9 of The Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners Reviewed and Ranked
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Specialist ash vacuum cleaners are a holy grail for many people who regularly use a fireplace, wood or pellet stove, barbecue grill, or wood burner.
They’re different from regular vacuums in that they are much more resilient and durable, they’re built specifically to handle super fine ash or dust particles, and are typically fire-resistant and safe to use with warm materials. It’s important that you don’t use your regular vacuum cleaner to get rid of hot ash, as this will almost certainly result in the vacuum being damaged beyond repair, and could cause serious injury to you and those around you.
The best hot ash vacuum cleaners will efficiently remove ash without blowing dust particles back into the air. These particles can be harmful to the lungs and airways if inhaled and can also be extremely difficult to remove once they’re expelled into the air.
Each ash vacuum is different, some will be suitable for use with hot ash, while others may be safe to use only with cool or warm ash. It’s important that you always read the user manual thoroughly before vacuuming any hot debris to prevent the risk of fire or injury to yourself.
Listed below are some of the best ash vacuums available on the market. All are fairly reasonably priced and will save you countless hours sweeping or shoveling ash. They differ in size, weight, and functionality, so read on to figure out which might be the most suitable model for you.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice  | Cougar+ Ash Vacuum
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | PowerSmith PAVC102 All-In-One Ash and Shop Vacuum
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners
1. Cougar+ Ash Vacuum
Cougar+ Ash Vacuum
This vacuum from Cougar+ is suitable for use with cool and warm ash and is great for use on any wood or pellet stoves, fireplaces, and barbecues. The vacuum has a double-layer patented filter system that makes it ideal for picking up super fine ash and dust particles. The sealed six-gallon canister also means you have less chance of any leaks. It has excellent suction power, with an airflow rate of 90 CFM, and can be used on both wet and dry ash with no need to change filters in between.
It’s important to note, however, that the Cougar+ Ash Vacuum should not be used to suck up hot ash as this will damage the internal mechanisms and could be unsafe. With that being said, the vacuum’s filters are flame resistant up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so the risk of it catching fire is low. Regardless, always follow the guidelines set out by the manufacturer to avoid damage or injury.
The vacuum comes with nine attachments and a convenient drawstring bag. The hose extends up to five feet long and cleaning the vacuum is extremely easy and convenient, with no need to remove the canister.
The main drawback of this model is its weight. At 17lbs, it’s pretty heavy and there are no wheels for easy maneuvering. If you’re looking for something a little lighter and more portable, this might not be the best option for you.
2. PowerSmith PAVC102 All-in-One Ash and Shop Vacuum
PowerSmith PAVC102 All-In-One Ash and Shop Vacuum/Blower
The All-in-One Ash and Shop Vacuum from PowerSmith is both efficient and effective. It’s suitable for use with warm and cool ash and comes with multiple attachments and accessories, making it highly versatile. The PAVC102 is suitable for use on your fireplace, stoves, wood burners, and barbecue grills.
This model has a 10 amp motor, a heat-resistant metal hose, and a 4-gallon ash canister. It’s extremely powerful and the washable heat-resistant filters will trap fine dust particles and limit any blowback.
With a hose that extends up to 10ft, it’s convenient and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that some customers have complained that the longer hose length means this model is more susceptible to blockages.
The Vacuum also heats up pretty quickly, even when working with cool ash. It has an automated shut-off function that will prevent it from overheating but this can be frustrating since you’ll need to wait for it to cool down before resuming use.
If you’re looking for a sleek, powerful ash vacuum, this seems like a good option.
3. PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum
PowerSmith PAVC101 Ash Vacuum
Also from PowerSmith, we have the PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum, the predecessor to the PAVC102 All-in-One.
With a slightly smaller ash canister, at three gallons rather than four, and a hose that stretches only 5 ft (half the length of the PAVC102), it’s less convenient than the more recent model, but is still a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable, effective ash vacuum.
Again, it is suitable for use with both warm and cool ash and has a filtration system that is designed specifically to catch the finest particles and reduce leakage. The filters are easy to clean and can be reused multiple times.
It also has the same auto shut-off function as the 102, so there’s no need to worry about overheating, but you will need to wait for it to cool off periodically during use.
If you’re looking for an ash vacuum that has all the suction power of the PAVC102 but doesn’t need the super long hose or larger canister, this could be a good option for you.
4. Porter-Cable 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum
Porter-Cable 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum
Porter-Cable’s Ash Vacuum provides excellent suction power, making it extremely effective and efficient when it comes to cleaning your fireplaces, bonfire pits, wood-burner stoves, and barbecue grills, amongst other things, and is why it is on our Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners list.
The large, 4-gallon metal ash canister is durable and resilient and its considerable size means less frequent emptying is needed. With a weight of 8.6 pounds, the vacuum is also light and easy to maneuver around your home. It also has a sturdy handle and hose holder, so it can be transported and stored away easily when it’s not in use.
The washable fine dust filters are designed to resist blockages and are double-layered to maximize the trapping of dust particles and prevent them from being expelled back into the air.
The main drawback with this model is the short power cord, reaching only eight feet when fully extended. This might be something to consider if you’re planning to use the vacuum outdoors or somewhere with limited power supply points.
5. Snow Joe Ash Vacuum
Snow Joe ASHJ202E Ash Vacuum
The Snow Joe Ash Vacuum also has a double filtration system which means more dust pickup and less clogging or expulsion of particles.
With a 5 amp motor, it might not be as powerful as some of the aforementioned models, but it is also more compact and easy to store than many of its competitors. However, with a hose that extends to less than 4 ft at maximum reach, and on wheels for easy maneuverability, it’s definitely not the most convenient model available.
The filters and canister are reusable and can be easily removed and cleaned between uses.
One of the main issues cited by Snow Joe customers is that the model frequently overheats and shuts down. It’s also only suitable for use with cold ash.
If you’re looking for something fairly small and compact, and aren’t too concerned about having the most hardwearing, powerful ash vacuum on the market, this could be a good choice. Although it seems that there are some better options out there when it comes to Ash Vacuums.
6. TACKLIFE Ash Vacuum Cleaner
Somewhere between the PowerSmith models and the Snow Joe Ash Vacuum in terms of power and size, we have the TACKLIFE Ash Vacuum Cleaner. Its 800-watt suction power is adequate, but not quite as high as other models we have seen. It does, however, have a five-gallon ash canister tank, which is bigger than any of the other vacuums listed so far. This means less frequent emptying and cleaning are needed between and during uses.
The hose and canister are both made from durable metal and are completely fire-resistant. Like other models, the TACKLIFE vacuum also comes with double filtration for the effective trapping of dust and ash particles.
The model is multifunctional, with both suction and blower capabilities. This means not only is it great for sucking up ash from your wood burner, fireplace, and stoves but it can also be used as a leaf blower or for gathering any other debris efficiently.
It also comes with a 5-meter power cord and 4-foot hose and is pretty lightweight and extremely compact.
The machine is prone to overheating and will shut off automatically when this happens. You’ll need to wait for it to cool down again before resuming use. Aside from that, this is a great, multifunctional, powerful yet compact ash vacuum.
7. Vacmaster Ash Vacuum
Vacmaster – Ash Vacuum
This option on our Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners list is from Vacmaster and has an 8 amp suction and an impressive 6-gallon tank. It is powerful yet quiet and like the TACKLIFE model, also comes with both suction and blower functions.
The Vacmaster Vacuum is one of few ash vacuums that comes with a wheelbase, making it easy to move around. With a weight of 12 lbs, this is a welcome addition and means there’s no need to carry around the relatively heavy machine.
The eight-foot power cord is one of this model’s drawbacks, as it’s pretty short and not great for convenience. As well as this, the Vacmaster is only compatible with specific filters which need to be replaced regularly and can only be purchased online. They’re also pretty expensive in comparison to other filters that are on the market.
The 4 ft hose is narrow in diameter, making it great for getting into tight, hard-to-reach areas. However, the 8-foot power cord will undoubtedly limit the portability of the vacuum.
8. Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
Armor All, AA255 Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
Suitable for use with ash that is both hot and cold, and wet and dry; this Utility Shop Vacuum from Armour is versatile and user-friendly. It also comes with a blower function and can be easily converted between its numerous uses.
With that being said, this is one of the smallest models on this list, with a canister tank that has only a 2.5-gallon capacity. The issue with smaller models is that often they will fill up quickly and then begin blowing ash and dust back out into the air if not emptied right away. However, the Armour vacuum has a built-in auto-shut-off function that prevents this from happening.
If you’re looking for a vacuum that is easy to transport around the home and can be stored away efficiently, this could be a good option for you. Despite its small size, the Armour Utility Shop Vacuum does come with a 6-foot hose, meaning it’s good for accessing hard-to-reach spaces.
It weighs in at only 7 lbs, making it one of the lightest options on this list. It also has a convenient handle attached for easy maneuvering, as well as numerous different accessories and attachments, and a built-in noise diffuser.
9. KIMO Cordless Ash Vacuum
The final Ash vacuum on this list is the KIMO Cordless Ash Vacuum. This model is designed specifically for cold ash pickup and is good for use on stoves, barbecue grills, fire pits, and fireplaces.
The washable fine dust filters can be easily removed and cleaned before being reused and are engineered to avoid clogging or leaking. It is durable, resilient, and versatile; with multiple different attachments, the vacuum is suitable for use in your car, home, and anywhere else you choose.
The great thing about this vacuum is that it is entirely cordless, making it completely portable and convenient for use both inside and outdoors. KIMO’s specially designed batteries are expected to last a minimum of 1000 cycles with super fast charging.
This is an excellent vacuum on our Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners list that can be used in multiple settings and at only 5.3 lbs, it’s lightweight and easy to use.
Related: How to Unclog a Vacuum Hose
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top Choice | Cougar+ Ash Vacuum
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
| PowerSmith PAVC102 All-In-One Ash and Shop Vacuum
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
| PowerSmith PAVC101 10 Amp Ash Vacuum
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Final Thoughts on Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners
Choosing the right Ash Vacuum for you will depend entirely on your specific needs and requirements. Each of the vacuums listed here on our Best Hot Ash Vacuum Cleaners list is effective and efficient when it comes to removing ash safely.
By investing in a high-quality ash vacuum, you could save yourself a considerable amount of time sweeping or shoveling ash and will avoid the unnecessary mess or potential injuries that might come along with this.