10 Best Central Vacuum Systems in 2024

The Finest Whole-House, In-Wall, Central, and Built-In Vacuums: No Matter What You Call Them!

There are plenty of reasons why folks love central vacuum systems! For starters, they're incredibly convenient—imagine vacuuming your entire home without lugging a heavy vacuum cleaner around. Plus, they're super efficient; central vacuum systems can tackle your cleaning chores faster than a regular vacuum cleaner because of their larger hoses and powerful suction. And let’s not forget, they often cost less to run over time since they use less energy and tend to last longer.

When you're on the hunt for a central vacuum, you'll want to think about various things, such as:

• Which central vacuum system is the best for your home's size?
• What features matter most to you?
• How much are you willing to spend?

These can be tricky questions when shopping for the perfect central vacuum, and that’s where thinkvacuums.com comes to the rescue! We’ve made it easy for you to find just the right system that fits your needs. Whether you're looking for something basic or a fancy top-of-the-line model with all the extras, we've got a wide variety of options for every budget and lifestyle.

If you’re considering installing a central vacuum system in your home or thinking about replacing your current one, we've got you covered with our list of the Best Central Vacuums to choose from. We’ve put this list together based on: Sales, Customer feedback, Features, Lifespan,Warranty offered, Rates of returns and repairs. Be sure to check out our Central Vacuum Systems to find the perfect fit for your home!

Best Overall Central Vacuum for the Money

1. Drainvac Pet Vac Central Vacuum System

If you're a pet owner or simply want the most powerful central vacuum around, look no further than the Drainvac Pet Vac. This system reigns supreme, making it perfect for homes up to 10,000 Sq. Ft.
It features:

• Commercial-Rated Domel Tangential Bypass Motor that delivers over 800 air watts of suction power. Plus, it comes with a 100% lifetime warranty on both the motor and casing, alongside free lifetime service through Thinkvacuums.com.
• Hybrid Unit, which means you can use it with or without a disposable dust bag. It boasts an extra-large 9-gallon dirt canister and a SilverClear HEPA filter designed to eliminate bacteria, ensuring cleaner indoor air while you clean.
• You can Groom Your Pets With This Vacuum! Included with the Drainvac Pet Vac is a Drainvac Pet Grooming Brush, perfect for pets of any coat length. It gently grooms your furry friends while picking up stray hair and dander from both your pets and upholstered surfaces around your home.

Drainvac International never stops innovating. They're always refining and enhancing their designs, and are recognized as the Gold Standard of central vacuums. Drainvac truly stands out as the finest central vacuum brand on the market today.

Best Central Vacuum for Large Homes

2. Drainvac Twin Turbo Central Vacuum System

Introducing the remarkable 240-volt Drainvac Twin Turbo—truly the pinnacle of central vacuums! Designed for those who demand nothing but the best, the Twin Turbo is the ideal choice for replacing an outdated system or outfitting your dream home with unparalleled power.

• Originally Engineered for Commercial Applications.
  
• Twin Turbo with an Impressive Maximum Suction Power of 1,436 Air-Watts, making it highly sought after by builders of large custom homes.

Drainvac International is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. Renowned as the Gold Standard in central vacuum systems, Drainvac stands out as the premier brand in today's market.

Best Choice for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers

3. PurVac Barracuda Central Vacuum System

Powerful Vacuuming Made Easy

• Designed for Homes up to 9,000 Square Feet, this impressive HEPA filtration system has earned recognition for its effectiveness in alleviating asthma and allergy symptoms.
• Features Advanced HEPA Filtration, ensuring a healthier living environment and extending the motor's lifespan. All PurVac central vacuums come equipped with HEPA filters, which showcases an impressive efficiency of 98% for particles measuring 0.3 microns and larger.
• The Barracuda is its Self-Cleaning HEPA Filter, which automatically cleans itself when the unit is turned off. While the Barracuda can operate with or without a disposable dust bag, using a dust bag is highly recommended for individuals with asthma or allergies. This not only enhances air quality but also helps prolong the motor and filter's longevity.
• The PurVac Barracuda delivers exceptional suction power, achieving a water lift of 151 inches and 808 air watts. Operating quietly, this unit utilizes noise-suppressant acoustic foam to minimize sound during use. With a robust motor designed for a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

PurVac is a globally recognized brand manufactured by Drainvac International, a Canadian company renowned for producing high-performance, durable central vacuum systems with superior filtration.

Best Bagless Central Vacuum Unit

4. Drainvac Little Giant Central Vacuum System
Remarkably Powerful

• The Drainvac Little Giant is Hybrid Unit, It can be used with or without a bag, offering flexibility for those seeking a particular unit type and are adamant about selecting bagged or bagless systems.
• This Central Vacuum is Available in Both 4-gallon and 9-Gallon Dirt Canister Capacities, giving you the flexibility to choose the best size for your home.
• The Unit is Designed for Homes up to 4,000 sq. ft., making it perfect for small to medium-sized homes, providing exceptionally quiet vacuuming experience, thanks to the acoustic foam lining that suppresses sound within the power unit.
  
  

Best Central Vacuum for Motor Life

5. Cana-Vac LS-790 Central Vacuum System

The All-Star Central Vacuum System

The Cana-Vac LS-790 is a standout model in their Signature Series, featuring a high-efficiency HEPA filtration system that effectively captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns. Powered by an Ametek Lamb By-Pass Motor, this unit delivers a remarkable 149 inches of water lift and an impressive 659 air watts.

• Included in this Cana-Vac LS-790 Central Vacuum is a Muffler, designed to circulate air during operation, ensuring the motor remains cool while in use.
• This System can Operate With or Without a Disposable Bag, although using a dust bag is advisable. This practice keeps the unit cleaner, enhances filtration, and extends the motor's lifespan.

Noteworthy features of the LS-790 include the flexibility of right or left intake installation, a 5-gallon dirt canister, durable all-metal construction, and a limited lifetime warranty. Cana-Vac, founded by Leonard Budd in 1970, stands as one of Canada’s leading central vacuum manufacturers. The company remains committed to producing premium quality central vacuum systems, equipped with the most powerful motors available in the industry today.

Best American Made System for Large Homes

6. Vacuflo DB7000 Central Vacuum System

Clean Smarter, Live Better!

The Vacuflo DB7001 central vacuum system is another excellent choice for large homes, designed to handle spaces up to 12,000 square feet as well. With its powerful motor offering 634 air watts and a water lift of 160 inches, you can count on efficient cleaning performance.

Here are some highlights of the DB7001:

• Bagged System: Utilizes CleanShield disposable dust bags made from durable, triple-layer filtration material, keeping dust firmly contained for a hassle-free cleanup.
• Enhanced Filtration: Equipped with a secondary filter to protect the motor by trapping carbon dust, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Easy Maintenance: Simply remove the bag, seal it, and replace it without any mess.

Like its counterpart, the DB7001 is proudly assembled in Canton, Ohio, by H-P Products Inc. Since 1945, this brand has stood for quality and reliability in the central vacuum industry, consistently developing innovative products to meet the needs of homeowners.

Best Choice for Builders

7. NuTone PP7001 Central Vacuum System

The NuTone PP7001 Central Vacuum System seamlessly combines powerful suction with exceptional filtration, effectively removing dust, dirt, and allergens from your home. Featuring sealed HEPA 2.0 filtration and a robust 700 air watt motor, this unit ensures superior air quality. Additionally, a secondary exhaust filter mitigates carbon dust emissions from the motor, providing unparalleled filtration for cleaner indoor air.

• Designed to Accommodate Homes up to 10,000 Square Feet, the NuTone PP7001 is perfect for builders seeking a top-quality central vacuum system with versatile multi-directional connectivity, even in tight spaces.
• Its ULTRA SILENT Technology Incorporates Sound-Absorbing Materials and innovative assembly techniques, resulting in one of the lowest noise levels in the industry.

NuTone, a prominent American company, holds significant market share in doorbells, central vacuum systems, kitchen exhaust range hoods, bathroom ventilation fans, and mosquito-repellent systems. Their central vacuum systems have earned a stellar reputation among home builders due to their reliability and performance.

Best Value in a Compact Size

8. Drainvac Little Giant Central Vacuum System

Remarkably Powerful

Despite its compact design, the Drainvac Little Giant central vacuum system offers remarkable performance that belies its size. With an impressive powerful suction of 670 air watts and a water lift of 128 inches, it excels at removing dirt and debris from various surfaces, ensuring a deep clean. This hybrid unit is engineered to provide a notably quiet vacuuming experience, thanks to the advanced acoustic foam lining within the power unit that effectively dampens sound, making your cleaning routine more pleasant and less disruptive.

• The Drainvac Little Giant is available with either a 4-gallon or 9-Gallon Dirt Canister, allowing users to choose the capacity that best suits their needs. This feature allows users to select the size that best fits their cleaning requirements, whether they are tackling small messes or larger jobs. With a variety of applications in both home and professional settings, the Drainvac Little Giant ensures efficient dirt collection, helping users optimize their cleaning experience while maintaining convenience and ease of use.
• Suitable for Homes up to 4,000 Square Feet, Making it an Ideal Choice for Both Small and Large Residences. This versatility ensures that whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious family house, you can enjoy its benefits. Its design accommodates various layouts and room configurations, providing optimal comfort and functionality for any living space.

Renowned for its superior quality and exceptional power, Drainvac central vacuums feature some of the finest motors on the market today, which are designed for durability and long-lasting performance. With a wide array of products tailored for residential, commercial, and industrial use, Drainvac has established itself as the Gold Standard in central vacuums. This reputation stems from their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, solidifying Drainvac's position as the premier brand in the industry, where performance and reliability meet elegance and efficiency.

Best Value for Medium-Sized Homes

9. Beam SC375 Central Vacuum System

Enjoy Seamless and Effortless Cleaning

The Beam SC375 is an outstanding choice for medium-sized homes, accommodating spaces of up to 8,000 square feet with ease. This powerful central vacuum system boasts an impressive motor that delivers 650 air watts and a remarkable 116 inches of water lift, ensuring that it operates efficiently while requiring minimal maintenance. One of its key features is the innovative GORE self-cleaning filter, which automatically cleans itself whenever the unit is turned off, eliminating the need for manual filter maintenance and enhancing convenience for users.

• The Beam SC375 Comes with a Spacious 4-gallon Dirt Canister that allows for easy removal and emptying when needed, reducing the frequency of trips to the trash. Its engineering focuses on quieter operation, utilizing the advanced QuietPak sound insulation system.
• This technology Significantly Reduces Noise Levels During Operation, making it less disruptive in a home environment.
• A Sound Muffler has Been Thoughtfully Integrated Into the Exhaust System, minimizing the sound of air discharge. This is complemented by a sound-insulating wrap and a high-quality carbon filter surrounding the motor, which not only enhances the overall air quality around the unit but also contributes to a more pleasant cleaning experience.

Nuera Air, the proud owner of the Beam brand, is committed to quality and innovation and also manufactures the well-regarded Duovac and Husky central vacuums. These brands have been recognized globally for over 50 years, celebrated for their exceptional manufacturing quality, reliable performance, and long-lasting durability. Beam itself has distinguished itself as the #1 brand worldwide for more than 60 years, a testament to its commitment to excellence. With a robust distribution network and strong brand recognition, this acquisition represents a valuable asset for Nuera Air, enhancing its comprehensive market coverage and enriching its product portfolio, ultimately benefiting consumers with top-tier vacuum solutions.

Best Central Vacuum for Extra Large Homes

10. Vacumaid SR64 Central Vacuum System

Smart Vacuuming for a Cleaner Life

The Vacumaid SR64 is an exceptionally powerful dual-motor, 220-volt system meticulously engineered to cater to large homes of up to 18,000 square feet, making it an ideal choice for spacious residences or multi-story buildings. This advanced system features an innovative inverted bag equipped with a permanent filter, specifically designed to effectively resist the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, ensuring a cleaner and healthier living environment for you and your family.

• The Vacumaid SR64 incorporates the cutting-edge Surf-Tex filter, which boasts an impressive capability to capture an astounding 97% of dust, dirt, and other microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns. This level of filtration not only enhances the air quality in your home but also minimizes allergens that can trigger respiratory issues, making it a perfect choice for allergy sufferers.
• The Remarkable Cyclonic Filtration System Efficiently Collects Debris in its Spacious 9.5-Gallon Dirt Canister, allowing for less frequent emptying and more convenient use. The SR64's canister is further enhanced by a patented air channel that accommodates a plastic liner at the bottom, facilitating easier and cleaner debris disposal. This means you can maintain your vacuum with minimal mess and hassle.

At the heart of the Vacumaid SR64 is its commitment to reliable cleaning. The system utilizes the largest motor combination available from Vacumaid, ensuring the effective removal of dirt, dust, and allergens from your home through its powerful cyclonic filtration. The dual-motor design not only increases suction power but also enhances the overall efficiency of the cleaning process.

Vacumaid is dedicated to offering only the highest quality central vacuum systems on the market. Their power units come equipped with long-lasting motors, superior filtration, and robust construction, making them durable and dependable. The Vacumaid cyclonic systems provide unparalleled and sustainable cleaning power, ensuring nearly 100% efficiency at all times. With the Vacumaid SR64, you can enjoy a cleaner home and a healthier lifestyle, all while benefiting from the latest advancements in central vacuum technology.

Best Central Vacuum in years past

11 (Bonus) - Electrolux PU3650 Central Vacuum System

Breathe Freely and Clean Thoroughly

Designed for homes up to 8,000 square feet, the Electrolux PU3650 central vacuum system features HEPA MicroSeal Fresh Air Technology. This innovative technology is incorporated in all of Electrolux’s vacuums to ensure clean and healthy indoor air. Its HEPA filtration captures an impressive 99.97% of dust, dirt, and allergens. The bi-directional intake design allows for versatile installation, making setup a breeze. Built from durable steel, the PU3650 promises long-lasting performance.

• Engineered with a Patented Quiet Clean Sound Design, the Electrolux PU3650 delivers powerful suction with 600 air watts and an exceptional 140 inches of water lift. For added peace of mind, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the steel body and a 10-year warranty on all other components.
• The System Features an LCD Display, enabling users to easily monitor performance metrics such as speed and efficiency while also checking the status of the dirt canister. This display provides real-time updates, helping users to ensure optimal functionality and maintain the device with ease.

Electrolux has been a pioneer in the appliance industry for generations, continuously innovating in the central vacuum sector. However, in 2019, the company faced challenges due to rising raw material costs and U.S. trade policies, including steep tariffs. The closure of numerous Sears locations further impacted Electrolux, which also owns Frigidaire, as they grappled with higher steel prices and Sears' bankruptcy. Consequently, Electrolux has paused the production of several appliances, including its central vacuum systems.

  Common FAQs about Central Vacuum Systems

What are the Benefits of Using a Central Vacuum System?

As the difference in price between central vacuum and portable vacuum cleaners have lessened, central vacuums have become more practical and more cost-effective. Central vacuums not only bring value to a home they also have health benefits including creating a healthy home with improved indoor air quality. This is especially important if you or a loved one suffers from asthma or allergies. In addition, central vacuums are versatile, easy to use, have minimal noise levels, and are better than the traditional vacuum cleaner.

How Long Does a Central Vacuum Last?

Central vacuums last longer than traditional portable vacuum cleaners. On average traditional vacuum cleaners will last two years while a central vacuum can last 20 years or more. That is if you service the central vacuum when needed. Change filters and bags regularly, and keep the hose and pipes clear of debris.

Does a Central Vacuum Need to be Vented Outside?

For the best indoor air quality, it is recommended to vent central vacuums outside. However, only cyclonic central vacuums must be vented outside. If venting is not an available option for you, we recommend choosing a bagged or filtered unit.

What is the Best Central Vacuum System?

With so many central vacuum systems in the market today it can be overwhelming to choose the right central vacuum for your home. We have created a list of 10 most popular central vacuums in the United States.

Guide to Buying the Best Central Vacuum

The 6 Biggest Factors Customers Should Consider When Buying a Central Vacuum System for their Home

Installing a Central Vacuum in your home can be very valuable. It will not only improve the value of your home, but it will make cleaning your home easier. Whether you are replacing an old central vacuum system, installing a central vacuum unit to new construction, or even installing a central vacuum cleaner to an existing home, it is an easy process that can be done. The only decision now is to choose the right central vacuum system for the size of your home and cleaning needs.  There are many options when it comes to choosing a central vacuum system for your home. We have broken down the features that should be taken into consideration when buying a central vacuum unit.

1. Coverage Area  -  What Square Footage Home will the Central Vacuum Cover?

We have broken the square footage into three categories.
Small homes 3,500 Sq. Ft or smaller
Medium homes  4,000 to 9,500 Sq. Ft 
Large homes 10,000 Sq. Ft or larger . 

The rule of thumb in the central vacuum industry is to double the square footage of your home if you want adequate suction   ( i.e. a 2000 sq ft home should choose from the 4,000 to 9,500 Sq. Ft)

2. Filtration Type - What Level of Filtration is Right for Your Home?

There are a few different types of filtration that the central vacuum has to offer. The first is the most popular among those that have allergies or suffer from asthma, a disposable bag style is the easiest and most hygienic filtration type and dirt disposal. With bagged central vacuum systems, they also capture things like mold, bacteria, and other allergens. Without bags, these things will stay inside the dirt canister until it is emptied and has the potential of recirculating back into the air. The next type of filtration is a bagless central vacuum with a secondary filter.

These central vacuum units are common. Although the canister of the central vacuum can still contain the same things a bag capture most of it is captured by the filter. These filters will save you plenty of time and money because these filters can sometimes be washed, or they are self-cleaning.  The last type is the true filtered cyclonic which is also a bagless central vacuum. Cyclonic-type central vacuums are required to be vented outside and are not suitable for allergy or asthma sufferers. The upside to the true cyclonic filtration bagless central vacuums is the are no bags or filters to buy and these vacuums can easily be maintained.

3. Dog and Cats - Do you Have Pets in Your Home?

If you have a pet in your home, you know how difficult it can be to keep your floors and furniture clean. Central vacuum systems perform exceptionally well when it comes to picking up pet hair, dander, dust mites, pet orders, allergens, and other unwanted debris in your home. In addition to choosing a central vacuum with superior suction power, you will want to choose an attachment kit and/or pet attachments to tackle those stubborn cleaning tasks around your home.

4. Air Watts - Suction, Suction Suction

The Air watts indicate the motors' global performance and the central vacuum's efficiency level. The air watts value relates between the airflow, suction, and power consumption.
According to ASTM’s international standards, this data is calculated as followed:

• P = 1/8.5xFxS where P translates to the power in air watts
• F is the airflow in CFM, and S is for water lift

5. Carpet or Tile - Get the Right Vacuum for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right central vacuum you will also take into consideration the type of flooring you have in your home. A home with carpets will require more suction power and specific powerheads with rotating brush rollers to separate and refresh carpet fibers. Homes with tile or hardwood flooring require a bare floor brush preferably one with soft bristles and wheels. Most homes today have combination flooring. In this case, you would want to choose a complete attachment kit that includes all the tools and attachments you need to clean both carpets and bare flooring.

6. Type of Central Vacuums - Which One is Right for me?

Central vacuum systems come in three types bagged, filtered systems, and cyclonic systems. The filtered units use filtration materials like cloth, paper, foam, cartridges, or screens that filter the air that goes through the system during vacuuming. These units require regular replacement of bags and or filters. Cyclonic systems use cyclonic force to clean the air that goes into the system.

Most cyclonic units do not use a disposable dust bag, instead, the dirt is deposited into a separate dirt canister. These units can be a bit messy to empty so it is not recommended to use cyclonic systems if you suffer from asthma or allergies. Bagged units are the popular choice of central vacuum owners. Plus you will have the option to choose the bag filtration level. 

1. Bagged: A bagged central vacuum is the cleaner and easier way of disposing of dirt, dust, and debris. With a bagged system the disposable bags are located in the central vacuum's canister where the dirt and dust are collected. Central vacuum bags come in a variety of filtration levels such as standard, micro-lined, and HEPA. Bagged units are the best form of protection for allergy sufferers. A bag is also known as the first line f defense in protecting the central vacuum motor. 
2. Bagless: With a bagless unit, the dirt enters into the vacuum's canister with cyclonic action. These systems can have an inverted filter that cleans itself when the system is turned off or a cartridge filter that filters out finer dust and dirt while the larger debris is deposited into the canister. These systems can be a bit messier and may require a little more cleaning to avoid clogging and loss of suction.
3. Cyclonic: Also known as true cyclonic, these units provide sustained cleaning power by separating the dirt from the airflow without the use of bags or filters. With these units, the cleaning performance will not decrease as dirt accumulates. Cyclonic central vacuum systems must be vented outside. So if venting outside is not an option for you then it is best to choose a bagged system or a bagless filtered unit.