- Leaving mounds of unsightly ash in your fireplace can actually also accumulate dust and air pollution particles- creating a home health hazard
- It’s best to hoover up all that ash on a regular basis and our favorite fireplace vacuum is the PowerSmith 10 Amp Ash Vacuum because it’s high-powered with 10 amps, is mobile on wheels, and can deal with both cold and warm ash
- It can handle cleaning out ash from wood stoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves, and BBQ grills
- It also ships with a variety of hose attachments so you can access even the tightest corners of your firebox:
Contents
- The Powersmith (Best in class)
- The Snow Joe: (Budget)
- Some important buying considerations
- The 5 Best Fireplace Vacuums
- #1. PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Video overview
- #2. Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Video overview
- #3. Vacmaster – Ash Vacuum 6 Gallon 8 Amp (EATC608S)
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Video overview
- #4. Porter-Cable 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Video overview
- #5. The Pellethead Ash Vacuum Pro for Fireplaces
- Pros:
- Cons:
- Video overview
- Purchase Considerations
- #1. How often will you use the vacuum?
- #2. What type of motor is it?
- #3. What type of filtration system does it have?
- #4. Does it have an auto shut-off?
- #5. Who is the product designed for?
- FAQs
- What is a Fireplace Vacuum?
- What is the best way to clean out ash from my fireplace?
- What are some benefits of having a fireplace vacuum?
- How much do these vacuums cost?
- Can I use an old vacuum cleaner?
- What is the most important thing I should look for in a fireplace vacuum?
- Summing Up
The Powersmith (Best in class)
- If you’re on a budget, check out the Snow Joe 4-Amp Ash Vacuum, it’s not as strong as the 10 amp PowerSmith, and it doesn’t have wheels, or as many attachments, but it will get the job done
The Snow Joe: (Budget)
If you have a fireplace, then you know how important it is to keep it clean. But what do you do when the fireplace gets dirty? The answer is simple – you invest in a fireplace vacuum.
A fireplace vacuum is a specialized type of vacuum cleaner that is designed specifically for cleaning fireplaces. It usually has a long hose that can reach into the fireplace, and it also has a special attachment for getting rid of soot and ashes.
Some important buying considerations
- Do you want it with wheels so you can move it around easily?
- Capacity- most of them range between 3 and 8 gallons of capacity. Choose a bigger capacity if you want to empty it less and have extra space at the ready.
- Long hose: this is important because you want to be able to reach all areas of the fireplace.
- A special attachment for getting rid of soot and ashes: this will make cleaning much easier.
- Can it clean warm and cold ashes? Cleaning up warm ashes is more difficult than cleaning cold ashes
- How easy is it to empty the fireplace vacuum? Emptying ashes can be messy, so you want a fireplace vacuum that makes this process easy.
One of the most common problems homeowners have is getting a good vacuum that can help them clean up their fireplace after a fire.
This can be a big problem, especially when you live in an area with severe winters and fires routinely on the hearth.
If your location is not so harsh on weather conditions, or you don’t use your fireplace all that much, you may not have to worry about this.
But most homes have a fireplace in them for at least several months out of the year, so they need to find a vacuum that can help them when they are doing their spring cleaning or when there is nothing but ashes left after the fire.
In the article below, we will review the top 5 best fireplace vacuums so that they can be easier for you to choose from.
The 5 Best Fireplace Vacuums
#1. PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum
This is an ash vacuum that has received rave reviews all over the internet. This means that many people who have bought this product feel it is the best fireplace vacuum that money can buy. It was designed with several features in mind.
One of the main things is a patented metal hose that can clean cool and warm ash.
It also comes with a washable and replaceable fire-resistant filter system to trap dust or ash as small as 1 micron. So not only will this vacuum suck up the ashes, but it will ensure they are trapped before they ever leave the vacuum.
You also get some additional accessories with this product, including casters and a 16-foot cord that can allow you to use it as a regular shop vacuum.
Pros:
- A filter system that is replaceable and washable
- Powerful and Quiet 10 Amp motor
- Heat resistant metal hose
- Additional accessories
Cons:
- A little bit loud
Video overview
#2. Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum
This is another product that has received many positive reviews on the internet. It also comes with several accessories, including a metal ash collection canister with a handle for easy portability, metal extension wands to allow you to reach different parts of the fireplace when you are vacuuming it out, and an 8.5-foot cord.
One thing that makes this product different from PowerSmith is that it only has a 4.8-gallon capacity, which means you may have to stop and empty it more often. It also isn’t as powerful as some of the other models on our list, but it has a large intake port to use it more quickly.
Pros:
- Metal collection canister with handle
- Large metal extension wands
- Quiet 4.8-gallon capacity
- Powerful 4 amp motor
- Dual filtration
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
Cons:
- It does not come with a compartment to holster the hose.
Video overview
#3. Vacmaster – Ash Vacuum 6 Gallon 8 Amp (EATC608S)
This is another model that has received rave reviews on the internet. It gets its power from an 8-amp motor, which means it can suck up ash and debris quite effectively. You also get several accessories with this product, including a 12-foot metal hose that will help you reach many of the hard-to-clean places inside your fireplace.
There is also a sizeable 6-gallon collection tank included with this product, which should give you plenty of time before you have to stop and empty it.
What sets this model apart from the other two mentioned above that have an 8-amp motor is that it has a 6-gallon capacity to hold much more ash at one time.
Pros:
- Large carry handle for portability
- Large 6-gallon capacity tank
- Casters on wheelbase
- On-board accessory
- Metal 12-foot hose
- Quiet operation
- LED work light
- 8 amp motor
Cons:
- Fairly weak suction
Video overview
#4. Porter-Cable 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum
This is another product that has received rave reviews all over the internet. It was designed with several features in mind, including its 4-gallon capacity ash canister. One of the best things about this product is its motor since it runs on four-peak horsepower, which means it will suck up debris quite effectively.
You also get some additional accessories with this product, including two different filters to ensure all the ash is captured, including a foam cartridge filter and an outer mesh filter that can be removed for easy cleaning. You also get some additional accessories with this product, including casters on the base so you can quickly move it around your fireplace if you want to clean other parts of it.
Pros:
- 4-gallon capacity with a metal handle for easy portability
- Casters for simple movement around the fireplace
- Two filtration systems to remove ash and dust
- Includes two different types of filters
- Additional accessories
- Powers on four peak HP
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Needs frequent emptying
Video overview
#5. The Pellethead Ash Vacuum Pro for Fireplaces
This is another popular option- it has a powerful 10-amp motor that can make light work out of removing ash from your fireplace. You also get several accessories with this product, including two different filtration systems to capture ash and dust.
In addition, it comes with a metal collection canister that has a hand
le for easy carrying and a 7-foot metal hose for cleaning different parts of the fireplace. There is also a large 5-gallon capacity tank with this product, which should give you plenty of time before you have to stop and empty it. It also runs quietly, making it perfect for use during the night or early in the morning.
Pros:
- Includes two different types of filters
- Metal handle and rolling casters
- Powerful 10-amp motor
- 5-gallon collection tank
- Quiet 78 dB noise level
- 10-foot power cord
Cons:
- Higher maintenance
Video overview
Purchase Considerations
As with any product, there are several factors you should consider when making your purchase. You need to think about the type of product that will best fit your needs.
In addition, you need to think about what types of features are most important to you.
Also, keep in mind who the product is designed for and who it isn’t. Below are some of the factors:
#1. How often will you use the vacuum?
When deciding which fireplace vacuum to buy, you should consider how often you plan on using it.
You might be surprised at the kinds of ash that can build up in your fireplace over time, especially if you’re not careful to clean it regularly.
If possible, try to find one that’s lightweight and easy to carry, so you can easily pick it up and remove the debris when cleaning your fireplace.
Remember, you can’t use a regular vacuum for this task!
#2. What type of motor is it?
You must consider the type of motor when making your purchase since this will determine how much suction power your vacuum has.
If possible, make sure you get one with multiple engines or at least one that has plenty of suction power.
The last thing you want is for the vacuum to lose its power when you need it most.
#3. What type of filtration system does it have?
Since ash can be quite harmful, especially if it gets into your nose, mouth, you buy to have an auto shut-off or lungs, and you need to make sure any vacuum you buy has a filtration system that will filter out the ash.
Some products come with multiple filtration systems, including both outer filters and inner filters that remove not only ash but also dust.
#4. Does it have an auto shut-off?
It’s also crucial for any product you buy to have a power shut-off that will turn the vacuum off once it gets full.
This is also ideal if you’re going to be vacuuming your fireplace at night or early in the morning when you don’t want to wake anyone up.
#5. Who is the product designed for?
When you’re shopping for a fireplace vacuum, make sure the model is designed for your needs. For example, if you have a wood-burning fireplace and not gas, it might be best to look at other types of products designed specifically for wood-burning fireplaces.
Check out some of our favorite ash buckets if you aren’t ready to invest in an ash vacuum!
FAQs
What is a Fireplace Vacuum?
A fireplace vacuum cleaner is a tool to empty the ash from your furnace/fireplace.
It can be hand-held or have a long hose so you can clean different parts of the fireplace and not just the bottom. Some come with extra features like having an additional filter for dust and soot, so this is also something to think about when comparing products.
The main difference between a fireplace vacuum and a regular vacuum cleaner is the size of the container; they have to catch all the ash from your fireplace or woodstove.
A typical household vacuum has a cup attached that usually fills up in 1-2 sessions, depending on how often you use your stove.
A fireplace vacuum cup can be 1-5 gallons depending on the size of the vacuum and how many fires it has emptied. It could take a few days to a week before you have to empty it, if not longer.
What is the best way to clean out ash from my fireplace?
The best way to clean out all the ash from your fireplace is by using a fireplace vacuum.
If you don’t use your fireplace often and there’s not much ash buildup, it might be good to use a dustpan and brush.
However, if the ashes have been sitting for longer than two weeks or have a significant buildup, it is best to use a fireplace vacuum.
What are some benefits of having a fireplace vacuum?
If you don’t like cleaning out your fireplace or doing it too often, it is good to get one of these vacuums. It will save you time and effort in cleaning, making less mess, and ensuring that the ashes do not spill out of the fireplace.
-It is good if you want to go away for a few days and don’t want ash spilling out onto your floor or carpet; also, it will make less mess when you’re trying to clean up after a fire.
How much do these vacuums cost?
These vacuums are generally pretty affordable- a good investment if you use your fireplace a lot. They usually have a very long life, so even though they cost more than a regular vacuum, they will pay off in the long run.
Can I use an old vacuum cleaner?
No, an old vacuum will clog up and lose suction because of all the dust and ash from the fireplace. It would be best if you had a special fireplace vacuum with an enormous container to catch the ash and a filtration system to prevent dust from going back into the air.
What is the most important thing I should look for in a fireplace vacuum?
The most important thing you should look out for is how easy it is to empty the container of your vacuum. Also, if you use gas logs in your fireplace, ensure that the product you buy has enough filtration, so the dust doesn’t come back into the air after emptying it.
Summing Up
If you are looking for a fireplace vacuum, then you should know that there are many different types on the market. Some fireplace vacuums are designed for specific wood-burning fireplaces. Others are designed for general use.
When you are choosing a fireplace vacuum, it is important to consider the size of your fireplace and the type of fireplace that you have. You also need to think about how often you will be using the fireplace vacuum. If you only use your fireplace occasionally, then you might not need a powerful vacuum.
A Fireplace Vacuum is a tool to empty the ash from your furnace/fireplace. It can be hand-held or have a long hose so you can clean different parts of the fireplace and not just the bottom. Some come with extra features for specific fireplaces (wood vs. gas).
The most important thing to look for in a fireplace vacuum is how easy it is to empty and if the product has enough filtration so that dust doesn’t come back into the air after opening it.
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.