Industrial vacs are built to be more durable, powerful and hold more dirt than residential models. In this article, we’ve listed what we think are the best industrial vacuum cleaners in the UK.
Do you need a vacuum that’s more durable than the typical upright or cylinder machine? Or does your business require a vacuum that can handle large quantities of wet and dry material?
If so, you probably need an industrial vacuum cleaner.
These machines are built specifically for industrial or commercial applications. They are often more powerful than residential vacs – although they may lack convenience features. Commercial vacs are also highly durable, which is a vital attribute for a machine that might be used for extended periods each day.
We’ve included a selection of wet and dry, upright and cylinder models on this list, so there should be an option for every business.
Our Selection Process
There are three things we look for in a commercial vacuum: suction power, durability and capacity.
Strong suction power is essential when buying a commercial machine. Needing to go over the same patch of carpet at home is annoying, but for a business it costs time and money. For a similar reason, we look for machines with a large capacity so you don’t spend too much time emptying the dust canister.
A durable design is also important. Daily cleaning in demanding environments can wear down any vacuum, so we look for models that are built to last.
Of course, these aren’t the only considerations. You also need to think about your budget, how often the machine will be used and whether you need a wet and dry model. For this reason, we’ve included a range of vacuum types and price ranges in the list below.
Which are the Best Commercial Vacuum Cleaners in 2023?
| Image | Product Name | Type | Weight | Power | Cord Length | Read More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | NUMATIC NRV20021 | Cylinder | 9kg | 580W | 12.5 metres | View Price |
 | Vacmaster WD L30 | Wet & Dry | 7.3kg | 1000W | 5 metres | View Price |
 | SEBO BS360 Comfort | Upright | 7.9kg | 890W | 10 metres | View Price |
 | MAXBLAST 10678 | Wet & Dry | 28kg | 3000W | 9 metres | View Price |
 | Draper 13785 Wet and Dry | Wet & Dry | 4.5kg | 1250W | 3.5 metres | View Price |
 | Sealey PC200SD Wet and Dry | Wet & Dry | 4.5kg | 1250W | 4.5 metres | View Price |
Best Dry Industrial Vacuum Cleaner
1. NUMATIC NRV 240-11
The Numatic NRV 240-11 is a dry bagged commercial vacuum cleaner from one of the UK’s most popular manufacturers. Like other Numatic models, the NRV 240-11 is powerful, durable and has a large 9 litre dust capacity.
Other features of the Numatic NRV 240-11 include a long 12.5 metre cable, which is great for cleaning multiple rooms without switching plug socket, and a four-wheel design for extra mobility. It’s built with a 580W motor that conforms to the latest EU legislation, yet still provides excellent suction power.
Note: As we mentioned, this is a dry vacuum cleaner. It excels at cleaning dust, dirt and other debris from carpets and hard floors, but isn’t suitable for wet spills. The video below is of the NRV200-21, which is a very similar model.
The Numatic has proven to be a popular choice amongst industrial and commercial users – and it’s easy to see why. The bags do a great job of sealing in dust and it’s a powerful machine. The vacuum also doesn’t lose suction despite having a lower wattage than previous Henry vacuums.
There are a few minor downsides though. Needing to buy replacement bags adds to the lifetime cost of the machine and the vacuum is a bit clunky to use in tight spaces. It also can tip over when it gets stuck if you’re not careful.
Despite these drawbacks, the Numatic NRV 240-11 is an excellent commercial vac. It’s powerful and has a large cleaning radius, making it suitable for industrial or commercial locations. It’s also very durable. If you need a solid vacuum that’s not too expensive, yet performs admirably on almost any task, the Numatic is a great choice.
- True workhorse of a vacuum
- Powerful suction and durable design
- Large operating radius
- Power: 580W
- Capacity: 9 Litres
- Cord Length: 12.5 metres
- Weight: 9kg
- Price Range: ££
Best Industrial Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner
2. Vacmaster WD L30 L Class Wet & Dry
The Vacmaster WD range is built to provide all-purpose wet and dry vacuuming for commercial use and some industrial purposes. The Vacmaster WD L30, in particular, is an excellent model that’s powerful, durable, and has a huge capacity (if you’re looking for a compact model for quick cleanups, the Dewalt DCV582 is a good option).
As you would expect from a commercial wet and dry vacuum, the WD L30 has a large 30 litre capacity. The true capacity varies depending on whether you’re vacuuming fluids or dry debris, but the vac always provides plenty of space. It’s also built with a powerful 1000W motor, which allows for an air flow of up to 48.5 litres per second. If you need a model that makes quick work of most jobs, the WD L30 is likely to be a good choice.
It’s worth noting that the vacuum is an L-class model. This means it can be used on tasks such as plasterboard, soft woods, gypsum, and other light hazardous dusts. It’s important to make sure it’s safe to use for your purposes before buying though.
Other features include a HEPA 13 filter, power tool take-off socket, and a durable design. This includes a crush-resistant hose and skinned stainless steel tank.
It’s also a versatile vac that can handle tough cleaning jobs. Whether you need to vacuum soft wood dust, dry debris, or dirty water, the WD L30 is up to the job. It’s worth noting this is not a carpet cleaner though – there is no detergent dispenser – so it’s only designed for removing liquid and dry debris.
In summary, the Vacmaster WD L30 is an excellent commercial wet and dry vacuum cleaner. It’s powerful, has a large capacity and is extremely robust. Additionally, the PTO socket is a useful feature on any commercial vacuum, and it’s a lighter vacuum than the Numatic.
Note: There are multiple size options in the Vacmaster WD wet and dry range. The largest has a huge 50 litre capacity, but this model doesn’t come with a power take-off socket.
- Powerful motor and suction
- HEPA 13 filter
- Power take-off for power tools
- Capacity: 30 litres
- Cord Length: 5 metres
- Weight: 7.3kg
- Price Range: ££
Best Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner
3. SEBO BS360 Comfort
The majority of commercial vacs are cylinder models, as these have large capacities and are usually more versatile. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some excellent industrial upright vacuum cleaners though – and the SEBO BS360 is a good example.
The first thing to note is that this is the new EU-compliant version of the BS36. It’s the same model, but with an 890W motor instead of the 1000W of the previous machine. Fortunately, this doesn’t seem to have negatively affected the suction power too much.
One of the things that makes the BS360 stand out compared to domestic upright vacuums is that it has a larger cleaning head (36cm). This, combined with the twin motor for excellent suction, means it can quickly clean large areas of floor. Like other industrial vacs, it’s also built to be durable.
Other features of the BS360 include the ability to lay flat on the floor, for getting underneath furniture, and a trap door to quickly clean blockages. The shape of the floor-head also allows you to clean under radiators quickly and easily.
The only downside to the larger floorhead is that the SEBO can be somewhat unwieldy to use. The head design helps when cleaning around furniture, but if you’re used to a domestic upright it can take some getting used to the larger design. We also think the hose could be longer.
Even so, the SEBO BS360 could be a great choice if you need a commercial upright vacuum. It’s powerful, has a unique floor-head for cleaning in tricky areas and a wide cleaning width. We like how SEBO has focused on practicality for the BS360, which is why it’s our top choice for a commercial upright.
- Strong suction power
- Unique floorhead
- Can clean while flat
- Power: 890W
- Capacity: 5 litres
- Cord Length: 10 metres
- Weight: 7.9kg
- Price Range: ££££
Other Recommended Commercial and Industrial Vacuums
4. MAXBLAST 10678 Industrial Vacuum Cleaner
The Maxblast 10678 is a heavy duty bagged commercial vacuum cleaner with a huge 80 litre capacity. It’s also one of the most powerful models on this list, with a 3000W motor, making it a great choice for businesses that need a vacuum with strong cleaning performance.
As the Maxblast has been designed for commercial and industrial use, it’s a highly durable model with a focus on practical cleaning. It’s simple to use, has a hinge for easier emptying, and a handle bar for moving it.
Other features of the Maxblast include a cloth filter (although this isn’t suitable for hazardous materials), caster wheels for transport, and a 1.5 metre hose. The vacuum also includes two extra tools (bristle and crevice nozzle), along with its basic floor tool.
There are a few drawbacks to this commercial vacuum though. At 28kg, it’s one of the heaviest and largest vacuums we’ve reviewed, although this is understandable with the 80 litre capacity. We also would have liked a slightly longer power cord and hose, although these aren’t tiny.
In summary, the Maxblast is a heavy duty wet and dry vacuum that’s designed for serious jobs. While it’s heavy and bulky, the powerful motor makes it great for cleaning jobs that most other vacuums would struggle with.
Note: Maxblast also sells 30 litre, 50 litre, and 60 litre versions of their industrial vacuum. These models are lighter, but also have less powerful motors.
- Heavy duty wet and dry vacuum
- Huge collection capacity
- Powerful 3000W motor
- Power: 3000W
- Capacity: 80 litres
- Cord Length: 9 metres
- Weight: 28kg
- Price Range: £££
5. Draper 13785 Wet and Dry
One of our top recommendations for wet and dry vacuums is the Draper 13785 – and we think it deserves a mention as a potential commercial model too. It’s a relatively inexpensive vacuum with a 20 litre tank, ability to pick up both dry debris and liquid spills, and comes with several accessories.
The first thing to note is that the 13785 hasn’t been designed for commercial use like others on this list. It is, however, a durable vacuum that’s perfect for smaller/medium cleaning jobs.
Features of the 13785 include two filters, depending on whether you are dealing with liquids or solids, and a flexible hose. There are also several extension tubes and other accessories, such as a crevice nozzle and floor brush. Additionally, the vacuum has an air blowing function.
Most importantly, the Draper provides strong suction for a vacuum in this price range and it’s easy to manoeuvre. We don’t recommend it if you need a quiet vac though – as it’s relatively noisy and the castors sometimes fall off.
While the Draper 13785 may not be quite as durable as some of the more expensive wet and dry vacuums on this list, it’s still able to handle simple commercial cleaning jobs due to its large capacity and range of accessories. So if you’re looking for a wet and dry vac on a budget, the 13785 could be a good option.
- Several accessories and 3 extension tubes
- 1.5 metre hose
- Cheap for a wet and dry vac
- Power: 1250W
- Capacity: 20 litres
- Cord Length: 3.5 metres
- Weight: 4.5kg
- Price Range: £
6. Sealey PC200SD Wet and Dry
Another excellent industrial wet and dry vacuum is the Sealey PC200SD. It’s a 20 litre model, making it a relatively large vac, but it’s also less expensive than many alterntaives.
Powered by a 1250W motor, the PC200SD has a 20 litre drum and a telescopic extension tube. Features of the PC200SD include a foam filter for wet use, on-board tool storage and a professional design.
The PC200SD weighs 5kg, making it a relatively lightweight model compared to many others on this list. It’s a powerful and durable vacuum that’s built with a stainless steel drum and a combination of two castors and two fixed wheels.
The main advantages of the PC200SD are that it provides great value for money, the filter is easy to change and the drum is simple to empty. The blowing function is also useful, especially considering the small size of the machine. A downside is that the hose is relatively short.
If you need a durable wet and dry vacuum for industrial purposes but don’t have a large budget, the Sealey PC200SD could be a great option. It’s durable, powerful and has a blow function – not to mention that it’s available for a very reasonable price. Be aware that the combination of short power cord and hose mean that the cleaning radius is smaller than some of the more expensive models on this list though.
- Blower function
- Stainless steel drum
- Excellent value
- Power: 1250W
- Capacity: 20 litres
- Cord Length: 4.5 metres
- Weight: 4.5kg
- Price Range: £
What to Look for in an Industrial Vac
We’ve already talked about our criteria for great industrial vacuum cleaners. But if you need more info about making the right choice for your business or industrial cleaning situation, here are some things to consider.
- Type. The type of vacuum you buy is probably the most important decision. In some cases this is obvious – such as if you need to clean up liquids you’ll need a wet and dry model. As a general rule, a cylinder vacuum is a safe bet if you need a versatile option for dry cleaning. Uprights are often less convenient, but excel at cleaning large areas of floor quickly.
- Filtration. If you’re going to be vacuuming hazardous dust, it’s vital to get a filter that’s safe to use with this type of material and to take necessary precautions. Don’t assume that all industrial vacuum cleaners are suitable for all materials.
- Suction Power. Most industrial vacuums have excellent suction power, but it’s still a vital consideration. The stronger suction a machine has, the more able it is to get dirt, dust and other debris out of carpets. More suction also allows a vacuum to pick up larger debris. Keep in mind that a higher wattage doesn’t always equate to more suction (the low-powered Henry is a good example of this).
- Durability. It might sound obvious, but durability is essential for an industrial vac. This is especially true if your business will use the machine on a daily basis. The average domestic vacuum is unlikely to last long when used for heavy-duty tasks. A durable vacuum should also be able to handle larger debris.
- Noise Level. An often overlooked consideration is the noise level of a machine. For night-time cleaning in an office, this might not be an issue. But if you need to clean during the day, or if you’re going to be cleaning around customers, then quiet operation isn’t something to ignore. The Nilfisk Aero is a good example of a quiet vacuum, with a noise output of just 64dB.
- Price. We don’t recommend penny pinching when it comes to buying a commercial vacuum, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a huge amount of money. While our top picks cost several hundred pounds, there are some excellent models available for less than £100.
- Capacity. Many domestic vacuums have very small capacities. For cordless models, it’s not uncommon to see dust canisters with a volume of less than 0.5 litres. This is fine for home cleaning, but commercial cleaning requires larger capacities – otherwise you’ll spend a lot of time emptying the machine.
Summary
Sometimes a regular vacuum just won’t cut it – and in these situations you need an industrial vacuum. While industrial or commercial vacs often don’t come with convenience features, they are powerful, rugged and able to remove plenty of dust and dirt from carpets and hard floors. Many are also wet and dry vacuums, meaning you can tackle a wide variety of jobs.
If we had to pick a single recommendation for a dry industrial vacuum cleaner, it would be the Numatic NRV 240-11. It’s a powerful, no-nonsense machine with a large capacity and big cleaning radius, making it perfectly suited to commercial cleaning.
I am a health and safety manager at a wood products factory. I am looking for a powerful and flexible machine to suck up wood and MDF dust at the end of shift to clean the sanding machines. the budget is flexible, what I need is a reliable powerful machine with a large capacity (dry waste but don’t mind wet & dry). I am looking to purchase at least two machines but this may rise to six.
You will require an intrinsically safe system wood dust and air movement with a static discharge equals big bangs and people running at speed
I need a vacuum for a similar scenario. What did you decide on in the end?
I need a commercial cordless vacuum for a long corridor without sockets. It is an elderly care facility and so extension leads are not a safe option. Any suggestions?
Hi Kinlay. Numatic now has a cordless version of the Henry which may be worth looking into. Don’t expect it to be as powerful as a corded vac, and it’s not really a commercial model, but in your situation it might be a good option.