Choosing between an ash vacuum and a shop vacuum can be tough. Both have unique features, but understanding their differences can help you make the right choice. This guide breaks down key aspects of each to help you find the best tool for your needs.
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17585 vs Vacmaster VBV1210 Comparison Table
| Features | Craftsman CMXEVBE17585 | Vacmaster VBV1210 |
| Vacuum Type | Ash Vacuum | Shop Vacuum |
| Form Factor | Stick | Handheld |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood and aluminum | Drain |
| Filtration | HEPA media filter | A cartridge and a foam filters |
| Special feature | Ash vac | Extra-large drain port |
| Size | 5 Gallon 3.25 Peak HP | 12 Gallon 5PHP |
FINAL VERDICT (BEST PICK)
The Craftsman CMXEVBE17585 ash vacuum stands out as a top choice for efficient household cleaning. Perfect for handling dry ash from fireplaces, stoves, grills, and more, it features robust construction with a metal-lined hose and drum.
Its non-stick HEPA filter effectively captures fine particles, while the LED-lit hose ensures visibility in dimly lit areas. Lightweight yet durable, the vacuum’s sturdy top handle makes it easy to maneuver.
Ideal for heavy-duty tasks, this model combines convenience and power for a cleaner, more comfortable home.
Ash Vacuum vs Shop Vacuum
1. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17585 Ash Vacuum
The CRAFTSMAN ash vacuum is a top choice for effortless ash cleanup. It efficiently removes fine ash and debris from fireplaces, stoves, and grills. With its durable construction, HEPA filter, and LED-lit hose, it ensures thorough, safe cleaning in dark spots. Its lightweight, portable design enhances convenience.
Product Features:
- The CRAFTSMAN ash vacuum excels in cleaning fine ash and debris from fireplaces, stoves, grills, and fire pits.
- Its lightweight design and sturdy handle ensure easy maneuverability.
- It features a long eight-foot power cord and a three-foot locking hose with an LED light for enhanced visibility in dark areas.
- Equipped with a durable metal crevice tool and a HEPA media filter with a non-stick coating, this vacuum traps dust and ash effectively, ensuring a cleaner environment.
- The heavy-duty construction, including a metal-lined wand and drum, withstands rigorous use.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- Efficiently cleans fine ash and debris from various sources.
- LED light on the hose enhances visibility in dark areas.
- Durable construction with heavy-duty components for long-lasting use.
Downsides
- Designed for dry use only, limiting versatility.
2. Vacmaster VBV1210
The Vacmaster shop vacuum is a robust, versatile tool that converts into a handheld blower for tackling dirt and leaves. With a 7-foot hose, 19-foot reach, and a 12-gallon tank, it’s ideal for large spaces. It features durable construction, multiple filters, and various accessories, enhancing its cleaning capabilities.
Product Features
- The Vacmaster shop vacuum offers versatile functionality with its easy conversion to a handheld blower, ideal for cleaning dirt and leaves.
- It includes a 7-foot hose and a 19-foot reach for extensive cleaning. The 12-gallon tank handles large volumes of debris and water.
- Its tough polypropylene construction ensures durability, while the dual filter system (cartridge for dry debris and foam for wet messes) accommodates various cleaning needs.
- Accessories include an air and noise diffuser, utility nozzle, two extension wands, and a blower adapter.
- It features a drain port for easy water removal and moves smoothly on four 360-degree casters.
Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
- High versatility with blower conversion and multiple accessories.
- Durable polypropylene construction for long-lasting use.
- Large tank capacity for extended cleaning sessions.
Downsides
- Weighs 39.4 pounds, making it less portable.
Differences: Craftsman CMXEVBE17585 vs Vacmaster VBV1210
1. Size and dimensions: Ash vacuums usually come in portable and compact form factors. Shop vacuums, on the other hand, have large bodies that are fit for construction use.
Winner: shop vacuum.
2. Structure and design: An ash vacuum is designed for safely handling hot ash from burning wood or coal, featuring a heat-resistant thermal hose with a rubber coating. In contrast, a shop vacuum is built for durability and high suction power to efficiently manage dirt and debris in woodshops or construction sites.
Winner: Shop vacuum.
3. Intended purpose: The ash vacuum is used for cleaning ash and ash particles from stoves, fireplaces, and fire pits. A shop vacuum is made for heavy-duty use, and its place is on a big construction site or workshop. It cannot, however, be used to clean backyards or garages.
Winner: Ash vacuum.
4. Filter quality: The ash vacuum has a special filter that is installed to handle the hot ember while protecting the engine. Shop vacuums, on the other hand, are huge machines engineered to eliminate everything in their path, and that is why they do not come with filters.
Winner: Shop vacuum.
5. Price: Since the two products vary significantly in their design and usage, their prices also vary. The ash vacuum is quite affordable and its price ranges are on the lower side, even though expensive models exist on the market.
A shop vacuum is quite expensive since it is intended for professional use. The higher price is also attributed to the versatility of the machine, which is more than that of an ash vacuum.
Winner: Ash vacuum.
6. Pros and cons: The ash vacuum boasts heavy-duty construction, an LED-lighted hose for improved visibility, and a HEPA filter to trap dirt. However, it lacks wheels for easier movement. The shop vacuum excels with quiet operation, versatility for wet and dry cleaning, a removable motor for blowing, a 19-foot reach, and a large tank, though it requires an additional filter for dust.
FAQs
What should you consider while purchasing ash vacuums?
When choosing an ash vacuum, consider motor power for deeper cleaning, filters to prevent ash buildup, and tank capacity for efficiency. Compact models suit smaller spaces, while larger tanks handle bigger jobs. Opt for low noise levels and ensure the hose and cord lengths offer ample reach for thorough cleaning.
What should you look for when buying a shop vac?
For an effective shop vacuum, choose a model with a long hose, extended cord, and a large tank (up to 14 gallons) to minimize emptying. Opt for high suction power, a robust motor (500 watts or 1-2 horsepower), and durable materials like polypropylene. Quality wheels, versatile attachments, and filters for fine particles enhance versatility and performance.
Are ash vacuums any good?
An ash vacuum efficiently collects dirt, ash, and debris with its durable metal tank, heat-resistant filters, and robust build. Equipped with versatile attachments and nozzles, it safely handles both warm and cold ash while locking in particles to prevent leakage, ensuring a cleaner, safer environment.
The Wind-Up
Choosing between an ash vacuum and a shop vacuum depends on your needs. Ash vacuums handle fine, hot ash with ease, while shop vacuums offer versatile cleaning power. Consider what suits your situation best to make your cleaning routine more effective and efficient.