Here are the highest rated central vacuum powerheads, from the most complete kit to the cheapest and easiest to use. Our top choice goes to the …
Choosing a reliable powerhead is important so that you maximize the power of your central vacuum system. There are many options for powerheads, ranging from the most complete kit to the most affordable and easy to use. Which one should you get?
Highest Rated Central Vacuum Powerheads
Here are the best powerheads for central vacuums in 2020:
- Wessel Werk EBK 360 – Best Overall Powerhead
- NuTone CT700 Deluxe – Most Lightweight Head
- Comet Central Vacuum Kit – Complete Accessories
- Cen-Tec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat – Most Affordable Head
Read a brief review of each one below:
1. Wessel Werk EBK 360 – Best Overall Powerhead
The Wessel Werk EBK 360 is our top choice for a central vacuum head. It can work efficiently for cleaning a variety of floors and also for deep cleaning low-pile or high-pile carpets. It’s price tag is friendly if compared to other heads, which makes it popular among users.
This vacuum head comes with a 5-height adjustment that makes transitioning between bare floors and area rugs or carpets smooth. When you purchase the kit, you get an integrated telescoping wand, a 30 ft direct connect hose, or 35 ft pigtail hose, depending on your choice.
Notable features about the EBK 360 that make your cleaning chores become easy is a 360-degree swivel steering that allows you to maneuver in small areas. The head has LED lights that brighten up dark corners or under furniture to help you do a thorough cleaning.
At 10 lbs, the Wessel Werk powerhead isn’t the most lightweight option. The height adjustment may not be as smooth as you like. You can buy just the head or the full kit. Considering the factors we review here, it is a great choice for a central vacuum head.
2. NuTone CT700 Deluxe – Most Lightweight Head
Our second top recommendation goes to the NuTone CT700 Deluxe. This powerhead is particularly useful for deep cleaning carpets of various thickness, making them look almost brand new.
As the bigger brother of the NuTone CT600 and CT650, the CT700 has ample new features. Among them is a 4 height adjustment that you control with a foot switch. Similar to the Wessel Werk, this vacuum head also has a wide LED light that aids you in cleaning low light or dark areas.
The downside is that some users report their vacuum head breaking apart after some use. Though there are some issues, being a lightweight head at around 1 lb makes the CT700 a worthy choice. Note that this product contains only the head with no other accessories.
3. Comet Central Vacuum Kit – Complete Accessories
If you’re looking for a powerhead that comes with a complete set of accessories, then the Comet Central Vacuum Kit is the one for you. It’s compatible with various brands of central vacuums that have a 1.5” inlet valve.
With this kit you get a 35 foot hose with direct connect or pigtail configuration, a 12” floor brush, telescopic wand, red dust mop, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush to cover all of your cleaning needs.
Similar with the Wessel Werk and NuTone above, the Comet has a 360-degree swivel and LED lights, giving you maneuverability and lighting in hard to reach places. The hose of the Comet is tough, preventing any dents or damage from accidents.
This powerhead can prevent hair build-up with its sealed bearings if you are cleaning pet hair. It has a transparent window that allows you to see if there are any debris jamming up the brush roller.
There is a lack of manual instructions, but the kit and accessories should be simple enough to install without any problems.
4. Centec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat – Most Affordable Head
The Centec Systems Vacuflo Turbocat is a no frills, simple vacuum head that uses air flow to run. This type of head uses the air from the central system as a turbine to operate. You won’t need electricity or batteries to use the Turbocat.
Running on air flow, this head is rather quiet, making it a good fit if you often require a low noise vacuum while other family members, housemates, or even pets do their activities. It’s also light at 4.5 lbs, thought not as lightweight as the NuTone.
The best aspect of the Turbocat is that it’s the cheapest option on our list and it’s powerful enough to efficiently clean various types of floors, though it’s not the best choice for cleaning carpet.
Considerations When Choosing a Powerhead
Electric Powerheads or Air Turbine Ones?
Air Turbine or air driven heads use the air flow from the central vacuum system to power up the suction. These types of heads are best used for cleaning bare floors and carpets with low thickness, including area rugs.
On the other side, electric heads use a motor for the suction and you can turn it on or off using a switch. Electric powerheads are best for deep cleaning thick carpets. These heads offer more powerful suction than air turbine ones, but require electric cost to run.
Hose Compatibility With Inlet Valves
You want to avoid buying a powerhead that you can’t plug into your inlet valve. The good news is that the heads we recommend on this page are compatible with many types of central vacuums.
Some vacuum systems have proprietary valves and you must pay attention whether your head can plug into them. There are also adapters available if you need to make connection adjustments. By paying attention to the compatibility, you ensure you get an efficiently working powerhead.