Central Vacuum - Pistol Grip

[vacuumguy91]

Hi,
Does anyone know of a central vacuum system in today's world with a pistol grip hose that would allow a power nozzle?

Also, what current central vacuum would you recommend and why? I definitely want a light on the power nozzle and possibly quick release wands; although I can just buy another set of wands to do hard floor surfaces without having to worry about disconnecting the power nozzle.

I've researched online and it's overwhelming the systems.

I'm seriously considering Aerus even though it has a gas pump style handle.

Thank you.

 

[ultralux88]

The only one I know of is the old style Electrolux hose. I don't recommend a wire reinforced hose though, they are much heavier, less internally aerodynamic, the internal hose diameter is only 1 1/4inch, whereas the newer hoses, although all with gas pump handles, are 1 3/8. The difference is very noticeable. I have a lot of different central vac hoses in my collection, but I'll always recommend your primary use hose be a modern 1 3/8in diameter. The hoses with the handle you're after will choke off a very good bit of air flow!

 

[blackheart]

There was also

A Plastiflex made hose that featured a pistol grip and a 3 way switch. I don't believe they're made anymore, but I know the handle parts were out there. Perhaps a current plastiflex hose could be modified?

 

[panasonicvac]

As far as I'm aware of...

There are two that I can think of. Either that Electrolux (Also can be sold under the Perfect brand) hose or that Spiralelectric hose Central Vac Headquarters aka Vacuflo sells.

As far as powerheads go, I would recommend looking into Panasonic/Kenmore that are sold under the Cen-Tec brand, those are my most favorite ones. Wessel Werk also makes good powerheads but their replacement parts are really expensive. Riccar/Simplicity makes in my opinion one of the best powerheads on the market if you're looking for the best one with a headlight and quick release wands.

And as far as what recommendations you're asking for a central vacuum and why, here are my thoughts:

Vacumaid is my most favorite central vacuum brand of all time. Growing up, I've always loved the looks, the colors, and the logos on them. They are also very powerful, perhaps one of the best performing vacuums on the market. I love their true cyclonic set up, no bags or filters to ever have to buy or replace. Their attachments are awesome like the vibrating upholstery tool for example. And they make the most quality inlets I have ever seen on a central vacuum.

I love Vacuflo. Although I highly recommend them over Vacumaid because their true cyclonic units are cheaper, better quality, and they have longer warranty. They also make the Vroom which I think is very handy and cool to have.

MD makes probably the best systems on the market. Very powerful, best warranty in the industry, and their service is top priority.

Riccar and/or Simplicity also has excellent systems, you really can't go wrong with one of those.

Aqua-Air makes one of the most unique systems I have ever seen, I think they make the best water filtration systems on the market. Although they are really expensive.

Aerus does make a nice system, it's one of my favorite looking central vacuums of all time. Although I have seen and heard reports that dust can circumvent the filter and cake up the motor fan with dirt which can cause the motor to sound louder overtime, and the motor would eventually go bad.

Anyways that's my two cents.

 

[ocscott3085]

I wish I could be more helpful as I too have been on the lookout for a pistol grip electric hose. I really dislike gas pump handle hoses. Growing up my parents' central vac system had pistol grip hoses and they just felt more comfortable to use. We had the same one that blackheart posted above and an older Nutone electric hose. My own home's central vac came with the white Vacuflo Edge powerhead kit and while I love the powerhead, I really find the handle grip to be uncomfortable. I thought I read somewhere that a user on here found the Aerus grip to be a little more comfortable than the Plastifex gas pump grip.

Since I have a Hide a Hose outlet, I purchased a Volt powerhead from Tom Gasko a few years ago. I also picked up a Vacuflo Turbogrip hose that has the pistol grip handle and paired it with the Volt to clean the bedrooms that don't have access to a HAH outlet. I found this to be more comfortable than using the electric hose. In fact, the only two people that actually use the electric hose and powerhead would be my partner and our cleaning lady. I stick with the HAH outlet, Volt or Sebo Felix.


In terms of a power unit, I replaced our Dirt Devil 990 Pro Series that broke within 3 years of our home being built with a MD unit and like it a lot more. My parents replaced their original central vac system with a Silentmaster over 15 years ago and haven't had any problems. When it came time to selecting a replacement unit, I knew it would be MD. I wasn't a huge fan of emptying the bagless Dirt Devil.

 

[vacerator]

Yes,

MD, Canavac also make them. They come with a powerhead only switch, meaning the unit turns on upon connecting to the wall inlet, or total control, with a three position switch which also turns the main unit on and off with the hose in the wall outlet.
Also corded pigtail for wall outlet for power nozzle, or direct connect style.
If you powerhead has the older type hose connection, or the newer, the vac shop can retrofit the new hose with the correct adaptor.

 

[n0oxy]

hoses and power nozzles

Reggie is correct, you definitely want a hose with the larger internal diameter, it will provide much better airflow, the crush proof hoses are also much lighter and will last longer.
I don't know of any electric hose that uses the pistol grip. You could get the Plastiflex low voltage hose, it uses a pistol grip but then you would be limited to using the Volt power nozzle or the new Perfect battery powered nozzle, or you would need to use an external electric cord to power an electric nozzle, this works but it's a bit of a pain to set up.
As far as power nozzles, if having a headlight is a requirement, I would check out the Centec CT25, the Wessel-Werk ebk360 or the Riccar power nozzle. If you can do without the headlight the Sebo and Lindhaus power nozzles are also excellent.
As far as power units, there are lots of choices. MD makes great units but they are a bit expensive, Canavac and Vacumaid are also excellent as is Vacuflo. Drainvac also makes several very nice units.
Mike

 

[vacuumguy91]

Any thoughts on this?

I have several Hoover Quadraflex nozzles in my collection, some new and lightly used I could use with this...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hoover-Cen...768356131?epid=1100303899&hash=item4d7a8a2723

 

[vacuumguy91]

Cyclovac?

Hi Everyone,

I'm settling into my new home and finally got around to calling in Central Vacuum companies for estimates. The house has the piping and wall outlets, but no power unit or attachments.

I have one company coming this week, they are recommending the Cyclovac 215 Power Unit with the CX1000 power head OR the Cyclovac 215 Power Unit with the EBK360 Kit. Honestly I'm not impressed with the power nozzle choices...I've already told them I'm going to be extremely picky about the power nozzle. I must have a headlight and really want something that looks nice...I'm thinking more in line with the older panasonic/kenmore whispertone heads or the power head on my Kenmore Elite Ultra Plush canister...Ideally I would love to use my Hoover Quadraflex nozzles as well..but I'm really confused now...

Any advice on what they're recommending?

 

[n0oxy]

cyclovac

The Riccar and Simplicity branded central vacuum units are rebranded cyclovac units I think. The CX1000 is the same as the Volt battery powered nozzle, just a different color.
The Wessel-Werk EBK360 is a great power nozzle and it does have a LED headlight.
If you want a Kenmore style power nozzle, go for the Centec CT25, it's their best nozzle and will clean regular and soft carpet.
Mike

 

[vacuumdevil]

everything being said in this thread is correct:-D

@vacuumguy91 why don't you want a pistol grip? They make the hose much easier to use. Also the allow a larger diameter for better air flow.

 

[gregvacs28]

vacuumguy91

 


You most likely CAN use the pn from your "...Kenmore Elite Ultra Plush canister...Ideally I would love to use my Hoover Quadraflex nozzles" with your new CV system.  


 


After getting a standard electric CV hose, simply get a CV upper wand (there are ones for Kenmore and ones for Hoover), and either an short cord adapter or an entire new cord for the PN which can be rewired, and they should all work well together.


 


I'm currently using my 1983 Kenmore pn with my central vac system.  I replaced the upper wand and replaced the cord with a longer CV cord that has the special end that will fit in the new wand.  


 


There are some videos in the link below that might help.


 


I hope you show us some pictures of your system once you're up and going.



https://builtinvacuum.com/parts/kenmore/hoses/electric/kenmore-universal-electric-hose/

 

[vacuumguy91]

I have Aerus coming today and another local company coming Saturday to discuss Beam and Riccar...now I'm really going to be confused lol

 

[luxflairguy]

Kevin!
Steer clear of Aerus! Messy foam filter that you have to wash and rinse and rinse and rinse! Mind you, they give you two, but labor intensive! Also not a quiet machine without the optional sound dampening dome!

Riccar centrals ave Cyclovac machines. You are paying a premium for the name! Stick with Cyclovac! I"ve been sold on Cyclovac for years and have installed them in many homes and even though I'm no longer in the business, I still get referals!

Greg

 

[tolivac]

The Aerus bagless central vac is a MESS!!!!And the foam filter DOES NOT trap the motor killing fine dust.The vac place here has replaced a few Aerus machines with bagged MD ones.All of the Aerus vacuums had blown motors.Suggested to the Aerus dealer here they should go to a bagged version.After all they make fine bagged canisters-how bout a bagged central unit?

 

[gregvacs28]

Can the Electrolux be adapted to use a bag?


 


 

 

[luxflairguy]

No!

 

[tolivac]

The stern "No" is correct the feed intake to the Aerus dust container is at such an angle the bag horn adaptor won't fit or work.

 

[gregvacs28]

o man , not good is right

 


It's sounds like the old kenmore cyclonics.  I found one once at Habitat for $7.  It worked but had only a 1 h.p. motor.  


 


But the intake pipe was welded to the side at an angle so really difficult to adapt on the inside.  Plus Kenmore had a measly proprietary 1 1/4" pipe.  


 


Any of the vacs with cyclonic and/or a ridiculous filter that you have to reach up on the inside to clean or pull out, that just takes all the fun out of vacuuming. 


For an average person, that must be nightmarish.


 


This kid in the video, does a good job showing us how to clean the filter; but he seems less than willing, as I would be too.