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We put this 1,200-watt, 10-amp ash vacuum to the test, cleaning out a frequently used pellet smoker.
The Spruce
The Dacron filter can be washed and reused as necessary.
We found it easy to use this 6-amp ash vacuum to clean out a messy fire pit andbackyard grill.
With a 6-gallon capacity, this sturdy vacuum is ideal for most outdoor ash-removal tasks.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Andrea Rafferty
Of course, its also useful inside the house; we think it’s perfect forwood-burning fireplace ash cleanup.
The vacuum has a double-filter system that captures the smallest bits of ash.
But we also found it easy toopen the canisterto dump out ash when necessary.
The HEPA filter of the Bacoeng 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum was easy to remove while testing.The Spruce
While this isnt a wheeled vacuum, we found it easy to move from place to place.
Theres also a bag to store all of the nozzles when not in use.
While testing, this vacuum cleaned out our Solo Stovesmokeless fire pitin just five minutes.
We liked the Bacoeng 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum’s large capacity and onboard attachments.PHOTO: The Spruce
We like its 5-gallon capacity, which ensures you wont have to stop to dump the collected ash.
Like other ash vacuums, the Ash Vault Pro has a dual-filter design and a metal-lined hose.
Our favorite is the Porter-Cable 4 Gallon 4 Peak HP Ash Vacuum.
At just 8 pounds, it was easy to tote to our wood-burning smoker and backyard grill.
We also found it somewhat loud, but thats not unusual for these vacuums.
Thats why we were especially excited to test the PowerSmith All-In-One Wheeled Ash/Shop Vacuum.
It even sucked up sand and some pebbles.
We also tested it like a regular vacuum, using it on a carpet with the included carpet head.
Its a great choice for cleaning out larger fireplaces or other fire features.
For that reason, we recommend emptying the vacuum outside.
However, no dust or ash was released at all while we were using the vacuum to clean.
The vacuum easily handled fine ash, larger bits of ash, and even some small pieces of charcoal.
Note that this vacuum is only for use on cold, dry ash.
The vacuum has dual filters that can be washed for reuse.
It was easy to do so and also easy to empty the vacuum once it was full of ashes.
However, we recommend emptying the canister outdoors, as some dust may float into the air.
Despite its small size, it still boasts impressive performance and is very reasonably priced.
Plus, we love how all of the accessories neatly clip onto the canister for easy storage.
That filter is protected by a heat resistant Dacron filter.
This size is sufficient for handling moderate cleanups of fireplaces, stoves, andbarbecue grillswithout needing frequent emptying.
ThePowerSmith 10 Amp 3 Gal.
However, that doesnt mean that its safe to suck up hot ash or embers.
Using an ash vacuum on hot embers can pose a fire risk.
He adds that regularly cleaning the filters also helps to reduce the risk of overheating.
A crevice tool is common, as is a rounded attachment for general cleanup.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools.
She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended products.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The horsehair brush attachment on the Love-less Ash Cougar+ Ash Vacuum effectively cleaned our grill.The Spruce
We tested the Love-less Ash Cougar+ Ash Vacuum on a grill, fire pit and fireplace.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Ruby Pierce
The Pellethead Ash Vault Pro 5 Gallon Vacuum cleaned out our firepit in less than five minutes.The Spruce
The Pellethead Ash Vault Pro 5 Gallon Vacuum has two washable filters.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The large handle on the Porter-Cable 4 Gallon 4 Peak HP Ash Vacuum makes it easy to carry.The Spruce
The Porter-Cable 4 Gallon 4 Peak HP Ash Vacuum has a smaller capacity than others we tested but it was perfect for our smoker and grill.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Art Silverio
We appreciated the versatile attachments of the The PowerSmith 10 Amp 3 Gal. All-In-One Wheeled Ash/Shop Vacuum while testing.The Spruce
The PowerSmith Ash Vacuum PAVC101 has a smaller, 3-gallon capacity than others we tested, but we love its versatility.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Jeremy Laukkonen
We tested the Snow Joe 5 Amp 4.8 Gallon ash vacuum (no longer available) which has the same features as the 4 amp version we recommend.PHOTO: The Spruce
If you need to clean multiple fire features, look for options with large handles and wheels (found on the PowerSmith model) for portability.The Spruce
If you your fireplace, fire pit or other fire feature has small crevices, look for a tool with helpful attachments.The Spruce
We tested the ash vacuums on our backyard and indoor fire features.The Spruce
