Best Central Vacuum Powerheads for 2021 [TOP 8 REVIEWS]
What is the best central vacuum powerhead on the market in 2021? That’s exactly what we will look into today.
If you already have a central vacuum power unit installed and are looking to upgrade the powerhead, we have selected 8 top-quality units that will help take your cleaning to the next level.
The first 4 models are powerheads without accessories. We have then reviewed a further 4 powerheads that come with a ton of add-on components such as hoses, wands, and cleaning kits.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For comprehensive reviews on each powerhead, keep on reading.
Best Central Vacuum Powerheads
NAME |
POWERHEAD |
DETAILS |
|
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK:Wessel Werk EBK360 Power Nozzle |
Powerhead &Integrated Wand |
||
Electrolux RugMasterCentral Vacuum Powerhead |
|
Powerhead Only |
|
NuTone CT700 DeluxeCentral VacuumPower Brush |
Powerhead Only |
||
Beam Central VacuumSweep n GroomRugmaster Powerhead |
|
Powerhead Only |
|
TOP PICK KIT:Comet, CentralVacuum Kit |
35' Hose, WandsPowerhead,& Accessories |
||
GV CentralVacuum kit |
30' Hose, WandsPowerhead,Tools |
||
Cen-Tec Systems93015 CentralVacuum Kit |
35' Hose, WandsPowerhead,& Accessories |
||
Universal CentralVacuum KitTurbo Nozzlesby GV |
30' Hose, WandsPowerhead,Turbo Nozzles |
Central Vacuum Powerhead Reviews
There’s a large number of powerheads on the market today. However, the units can be rated based on build quality, performance, central vac compatibility and warranty, (and a whole lot more besides).
Based on such rating criteria, 8 top-quality powerheads covering a range of price points have been selected for review.
So if you are ready, let’s put them to the test.
TOP PICK: Wessel Werk EBK 360 Power Nozzle with Integrated Wand for Central Vacuum Systems
Our number one pick, single powerhead only, comes from Wessel Werk. The company is a Germany-based manufacturer of central vacuum systems, well known for its high-quality construction.
The EBK360 is no different of course. This deep-cleaning powerhead features 5 versatile position carpet height adjustments. There is also a quick neck release and wand release for added convenience.
The unit has a bright LED work light attached to the head. Being LED will last you for many years, without draining unnecessary power.
The Wessel-Werk EBK360 comes complete with a rubber strip base and soft rubber wheels giving it increased functionality on both carpet and hardwood floors.
The head also has a chevron-designed roller brush to increase the cleaning efficiency, ensuring that whichever central vacuum system hose you attach the unit to, you will be cleaning surfaces with ease.
Bottom Line
German quality build design at an affordable price. The EBK360 powerhead has some great features alongside versatile 5 position functionality.
Highly recommended for those looking for a powerhead without any extraneous add-ons in the package. Our top rated standalone powerhead for good reason.
2. Electrolux RugMaster Plus Electric Central Vacuum Powerhead Review
This is a Rugmaster powerhead that includes a full warranty from the manufacturer.
The unit is compatible with the current 2-prong powerhead plug, however, it is possible to fit the head with the older 3-prong design. (It is recommended that you contact customer support at 929.800.2980 for more information on this).
The Rugmaster Powerhead is an electrical system with some great features. At 5,000 r.p.m. the beater bar has enough power to provide superior cleaning results.
The size of the head is good too; featuring a low profile and swivel neck configuration, you will be reaching under beds and furniture with ease.
The standard-sized neck has been designed to receive 1 1/4″ round tapered chromed wands from any applicable manufacturer.
However, it should be noted that this is not a quick-release neck. You cannot fit square plastic wands into the unit either.
The wheels are built to offer non-scratch contact with surfaces. There is also a soft wrap-around bumper for added protection for both the powerhead and your walls and furniture.
Bottom line
Overall the Rugmaster is a good standalone powerhead, however, it missing some of the features of our top pick Wessel Work.
That being said, this is still a versatile unit, with great compatibility with standard wands and 2 prong attachments, (3 prong connection is possible). It is also on the budget end of our top 5, making for a cost-effective solution.
3. NuTone CT700 Deluxe Central Vacuum Electric Power Brush Tool Review
The NuTone CT700 Electric Power Brush is another head packaged without accessories and designed to be a simple upgrade from your current central vacuum system powerhead.
The CT700 features a 14” cleaning width to enable you to clean a larger area in one sweep.
The brush is also designed to help prolong the life of a carpet with its easy to operate height adjustability. Just tap the touch-of-the-toe levers in order to change wands or lift the head higher above the carpet.
The unit also features a work light at the end of the head in order to illuminate where you are cleaning, (helpful in dim, hard-to-reach areas, however, the power is a little lackluster).
Traction is improved with the non-marking rubberized coated wheels. Not only does this help keep your carpet and wooden floors free of damage, but the fluid roll also allows for easier cleaning.
It should be noted that the CT700 is designed to be used with the following hoses: NuTone CH520, CH515, CH615 or CH620.
The NuTone CT700 is a powerhead with some great features. It has also scored highly with customers; however, the compatibility with only NuTone hoses is a little inconvenient. This is one of the lower-priced heads in our top 5 which is a positive point.
4. Beam Central Vacuum Electric Powerhead Sweep n Groom Rugmaster Review
The Beam Central Vacuum Powerhead packs a 5,000 r.p.m. all steel beater bar that really does perform very well indeed.
With its low profile and swivel neck configuration, the unit is designed for easy access beneath beds and furniture.
The Beam powerhead uses a standard cord with a two-pronged polarity plug, however just as the Electrolux powerhead can be modified to fit 3 pronged plugs, this can too.
(You will need to contact technical support at 347.427.8790 first.)
As you would expect, the head features non-scratch soft wheels as well as a soft wrap-around bumper for added protection against the floors and walls.
The unit also comes complete with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, with two years on the actual powerhead motor.
Bottom Line
The Beam powerhead is very similar in spec and design to the Electrolux Rugmaster reviewed above.
An all-round quality powerhead with sufficient power and design aesthetic for better cleaning performance. If you are looking to upgrade to an after-market powerhead, this is well worth considering.
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Best Central Vacuum Powerhead Accessory Kit
Above we looked at individual powerheads with little to no accessories. Now, let’s investigate some of the larger, more comprehensive powerhead kits that are available.
In the following packages hoses, wands, connectors, and other types of cleaning accessories are included.
Let’s take a look.
1. Comet, Central Vacuum Kit with Hose, Power Head & Tools Review
Our top pick central vacuum powerhead kit is this 35’ Comet package that works with all brands of Central power units*.
There’s a ton of goodies provided here. The electric hose is compatible with any 1.5″ wall inlet valve.
This has a 1 3/8″ inside diameter and is designed to be crush-proof with its lightweight, yet strong outer-casing.
The hose also features a button lock handle with a 3-way control switch, for easy operation of the powerhead.
There’s a 360-degree swivel handle for better maneuverability in awkward corners and spaces.
To prevent kinks in the hose close to the handle, (and impairing suction), it features a reinforced area of extra robustness.
The electric powerhead has an electronic reset button to protect the motor should the brush roller get jammed.
The unit is fitted with a work light for improved illumination in dark areas underneath furniture and beds.
The head also features sealed ball bearings to prevent hair build-up, as well as a brush roller viewing window so the user can extract unwanted debris clogging the system.
The On/Off button is conveniently placed as the foot pedal switch button. Like all good powerheads, this uses non-marking wheels, with a protective bumper to protect baseboards and furniture
- 13-inch cleaning path Tools/Accessories
- Mesh attachment caddy bag
- Steel ratchet wand
- Set of cord management button lock wands with cord clips
- 4 piece tool kit (12″ Floor brush, crevice tool, upholstery tools, and duster)
- Wand tool caddy attachment
- Hose hanger
- Wand holder
- Red dust mop
Manufacturer Note: Please measure your inlet valve to ensure compatibility. State choice of either a pigtail or direct connect hose configuration after making your order.
*The system is not compatible with Vacuflo proprietary inlet valves (HP Vacuflo Series 4940, 4949, 4940, 4941). If you are unsure of the compatibility, please message Alder Products Ltd.
Bottom Line
The Comet central vacuum powerhead kit is our top-rated choice for good reason. Tons of accessories, excellent and sturdy design throughout with some great practical features.
It’s also compatible with almost all central vac systems on the market, (just measure your wall inlet, or contact the supplier before purchase).
What more could you need?
2. GV Central-Vacuum kit with Power Head Review
The GV Central Vacuum kits comes with a 30-foot long vacuum hose as well as cleaning tools to fit most central vacuum systems. These include units from Beam, Nutone, Electrolux, and Canavacs.
The kit features a high-end carpet power nozzle and the vacuum hose is equipped with a 3-way electronic control switch.
Extras & connections
The tools in this kit are designed for central vacuum systems that use non-electrical connections, 2-prong direct connect systems and pigtail connections in their vacuum inlet ports.
It also features an extensible wand and a well-designed hose-and-kit hanger. This deluxe kit is packaged by GV and benefits from a 2-year warranty. This is guaranteed if one purchases the kit from GreatVacs or an authorized dealer.
Overall, this is a competent, high-end carpet cleaning tool with several unique features.
The carpet cleaning kit
To begin with, it has a locking pivot which ensures that the vacuum hose is well secured to the carpet cleaning head.
Secondly, the carpet cleaning tool requires electricity to operate. Electrical power is provided via the dual power-supply cable that is fitted on the power hose.
When connected to a power source, one can adjust the height of the cleaning brush in the cleaning tool.
In fact, one can set the height to any of the six pre-determined height levels. Also, there are long-lasting LED lights that can illuminate the surface being cleaned during poor lighting conditions.
There is also a brush roll viewing plate which allows one to see the state of the brush roll and decide whether it is time to clean it.
Regular cleaning of the brush roll, especially the removal of strings lengthens its lifespan. Likewise, there is an auto shut-off feature that protects the unit from overheating.
At the front edge of the carpet cleaning tool is a rubber bumper that protects the unit from damage.
30-feet long power hose
The 30-feet long power hose is designed as a double-reinforced crushproof hose that comes equipped with a powerhead control unit. There is also a suction bypass valve for bleeding off any excess suction power.
This hose is ETL-certified and allows for the vacuum motor to be switched on using its 3-way switch.
There is also a cloth caddy pouch for storing 2 cleaning tools, a brush with removable bristles and a cleaning tool for hard floors.
Bottom-line
The GV Central-Vacuum kit is a deluxe kit that comes with a 30-foot long vacuum hose as well as cleaning tools that can fit with popular central vacs from Beam, Nutone, Electrolux, and Canavac.
There is also a high-end carpet power nozzle and its 30′ long vacuum hose is equipped with a 3-way switch.
If you already own a vacuum suction unit and want to take its functionality to a whole new level, this kit is definitely worth a look.
3. Cen-Tec Systems 93015 Central Vacuum Electric Kit Review
The Cent-Tec 93015 is a rare breed in the central vacuum world in that it provides two electric power nozzles.
There’s one nozzle for carpeted surfaces and another designed for hard floors and rugs. Furthermore, the kit features two integrated electric wands that can be conveniently used across each nozzle.
The 35-foot hose is the longest permitted by UL/CSA standards, and like our top pick Comet, is sturdily built to avoid kinking.
The hose is also socked to ensure no damage comes to furniture, baseboards, and floor. To this end, the 93015 has a premium anti-microbial sock pre-installed.
Compatibility is top-notch here as the hose can be easily connected to all major central vac brands: (Beam, Electrolux, Eureka, MD, Vacuflo, Vacuumed, Imperium, Star Power, Cyclovac, Canavac, Husky, to name but a few).
CT25 also features a venting system for optimal airflow. The chevron brush agitator is designed to provide superior dirt pick-up no matter what surface you are cleaning.
The unit has a double swivel neck design built-in, increasing the ease with which you can work the head.
The lifetime poly-v belt drive is designed to reduce excess noise as you clean. The belt is inset in a way that ensures you can achieve brushed edge cleaning to both sides of the nozzle.
Finally, there is a soft bumper for added protection against your baseboards and furniture.
Bottom Line
The Cen-Tec central vacuum accessory kit is another package of all essential components to keep your house clean.
The unique double nozzle system, along with easy to operate powerhead and crush-proof hose makes for a kit that provides superior cleaning ability with increased functionality when compared to competing kits.
A worthy addition to our review roundup.
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4. Universal Central Vacuum Kit with Turbo Nozzles by GV Review
Another universal kit from GV has entered our list. This also comes with a 30-foot long vacuum hose, Turbo nozzles, and cleaning tools that can fit into most central vacuum systems. Overall, this is a very versatile option.
Tools & Connections
The turbo nozzles work well with the accompanying carpet cleaning mini-head. This allows it to vacuum hardwood floors, tiles, plush carpet, and low-pile carpet. Its vacuum hose is equipped with a 2-way switch.
Just like the deluxe GV Central-Vacuum kit, the tools in this kit are designed to fit well with central vacuum systems that use non-electrical connections, 2-prong direct connect systems and pigtail connections in their vacuum inlet ports.
Extensible wand
It also features an extensible wand and a well-designed hose-and-kit hanger. The carpet cleaning tool has a locking pivot which ensures that the vacuum hose is well secured to the carpet cleaning head.
Also, because this tool requires electricity to operate, the electric power is provided via the dual power-supply cable that is fitted onto the power hose.
When connected to a power source, one can power on the spinning brush roll and clean the carpet or floor. The brush roll viewing plate allows the user to see the state of the brush roll and decide whether it is time to clean it.
30-feet long power hose
The kit comes with a 30-feet long double-reinforced crushproof power hose that comes equipped with a powerhead control unit (for regulating the operation of the cleaning tool). There’s also a suction bypass valve for bleeding off any excess suction power.
This ETL-certified hose allows for the vacuum motor to be switched on using its 2-way switch.
There is also a cloth caddy pouch for carrying up-to 3 small cleaning tools. The wall-mountable hose hanger and wand-mount caddy provide easy storage for the relevant accessories.
There is also the combination floor tool for cleaning hard floors, the crevice tool for scraping off sticky dirt, and the upholstery tool for lifting off the legs of tables and chairs off the ground.
- It comes with a standard floor cleaning tool.
- Low maintenance.
- Compatible with most central vacuum systems.
- Comes with a 30-feet double-reinforced crushproof hose.
- Has a tool for cleaning hard floors.
- 1year warranty.
- Cannot effectively clean wet debris.
- Its cleaning efficiency is determined by the suction power of the power unit it is connected to.
- Buying the power unit separately might be a pain for some, however, this does provide the buyer with more options.
Bottom-line
The GV Universal Central-Vacuum Kit is a top-quality package that comes with a 30-foot long vacuum hose, turbo nozzles, and cleaning tools that can fit into most central vacuum systems.
The turbo nozzles work well with the accompanying carpet cleaning mini-head to vacuum hardwood floors, tiles, plush carpet, and low-pile carpet.
If you already own a power unit, or wish to choose from the many options available, this kit represents a very good purchase.
Central Vacuum Powerhead Buyer’s Guide
There are a number of factors to consider before you buy a new central vacuum powerhead. Let’s take a look at some of them now.
Type of Powerhead
The fundamental question is the type of powerhead you should go for. The two power modes are air turbine and electric, and you will need the correct central vacuum set up in order to use one or the other.
Air-driven powerheads feature a high-speed turbine wheel that utilizes the airflow of the central vacuum system to turn the brush roller.
Electric powerheads on the other hand use an electric motor to turn the brush roller. If you looking to buy an electric head, you will need a hose with an electrical attachment that can be conveniently plugged into a wall socket.
Compatibility Issues
Compatibility between the powerhead and the vacuum is of utmost importance. Some powerhead models have universal fittings that will connect with a wide range of central vacuums.
Others will be specific to a certain brand. Finally, there are powerheads that will only connect to a particular model of vacuum.
Beyond checking the specifications of the powerhead, you can contact the manufacturer to ascertain exactly what compatibility problems (or not) you can expect to encounter.
Powerhead size
Powerheads come in different widths, with some even having extra attachments. Clearly, the more versatile the unit is in terms of the spaces it can clean, the better.
To this end, a unit with both wide and narrow head attachments, as well as thin ones for more focused vacuum power should be what you look for.
The surface type
Powerheads work differently according to the surface they are being used on. Essentially, performance is altered whether the floor is carpet, wood, or linoleum.
Furthermore, if you intend to use the powerhead on a hardwood floor, you should check whether it supports such a surface. Scratches and poor sucking power will be the result if it isn’t.
Generally, more versatile powerheads will cost you more. However, if you have a range of floor surfaces within your home or commercial building, it will be a worthwhile expense.
Height Adjustment
Height adjustment is also important if you want to ensure good performance over a range of surfaces. As the feature names suggest, you can adjust the height of the head to better travel over floors of varying thickness, (a shagpile carpet instead of flat tiles for instance).
Premium models sometimes feature a floating head powerhead which will automatically adjust as you use the vacuum.
Central Vacuum Powerhead FAQs
Q. What is the difference between an air-driven and electric powerhead?
Air-driven powerheads rely on the central vacuum system to turn the brush rollers and do not need any additional power to operate. Electric powerheads have an electric motor inside to turn the brush roller and need to be connected to electricity.
Q. I wish to switch to an electric powerhead, what do I need to do?
The most important part of switching to an electric powerhead is to ensure you have an extension electrical pigtail that can be plugged into an electrical socket. This also means that your inlet valves need to be conveniently located close to the electrical socket.
Q. How do I determine the number of inlet valves I will need for my central powerhead?
A recommended standard is one inlet valve for every 700 square feet of space to be cleaned.
Q. Will a central vacuum powerhead work on bare hardwood floors?
A central vacuum powerhead works very well on hard-surface flooring as they have the ability to vacuum and deposit the dust and dirt in the system, rather than it be recirculated into the living space (as brushing or conventional vacuum is prone to do). Having an adjustable height feature is useful, however, in order to achieve maximum contact with the surface without the risk of scratching it.
Q. I have delicate floor surfaces with soft carpets can I use a central vacuum powerhead on those?
Yes of course. However, a powerhead that provides control over the amount of vacuum force coming through the unit is preferred when cleaning softer surfaces. Too much vacuum force could pull the carpet into the brush roller of the head.