While your regular vacuum cleaner is more than adequate to extract crumbs, pet hair, and dirt from your carpets and hard floors, an ash vacuum is specifically designed to safely suck up the very fine dust produced by burning wood or charcoal in a fireplace, fire pit, wood-burning stove, or other fire feature.
To achieve that, these vacuums typically have a dual filter system, one of which is a HEPA filter that can effectively capture even the tiniest dust particles. Although you shouldn’t use your ash vacuum to suck up hot ash or embers, these tools are typically made of heat-resistant metal and have metal nozzles and a metal-lined hose to reduce the risk of fire or heat damage.
We tested eight ash vacuums of various brands and sizes, using them to clean smokers, fire pits, fireplaces, and grills in our own homes. We found that a good vacuum for ashes is light enough to easily lift and dump once it’s full, maneuvers smoothly to where it’s needed, and has a long enough hose and a good assortment of nozzles to reach into nooks and crannies.
Best Overall
Bacoeng ASH200L Ash Vacuum
Large 5.3-gallon capacity
Powerful 10-amp motor
Easy to assemble and use
Onboard accessory storage
Hose could be a little longer
The Bacoeng 5.3-gallon Ash Vacuum stood out above all of the ash vacuums we tested due to its capacity, versatility, and ease of use. While we tested it outdoors on our pellet smoker, we also think it’s a great choice for cleaning out an indoor fireplace, pellet stove, or wood-burning stove and for outdoor use, including a fire pit or backyard chiminea.
We put this 1,200-watt, 10-amp ash vacuum to the test, cleaning out a frequently used pellet smoker. Not only did this highly effective vacuum quickly suck up ash and pellet remains, but to our delight, it also removed some of the caked-on grease from the base of the pellet smoker: For the first time in years, we could see the smoker’s stainless steel shining through.
We loved that the large capacity of 5.3 gallons meant that we could clean up once without having multiple trips to empty the vacuum’s canister. When it was time to dump the ashes, it was very easy to do so: The vacuum has an inner HEPA filter surrounded by a Dacron filter to effectively remove even the tiniest ash particles. The Dacron filter can be washed and reused as necessary. We used the vacuum to clean up only cold ash, but you can use it for ash that’s as warm as 104 degrees.
The 15-foot power cord was long enough to use the vacuum without an extension cord, but we wish the hose was a little longer. It’s 5 feet, and the vacuum does come with hose extensions, but even with those in place, it was a bit awkward for us to maneuver the hose into the confines of the pellet smoker.
Still, it did a great job of vacuuming the mess, and we found it easy to move the vacuum around on its three sturdy wheels. Plus, it’s designed so that all of the accessories—hose, extensions, and three vacuum nozzles—are stored right on the vacuum canister.
Dimensions: 11.7 x 11.4 x 18 inches | Weight: 12.2 pounds | Capacity: 5.3 gallons | Cord Length: 15 feet | Amps: 10
Best for Pellet Stoves
Love-less Ash Cougar+ Ash Vacuum
Pellet-stove cleaning attachment
Five mini attachments
Agitator rod for cleaning filter
Somewhat short hose
Attachments didn’t always clip in securely
We chose the Loveless Ash Vacuums Cougar+ as our pick for pellet stoves due to its thoughtful design and useful accessories. It includes a vented cuffed hose designed for cleaning out pellet stoves, which none of our other tested vacuums offer. It also comes with a horsehair brush, crevice tool, angled nozzle, and five mini attachments for reaching into all sorts of tight spots in your grill or stove.
We found it easy to use this 6-amp ash vacuum to clean out a messy fire pit and backyard grill. While it’s not the most powerful vacuum on our list, it handled ash and even small chunks of unburned wood with ease, and we appreciated its fairly quiet performance. With a 6-gallon capacity, this sturdy vacuum is ideal for most outdoor ash-removal tasks. Of course, it’s also useful inside the house; use it to suck away ash from your wood-burning fireplace.
The vacuum has a double-filter system that captures the smallest bits of ash. We also love that it has an agitator rod that makes it easy to knock accumulated ash off the outer filter so you don’t have to open the canister. But we also found it easy to open the canister to dump out ash when necessary.
While this isn’t a wheeled vacuum, we found it easy to move from place to place. There’s also a bag to store all of the nozzles when not in use. However, our one complaint about this vacuum is that some of the accessories didn’t clip onto the 5-foot vacuum hose as tightly as we’d like.
Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 22 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Capacity: 6 gallons | Cord Length: 6 feet | Amps: 6
Best for Fire Pits and Grills
Pellethead Ash Vault Pro Vacuum
Extra-long hose
Handles ash up to 140 degrees
Very easy to maneuver
Might need an extension cord for outdoor use
Thanks to its 7-foot hose—longer than most on our list— we think the Ash Vault Pro is a great choice for cleaning out grills, fire pits, or other fire features that might be harder to reach inside with a shorter or less maneuverable hose.
While testing, this vacuum cleaned out our Solo Stove smokeless fire pit in just five minutes. The 10-amp motor sucked up even damp ash without a problem, leaving our fire pit clean and ready for the next use.
This commercial vacuum is designed to handle warm ash up to 140 degrees, so you don’t have to wait as long before tackling your ash-removal tasks. We like its a 5-gallon capacity, which ensures you won’t have to stop to dump the collected ash. But when it's time to clean it out, you’ll appreciate the ease as much as we did; all we had to do was dump the ashes and give the vacuum interior a quick wipe-down with paper towels.
The power cord is 10 feet long, requiring us to use an extension cord to reach our fire pit, but that is probably long enough for most indoor uses. At 12 pounds, this vacuum is lighter than many similar models, and it has wheels, making it super easy to maneuver right where we needed it.
Like other ash vacuums, the Ash Vault Pro has a dual-filter design and a metal-lined hose. But unlike many others, it automatically shuts itself off if something too large to handle is sucked up, thus preventing overload damage to the motor.
Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 17 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Capacity: 5 gallons | Cord Length: 10 feet | Amps: 10
Best Lightweight
Porter-Cable 4 Gallon HP Ash Vacuum
Lightweight at just 8 pounds
Easy to empty
Reusable filters
Somewhat loud
No crevice tool
Not ideal for large pieces and chunks
Looking for a lightweight ash vacuum for lightweight tasks? 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. While the hose is only 4 feet long, it does come with an extension wand, which we found quite flexible and easy to move around inside the smoker and grill.
With a 4.5-amp motor and a capacity of 4 gallons, this vacuum is best used for fairly small tasks like cleaning grills, fire pits, chimineas, wood-burning or pellet-burning stoves, and other small fire features. During testing, the vacuum did a good job of sucking up fine ash, although it struggled somewhat with larger bits and pieces.
While we had to dump out accumulated ash a couple of times while cleaning, the large top handle made the vacuum comfortable to carry. We liked that the filter and pre-filter can both be rinsed for reuse, although it was hard to release the pre-filter without releasing some ash into the air. However, while using the tool to clean out our grill and smoker, the vacuum kept all ash contained without any annoying residue blowing out onto us or nearby surfaces.
We do wish it came with a crevice tool, though, as it wasn’t always easy to reach into corners. We also found it somewhat loud, but that’s not unusual for these vacuums.
Dimensions: 11.6 x 11.6 x 14.8 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Capacity: 4 gallons | Cord Length: 8 feet | Amps: 4.5
Best All-Purpose
PowerSmith Ash Vacuum PAVC101
Powerful performance
Can be used as blower or shop vac
Long power cord
Somewhat loud
Messy to clean
We love appliances and tools that serve multiple functions and help us save space. That’s why we were especially excited to test the PowerSmith All-In-One Wheeled Ash/Shop Vacuum. Unlike other ash vacuums on our list, it can also be used around the house or garage as a shop vac, a blower, or even as a regular vacuum.
We used this powerful vacuum to clean out a fireplace where it performed like a champ, quickly sucking up fine ash, bits of charcoal, and other chunky materials. Using it like a shop vac, we cleaned up some sawdust from other surfaces, which it did very well. 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. We think it did an acceptable but not outstanding job (it won’t replace your vacuum but can fill in when needed). You can also switch the hose from the inlet port to the outlet port to use it as a blower to clean debris from your outdoor spaces (similar to a leaf blower).
With a 10-amp motor, the vacuum has plenty of power, and its four wheels, 16-foot power cord, and hose that’s just a bit over 4 feet in length make it easy to maneuver where needed, whether that be your outdoor fire pit or grill, your woodworking shop, or even your kitchen. It holds up to 3 gallons of ash in the sturdy metal canister and can handle cold and warm ash up to 140 degrees. It’s a great choice for cleaning out larger fireplaces or other fire features.
While we liked that the dual-filter system is washable for reuse, we did find that ash and dust were released into the air when we removed the filter to dump the accumulated ash out of the canister. 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. Like any shop vac, this one is fairly loud, so it’s best used when you won’t disturb anyone nearby.
Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 15 inches | Weight: 12.8 pounds | Capacity: 3 gallons | Cord Length: 16 feet | Amps: 10
We Also Like
Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum
Lightweight at 8.8 pounds
Compact overall size
Easy to maneuver
Metal hose can scratch delicate surfaces
Short under-4-feet hose
Although the 5-amp model that we tested is no longer available, the 4-amp version offers all of the same features, just with slightly less power. We used this 4.8-gallon ash vacuum to clean out a fire pit, which it did well, although we found that the metal edge of the hose attachment—it does not come with a crevice accessory or any other specialized nozzles—could scratch the fire pit if we weren’t careful. 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.
With a 4.8-gallon capacity and a weight of only 8.8 pounds, this is a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver option that’s well-suited to cleaning out wood or pellet-burning stoves, barbecue grills, fire pits and chimineas, and fireplaces.
The hose is short, at just under 4 feet, but that isn’t always a disadvantage when working in tight spots like a chiminea or stove. 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.
This is a rather compact ash vacuum, which we appreciate, as it doesn’t take up too much space in the garage or shed. Despite its small size, it still boasts impressive performance and is very reasonably priced.
Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 13 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Capacity: 4.8 gallons | Cord Length: 8.5 feet | Amps: 4
Final Verdict
Our overall best pick, the Bacoeng 5.3-gallon Ash Vacuum, is a highly effective vacuum that quickly handled not only ash but even cleaned away greasy residue from the pellet smoker during testing. Plus, we love how all of the accessories neatly clip onto the canister for easy storage. If you specifically want an ash vacuum to clean out a pellet stove, then we like the Loveless Ash Vacuum Cougar+, which comes with an attachment designed specifically for that purpose, along with several other handy attachments.
How We Tested the Ash Vacuums
We tested eight ash vacuums, collecting more than 37 gallons of ash from fire pits, grills, outdoor fireplaces, and smokers. We considered key facets of their functionality, design, and effectiveness, examining details like the:
- Ease of assembly
- Effectiveness at cleaning up ash and other fire-feature residue, such as larger bits of ash, small pieces of wood, or remains of charcoal briquettes
- Power and effectiveness in sucking up ash
- How well dust was contained within the vacuum canister
- Ease of maneuvering the vacuum hose into nooks and crannies
- Versatility of the included accessories
- Overall vacuum weight
- Volume and sound of each vacuum
Additionally, since ash vacuums include specialized filters, once we finished cleaning out the fire feature, we emptied the vacuum canister and cleaned the filters as per the manufacturer’s directions. During this procedure, we considered ease and messiness—because ash dust can become airborne when the vacuum contents are dumped, we recommend cleaning out your ash vacuum outside whenever possible.
What to Look For in an Ash Vacuum
The Right Size and Capacity for Your Needs
During our testing period, we found that we most appreciated ash vacuums that were bigger rather than smaller. Specifically, we preferred products that were big enough that we didn’t have to keep stopping to empty the canister before the job was finished, yet not so large as to be unwieldy.
For most homeowners, that means you'll want your ash vacuum to have a capacity somewhere between 3 and 6 gallons, depending on how frequently the vacuum is used and the type of fire feature.
Ideally, your ash vacuum should be large enough so it can handle the entire cleanup without you having to stop halfway through to empty the canister, yet not so big that it’s bulky and hard to maneuver where you want it.
For that reason, consider how you’ll be using it: Do you have several fire features to keep clean, or a very large fireplace? Maybe you love sitting around your backyard fire pit as often as possible, so ash cleanup is a regular chore. In those situations, a larger capacity, perhaps as much as 8 to 10 gallons, might be best.
However, for most people, Andy Shu, appliance expert and founder of Zapfixers, says, “A typical homeowner would need an ash vacuum with a capacity of 3 to 6 gallons. This size is sufficient for handling moderate cleanups of fireplaces, stoves, and barbecue grills without needing frequent emptying.” One in this range that we particularly like is the Porter-Cable 4 Gallon 4 Peak HP Ash Vacuum, which holds up to 4 gallons of ash.
Strong Suction Power
Because these tools are designed mostly to lift ash, which is fine and light, they don’t need the strong suction power a regular vacuum cleaner or shop vac requires. Still, you want enough oomph to quickly and effectively clean away the ash and residue from your fire pit or fireplace.
Shu recommends choosing an ash vacuum with at least 4 to 5 amps of power: “This level of power ensures you can efficiently suck up fine ash without clogging.”
If you need a vacuum to tackle larger quantities of ash, bits of leftover pellets or charcoal, or wood residue, though, he recommends a vacuum with a higher level of power. Our top pick, the Bacoeng 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum, has a 10-amp motor with enough power to whisk away ashes and even to lift off greasy residue from smokers or stoves.
Features Designed for Portability
You need to be able to get your ash vacuum to where you’ll use it, so most are designed with a large handle on top that makes it easier to lift and carry. However, some vacuums for ashes also have three or four caster wheels so you can wheel the tool around your yard or house. Casters are particularly helpful on larger ash vacuums, as once full of ashes, they can be quite heavy.
If you’ll be using your vacuum outdoors, it’s also helpful to have a long power cord, as otherwise you’ll need to use an extension cord to provide enough reach. The PowerSmith 10 Amp 3 Gal. All-In-One Wheeled Ash/Shop Vacuum, which can be used as an ash vacuum, shop vac, blower, or carpet cleaner, has a 16-foot power cord, which is the longest on our list.
Safety Features Designed to Handle Heat
Because these tools are designed to use with potentially hot materials, they are generally made of heat-resistant metal components that won’t melt if exposed to heat. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s safe to suck up hot ash or embers.
“Always allow ash to cool for at least 24 hours before vacuuming, even with a heat-resistant vacuum,” Shu says. “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.
Some ash vacuums take it a step further with an automatic shutoff that triggers should the vacuum become dangerously warm. One such vacuum is the Pellethead Ash Vault Pro 5-Gallon, which also turns off if the hose becomes clogged, thus preventing motor overload.
Helpful Attachments for Easy Cleanup
An ash vacuum comes with a hose, typically lined with metal for protection against heat. That makes these hoses somewhat stiffer than the hose on a regular vacuum cleaner, but you’ll still want the hose to be flexible enough so you can work it into the corners and edges of your fire pit or grill.
Hose length is also important: Some ash vacuums have hoses as short as 4 feet, while others have an 8-foot or longer hose. While a longer hose is useful if you need to reach into a large fireplace or up and over the edges of a grill, it can be hard to maneuver in a tight spot, so don’t automatically assume that the longer, the better. Some of these vacuums include a couple of extension wands so you can make the hose shorter or longer as you require.
Most vacuums designed to pick up ash come with at least one or two attachments that fit onto the end of the hose. A crevice tool is common, as is a rounded attachment for general cleanup. Some ash vacuums take it further, though, such as the Loveless Ash Vacuum Cougar+, which includes a cuffed and vented attachment specifically designed for cleaning out pellet stoves, as well as five mini attachments, a horsehair brush, a crevice tool, and an angled nozzle.
One More Thing
During testing, we found it can actually be more cumbersome to use an ash vacuum than to clean out a fire feature with a broom and dustpan and that larger bits of ash, wood, or charcoal can clog an ash vacuum’s hose, requiring the user to stop and clear the blockage.
Still, for people who use their fireplace, grill, fire pit, or other fire feature regularly, ash vacuums can be a quick and effective method of dealing with messy ash, and all of the models we tested do an excellent job of keeping the dust contained.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullman is a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement products, landscaping/gardening supplies, and tools. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. If the evening is cool enough, she loves to sit by a fire pit with a s’more in hand.
For this list, she relied on input from our team of testers, as well as reviews and information about ash vacuums from various home maintenance websites. She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended products.
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