Ask the Builder
Central Vacuum Manufacturers
By Tim Carter
©1993-2010 Tim Carter
Summary: Research these central vacuum manufacturers and be mindful that "cyclonic" in their literature does not make their central vacuum system truly cyclonic. Central vacuum cleaners with true cyclonic function do not require any filter bags or foam.
Following is a list of all of the central vacuum manufacturers I could come up with. There are more than I would have expected for some reason. I would suggest that you research each company. Remember to keep in mind that the word "cyclonic" in a brochure does not mean that the system is a true fully cyclonic machine. I have tried to describe the type of system that each manufacturer makes. It will be fairly obvious when you see the truly cyclonic ones. Those don't require a filter bag or foam filter.
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Beam Industries
Beam has an inverted filter bag setup. They claim to be cyclonic, but I think they just mean the air swirls around in the bag. -
Broan / Nutone
Broan and Nutone used to be fierce competitors, but Broan purchased Nutone. I believe they may keep the names different on the products, but they will eventually be the same or nearly the same components. They both have made effective filter type central vacs for many years. The central vac system in my own home is a 12 year old Nutone model. It works just as good as the day I purchased it.
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CentralVac International
I can't tell you anything about this company! It might be tough for you to find a distributor in your area.
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Electrolux
You should recognize this name. They make regular upright vacuum cleaners too.
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Eureka Company
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Vacuflo
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Hoover Company
Who hasn't heard of Hoover? ? ? -
Lindsay Mfg. Company
They make a fully cyclonic system called Vacu-Maid. I am going to install a Vacu-Maid unit in my house when my Nutone system gives up the ghost. -
M D Manufacturing
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M & S Systems
These guys make a system that uses a foam filter. I don't believe they can successfully claim to be a true cyclonic machine.
