5 Best Ash Vacuums
Trying to clean ash with a dustpan and brush is not only messy but it goes everywhere no matter how careful you are! The best alternative is using a vacuum but Instead of using a regular vacuum which is strongly not advised as they are not designed to deal with ash particles, we strongly recommend getting yourself the best ash vacuum available and make your life a whole lot easier? Unlike using regular vacuums, ash vacuums are made to suction ash from your fireplace, wood stove, grill and other surfaces with the utmost ease. They are great at trapping the ash so that it does not pollute your surroundings and they are easier to clean.
As always the marketplace is flooded with products and navigating to get the best model is not always an easy job. That is why we are here to narrow down the best vacuum for ash. We have selected ash vacuums that have something to offer depending on your specific needs. You will find models that offer a large capacity and some that have nifty features like swivel wheels for better mobility, a great feature for those who are not as young as we once were. By the end of the detailed reviews and the buying guide, we are sure you would have spotted the model that is right for you.
If there is one product that really caught our eye, it is the De Vielle 25 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner. This ash vacuum features a durable 1200W motor and a 25-litre capacity, making it convenient for both small and large piles of ash. Fitted with 3 filters, you can trust that all the dust collected will be contained in the large container. Although a tad expensive, it promises long-term reliability, value for your money but best of all the filtration system and build quality is top quality.
BEST PICK
Featuring a 1200W motor and a 25-litre capacity, this ash vacuum can handle large amounts of ash and retain it thanks to the 3 layer filtration system which is one of the features that makes it a stand out model and possible the best choice for using inside your home when sucking up ash without getting clogged up easily unlike some other models available.
Mini Buyers Guide
Since we are not shopping for a regular vacuum, the rules may be a bit different. Simpler to be precise. Purchasing an ash vacuum is not complicated at all and it all comes down to how good the filtration system is, the build quality, is it metal or plastic and how well its sucks up ash without clogging and finally, the overall build quality.
Finally the final deal maker comes down to how large the capacity is and do you need a smaller 15 litre model for a small fire or do you intend to vacuum BBQ's and large fires and in need of something a little bigger, for example 25 litres.
The temperature of the ash to be collected also matters because not all ash vacuums can handle hot ash, in fact, no model we have seen can suck up hot ash but some can vacuum warm ash below a certain temperature. Simple features like the nozzle shape matter if you are cleaning narrow or hard to reach areas, deep into awkward corners. If you want to find out more tips, head over to the buying guide which is after the reviews further down.
RUNNER-UP
This 2-in-1 product stands out because of the vacuuming function which when used along side the blowing function makes this model super useful in some situations. It makes it easy for you to collect and suck ash from fireplaces, wooden stoves and even BBQs. Additionally, it has swivel castor wheels which makes moving around a lot easier, especially considering its larger capacity. Equipped with a 20-litre capacity, is easy to use, clean and store. VonHaus is a reputable brand and the abundance of reviews behind this product, over 170 on Amazon alone at the time we write this roundup, its certainly well worth considering and ticks all the boxes and more
Top 5 Ash Vacuum Reviews
BEST PICK
De Vielle 1200W - 25 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
The De Vielle 25 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner is equipped with a powerful 1200 watt motor to provide the suction needed to remove ash from your space, in comparison most other models are fitted with 800 to 1000 watt motors and lack the raw power this model has. Whether it is your fireplace or wood stove that needs cleaning, this ash vacuum is designed to get the work done with little hassle.
The model is made of metal but it does include plastic parts and that is why it can only cater to cold-warm ashes. Collecting hot ash would end up damaging the non-metallic parts in the model but to be honest, we have been unable to find a model that can be used on hot ash so this isn't really a problem as there does not seem to be a better alternative just yet.
It additionally is equipped with 3 filters to trap all the dust and prevent the dust from affecting the motor’s performance which can be a big problem with cheaper models that cut corners using cheaper filtration systems. This model uses a triple filter system comprising of a large fabric bag, HEPA filter and metal filter which is more more advanced that any other vacuum we have come across. These filters can be washed and re-used therefore, saving you the constant need of replacing filters but if you need to replace the filters, they are available to purchase online which is not the case with some models.
The handle and the 1.5 metre (5ft) hose make it easy to manoeuvre around with vacuum and get the work done. At only 5.36 kgs its fairly light weight for its size, being that its a larger 25 litre model. With a 25-litre capacity, you can avoid frequent emptying and get the job done in one go without having to worry about emptying it every time you vacuum the ash from your stove or bbq.
Overall the model is probably one of the best ash vacuums currently available and its hard to find any issues to highlight, the filter system is excellent, its well build, it has a good length of hose, would perhaps of been nice to see some caster wheels for better mobility but being that its so light weight, that should even be an issue for most people. If you looking for superior model which is well designed, this is well worth considering and would be our first recommend to anyone looking for a good ash vacuum.
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RUNNER-UP
VonHaus 1200W - 20 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
The VonHaus 20 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner with its powerful 1200 watt motor offers both blowing and a vacuuming function therefore, it is convenient for those looking for a dual-function model and this features really makes it stand out from most other models. Sometimes it can be easier to blow ash into one place before vacuuming and with this model at least you have the option, to be clear, no other model has this unique feature.
Having a 1200W motor it also has plenty of power, this ash vacuum has enough suction to clean debris and dirt with ease and is one of the more powerful models available.
The model is comes with a decent debris filter which actually uses several filters like our best pick to prevent blockages. There is additional HEPA filter and a cloth filter which are designed to trap the fine dust from escaping. Just like most model these filters are washable and therefore, easily manageable plus with Vonhaus being a large brand it's also easier to get hold of spare filters should you need to.
To make easy manoeuvrability possible, this model comes with swivel wheels and a flexible hose which some people may appreciate. The castor wheels make it easy to move over different surfaces which does makes it that little bit easier to use and the narrow aluminium nozzle on the 1.25 meter hose makes it easy to gather ash from awkward places. Appropriate for cold ashes, this 20 litre capacity model is easy to use and maintain.
It also comes with a 2 year warranty which does give you a little more peace of mind. If where honest, this is probably just as good a choice that our 'Best Pick' by De Vielle so why didn't it win the best pick spot. First off its slightly more expensive which is probably the main reason, secondly the suction choose is slightly shorter and finally De Vielle are known for manufacturing products for stoves which does give them a slight edge. That being said if you looking for a model with caster wheels, a blowing function and the peace of mind of a 2 year warranty, this should be your model of choice and is well worth considering.
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AUTLEAD 15 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
The Autlead 15 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner offers a 15 litre capacity and a powerful 900W motor to clean up ash from just about anywhere from your log burning fire to your bbq outside. The ash vacuum is made from durable metal and is finished in a nice black polished paint and the 1.2 meter Steel lined hose is made from fire retardant material to prevent any damage in the long run and help it cope with warm ash. The round aluminium nozzle is also extremely durable and is able to suction a lot of dust in one go thanks to the large open end design.
The recommended ash temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius, anything above the recommended temperature may cause damage to the filters so this is something to be a where of. There are two good filters installed in this model to capture the ash and protect the motor from any blockages which is a problem with some cheaper models. The HEPA filters and built-in dust bag make it easy to empty the model of the ash and overall is fairly well designed.
Accompanied by a 2-year warranty it offers peace of mind and its worth mentioning that the vacuum comes with a water-resistant on/off switch which is handy if you plan on using outdoors for cleaning bbq's, chimineas, fire bowls etc. It has a comfortable handle to make lifting and moving with the model easily as well as being fairly light weight and compact for easier storage when compared to some of the larger models with the larger tanks.
We would recommend this model for those who want to cater to cold and warm ash without damaging the structure of the ash vacuum but its a great choice for those looking for a high quality product, well built with good section but isn't to big, this is a great choice for those who have smaller wood burning stoves or bbq's to clear ash from. Not forgetting it also comes with a 2 year warranty for full peace of mind. The only real downside is that is is maybe a little expensive for its size.
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Costway 1000W - 20 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
Another vacuum well worth considering with a super simple design, equipped with a 1000 watt motor, the Costway 20 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner offers 21kpa of suction power. This is adequate force to suck all the ash, dust and other debris from your wood burner, BBQ and other surfaces with ease.
Offering a good sized capacity of 20 litres, you can go about cleaning without the need to empty the model too frequently. The easy to use ash vacuum comes with a mesh cover that is washable to make it reusable. All you need is some warm soapy water and the mesh cover is ready for use. In accordance with international standards, a large HEPA filter is also incorporated into the design to secure any fine dust that may try to escape back into the air.
Weighing 4kgs is certainly one of the lighter models and therefore, it will be easy to move around. It features a 150cm hose which is longer than most other models which are usually around 4ft so you get a little extra reach and that is attached to a durable aluminium nozzle with a large open end to facilitate easy collection of cold-warm ash. The ergonomic handle makes it easier to pick up the ash vacuum even when the contents are full.
This model caters to ash that is below 40 degrees celsius so as mentioned can be used to suck warm ash that has perhaps not fully cooled but always tread carefully as there is a fine line between warm and too warm. Overall its another vacuum that is well worth considering.
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First4Spares Vacuum and Blower For Ash Collection
Pros
The First4Spares Vacuum and Ash Blower is an affordable model that is perfect for anyone looking for a smaller model if you have a small fireplace to clean ash from. Featuring an 800w motor, the 3.63Kg stainless steel model is super light weight and offers both vacuuming and blowing functions under one structure which is a feature only two of our recommended models have. It is small, compact, lightweight and therefore, moving it around will not be a problem.
It is not a large model and therefore the capacity is not as great but those with smaller fires or limited storage space this could be what makes it the best choice. This model offers a 15 litre capacity which isn't bad and a 1.2 meter hose is about right for the size of the hoover. The hose is fitted with a narrow hose so as to get to the hard to reach areas. Additionally it is a bagless model, therefore, making emptying a simple job and fairly straight forward.
Appropriate for cold ash, this model comes with a 1 year warranty so not breaking any records where warranty is regarded but still adequate all the same. It operates at a decibel level of 80dB which is not too loud. We would recommend this model for those who need dual functions at an affordable price. Overall, most will agree this is a brilliant little ash vacuum.
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Ash Vacuum Buyers Guide
Cleaning ash is unavoidable especially if you have a wood burning stove or fireplace being lit every night over the winter months and the worst thing about having a log burning stove is cleaning the ash every few days which is where ash vacuums are worth every single penny.
Finding the best vacuum for ash will save you time and make it a routine that you may actually enjoy. This guide is set out to show you what to look for in an ash vacuum and some tips on how to care for them. First, why bother with ash vacuums?
Why ash vacuums are appropriate
Unlike using a regular vacuum to suck up the ash, ash vacuums are built for that kind of work and the ash will actually damage your vacuum so using a standard regular vacuum is certainly a no no.
Here are some of the reasons why ash vacuums are an advantage:
- Ash vacuums come with filters that are able to trap the fine ash and prevent re-entry into the air.
- Ash vacuums are usually designed to handle both warm and cold ash. Some are more suited for warm ash more than others. Some handle cold ash only.
- Regular vacuums may prove problematic to clean after collecting ash unlike the ash vacuums themselves which are designed to be easily emptied and cleaned.
- Due to their plastic nature, regular vacuums are susceptible to damage compared to the metallic ash vacuums and there filters quickly become blocked.
- They are generally easy to use, clean and store.
Things to consider when choosing an ash vacuum
Construction materials
Ash vacuums are generally made from metal and strong durable plastic parts. The reason why metal is used is that it is able to deal with the temperature of the warm ash and they tend to get used outdoors a little with bbq's and fire bowls. Some models are able to handle warm ash while others can only handle cold ashes.
The manufacturers specify the temperature of the ash the model is able to handle so as to prevent damage to the filters, hose and nozzle. Many models come with aluminium nozzles so as to be able to pick up warm ash without deforming and can handle being poked around a cast iron stove.
Dual functions
Do you need the vacuuming function only or do you need a blowing function as well? Depending on your preference, it is easy to get a model that offers both functions for an affordable price. A good example of this is the VonHaus 20 Litre Ash Vacuum Cleaner. If you need only the vacuuming function then there are many models in the market that would cater to your needs. Blowing fuctions are great for blowing teh ash into one place before vacuuming up, this is good for larger stoves or bbq's
Filters available
Filters are important in capturing the fine ash and preventing the ash from infiltrating the motor to cause a performance problem. There are some models that feature multi-layered filters and others contain a single filter.
A common filter you will find in many models is the HEPA filter which prevents these ash particles from infiltrating the air and causing respiratory issues. Regardless of whether it is a single, double or triple filter, make sure that they can be cleaned and reused so as to save you money in the long run. It's also worth checking how easy it is to buy replacement filters, a quick search on Amazon would reveal the answer to this.
Length of power cord and hose
The length of the power cord and the hose are important as they affect how easily you can reach the ash. A short hose and cord will limit you when it comes to how far you can go to reach ash stuck in awkward places. It is important to see where your sockets are located so as to understand the length of the power cord and suction hose you may need. Working from a strained position may cause the hose to develop holes and cracks that may affect the performance of the ash vacuum. In general the power cord will be long enough for most homes but the suction hose can vary from around 3ft to 5ft which can make a difference when it comes to reaching those hard to reach places.
Nozzle shape and material
Which material is the nozzle made from? Is it made of plastic or is it made from metal like aluminium? Understanding which material the nozzle is made of will allow you to operate within safe limits. Plastic nozzles are unable to handle anything but cold ash. The best ash vacuum may have an aluminium nozzle that is able to handle both warm and cold ashes. As per usual, the manufacturer specifies the recommended ash temperature so as to avoid damaging the nozzle.
When it comes to nozzle shape, you can buy the round nozzle or the narrow nozzle. Many prefer the narrow nozzle as it is able to get to the nooks and crannies easily. Round nozzles are effective in collecting ash too therefore, it all boils down to personal preference.
Collection capacity
The capacity of the ash vacuum determines how much the model can hold before needing to be emptied. A larger capacity means that you will be able to hold more ash before emptying. A smaller model will contain less ash and it will need frequent emptying. Depending on the amount of ash expected to be cleared, choose an ash vacuum offering the appropriate capacity. 20 Litre capacity is about the norm but some models are 15 litres or 25 litres which may be a better choice if you have a larger log burner.
Motor strength
A 1200W motor is obviously stronger than a 500W motor. If you have a large pile of ash to clear, a powerful motor will be more convenient. This is because there will be more power at your disposal to quickly suck the ash in. Working with an underpowered motor for long periods of time may cause the motor to be overworked and eventually get damaged.
User-friendly features
A comfortable handle cannot be disregarded. Without a handle, you may find it difficult to move the ash vacuum when it is full. Select a model that offers you a comfortable handle and easy to reach on/off switch.
When the ash is full, there are models that are equipped with LED indicators. These indicators signal that the tank needs emptying allowing the ash vacuum to operate optimally. These small features make your life a bit more convenient and make interaction with the model easy.
Price and warranty
The amount of money you are willing to spend will determine the kind of model you purchase and the features available to you. Models that come with powerful motors and other varied features will cost more than the simpler models. Look at the features and the quality of the ash vacuum to determine whether you are getting good value for your money. We found a good ash vaccum will set you back around £40 but you can get some more affordable models for around £30 and some larger, more powerful models for around £50 so even the most expensive are budget friendly compared to the cheapest Dyson hoover.
For ash vacuums the warranty period varies from brand to brand but most offer 1-3 year warranties. 2 years warranty is usually what we would expect to recieve.
Key ash vacuum maintenance tips
- Ash vacuums are simple products but they also require some care and maintenance. These tips will help you take care of your precious ash vacuum.
- Always read the manual provided to understand the manufacturer’s tips on how to handle the ash vacuum.
- Never use the ash vacuum on hot ash/coal as it will damage models not designed to handle high temperatures which is all ash vacuums.
- Regular cleaning of the filters will allow the ash vacuum to work optimally and trap all the dust. Its a good idea to give the filters a shake every-time you empty the ash.
- Replacement of old filters is a must to ensure that no allergens/fine dust are released back into the air.
- Look at the nozzle to identify and remove any blockages that may cause suction problems.
- Only suction wet ash with ash vacuums that are designed to do so. Suctioning wet ash with the wrong model will only cause unwanted clogging and may even damage the hoover permanently.
- Always empty the ash vacuum and leave it clean ready for another cleaning session.
Our Final Conclusion
We did the work but now it is time for you to decide which the best ash vacuum is for you. They are simple to use and come in handy when you’re trying to clean your BBQ grill ready for some company or simply cleaning the ash from your beloved log burning stove. Remember that the ash you collect can be used for other things around the house or in the garden. Sprinkle some ash in your garden to keep slugs away or mix it with soil to give your plants some nutrients. Other than that, we will let you be on your merry way ready to enjoy some ash vacuuming.
BEST PICK
Featuring a 1200W motor and a 25-litre capacity, this ash vacuum can handle large amounts of ash and retain it thanks to the 3 layer filtration system which is one of the features that makes it a stand out model and possible the best choice for using inside your home when sucking up ash without getting clogged up easily unlike some other models available.
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