The team of Vacuum Empire spent a significant amount of time testing these top three cordless fireplace vacuums to bring you the best options that make fireplace maintenance efficient and hassle-free. Considering the important factors, Pellethead Ash Vault Pro Cordless Vacuum stood out among the three.
A cozy fireplace can be the perfect addition to any home, providing warmth, comfort and a relaxing ambience. However, keeping the fireplace clean and free of ash and debris can be a challenging task.
A fireplace vacuum can help in this situation by efficiently gathering ash and dust without spreading them throughout your home.
Our Best Cordless Fireplace Vacuum
In particular, a cordless fireplace vacuum combines the convenience of portability with high-performance cleaning abilities. Not having to worry about power outlets or extension cords makes cleaning around the fireplace a breeze.
Plus, cordless models are easy to store and maintain.
Our Review Methodology
We personally test every product featured in our reviews. This is to provide accurate and tested recommendations. Read our Review Guidelines for a full understanding of how we test vacuum cleaners.
Since starting Vacuum Empire, we’ve personally tested over 40 models of vacuums which ensures reliable, unbiased recommendations. We measure cleaning ability across various surfaces and evaluate manoeuvrability in tight spaces, like navigating around a cluttered living room.
Our focus on providing honest reviews with a clear review criteria sets us apart from typical reviewers who never test any of their recommendations. We go one step further and also analyze other owner’s reviews to capture the ‘wisdom of the people’ to provide a more comprehensive review. For instance, we discovered that a popular model had battery issues after only a few months of use which would have otherwise been missed.
3 Best Cordless Fireplace Vacuums Reviewed
These three cordless fireplace vacuums are all efficient in getting rid of ash and other debris, but Pellethead Ash Vault Pro Cordless Vacuum clinched our best overall. With our recommendations below, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your fireplace in pristine condition and enjoy the warmth it offers. Let’s dive right in!
Highlight:
DEWALT 20V MAX features 2-gallon capacity, reusable filter, and HEPA filter.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum was a remarkably convenient tool for cleaning a fireplace. The cordless design, fueled by a 20V MAX battery, made it effortless for us to navigate around the hearth and fireplace area without worrying about the limitations of a power cord.
One feature that stood out was the washable and reusable filter. Since fireplace cleaning often involves ash and soot, the ability to simply rinse the filter with water is a real time-saver and reduces ongoing maintenance costs.
The vacuum’s heavy-duty, crush-resistant hose held up well to the rugged environment around the fireplace, providing both durability and flexibility. We particularly liked the onboard storage for the hose and accessories, which made it easy to transport the unit from one fireplace to another or stow it away neatly when not in use.
However, there were a few downsides to consider. First, the vacuum does not come with the required battery and charger, so you’ll need to acquire those separately if you don’t already own them.
Additionally, the 2-gallon tank capacity was a limitation for extensive fireplace cleaning sessions, requiring us to empty the tank more often than we’d like. Finally, we noticed that the exhaust fan sometimes caused lighter debris like ash to scatter, although this didn’t significantly impact the overall cleaning process.
Who should use it:
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum is ideal for homeowners with fireplaces who are looking for a convenient and portable solution for ash and soot cleanup.
Pros
Cordless design powered by 20V MAX battery
Washable and reusable filter for easy cleaning
Durable, flexible hose with on-board storage
Cons
Battery and charger are sold separately
2-gallon tank capacity may be inadequate for larger tasks
Exhaust fan may blow debris around in some cases
“Picked up dust, dirt, sawdust, finish nails, a quarter, zip ties, small pieces of foam etc no problems. Was able to reach the corners of a standard ceiling using a brush (not sold with it) to clean a pop corn ceiling. Easy to empty and clean.”
Highlight:
Pellethead Ash Vault Pro is thermally protected and comes with essential attachments.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
After using the Pellethead Ash Vault Pro Cordless vacuum for cleaning our fireplace, we got mostly positive results. Its rapid ash defense system quickly traps dust and ash before it spreads, making it perfect for cleaning fireplaces, pellet stoves, grills, pizza ovens, and fire pits.
The bagless design and two washable heat-resistant HEPA filters save time and money while providing excellent filtration.
However, there are also some downsides to this vacuum. The storage for attachments is limited, and we occasionally misplacing them. Also, although the suction is impressive for a cordless unit, it may not be as strong as other shop vacuums with cords.
Its size may also not be the best choice if you have limited space for storage or need a smaller vacuum for a tiny pellet stove.
Who should use it:
The Pellethead Ash Vault Pro Cordless vacuum is a versatile choice for those who frequently clean fireplaces, pellet stoves, grills, and outdoor fire pits, and prioritize quick, efficient ash containment.
Pros
Rapid ash defense system
Bagless with washable heat-resistant HEPA filters
High-performance suction
Cons
Limited storage for attachments
Not as strong as comparable-sized shop vacs
May not be ideal for smaller spaces
“Works great, nice suction. It really does have good suction, even though it doesn’t sound like it. Definitely happy with my purchase.”
Highlight:
Shop-Vac 4041300 has dual filtration, 5-gallon capacity, and automatic resetting thermal.
Our Experience – Why we liked it:
The Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum is designed specifically for removing cold ashes from various heating appliances such as fireplaces, stoves, and grills. We found this vacuum to be easy-to-use and maneuver, allowing us to clean our heating appliances in a breeze.
One noteworthy feature of this vacuum is its bypass motor, which is designed to handle challenging messes. Together with its two-stage filtration system and HEPA filter, this vacuum ensures a safe and effective cleaning experience.
We appreciated the added safety in preventing ash discharge and the automatic resetting thermal cut off that shuts down the motor in case of overheating. However, the metal-lined hose is not very flexible, which can make it slightly difficult to navigate tight spaces within your heating appliances.
The vacuum can also become noisy during operation, but since it isn’t running for extended periods, this isn’t a major issue. We also noticed that the filter tends to clog quickly, requiring regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Who should use it:
The Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum is best suited for individuals who require a specialized solution for cleaning cold ashes from heating appliances like fireplaces, stoves, and grills.
Pros
Easy-to-use and maneuver
Bypass motor for tough messes
Two-stage filtration and HEPA filter for user safety
Cons
Hose is metal-lined and less flexible
Can become noisy during operation
Filter clogs relatively quickly
“My wife and I love this vacuum for cleaning are pellet stove. It comes with everything you need in my opinion. Highly recommend for pellet stoves. I have a King Stove that I’m using it on.”
Buying Guide – How To Pick the Best Cordless Fireplace Vacuum
Choosing the right cordless fireplace vacuum requires careful evaluation of multiple factors such as battery life, suction power, filter efficiency, build quality, portability, accessories, and price. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process by highlighting these essential considerations.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is for your vacuum to die halfway through cleaning your fireplace, right? So aim for a model that offers a minimum of 20-30 minutes of continuous operation. Some high-end models offer even longer battery life, giving you the freedom to clean multiple fireplaces or other surfaces in a single go.
Suction Power
Your new cordless fireplace vacuum should be a powerhouse when it comes to suction. Look for a model with high suction capability, especially one designed to handle fine ash and soot particles. Many brands specify the suction power in terms of air watts or pascals, so keep an eye out for those specifications. Also, check reviews to see if the suction remains consistent as the battery life diminishes.
Filter Efficiency
A highly efficient filter is crucial for trapping all those fine particles of ash and soot. Choose a cordless fireplace vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter or a multi-stage filtration system to ensure that all the debris is captured, keeping your air clean. Some filters are washable, offering you both eco-friendliness and convenience.
Build Quality
Your fireplace vacuum should be robust enough to handle regular use. Check the quality of materials used in the construction, such as the type of plastic or metal. A model that feels flimsy or lightweight might not be the best choice for long-term durability. Additionally, check if the vacuum comes with a warranty, as this can be a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Portability
A good cordless fireplace vacuum should be easy to carry and maneuver around your fireplace and other tight spaces. Look for a model with an ergonomic design, lightweight build, and possibly wheels for added mobility. A wall-mount option or a convenient storage feature could be a significant bonus.
Accessories
Some cordless fireplace vacuums come with additional nozzles and brushes specifically designed for corners, crevices, and tough-to-reach areas in the fireplace. While not mandatory, these accessories can offer a more thorough cleaning experience. Assess your cleaning needs and decide if these extra tools are something you might need.
Price
Consider the price point. Cordless fireplace vacuums can range from budget-friendly to quite expensive. While it’s tempting to go for a cheaper model, remember that you often get what you pay for. Make sure to balance affordability with the features and performance you need for effective fireplace cleaning.
By considering these factors, you’re already well on your way to finding the best cordless fireplace vacuum for you. Happy shopping and even happier cleaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered the most popular questions and answered them below.
Cordless fireplace vacuums offer increased convenience and mobility, allowing us to easily move around and clean various parts of our fireplace without being limited by a cord. They generally use rechargeable batteries, which, although offering a limited runtime, can be easily replaced or charged for continuous usage. Corded options, on the other hand, provide constant power and more potent suction. However, when using a corded vacuum, we might be limited by the length of the power cord and the availability of an electrical outlet nearby.
As a general rule, we do not recommend using cordless fireplace vacuums for hot ash, as most of these vacuums are designed for cold ash only. Using them for hot ash may damage the vacuum, melt its plastic components, or cause a fire hazard. Always allow ashes to cool down for a minimum of 24 hours before attempting to vacuum. If we need to clean hot ashes, there are specific ash vacuums on the market designed for that purpose, with metal components and fire-resistant materials.
To maintain and clean a cordless fireplace vacuum, follow these steps:
- Empty the container: After each use, make sure to empty the canister. Most cordless vacuums have an easy-to-remove container that can be detached and emptied directly in the garbage.
- Clean filters: Check the vacuum’s filters regularly, and clean them as necessary to ensure efficient suction. Some filters can be washed, while others must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Examine the brush head: Visually inspect the brush head, and remove any debris or entangled hairs that might hinder its performance. For vacuums with rotating brush heads, make sure it can turn freely.
- Wipe down the exterior: To keep the vacuum looking great, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth, and dry it afterward.
Always consult the user manual for maintaining and cleaning instructions specific to the cordless fireplace vacuum model in question.
