Having a wood stove or fireplace in your home can be a great thing, but one of the most common complaints that people have is that they are hard to clean. Piles of ash sit on the bottom, which can get kicked up into the air effortlessly and make an even bigger mess. While you could try to handle this issue manually, the best way to keep a clean fireplace or stove is with an hot ash vacuum.
These handy devices enable you to suck up all of the dirt and debris, including the fine particle ash that can be so hard to remove. It’s so much faster than trying to collect it by hand, and it is much safer, too. Instead of breathing in lots of dusty air, you can trap it all in a convenient and easy to empty canister.
Today, we are going to look at some of the hot ash vacuum on the market today as well as check out the most important features and considerations you should pay attention to when choosing one.
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Top 8 Hot Ash Vacuum Reviews
1. Cougar Ash Vacuum, Black - ash vacuum cleaner
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Starting us off is this Cougar Vacuum from Dustless Technologies. This is one of the best options you can have if you mostly deal with fine ash particles. This model is expertly designed to remove the ash from your fireplace or stove without creating a mess or blowing it back out into the air.
One of the best features of this Ash Vacuum Cleaner is the fact that it can work with cold or warm ash. The components are rated to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so even if there is a hot ember in there it won’t do any damage. The hose itself is also fire-resistant so you don’t have to worry about it melting or overheating.
The filtration system is excellent on this machine, and it uses two different layers to make sure that all of the ash stays inside. Best of all, you can access and clean the filter without having to open the machine, making it much easier to maintain and keep in prime condition.
When emptying, this ash vacuum it comes with an easy carry handle and a locking lid. The capacity is three gallons, which can be kind of heavy for some users, but it shouldn’t be too hard to move on your own. Also, with that capacity you can wait longer between empty cycles so that it’s even more convenient.
Cougar Ash Vacuum - Questions & Answers
Q - How tall is Cougar Ash assembled vacuum?
A - The vacuum is 23 inches tall
Q - Is there a hepa filter That can be used with the Cougar vacuum?
A - Yes it does. That filter part works perfectly. the canister holds a lot of ash when using.
Q - Can you use it for general household use?
A - Designed specially for soot and ashes, however you can use for other cleanup messes, some users do use on car interiors.
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2. PowerSmith PAVC101 - hot ash vacuum
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If you’re looking for an ash vacuum that is more versatile and convenient, then you will love this model from PowerSmith. Not only does it have a high-performance motor and design, but every part of the cleaning process is a breeze. From vacuuming to emptying the bag, it will never feel like a chore.
What we like most about this Hot Ash Vacuum is the fact that it comes with a set of plastic rollers on the bottom. This way, even if you fill it to the top you don’t have to worry about it being too heavy or cumbersome. Also, since it doesn’t get clogged easily, you can even use it as a regular shop vacuum if you like.
Other features of this unit include a dual-layer filtration system, a three-gallon capacity tank, and four attachments to make the job even easier. These accessories not only work well for the fireplace or stove, but on any other surface that you may want to clean with this device.
PowerSmith PAVC101 - Questions & Answers
Q - how many gallon Does this Hot Ash Vacuum hold?
A -This powersmith vac will hold 3 gallons of ashes.
Q - How long is the metal lined hose?
A - 44 inches
Q - How long is the hose?
A - About 55 inches
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3. Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon - best ash vacuum
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Next, we have a basic ash vacuum that is both cost-effective and easy to use. If you are a casual fireplace or wood stove user, then you may want to get something like this because it isn’t as expensive as some of the other models we’ve seen. That being said, it also isn’t as powerful, so that is something to consider.
One thing that we like about this ash vacuum is the fact that it has a larger capacity than anything else we’ve seen. Also, the placement of the hose is great, since it’s at the top of the canister. Bafflingly, some models have the hose in the middle, which prohibits you from utilizing all of your cleaning space, but this one doesn’t have that problem. Also, it has onboard storage for the hose and power cord, making it even easier to handle. Finally, one feature that we appreciate is the fact that it comes with a two-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about using it too much.
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4. BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner - fireplace ash vacuum
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Next up is this BACOENG multi-use ash vacuum. Great for most jobs inside the home. This model has a double stage filtration system, so when ash cleaning will prevent ash and dust particles being airborne which for users with respiratory problems is excellent to have. The 10-amp motor has temperature protection and produces ample suction power.
This fireplace vacuum comes with caster wheel so it easy to maneuver into position to use. There is an indicator level that shows how full the canister is and emptying is pretty straight forward to carry out. This ash vacuum is designed for dry pickup and is not suitable for wet use. The tank capacity is around 3.5 gallons as the filter do take some of the space in the 5.3 gall tank. The Tool accessories include crevice nozzle, and extension wands, which are all stored neatly onboard the vacuum.
This is What you Said...
Have to confess, there was a damaged part with my vac when I removed from the box. However, the company contacted me right away and offered me a couple of choices for fixing the problem, which they took care of right away. Excellent customer service. And this Fireplace Ash Vacuum works excellent!! Great suction and great size and design! I Would definitely recommend!
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5. WORKSHOP Ash Vacuum Cleaner WS0500ASH - Best pellet stove ash vacuum
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This is another very portable ash vacuum from WORKSHOP. With a compact design and caster wheels, this is the ideal choice for emptying ash from fire grates and works well on fireplaces and barbecue cleanups. It has a coated metal drum canister is robust and durable. The 5-gallon vacuum uses a HEPA media filter housed in a metal mesh cage.
The nonstick design of the filter prevents build-up and clogging with larger debris items. The tools store on the canister of the pellet stove vacuum, and the hose has a LED light which is great for seeing in darker areas in pellet stoves and grates. The Tank is a 5-gallon size with a 3.0 HP motor. Designed for dry pickup only and will collect ash and soot under 122˚ F. There is a helpful carrying handle to support the wheels, handy for moving into position for cleaning.
This is What you Said...
If you use your pellet stove much and don't want to clear and pick up ashes, this is an ideal piece of kit. You wait for the ashes to cool down, and suck them up and drop them in a bag. You could also use it to pick up debris around the home as well. It is a basically a shop vac with a fine HEPA filter. I am hoping to test the ash vacuum cleaner on drywall dust in the Summertime and see how it operates. It goes great, and does what it is supposed to.
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6. ALEKO APW212 ETL Approved - Best ash vac
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The ALEKO ash vac is made with an aluminum hose and solid steel canister body. If you are looking for something to deal with fine ash particles in wood burners or fire pits, this vacuum has excellent suction power for this type of clean up and well as general messes around the home.
The HEPA filter is very receptive and will ensure any dust ash is retained within the canister. It can handle warm ashes with a deal of safety. The hose is over 3ft, though, this ash vac does not come with any accessories other than the crevice attachment tool. Can be used for a mixture of purposes like small firebox, ovens or infrequently used lofts.
This is What you Said...
It's a likable ash vac. It's designed to clean out ash from a fireplace or grill/smoker, but I've been using it as a shop vac and to clean out my vehicle. It is excellent for that! The wheels don't stay on very well, but it has a handle and is very lightweight, so it is just fine to carry where you need it. It's fairly robust and easy to empty when full can't wait to try this ash vac on my pellet stove in the winter.
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In some cases, the vacuum you get may not be able to handle warm ash, which means that you have to allow several days to pass for the ash to cool down enough to clean. If that doesn’t sound like a big deal for you, then you will like the Bad Ash 3 model.
Overall, this Shopvac Ash Vacuum is well built and comes with HEPA style filters to ensure that all fine particles stay out of the air, and the filters are even fireproof. As such, if the ash is still a little warm it should be fine, but given that the manufacturer warns against it you shouldn’t push your luck too much.
One of the best things about this Hot Ash Vacuum is the fact that it has rollers on the bottom, making it so much easier to transport outside when it’s time to empty the canister. Also, the hose is on top, meaning that you can fill the tank without any problems.
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Our final stop is another vacuum from Dustless Technologies, but this one is a more limited version of the Cougar above. When comparing the two, this is a cheaper and less refined option, meaning that it is a bit louder and doesn’t come with a full tool kit like it’s cousin.
Still, this is an excellent fireplace vacuum to deal with the ash particles that has the same level of performance as the Cougar, so you can make short work of any fireplace or wood stove leftovers. It is rated for cool or warm ash, and the fire-resistant hose can even handle a few hot embers if necessary. The dual-layer filtration system ensures that all fine particles are kept inside the machine, and you can access and clean the filter without opening the whole thing. Overall, if you are fine without the added features of the Cougar, this is a great option.
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our thoughts
When comparing each of these ash vacuum cleaners, we have to say that the one that stood out the most was the PowerSmith Hot Ash Vacuum. We liked the fact that it came with rollers on the bottom, as well as a powerful motor to make cleaning that much easier. Also, the onboard accessories are another reason that it’s our top choice.
How to Choose a Hot Ash Vacuum
Size
The primary purpose of using a device like this is so that you can remove all of the ash from your fireplace in a single sitting. As such, you need to make sure that your ash vacuum cleaner is large enough to handle your fireplace or stove, particularly if you have multiple stations that need cleaning. Also, you may want to get a unit that enables you to do multiple cleanings before you have to empty it. This way, you can save yourself even more time in the long run and make the whole process that much more convenient.
Another consideration with regard to size is how heavy it will be once it’s full. Many ash vacuums don’t come with rollers, meaning that you’ll have to carry it by hand when it’s time to empty the whole thing. Thus, if you have a six-gallon container it can be quite difficult to carry. You can minimize this issue by either getting a model with wheels or buying a separate roller that allows you to take it outside without having to lift it.
Heat Rating For Ash Vacuum
While there is no precise standard of measurement for this, many ash vacuums will say if they can handle warm or hot ash. Most of the time, you want to only use cold ash in your machine, but considering that it can take up to a week for the particles to fully cool down it may not be very convenient for you.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you rarely want to vacuum hot ash. Most machines can’t handle it, and it could pose a fire hazard depending on how hot it is. While a few smoldering embers are fine here and there, for safety reasons you want to let the ash cool down as much as possible before vacuuming it. The only reason to do it faster is if you are at a campsite and need to clean up before you leave.
Ash Vacuum Filtration System
When comparing different Hot Ash Vacuum, one of the best features to look at is the filter. In some cases, they are rated for fine particles, which means that if your ash is thick and clumpy it may clog the machine. However, if your vacuum is not rated for fine particles then it could belch ash into the air while you work, which can create a breathing hazard and make a huge mess.
Overall, you want a machine that can filter out the larger chunks without getting clogged while also retaining all of the miniscule particles that will be part of your cleanup. This way, you can work without having to stop every so often to clean the filter or the hose.
Noise
As with any vacuum, these devices can be quite loud, but that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for a model that will leave your ears ringing. If you have sensitive hearing, then you want to pick out a ash vacuum that operates at a lower decibel so that you don’t damage your eardrums. Also, your housemates will appreciate the thought.
Emptying Procedure For Ash Vacuum Cleaners
For the most part, the biggest problem with ash vacuums is when you have to empty the canister. Many times you will wind up creating an ash cloud as it tumbles out, which can be a huge pain. Ideally, you want a unit that makes the process as simple as possible and reduces the chances of that happening so that you can dump your ash without worrying about it getting all over you in the process.
Are soot and ash the same?
The difference between the two materials is basically in size composition and the way they are removed through combustion. In simple terms, soot is carbon residue and more significant in size than ash and burns away leaving a small quantity against larger amounts of ash dust.
Can I use the same vacuum to remove soot and ash dust?
When it comes to removing soot which can be a messy job and is done mostly by the professionals, however, if you have a fireplace, chiminea or fire pit and do have soot build up. It can be sucked up using an ash vacuum. Because the soot makeup is a very fine particle, the choice of filtration is very important before choosing suitable soot vacs.
Things to look for in the best soot vacuum?
HEPA Filtration System
Due to the fine dust of soot, you need to ensure that the filter can cope with these micron size particles. By using soot vacs with a HEPA filter, it will deal with up to 99.97% of any airborne dust and soot messes. Also if there is no filter bag emptying the canister of the vac will be a lot easy and less dusty to do.
Vacuum Motor Power output
The power of the soot vacuum motor is a factor to consider and is similar to the ash vacuum regarding output you need something between 2 and 4 HP that will be able to cope with the suction required to allow the filter to capture all the dust and soot particles without losing power.
Other considerations
If you have an ash vacuum already which does support hot ash use, this will still work fine with any soot deposits you may have to clear away. Alternatively, if it only works on cool ashes, this will be fine working with the soot residue. Also is is worth having a light on the top of the ash vac to let you know when it full and needs emptying.
The Benefits of owning an Ash Vacuum?
some of the advantages include:
- Safer than a standard vacuum cleaner.
- Designed for hot ashes so won't get damaged.
- Works with wood stoves, BBQs, Fire pits, pellet stove.
- Helps against allergies, from dust and carbon soot.
- The ash vac can be used indoor and outside the home.
- Ash can be deposited on the garden as a fertilizer.