Central Vacuums vs. Other Type of Vacuums
- Loredo Litherland
- Aug 27, 2020
- 5 min read
If you are thinking about purchasing a central vacuum, but aren’t sure how it compares to other vacuums, then you’re at the right place! In this guide, you are going to learn about what central vacuums offer, in comparison to other types of vacuum cleaners.

Central Vacuums vs. Other Type of Vacuums
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Ovo Central Vacuums

OvoPAK70DPPAK70CDAirwatts700700Area9000 sq.ft / pi²8,000 sq ft.Inlet8+N/ASuction140’’140"Noise Level65 dbSilentCanister35 Liters35 LMotor2-Stage2-StageSoft Start/StopYesYesBottom LoadYesYesDepth328mm/12.91’’328mm/12.91’’Height767mm/30.20’’767mm/30.20’’Width318mm/12.52’’318mm/12.52’’Disposable Filtration Bags22.5LOptionalPriceCheck PriceCheck Price
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Central Vacuum Vs. Regular Vacuum/Portable Vacuum
A central vacuum is very different from a regular vacuum/portable vacuum. Just as the name implies, a regular/portable vacuum is designed for mobility and versatility; you can move the vacuum around, allowing you to clean a wide variety of different spaces and areas with ease. But, a central vacuum is immobile and serves as a fixture in a building or home, which doesn’t allow for any mobility at all.
Portable Vacuum Comparison



Audew3147AX-6601Mini Cordless3369Suction5500PA5000PA7000PA8000PAWeight1.78lb1.43lb2.43lb1.98lbDecibel70dB68dB68dB70dBPower100W120W120W100WWorking TimeUnlimited20-30min20-30minUnlimitedApplicableCar especiallyCar, Office, HomeCar, Office, HomeCar especiallyTypeCordedCordlessCordlessCordedBuy it according to your needs (more options)cost-efficiency; powerful suction; HEPA filterCost-Effective; Lightweight cordless; perfect design; quick cleaningUpgraded filter cover; quieter cleaning; one button for empty debris; with charging dock for easy storage.Upgraded 8000pa strongest suction; HEPA filter; wet&dry usePriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
For most people, regular vacuums are just fine. But, a central vacuum offers a significant amount of vacuuming power, and this vacuuming power can be used to remove dirt, dust, and debris that regular vacuums can’t remove.

Central Vacuum Vs. Regular Vacuum
Central Vacuum Vs. Upright Vacuum
The most popular vacuum cleaner that you can buy is that of an upright vacuum. A good upright vacuum is lightweight, mobile, versatile, and very efficient. To use an upright vacuum, all you need to do is push it across your floors, and the brush and suction power remove whatever happens to be on those floors.
Upright Vacuum Comparison



EurekaNEU182BNEU181NEU188ANEU202Weight10 lbs10 lbs11.8 lbs12.3 lbsDust Cup Capacity4.1 L4.1 L4.1 L3.8 LCord Length25 ft.25 ft.25 ft.25 ft.Above Floor Cleaning Reach’7 ft.7 ft.8 ft.10 ft.Cleaning Path12.6”12.6”12.6”12.6”Pet Turbo BrushN/AYesYesYesLED Lights & Clear Brush roll WindowN/AN/AYesYesAutomatic Cord RewindN/AN/AN/AYesAccessoriesCrevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery ToolPet Turbo Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery ToolTelescopic Flexible Crevice Toolm, 2-in-1 Upholstery Tool, Pet Turbo BrushPet Turbo Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery ToolWhy BuyLightweight, extra-large dust cup, quick release handle for above floor cleaningLightweight, extra-large dust cup, quick release handle for above floor cleaning, solid metal handle, pet toolLED headlights for a better view under furniture, perfect for pet lovers.Automatic cord rewind, pet tool, LED headlights, transparent brushroll viewPriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
A central vacuum is, of course, very different from that. By having a central vacuum, you don’t have access to that same level of mobility, but you do have access to greater suction power and the ability to clean rooms and spaces much faster than you are able to with an upright vacuum.

Central Vacuum Vs. Canister Vacuum
If you take a look at a central vacuum and a canister vacuum, you will notice that the two have some minor visual similarities. The most significant visual similarity is that a central vacuum looks a lot like a much larger canister, while a canister vacuum is a smaller canister.
Canister Vacuum Comparison



Bissell2156A2154A11541161Tank TypeBaglessBaggedBaglessBaglessFoot Tool TypeMulti-Surface Floor ToolMulti-Surface Floor ToolAir-Driven Hard Floor Tool, Multi-Surface Floor Tool, Air-Driven Floor ToolAir-Driven Hard Floor Tool, Multi-Surface Floor Tool, Air-Driven Floor ToolCyclonic TechnologyYesN/AYesYesAutomatic Cord RewindYesYesYesYesEasy Empty Dirt CupYesN/AYesYesMulti-Level FiltrationYesYesYesYesPriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
Since canister vacuums are quite small, they allow for mobility and versatility. Even though they are small, they offer plenty of suction power. Central vacuums offer little in the way of mobility, but they offer similar amounts of versatility since they support all kinds of brushes and hoses, which is true of canister vacuums as well.

Central Vacuum Vs. Canister Vacuum
Related Post: What is a Central Vacuum Cleaner?
Central Vacuum Vs. Shop Vac
A central vacuum and a shop vac are more similar than you might initially assume. By using a central vacuum, you can vacuum up large amounts of dirt, dust, debris, as well as liquids. By using a shop vac, you can do the exact same thing, which includes removing large amounts of liquids.
Craftsman ShopVac Comparison



CraftsmanCMXEVBE17250CMXEVBE17612CMXEVBE17925CMXEVBE17584Capacity2.5 Gallon4 Gallon5 Gallon6 GallonPeak Horsepower1.75 Peak HP5.0 Peak HP5.0 Peak HP3.5 Peak HPAccessory Diameter1-1/4-in1-1/4-in1-7/8-in1-7/8-inHose Length5-ft7-ft7-ft & 14-ft7-ftCord Length10-ft20-ft20-ft10-ftBlowing PortYesN/AYesYesDrainN/AN/AN/AN/AIncluded FiltrationFilter BagCartridge FilterCartridge FilterCartridge Filter & Dust BagIncluded AccessoriesHose, Utility Nozzle, Crevice ToolHose, Two Extension Wands, Car Nozzle, Crevice Tool, 2-in-1 Utility NozzleTwo Hoses, Two Extension Wands, Car Nozzle, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Utility NozzleHose, Two Extension Wands, Car Nozzle, Utility NozzleBest ForHomeHome & AutoGarage & AutoHome & GaragePriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
The main differences between the two are, of course, that of suction power and mobility. A shop vac offers less suction power than a central vacuum, but greater mobility. For most people, a shop vac is perfectly fine, but for especially large messes, a central vacuum is even more useful and effective.

Central Vacuum Vs. Robot Vacuum
Even though central vacuums and robot vacuums are, of course, both vacuum cleaners, the two could not be more different. A robot vacuum is a small and sleek vacuum that offers little in the way of suction power, but automates the vacuuming process. A central vacuum is a very large vacuuming system that offers a tremendous amount of suction power and no mobility.
Robot Vacuum Comparison


Roombae5i6+i7/i7+3 Stage-Cleaning SystemPremiumPremiumPremiumSuction Power5x*10x*10x*Cleaning patternAdaptiveNeat rowsNeat rowsRuntimeUp to 90 MinutesSmart charge & resumeSmart charge & resumeIntelligent NavigationYes+Smart mapping+Smart mappingNavigates obstacles & stairsYes+Visual navigation+Visual navigationPersonalized cleaning recommendationsYes+Custom Cleaning Options+Custom cleaning optionsSmart home connectionYesYesYesTangle resistant rubber brushesYesYesYesHigh-Efficiency FilterYesYesYesConnect to Braava jet" m6 Robot mapN/AYesYesSelf-emptying base**N/AYesYesClean by specific rooms or objectsN/AYesYesClean Zones & Keep Out ZonesN/AYesYesPriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
Most of the people purchasing a robot vacuum won’t need a central vacuum. The same applies to people purchasing central vacuums, although robot vacuums are a great device to have for easy and basic vacuuming.

Central Vacuum Vs. Robot Vacuum
Central Vacuum Vs. Brands
Central Vacuum Vs. Miele Vacuum
If you compare central vacuums to the vacuum cleaners that Miele makes, you will find that there are a few vague similarities. One of the most notable similarities comes from the fact that Miele vacuum cleaners offer incredible versatility and efficiency, which is similar to that of a central vacuum. But, the main difference is that most Miele vacuums are canister vacuums, so they are far more mobile than that of a central vacuum.
Miele Canister Vacuum

MieleCompact C141KCE042USAMotor (watts)1,200-watt Miele-made Vortex Motor™1,200 wattRadius of Use (reach)29.5 feet33ft.Included Standard Floor tool(s)Pure Suction Parquet Floorhead (SBB Parquet-3), Combination Floor Tool (SBD 285-3)TurboTeQ Turbo Brush Floorhead (STB 305-3), Parquet Twister Floorbrush (SBB 300-3)Included cleaning tool(s)Dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice nozzle with VarioClip™Dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice nozzle with VarioClip™Included standard vacuum filterAirClean filterAirClean filterSuction adjustment6-setting suction control via a rotary dial6-setting suction control via a rotary dialIndicator lights on vacuum canisterDustbag change indicatorDustbag change indicatorVacuum wandHeight-adjustable, stainless steel telescopic wandHeight-adjustable, stainless steel telescopic wandVacuum bag capacity3.7 qt.3.7 qt.Weight of vacuum14.8 lbs. (canister only); 17.3 lbs. (with accessories)14.8 lbs. (canister only); 17.3 lbs. (with accessories)HEPA filterHEPA AirClean HA50 (optional)HEPA AirClean HA50 (optional)PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
For people who need a very powerful and mobile vacuum, a Miele canister vacuum is a great choice. But, for people who need even more power, and don’t mind a lack of mobility, a central vacuum is the best choice.

Central Vacuum Vs. Dyson Vacuum
Every single Dyson vacuum cleaner is extremely sleek and exceptionally well-designed. One of Dyson’s core tenets is that of designing vacuums that you can use comfortably and effortlessly, while still being able to perform any vacuuming task.
Dyson Stick Vacuum Comparison


Dyson V11AnimalTorque DriveOutsizeRun timeUp to 60 minutes³Up to 60 minutes³Up to 120 minutes²Bin size.20 gallons.20 gallons.50 gallonsCleaner headHigh Torque cleaner head with Dyson Dynamic Load SensingHigh Torque cleaner head with Dyson Dynamic Load SensingHigh Torque XL cleaner head with Dyson Dynamic Load SensingLCD display with run time countdownN/AYesYesExtra Tools455SuctionTwice the suction of any cordless vacuum¹Twice the suction of any cordless vacuum¹Twice the suction of any cordless vacuum¹Intelligent cleaning modesYesYesYesAutomatically adapts suction across floor typesYesYesYesFor homes with petsYesYesYesAdvanced whole-machine filtrationYesYesYesPriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
While central vacuums may offer a great deal of efficiency, as Dyson’s vacuums do, they are far more cumbersome and visually ugly than anything Dyson creates. For the people who really need a central vacuum, though, this isn’t a problem at all. The performance and efficiency of a central vacuum outweighs the clunkiness of its design.

Central Vacuum Vs. Dyson Vacuum
Conclusion
In the end, central vacuums are very unique vacuum cleaners. They offer a unique and distinctive experience that allows for great efficiency and versatility. If that is what you are looking for, then they’re a great choice!Our Recommended Central Vacuum Systems
Best of the Best!
"Budget" Pick
Also Great
OVO
Prolux CV12000
Nutone PurePower 7001
Up To 9000 Sq Ft Area
Up To 12000 Sq Ft Area
Up To 10000 Sq Ft Area
The OVO Hybrid Filtration System allows you to use your unit with or without disposable bags. The cyclonic filtration combined with the permanent machine washable filter purifies air particles and can even reduce allergy symptoms and respiratory problems.
The Prolux CV12000 is considered the most powerful central vacuum in the US & Canada! It is rated up to a 12,000 square foot home with its amazing 150 CFM 2 Speed/stage motor.
Designed with Ultrasilent Technology which combines sound absorbing materials and assembly techniques to offer one of the lowest noise levels in in the industry. Deep cleaning has never been so peaceful!
Best of the Best!
OVO
Up To 9000 Sq Ft Area
The OVO Hybrid Filtration System allows you to use your unit with or without disposable bags. The cyclonic filtration combined with the permanent machine washable filter purifies air particles and can even reduce allergy symptoms and respiratory problems.
"Budget" Pick
Prolux CV12000
Up To 12000 Sq Ft Area
The Prolux CV12000 is considered the most powerful central vacuum in the US & Canada! It is rated up to a 12,000 square foot home with its amazing 150 CFM 2 Speed/stage motor.
Also Great
Nutone PurePower 7001
Up To 10000 Sq Ft Area
Designed with Ultrasilent Technology which combines sound absorbing materials and assembly techniques to offer one of the lowest noise levels in in the industry. Deep cleaning has never been so peaceful!
Central Vacuums
A central vacuum cleaner (also known as built-in or ducted) is a type of vacuum cleaner appliance, installed into a building as a semi-permanent fixture. Central vacuum systems consist of a power unit that is usually mounted in the utility room, garage, or basement of a home
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