Whether you’re a construction professional, woodworker or DIY homeowner looking to remove dust particles in the air after a messy project, a dust extractor can be a helpful tool for dust control and improving air quality.
These machines are ideal for removing dust, debris, dust mites, wood chips, and other small particles from every corner of your small workshop or garage. If you’re looking for the highest-performing dust extractors in the market with HEPA filters, this guide covers some of the top options. Here are our reviews on the eight best dust extractors that do an excellent job at dust collection in home garages, small workshops, and construction sites. Plus, a buyer’s guide on everything you need to know about these machines.
After spending countless hours on research, we’ve gathered some pretty essential information to help you choose and select the perfect dust extractor.
Top 8 Dust Extractors
1. BOSCH’s 14 Gallon Dust Extractor
BOSCH’s Dust Extractor is ideal in every category you can think of. It auto-cleans the filter after every 15 seconds so that the machine has the maximum suction power.
The HEPA filter makes sure to capture 99.97% of the particles bigger or equal to 0.3 microns in size. The unit features a fleece filter dust collection bag that offers the perfect containment for dust, dust mites, debris, and other particles flying in the air.
The unit delivers a robust air flow of 150 CFM (cubic-feet-of-air-per-minute rate). Lastly, the unit is extremely easy to move. It has four wheels that can easily rotate in all 360 degrees.
2. Fein’s Dust Extractor (5.8 Gallons)
Fein’s Turbo Dust Extractor is one of the most convenient machines for professionals and woodworkers with a dust collection capacity of 5.8 gallons. The machine has an auto-start vacuum specifically for power tools. With four small black wheels, 19 feet long power cord, and a 13 feet long vacuum hose, you can move the unit anywhere and in any direction you want. It’s hard to describe just how convenient this is for dust collection at specific sites.
The extractor is also small in size, so you can easily take it with you anywhere you want. Although, just because it’s small does not mean that its performance is anything less than extraordinary. It has excellent dust extraction abilities for it's size. If you're working on an intense sanding woodworking project with a lot of dust, it's the perfect solution.
This portable dust collector features strong suction power which has a 98.4 inches static water lift and 151 CFM. So, it can extract all the dust and other small particles from the air. It is categorized as L-class equipment. Another great feature is its ultra-silent operation. It has a low volume of 66dB (A), which is slightly lower than the average decibel level of a vacuum cleaner.
3. DEWALT’s 8-Gallon Dust Extractor
With auto filter cleaning, DEWALT’s Dust Extractor is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about cleaning the unit too often. The machine cleans the filter every 30 seconds to ensure it can perform at the best of its dust extraction abilities.
It possesses a 15-amp motor that delivers 150 CFM airflow. The unit is powerful enough to wipe away all the ordinary dust particles from a small workshop. Moreover, it features a 15 feet anti-static hose that comes with a universal hose connector so you can securely attach it to the unit. The connector also offers exceptional flexibility to help you clean quickly and effortlessly.
The unit adorns four heavy-duty, durable wheels and casters that make moving it smooth even on rocky surfaces. It only weighs 22 pounds which further enhances the ability and ease to move it from place to place without much effort. Since it's quite small and doesn't weight too much, its an excellent choice for combining it with another easily portable workbench.
4. Festool’s 574935 9.5 Gallons Dust Extractor
Festool’s Dust Extractor is a compact, light but large machine which can be used anywhere. Whether it’s a construction site or a workshop, the unit does its job perfectly. It has a high dust collection capacity of 9.5-gallons, enough to evacuate every speck of dust and debris from the place.
Equipped with rotating castor wheels and rear wheels, the machine offers optimal mobility and portability. In addition to this, the locking brake provides stability when used on any type of surface.
Its antistatic functionality keeps dust under control while the work is being done. With an airflow rating of 137 CFM, the vacuum does a fantastic job at dust extraction, plus also extracting other unwanted particles from the air. The unit also possesses a hose garage and cable windup to make things tidy.
5. DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT Dust Extractor
Operating at a 125 CFM rate, the DEWALT’S FLEXVOLT Dust Extractor creates a strong suction seal and wipes out all the airborne particles from the air. It features automatic filter cleaning, which cleans the machine’s dual filter after every few seconds.
The HEPA filter comes included to make the clean-up process efficient, precise, and instant. The unit possesses wireless tool control that comes with a remote to help you conveniently control compatible tools. The 8 feet long hose fits firmly on the vacuum. The antistatic material of the hose ensures the debris is conveniently sucked into the filter without causing a mess.
Despite its robust operation, the dust collector works quietly. While it still does produce noise, it’s a lot quieter than a grinder or drill. It's perfect if you're installing a hardwood floor with a nailer.
6. Makita’s VC4210L 11 Gallon Dust Extractor
Makita’s Dust Extractor features a powerful 12-AMP motor that can create a suction power of 148 CFM rate with 92-inch water life. So, if you’re looking for a powerful unit that clears out tiny particles (with up to 99.97% efficiency) completely from every nook and corner, Makita’s VC4210L works wonders. The HEPA filter further enhances its filtration abilities.
The automatic start-stop function activates the unit when a power tool is being used. The machine makes a lot less noise than many other models. It produces only 60 dB(A) noise, which is less than the average sound of a vacuum cleaner (70 dB). Its dust collection system performs efficiently and quietly.
Though the unit is a little heavy (around 35 pounds), you can still easily move it around thanks to its four heavy-duty wheels. The rear wheels are specifically designed much broader to lower the center of gravity and offer optimum stability.
7. BOSCH’s VAC090AH 9 Gallons
With power tool activation, power broker dial, fleece filter bag, durable wheels, locking casters, and onboard strong attachments, BOSCH’s Dust Extractor is one of the best dust collector out there.
The HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. The fleece filter bag ensures harmful allergens remain under control and won’t escape through the filter under any circumstance.
With a strong airflow of 150 CFM and 97 inches of static water life, it can adeptly clean out the entire workshop even after an extensive drilling session. The power tool activation causes the power tool’s switch to turn the vacuum on or off. In contrast, the power broker dial efficiently allocates power between the connected power tool and vacuum.
8. Festool’s 574930 Dust Extractor
If you’re tired of clogged filters that end up hindering the suction power, consider Festool’s Dust Extractor. The automatic filter cleaning keeps the main filter squeaky clean at all times to provide a constantly high suction abilities. The machine offers HEPA filtration too.
A 137 CFM airflow is provided at all times, eradicating all types of allergens, fine dust, pollutants, and waste particles from the air. The unit can work for long hours and messier jobs without an issue. It has a hose of 11 feet, making it convenient for hard to reach places.
The four wheels allow you to maneuver the unit on any kind of surface. The locking brake keeps the dust extractor stable and secure on any surface as well as while traveling. For added benefit, you can get a on/off remote control to control it.
Dust Extractor Buying Guide
A dust extractor with hepa filtration is one of the best woodworking tools you can have at your disposal. Whether you're looking for a heavy duty dust extractor or a portable one for your job site, there are considerations you should take into account before you buy. There are two types of dust collectors that you can choose from — a bagged and a bag-less dust extractor. While both these dust extraction systems perform the same function and extract dust, there are some differences in how efficiently they do it.
Bagged Extractor - The bagged extractor provides improved dust filtration. They’re made from synthetic materials that clear all particles of dust and debris. The bag collects all of the waste, which you can dump later. However, the disadvantage of these dust collectors is they cost more, and the high suction force decreases as the bag wears down.
Nevertheless, these types of dust extractors are ideal for people who have dust allergies or sinuses. The dust collection bag contains dust, debris, and dust mites, so you won’t be scratching off your skin, sneezing, or coughing while cleaning up the mess! If you own a table saw, you might have noticed that some of them already have a small bag that collects the dust.
Bagless Extractor - As the name suggests, these dust extractors don't have a bag that stores the debris as you clean it. They are perfect if you’re looking for cost-effective extractors that don’t experience a decrease in power over time. Unfortunately, the downside of these machines is that you need to clean them regularly.
Source of Power - Typically, dust collectors come in different voltage options ranging from 110 to 240 and with cordless or corded choices. Most cordless options only provide class L protection, so if you require a higher level of cleaning, you need to use a higher class.
If you want a cordless option, some brands offer small extractors that can easily fit onto a cordless SDS+ drill. One such famous brand is Bosch. These units use the same battery as the drill, and they use HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Absorption) filters which capture pollen, dust, dust mites, and dirt.
Cordless options are ideal if you’re looking for a portable machine you can take with you anywhere. However, these units usually don’t offer the same kind of air filtration system as a corded dust extractor does.
Level of protection - There are three main classes for them: L, M, and H. These classes indicate the filtration level of the unit. Checking the class of the unit before purchasing is extremely important. It determines whether the unit is capable enough to extract a particular type of dust or materials, which will defer per the typical construction site you work on or home projects you do.
- L-class machines provide the lowest level of filtration and are suitable for dealing with the general soil and dust. They capture over 99% of the dust, which is bigger or equal to 2 microns in size. The filter leakage is 1% which means this is the highest amount of harmful dust that can infiltrate the filter when using the extractor.
- M-class units can clear out 99.9% of the dust, which is a grain size smaller than 2 microns. It has a filter leakage of 0.1%. These can efficiently deal with hazardous materials like wood and silica.
- H-class extractors trap 99.995% of the dust that has a grain size smaller than 1 micron. This includes carcinogenic dust and particles contaminated with pathogens. The filter leakage is 0.005%.
L-class dust extractors are the most basic ones. If you need additional features like indicators when the air velocity drops down a set speed or robust filters, use M-class and H-class extractors.
Additional Features - Additional features just add value to the unit and make it superior to others. So choose a machine with a few features that add convenience, comfort, and ease to your routine. Some of the top features to look out for are:
- Pre-filters to prevent the main filter from clogging.
- A two-stage motor to improve the distribution of the weight of the unit.
- Filter cleaning comes in two types — manual or automatic. In manual models, you have to take the filter out and clean the dust off. Whereas in an automatic model, the unit does self cleaning without you needing to disassemble the machine. It makes the cleaning process much easier.
- A blower to help remove the debris and dust from nooks and corners in hard-to-reach places.
Although both are used in completely different settings, air scrubbers also help remove particles from the air and improve air quality.
