-retardant canisters, hoses, and other fittings, which makes them better suited to this purpose.
What do I do with the ash of my fire?
There are numerous uses for wood ash. It can be used in the compost or straight onto the garden to be used as a fertilizer. It's also an excellent way to add organic matter to your soil, which helps improve its structure and fertility. Ash can even be used to clean fireplace inserts or woodstove glass. Ash can also repel slugs/snails or be used on ice and snow to prevent falls.
Do the vacuum cleaners made for ash work?
Absolutely, and they do an excellent job at eliminating all the ash-like particles that could pose a danger to anyone in the household. Ash will be encased in a sealed container, and you can enjoy a healthy living space.
What do you use to remove soot from your vacuum?
Most people use a vacuum cleaner brush. However, you can also use a dryer sheet to remove soot from your vacuum. The dryer sheet will help to absorb the soot, and it will also help to deodorize your vacuum cleaner.
How can you tell the difference between an ash vacuum and an ordinary vacuum?
The main distinction is substantial in the heat resistance. The building and substances used in the typical vacuum found in your home aren't suitable for gathering or being near hot soot.
How long will the ashes from a fireplace stay hot?
If a fire has not been adequately snuffed out or is kept in a safe area and left to die by itself, the fire can become an ideal nest for coals that will maintain a steady heat level even for up to 4 days. This is why it is suggested that you employ a device to determine whether the soot you intend to collect is cold or if it's concealing any dangers to your fire.
Do you need an ash vacuum to get rid of sawdust?
Yes. This is because the filtering system allows you to collect the finest specks and particles that could stay in the air if the standard unit were employed.
Final Words
As we conclude our article on the best ash vacuums, we want to reiterate that these are great tools for anyone who uses a wood-burning stove, grill, or fireplace. If you have a lot of ash, an ash vacuum can make the job easier and help keep your home clean.
The best ash vacuums are a great way to keep your fireplace clean and your home safe from fire hazards. Ash vacuums are designed to suck up the ashes from your fireplace without making a mess. They are easy to use and can be stored away when not in use. Ash vacuums are an essential tool for anyone who owns a fireplace.
We hope you found our article helpful and now have a better idea of which ash vacuum is right for you. Thanks for reading, and happy vacuuming!
Items reviewed:
1. PowerSmith PAVC101 Ash Vacuum
