Keeping a cleaner home is a very common New Year’s resolution (and unfortunately, a commonly broken one). As we enter into this new decade, let’s make sure to set ourselves up for success. If you’re looking for a cleaner home, be sure to give yourself the proper tools to accomplish this.You won’t get very far in your resolve to deep clean your home if you’re still using a low-quality vacuum cleaner. Cleaning with low-grade tools will just leave you frustrated and keep you from ever experiencing the clean home you want. Upgrading to a central vacuum may be just what you need.If you’ve never owned a central vacuum before, they can seem intimidating. Many people wrongfully assume these machines are only for large homes or businesses, but this isn’t the case. On this top ten list, we’ve compiled vacuums fit for everything from mansions to one bedroom condominiums. So whether you’re a seasoned central vacuum owner or a curious newcomer, we’ve got something on this list for you and your home.
What is a central vacuum?
If you’ve never heard of a central vacuum before, you’re not alone. Central vacuums are sometimes called “built-in” or “ducted” vacuums and are characterized by their unique exhaust systems.With a central vacuum, the dust and debris are exhausted completely outside the home. A network of hosing to each room connects with the body of the machine which is usually placed in a basement or closet. In practice, this means that vacuuming involves hooking in to this system in whichever room you wish to clean. Central vacuums can be expensive, but they have many distinct advantages over canister or upright vacuums.
Why choose a central vacuum?
Central vacuums are not nearly as common as upright vacuums or even canister machines. People are sometimes put off by the idea of permanently installing a vacuum into their homes. Yet central vacuums have a lot of advantages.
More power
Central vacuums are overall more powerful than canister or upright vacuums. Because the motor is stored in a basement, closet or other confined space and immobile, weight and size are less of a concern. Central vacuums can support more powerful motors than portable vacuums.
Cleaner air
Central vacuums are also a good choice for homes where air quality is a concern. Even the best portable vacuums still let some allergens out into the breathing air. Central vacuums, however, pull debris through channels within the walls of your home, so there’s no risk of debris from the vacuum getting out and lowering the air quality. All the vacuums on our list here also come with some form of HEPA filter to further maintain high air quality.
Convenience
Central vacuums are the ultimate in user convenience. There’s no hauling around a heavy machine, no worrying about storage space or transporting the vacuum from room to room. Central vacuums do have an installation process that is more in depth than buying a portable vacuum. However, once the installation is done, cleaning becomes easier than ever before. Central vacuums also typically have much larger dust bins, meaning you have to empty them less frequently.
What makes the best central vacuum?
Ranking vacuums isn’t as simple as comparing their overall power in amps or wattage. The perfect vacuum is a mix of power, convenience and features. Two different people may have vastly different needs, and what might be the perfect vacuum for one person may not work at all for their friend.
That said, this list is chock full of the best of the best. None of these vacuums will fail you on the cleaning front, but one of them is probably your best match. So we’ve chosen to focus on the most important qualities in a central vacuum:
- Size and power
- Longevity
- Price
- Notable features
The ten vacuums on this list all excel in these areas. Read on to see which one might be right for you, and if you have any questions or want to see an even wider selection of vacuums, visit evacuumstore.com.
Let’s break down the best central vacuums for 2020!
10. Nutone PP7001 Central Vacuum Unit
Nutone machines are built for comfort and power, so it’s only fair that one of their most powerful yet user-friendly machines starts off this list. The Nutone PP7001 Central Vacuum Unit delivers high power without taking up much space thanks to its sleek design.
Central vacuums have a reputation for being bulky and fitting only in larger homes. The Nutone PP7001, however, is a perfect match for smaller buildings. This vacuum can services homes as small as 2,500 square feet.
Thanks in part to its small and sleek design, the Nutone PP7001 is the quietest central vacuum on the market. This is part of what makes this machine so adept for smaller homes where a louder central vacuum might be too much of a nuisance.
The Nutone PP7001 comes with HEPA-grade filtration that keeps the air in your home clean and breathable. Central vacuums naturally throw less debris into the air than portable vacuums, but Nutone machines always come with the extra security of HEPA filtration.
This machine really does have it all. If you’re ready to invest in a central vacuum but wary about the more advanced and expensive machines, the Nutone PP7001 provides the perfect middle ground. This central vacuum packs the power and comfort of a central vacuum without some of the fancier bells and whistles that make its peers skyrocket in price.
Power: 700 air watts, 13.5 amps
Notable Features: Near-silent operation, compatible with smaller homes, multi-directional vacuum connection.
Bagged: Hybrid
Home size: 2,500 to 10,000 square feet
9. Beam Power Unit Model SC275
The Beam Power Unit Model SC275 is a step up in amperage from the Nutone PP7001, packing 14.5 amps. This machine is also built for smaller homes, though not as small as the Nutone PP7001.
The Beam Power SC275 is a completely self-sufficient machine. This vacuum boasts a self-cleaning, permanent filter that eliminates the need for routine filter work. A 4-gallon dust bin also means less emptying. The smaller profile of the Beam Power Unit means space and storage are not problems. This vacuum can be easily installed in a closet or small sub-room and still leave you space to store your jackets.
The Beam Power’s two-stage motor makes it one of the most efficient central vacuums on the market. It operates at a lower air wattage than the Nutone, but it makes up for that by not wasting an ounce of power. The Beam Power utilizes ATLIS intake technology to provide the strongest suction possible for your system.
Power: 600 air watts, 14.5 amps
Notable Features: Self-cleaning filter, compact design, strong suction
Bagged: Yes
Home size: 7,000 square feet
8. Beam Power Unit Model SC325
The Beam Power Unit Model SC325 is actually the company’s most compact design, capable of servicing homes 3,500 square feet or less. This compact design allows the SC325 to be even more efficient.
The SC325 is ideal for townhouses, condominiums and apartments. This machine is lightweight and built to fit into smaller spaces. If you’ve ever worried that a central vacuum won’t fit in your home, think again. The Beam SC325 is a favorite of connected living environments like apartment complexes and is so small and quiet that it won’t disrupt your neighbors no matter what time of day you use it.
Like other Beam models, this machine sports a permanent, self-cleaning filter that keeps the air clean and free from allergens and debris. And despite being the smallest machine on this list, the SC325 still packs 550 air watts.
For anyone who’s peaked higher up on the list, you’ll notice that in the number two slot we’ve selected a Beam vacuum that is an absolute behemoth of power and durability. And it’s true that Beam makes some of the most powerful vacuums on the market. This particular model, the SC325, is basically the compact version of these more powerful vacuums. With Beam, you know you’re getting power and quality, no matter how small the vacuum.
Power: 550 air watts, 14.3 amps
Notable Features: Self-cleaning filter, compact design, lower price point
Bagged: Yes
Home size: 3,500 square feet
7. Cana-Vac LS-650 Central Vacuum
Our first Cana-Vac branded central vacuum of this list comes in at number seven. This is another smaller option meant for apartments, condos or small houses. The incredibly quiet motor allows operation within tight homes without causing a disturbance.
There are intake valves on both sides of the canister, which allows for more options with installation and placement. This is part of what allows the Cana-Vac LS-650 to be placed in smaller homes where space is an issue.
Despite its small size, the LS-650 packs a powerful motor. Cana-Vac are known for their tangential bypass motors, and the LS-650 has a single motor that is as powerful as two small motors combined.
The LS-650 is a hybrid canister vacuum that lets you decide whether or not to use a bag. A HEPA membrane helps with filtration and special allergen bags can be used to get even better protection from dust and allergens. These multiple filtration options put the control in your hands. We love versatility and customization at the eVacuum Store, and any machine that lets you decide which features you want to use is well worthy of a spot on our top ten.
Power: 525 air watts
Notable Features: Installation valves on both sides, powerful tangential motor, quiet operation
Bagged: Hybrid
Home size: 8,000 square feet
6. VacuMaid P112 Cyclonic Central Vacuum
The VacuMaid machines premiere a little higher on this list for their filtration alone. The cyclonic filtration of the VacuMaid P112 keeps all the dirt and allergens trapped within your machine so you can always breathe easy.
The VacuMaid P112 also boasts a lifelong motor. Central vacuums are known for their “set it and forget it” maintenance post-installation, but the P112 takes it to a whole new level. This machine’s motor is designed to last for the entire lifespan of the vacuum, meaning you’ll never have to repair or replace it as long as you have the P112. If you’re looking for a central vacuum that doesn’t have a large maintenance commitment, this is the one.
The VacuMaid P112 is a step up from the previous machines on this list in terms of size, capable of handling homes up to 9,500 square feet. As we move up in the size of central vacuums, the power increases, as well. Yet more power isn’t everything. You also want a machine that’s going to be efficient. There’s no point in paying for extra power if your machine can’t use it. The VacuMaid P112 uses every watt of power to its fullest potential.
Power: 663 air watts
Notable Features: Cyclonic filtration, lifelong motor
Home size: 9,500 square feet
5. Beam 700TCN01A Alliance Central Vacuum Unit
The Beam Alliance is a step up in size and price and comes in at number five. The Alliance is one of Beam’s top of the line machines, made for getting that truly deep clean. A sturdy, flo-thru motor ensures that your home gets clean and stays that way.
The biggest draw of the Alliance is its smart screen. With all the previous entries on this list, the machine’s have been paired-down with no extra bells or whistles. The Alliance, on the other hand, is designed for comfort and equipped with multiple extra tools. The smart screen shows updates on your machine, taking all the guesswork out of machine maintenance. Whether the dust bin is full or the motor needs maintenance, you’ll be able to tell with just a quick glance.
The LED screen does more than just alert you to issues with your machine, it also shows you a daily analysis of the efficiency of your vacuum.
The Alliance also runs at a quiet 68 decibels, meaning you can use it at any time of the day without causing a disturbance. A lower noise level is an absolute must for any vacuum, and especially for a central vacuum (we’re not about to place anything on this list with a decibel rating higher than the low 70’s). Comfort is a key aspect of central vacuums, and that means they need to be quiet.
This machine is a step up in quality and functionality, but also a step up in price. The Alliance is the ideal machine for anyone who knows what they want in a central vacuum and is willing to invest in the long haul.
Power: 700 air watts
Notable Features: Flo-thru motor, self-cleaning filter, press and release bucket, motion sensor.
Bagged: Yes
4. Cana-Vac XLS-970 Central Vacuum
Coming in at number four is Cana-Vac’s premiere central vacuum, the XLS-970. This machine is a step up in capability and size. The XLS can handle homes up to 15,000 square feet.
The Cana-Vac series is known for its excellent HEPA membranes and high quality filtration. With the Cana-Vac XLS, you can rest easy knowing your cleaning routine won’t compromise your home’s air quality.
The Cana-Vac XLS has a heavy duty usage cycle. This machine is built for tougher messes in harsher environments. This level of power and heavy duty cleaning capabilities may not be necessary for everyone, but if you need a deeper clean and traditional vacuums have failed to give it to you, then consider a member of the Cana-Vac family.
The Cana-Vac XLS is one of several central vacuums on this list to offer a hybrid bagging option. This setting gives you the freedom to choose whether or not you wish to use a vacuum bag. There are advantages to each option. Opting to go bag free is more eco-friendly and will save you money on bag replacements. However, the filter bag does offer an extra level of filtration and can help you get even cleaner air. The Cana-Vac XLS is compatible with Cana-Vac allergen bags for extra protection.
Power: 675 air watts
Notable Features: Heavy duty cycles, HEPA membrane.
Bagged: Hybrid
Home size: 15,000 square feet
3. VacuMaid SR60 Central Vacuum Unit
Another VacuMaid makes the list. This machine is a little smaller than the Cana-Vac, only designed for homes up to 12,000 square feet. However, it is a very powerful machine for its size. The VacuMaid SR60 uses a tangential bypass motor to ensure maximum efficiency.
This tangential bypass motor is part of what gives VacuMaid machines their long lifespan. The VacuMaid SR60 can be expected to run for 1,500 active hours before the motor begins to wear. So while the SR60 requires a bit more of a monetary investment up front, you will soon get your money back in longevity. This is a machine that generally does not require maintenance or replacements. Once it’s installed and operational, you can basically forget it’s even there.
The VacuMaid SR60 is all but indestructible. Manufactured in the United States from galvanized steel, this vacuum is immune to bumps, scratches and other damage from daily life. The VacuMaid is a solid choice for a home central vacuum. What you pay for with the higher price tag is a long-lasting machine that will not require any tune ups or work done on the motor.
With over 700 air watts, this vacuum cleans up your whole house with ease. You’ll be able to really get down into your carpets and get out the dirt and debris that hides there. Vacuuming with the VacuMaid SR60 will leave your carpets looking years newer.
Power: 713 air watts
Notable Features: Indestructible design, inverted vacuum bag.
Bagged: Yes
Home size: 12,000 square feet
2. Beam Serenity SC3500 Central Vacuum Unit
The Beam Serenity is the most expensive vacuum on this list, but it is also the most powerful. This machine packs an astounding 1,000 air watts and is designed to handle even large homes with ease. If the previous machines on this list haven’t been strong enough to handle the size of your home, look no further than the Beam Serenity.
The Beam Serenity boasts an effective filtration system designed to keep as much debris from escaping into the air as possible. The Beam Serenity has been praised for its self-cleaning filter and CleanStream filtration system, both of which make a better breathing environment for those with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies. HEPA filtration is also standard with the Beam Serenity. This smarter level of filtration technology helps trap debris as small as .3 microns in size.
And we weren’t kidding about the power levels on this beast, either. The Beam Serenity is the most powerful central vacuum currently on the market. The Beam Serenity’s powerful two-stage filter is unmatched in both raw power and efficiency. The Beam Serenity may not be necessary for every home, but if you’re looking for the best of the best, you won’t find it anywhere else.
The only thing that stops the Beam Serenity from topping this list is that its sheer power and size may not be needed in each home.
Power: 1,000 air watts
Notable Features: Self-cleaning filter, powerful two-stage filter, large cleaning capacity.
Bagged: Yes
1. VacuMaid SR64 Central Vacuum Unit
It’s no surprise that a VacuMaid machine tops this list. Like the previous VacuMaids on this list, the VacuMaid SR64 is made in the United States from galvanized steel, making it all but indestructible. Scratches, dents and other damage from daily use will not affect a VacuMaid product. These machines are built to look and operate like new for years.
The VacuMaid SR64 is a little less expensive and slightly less powerful than the Beam Serenity, but we’ve ranked it higher for its accessibility. The VacuMaid is a very efficient machine that makes the most out of the power it has, and for many homes, the difference in air watts between the VacuMaid SR64 and the Beam Serenity will not be hugely noticeable.
The VacuMaid cannot handle houses quite as large as what the Beam Serenity can manage, but if your home clocks in under 18,000 square feet, the VacuMaid will be just as functional and efficient for you.
Like every other machine on this list, the VacuMaid boasts extreme filtration and a quiet noise level of just 68 decibels. The VacuMaid SR64 deserves the number one spot for being both practical and high powered. While not the fanciest nor the vacuum with the most bells and whistles, the VacuMaid SR64 is the most popular and sturdiest choice.
Power: 1040
Notable Features: Inverted bag, utility valve, low decibel level
Bagged: Yes
Home size: 18,000 square feet
How to select the perfect central vacuum
Central vacuums are a bigger investment than many other vacuums. You don’t want to go home with the wrong one.
That said, any of the vacuums on this list would be a good choice, provided they match the size of your home. All other details come down to personal tastes. Before you buy a central vacuum, sit down and make a list of what you want to get out of the machine.
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Budget
This is pretty straightforward. Central vacuums can vary wildly in price depending on their size, capabilities and extra features. Make sure you know what you’re able to spend before you get too deep into looking at different machines.
Many of the central vacuums on this list have very low maintenance levels thanks to self-cleaning filters and other design triumphs. So take this into account when factoring in the price points.
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Cleaning capacity
Another straightforward point. Know the size of your home and make sure you select a vacuum that can get your whole home clean. Installing a vacuum that is too small will leave you wanting more, while trying to install a machine that is too big might cause you discomfort from noise and may take up too much space in your home.
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Extra features
Some of the central vacuums on this list have added features, like LED screens and special hookups that may or may not be necessary for you.
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Noise level
Everyone wants a quiet vacuum, but this becomes more important the smaller your home. Double check for any noise ordinances in apartment complexes or condominiums before investing in a central vacuum. We’ve chosen mostly quiet vacuums here, but be sure you’re familiar with how loud different decibel levels actually are before you make a commitment.
(For an easy reference point, a normal conversation in a calm restaurant usually clocks in at around 60 decibels.)
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Dimensions
This is also a simple but often forgotten step of the process. Make sure you know the dimensions of the area you plan to install the central vacuum. Central vacuums don’t take up as much space as you might think, but they are permanent fixtures that cannot be moved easily should you need to rearrange things.
Resolve to get a better clean
So make the most of your resolutions for the new year (and the new decade). If you’ve been telling yourself every year that this will finally be the time you upgrade to a better vacuum, there’s no better time than the present. Start 2020 off right with any of these quality central vacuums from our list and experience a clean home like you’ve never had before.
And remember, you can always visit eVacuumstore.com for an even wider selection and great deals!
