Whether you live in a dusty environment or are working on a project, dust is something you will have to deal with whether you like it or not. When you are working on a project, certain tools of the trade can also stir up a lot of dust and small debris which can be a hassle to clean up.
If you’re also facing a ton of dust while working on a project, it’s time to get yourself a dust extractor.
Top Picks for Best Dust Extractors:Dust extractors allow you to easily suck up any dust produced in your workspace, clearing the area and the air completely of dust and debris. However, with so many options available in the market, it can become quite overwhelming trying to pick out the best machine.
Luckily for you, we’ve made a list of the best dust extractors in the market that have been designed to make your job efficient, convenient, and safe!
| Best Dust Extractors of 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Festool CT 26
| Read My Review |
Great Value | DEWALT DWV010
| Read My Review |
Heavy Duty | BOSCH VAC090AH
| Read My Review |
Quiet | Makita VC4210L
| Read My Review |
Compact | Festool 574837
| Read My Review |
Cordless | Makita XCV15ZX
| Read My Review |
Best Budget | Fein Power Turbo Dust Extractor
| Read My Review |
Top 7 Best Dust Extractor Reviews of 2024
As stated before, dust and debris can prove to be dangerous to your health and your equipment. Therefore, you should look to invest in one of the top dust extractors available on the market to protect yourself and your equipment.
If you are wondering, what is the best dust extractor you can buy? Then, this review will surely help you decide on the best dust extractor you can buy depending on your needs.
1 - Best Overall: Festool 574930 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
- It is energy efficient
- Stability on every surface
- Can be turned on with Bluetooth
- HEPA filter has to be cleaned manually
Festool 574930 CT 26 E HEPA is the ideal dust extractor for workshops and construction sites with its high suction capability. It has a maximum volume flow of 137 CFM and a vacuum capacity of 96’’ static water lift, which allows it to extract dust from tight corners or places where a shop vac or a vacuum cleaner would be unable to reach.
This professional dust extractor also features a HEPA filter which allows you to remove dust more efficiently. Moreover, it has a tank size of 6.9 gallons which allows you to do continuous work without the need for you to fill the tank repeatedly. It also comes equipped with a locking brake which provides stability to the dust extractor and makes sure it stays in place.
The product comes with a smooth suction hose that conveniently connects it to the mobile dust extractor. Along with that, the main hose filter makes sure that no unnecessary objects pass through to the dust tank, consuming the maximum volume. Moreover, the self-clean filter bag ensures that you do not need to take breaks while you work to clean the bag yourself.
The dust extractor also comes with a 140-inch hose holder, which conveniently holds the unused length of the hose without impeding your efficiency. Moreover, a power cable holder is also provided to make sure the cable does not become a tripping hazard.
| Max. volume flow | 137 CFM (3 900 l/min) |
| Max. vacuum | 96" static water lift (24 000 Pa) |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 6.9-gallon |
| Warranty | 3 years, Festool service |
This is one of the best dust extractors to have on the job since it has a locking brake which allows it to be very stable on every surface.
2 - Great Value: DEWALT Dust Extractor (DWV010)
- Does not make a lot of noise
- High-suction power
- The company offers a one-year warranty
- Not suitable for concrete prep work
- Considerably fewer features in the given price
The next on our list is the DEWALT Dust Extractor which is considered one of the high suction dust extractors, due to its maximum volume flow of 155 CFM. Equipped with a 15 amp motor, this is considered the best dust extractor for woodworking.
The top-notch HEPA filter makes sure that all the dust particles get trapped even if they manage to pass through the normal filter. Its 8-gallon tank allows a large amount of dust to be stored before you need to empty the tank.
Moreover, the heavy-duty wheels equipped on the dust extractor provide great mobility on the roughest of worksites. Furthermore, the dust extractor is also lightweight, weighing only 21lbs, which allows you to easily move it around the house. It also comes with a user guide and manual which will help you learn how to operate the machine effectively.
| Max. volume flow | 155 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 96" static water lift (24 000 Pa) |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 8-gallon |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
This dust extractor is best suited for woodworking and provides the best value for the money. Also with its adequate tank capacity, it can accumulate a fine amount of dust before it needs to be emptied.
3 - Heavy Duty: BOSCH 9 Gallon Dust Extractor HEPA Filter VAC090AH
- More efficient dust extraction with its HEPA filter
- Comes with automatic filter cleaning
- Lightweight and portable with good durability
- Not suitable for concrete floor
- Less suction power
The BOSCH 9 Gallon Dust extractor is the top heavy-duty dust extractor available on the market. Featuring a 9.85 ft hose, it is known for its ability to access areas or spots that normal dust extractors would struggle to reach.
With its max volume of 150 CFM and combined sustainable maximum 97’’ static water lift, it is the optimal dust extractor to use in environments where you feel a lot of dust will be accumulated while working.
Along with that, its HEPA filter is unique from the other dust extractors, capturing around 99.97% of dust particles at about 0.3 microns. It also features a 9-gallon dust tank which is a great tank volume for dust extractors for intensive workplaces.
Moreover, the Bosch dust extractor comes with a fleece filter bag, which protects the HEPA filter from sharp materials. The dust extractor also comes with additional accessories to make the job easier.
| Max. volume flow | 150 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 97 in. static water lift |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 9-gallon |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
The Bosch Dust Extractor VAC090AH is the optimal choice if you are to extract dust from areas that normal dust extractors won’t reach.
4 - Quiet: Makita VC4210L Dust Extractor/Vacuum
- It is a lightweight dust extractor weighing 35lbs
- Does not give off much sound
- It also comes with a three-year warranty
- Struggles with portability
Next up on our list is the Makita VC4210L, which is considered to be the quietest dust extractor. It generates a volume flow of 148 CFM and 92’’ of water lift and is designed to perform in the most challenging conditions. Along with being one of the quietest extractors, it is also a HEPA dust extractor and can filter dust up to 99.97% at a size of 0.3 microns and larger.
Furthermore, it is a two-stage filtration dust extractor with main nano filters that are designed to maximize the container volume and improve efficiency. It also has a massive tank capacity of 11 gallons which is capable of storing a large amount of dust.
This dust extractor also has a wider set of rear wheels and an enlarged steel caster front wheel for better stability and maneuverability.
Moreover, The VC4210L comes with a plastic disposal bag which can be used to store and then dispose of the dust later. It also contains a fleece filter bag that protects the main filter from hard debris. The hose hook provided with the machine allows you to hang the extra length of hook that you do not require so that it does not get in the way.
| Max. volume flow | 148 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 92" of Water Lift |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 11-gallon |
| Warranty | 3-year limited factory warranty |
Due to its maneuverability and less noise generation, Makita VC4210L is a great option for you to buy.
5 - Compact: Festool 574837 Midi Hepa Bluetooth Dust Extractor
- It is a low on maintenance machine
- Easy to operate through BlueTooth integrated technology
- Motor is equipped with thermal protection to increase lifespan
- The HEPA filter is expensive to replace
- It has a small tank size
Coming in next is the Festool 574837 Midi Hepa Bluetooth Dust Extractor which is one of the top-rated dust extractors. With its volume flow of 130 CFM and vacuum power of 96’’ of static water lift, the Festool Midi dust extractor is the optimal choice for on-job applications where you quickly need to remove dust and debris.
It also features a standard HEPA filter which makes the cleaning more efficient. Although it has a smaller tank capacity of 3.9 gallons, it is covered up by the fact that the Festool Midi is one of the most portable dust extractors on the market.
Apart from the machine itself, the Festool midi dust extractor comes with a smooth suction hose which enables it clean dust more efficiently. It comes with a cable and hose holder which makes it easy to put the hose on if you are not using it.
In addition to that, it is also equipped with a self-cleaning filter to make sure you don't have to open up the machine to clean its filter again and again. Moreover, this extractor also has an easy intuitive touch-control operation system.
| Max. volume flow | 130 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 96" of static water lift |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 11-gallon |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
The Festool 574837 is one of the best dust extractors for small workshops due to its portability and low maintenance.
6 - Cordless: Makita XCV15ZX Cordless Dry Dust Extractor
- It is a self-cleaning dust extractor
- Its motor is designed to use minimal of its battery
- Filter cleaning system ensures a longer life of the filter
- It has a low suction rate
- Its tank size is only 4 gallons
If you are looking for a self-cleaning dust extractor, The Makita XCV15ZX is the ideal choice for you. With its volume flow of 74 CFM and 39’’ water lift, it provides decent suction. Powered by two 18V lithium batteries, this dust extractor has a continuous run time of up to 70 minutes, making it the best battery-powered dust extractor.
The HEPA filter featured in this Makita cordless dust extractor captures 99.9% of the particles which are 0.3 microns or larger. The filter system is designed to maintain suction power and ensure high filter life.
The machine features a three-stage filtration system that includes the Pre-Filter bag, which catches large particles of dust, as well as a Damper filter, whose primary job is to catch even smaller particles of dust. Lastly, there is also the main filter which is supposed to trap the microdust particles.
The extractor also has purpose-built brushless motors which are designed to increase the motor life by 50%. However, this extractor only has a 4 gallons tank to store dust and it also has a low suction rate.
| Max. volume flow | 74 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 39" water lift |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Tank size | 4-gallon |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
The Makita cordless extractor is the best choice for you if you prefer a battery-powered dust extractor.
7 - Best Budget: Fein Power Turbo Portable Dust Extractor - 92035236090
- Gives it value for the money
- Is a portable dust extractor
- It has a good suction power
- Have to purchase the HEPA filter separately.
- Only for household needs
Coming in at number 7 is the Fein Power Turbo Portable Dust Extractor. If you are looking for a good dust extractor under $300, then this is the ideal option for you. With its max volume flow at 151 CFM and max vacuum capacity at 98 PSI static water lift, it is a great suction dust extractor. This product also features a bypass motor that makes sure that the dirty air doesn’t come in contact with the motor. This eliminated the risk of the dust damaging the motor
It allows you the option to install a HEPA filter to make your cleaning even more efficient, however, you will need to purchase it separately. The tank size also is quite adequate at 5.8 gallons, making it suitable for people who do not like emptying the tank again and again.
Its 1100-watt motor makes it ideal to use inside households. Furthermore, the orange-black dust extractor operates at only 66db, making it one of the quietest dust extractors on the market. The machine also has an auto-start plug and will only turn on once the power tool has been switched on.
| Max. volume flow | 151 CFM |
| Max. vacuum | 98 PSI Static Water Lift |
| HEPA Filter | Available to purchase |
| Tank size | 5.8-gallon |
| Warranty | 1 year |
This Fein machine is one of the best dust extractors for easy movement out there since it is very portable and also an optimal choice for household use.
Dust Extractor versus Shop-Vac
Dust extractor and a shop vac primarily do the same, so what makes them different? While both these machinery are apt for doing the job, they do contain some key differentiators which make them suitable for their respective tasks.
Shop vacs perform a better job when they are collecting dust from a closed source such as when it is hooked into a hand sander.
Dust extractors on the other hand perform better when picking up dust from in and around tools such as under-table saws. So someone who does woodworking, for example, would probably want to consider a woodworking dust extractor over a shop vac based on the fact that they will be able to clean their tools better with the dust extractor.
Dust collectors are also generally larger than Shop Vacs. This means that they are able to hold greater quantities of debris like sawdust as compared to what a Shop-Vac will be able to hold.
They also usually come with larger-sized hoses which means chips and other materials do not clog up the hoses, which reduces your cleaning time.
One thing to note, however, is that when using either a shop vac or a dust extractor, users should still wear additional protection to protect themself from the fine dust that may find its way out of the machines, even if they are equipped with HEPA filters.
Another major consideration is the CFM or cubic feet per minute that the dust extractor and shop vac can provide while collecting things like dust.
Shop vacs, including wet dry shop vacs, tend to have lower CFMs than dust extractors but higher pressure differentials which is why they are better for closed systems. And although they have smaller hoses, they are better at picking up larger objects.
Dust extractors have higher CFM ratings making them more suited to collecting things like fine dust, but not so good at handling larger objects.
How to Choose The Best Dust Extractor
Since dust extractors are a fairly expensive purchase, there are various factors you should consider. Ranging from the size of the extractor to the maneuverability, you should be taking everything into account.
1 - Size
Size can be very critical to your choice of dust extractors. Some people prefer portable dust extractors that they can easily move around while others need a larger model to hold more dust. Smaller machines are able to fit into smaller spaces and be mobile. Larger machines on the other hand tend to be more stationary but provide greater capacity and suction power.
2 - Noise
Noise is something that is usually based on personal preference. Some people can handle dust extractors that generate a louder sound while others need quieter machines. Also, certain job sites can have decibel requirements making the noise level of dust extractors a valuable consideration.
3 - Filter/HEPA filter
HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger which makes them so efficient that they are used in places such as medical facilities. While it's usually not required to have that level of filtration in most environments, it never hurts to get the best HEPA dust extractor you can. There are even dust extractors that allow you to change the filters meaning you can use cheaper filters at certain times and HEPA filters when they are really necessary.
4 - Suction
Suction is the power that is needed to be generated by the dust extractor to extract the dust particles from wherever it is pulling them from. It is an important consideration when choosing the best dust extractor for you to buy. More suction power means more dust can be extracted in a shorter amount of time.
However more suction also comes with the tradeoff of having to use more power to achieve that suction power. Some dust extractors come with adjustable suction power options to help you adjust them to meet your needs.
5 - Ease of Movement
Convenience is the name of the game when it comes to dust extractors. No one wants a machine that makes their life more of a hassle than without it.
People looking for ease of movement with their machines can look for models like cordless dust extractors or those on the smaller side which make moving them around a breeze. These are great for smaller job sites or for workshops where there are many tools in varying places.
6 - Brands
Well-known brands have spent years building up their reputations and this is something very valuable to consumers. Although not all weight should be put on buying brand names, it is always a prudent step to look at trusted brands when comparing dust extractors. Certain brands can offer additional benefits such as better warranties or customer service.
7 - Price
As with any major purchase, the cost is always at the forefront. However, the most expensive doesn’t always mean the best.
Other factors such as warranties and the cost of replacement parts, filters, and attachments should all be considered when looking for the best dust extractor. It all depends on how you intend to use it and how much you will be using it over the long term.
If you plan to buy a dust extractor for a workplace then go for a heavy-duty product that is durable. But, if you only intend to use it in our home then go for a cheaper option.
Safety Tips for Operating Dust Extractor
Once you have bought the best dust extractor for your needs, the work isn’t over. Knowing how to operate your dust extractor safely is just as important as picking the right one. These machines require almost constant maintenance to avoid issues such as explosions or fires.
But dust extractor owners don’t have to worry! Following some easy steps will help keep your machine running properly and safely.
The first step is to make sure you are taking full advantage of your dust extractor's cleaning system which is meant to work alongside the filters. Using pulse-cleaning control will maintain the system and help keep the filters cleaner longer.
Knowing when to change out filters is also another important step in maintaining your dust extractor. The airflow through the system is vital to keep it working properly and any decrease in pressure can indicate its time to change the filter.
Filters that are not operating properly will not collect dust correctly and can negatively affect the dust extractor's performance.
Fire is a common concern with dust in any setting. Dust is very combustible and a simple spark or flame could ignite the whole system.
Check for possible ignition sources surrounding your dust extractor and remove anything that has the potential for creating a fire. It is also important to have either a sprinkler system or a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of a fire in or around your dust extractor.
Dust Extractor FAQs
Can I use a vacuum cleaner as a dust extractor?
While they both perform similar functions, a vacuum cleaner is not a sufficient replacement for a dust extractor. Several things are important to note about this distinction including volume flow, filtration systems, and capacity of vacuum cleaners versus dust extractors.
How does a vacuum dust extractor work?
Vacuum dust extractors have a low volume of air, but a higher pressure meaning as the pressure of the vacuum increases, the volume of the air that is passing through the machine decreases. They are able to deal with most kinds of wood dust or waste but their low volume of air makes them generally unsuitable as the sole extractor in a system.
What is easier to clean; cartridges or filter bags?
Cartridges are better than filter bags since they can be changed externally without opening up the filter casing. This also reduces the need for a spotter while working with a dust extractor.
How much CFM is needed for a dust extractor?
The CFM usually depends on the type of work you are doing. However, a general figure for CFM should lie somewhere around 50-200. Moreover, if you’re working on large-scale projects, it’s recommended to find a dust extractor with a CFM of at least 350.
Is a dust separator necessary to have in your dust extractor?
Dust separators come in quite handy when used in a dust extractor as they prevent about 85% of the dust from reaching the air filter. This is fairly convenient as it means that you would need to clean out the air filter less frequently.
Conclusion
Anyone concerned with safety on the job site is going to also be concerned with having a safe, reliable dust extractor to help them. There are many options available right now all with their own benefits and downsides.
Some machines have simple, easy-to-use interfaces and attachments while others boost a variety of specialized tools and settings to help you clean up any mess you might come across. Therefore, to avoid any confusion we have laid out all the dust extractor options we support and their details so you can easily pick the right one for you.
We hope that our comparison of the best dust extractors along with our expert dust extractor reviews can help you decide amongst all these options on the best choice for your next project!
Bruce Rivers