Whether you’re after a more comprehensive cleaning experience or have allergies, the best water filtration vacuum work more efficiently than traditional vacuums. Along with this translating to cleaner surfaces, it also means that you’re less likely to have dust, dirt, or debris kicked back into the air or your floors. All of this makes them a fan favorite for many people.
Look for key features like HEPA filters, onboard accessory storage, strong suction power, and an LED light indicator for the water and dust tanks. Also, consider the floor types you have throughout your home when picking this type of vacuum, such as hardwood floors, high-pile carpet, or shag carpet. In which case, you’ll need a leading vacuum for shag carpet. Similarly, you’ll want to think about the type of messes that you’ll tackle with this vacuum style and look for accessories designed to facilitate those cleaning projects. And of course, you’ll want to be mindful of the vacuum’s overall weight, as they are heavier than traditional vacuums.
Keep reading our best water filtration vacuum guide to learn more. And if you’re curious about other vacuum styles, start your search with our best vacuum cleaner buying guide.
Top Water Filtration Vacuums
#1 Quantum X Upright Water Filter Vacuum Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can deal with liquid and dry messes and comes with three attachments for enhanced efficiency when cleaning. It also has a large capacity dust cup and automatically adjusts to all floor types.
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- Great for all floor types
- Can be used as a filter or vacuum
- No filter replacement needed
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- Water tank will have to be emptgied after every cleaning session
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The Quantum X Upright water filter vacuum is a bagless household vacuum cleaner that relies on regular water to trap pet hair, dander, dirt, and debris. The one significant advantage it has over regular vacuum cleaners is that there won’t be any need to change clogged filters. With this vacuum cleaner, users will only need to replace the dirty water after cleaning. The vacuum cleaner is also made to work on all floor types and deal with both wet and dry messes. It also automatically adjusts to all floor heights and will reach under furniture thanks to a telescoping head that’ll allow it to get 18-inches further. However, users will have to bear the inconvenience of emptying the tank after every cleaning session.
This Quantum X water filter is appropriately sealed to not leak or spill, and since it is embedded with Micro-Silver technology, germs, bacteria, and viruses get neutralized instantly. Emptying the dirty water after vacuuming is pretty easy to do, and the dust cup has a reasonably large 0.9-liter capacity. This vacuum cleaner also comes with attachments that make the whole cleaning process easier, and these include a crevice nozzle, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. When not vacuuming, it can also be used as a blower, and weighing only 17 pounds, it is not very difficult to handle. In relation to water, you can also consider a vacuum cleaner for your pool floor, though if you’ve never heard of one before, you should learn how a pool vacuum works.
#2 Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its four caster wheels make it small and easy to maneuver, and since it comes with a host of attachments, users will be able to use it for various cleaning purposes. It can also clean both wet and dry messes.
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- Great for cleaning both wet and dry messes
- Has four caster wheels for easy maneuverabilty
- No filter changes needed
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- Some think that it does not have as much suction power
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The Kalorik Water Filtration Canister is an easy-to-use vacuum cleaner that traps all dust and dirt particles in water and is easily maneuverable thanks to its four caster wheels. The vacuum cleaner can also be used to clean wet or dry messes, and since it also comes with a dust-cup full indicator, users will know when exactly to empty its dust cup. It has also got a telescopic metal tube that can be extended to get to hard-to-reach areas, and since it also comes with a floor brush, a dust brush, and a crevice tool as add ons, it can be used to clean a wide variety of areas. Unfortunately, some previous users have complained about its suction power. For a vacuum with better suction, check out our write-up for the Dirt Devil Endura reach.
This vacuum cleaner also features onboard storage where accessories can be placed for easy accessibility. Since it also comes with an extra motor gasket, it is designed not to be as noisy as other vacuums. Using it is pretty easy to do, and with a carry handle situated on top of the canister, users will also be able to easily carry it when going up or downstairs. This would be a great option for indoors, but if you need an outdoor vacuum for a lawn or pond for example, there are pond-specific vacuums or even a way to make your own pond vacuum DIY.
#3 Sirena Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR AROMATIZING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is ideal for users who want to leave a pleasant aroma in the area they are cleaning. It also features two speed options to choose from and combines two forms of filtration.
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- Combines both HEPA and Water filtration
- Can be used to deoderize the air
- Cleans both wet and dry messes
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- HEPA filter will have to be cleaned and maintained
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The Sirena Bagless Vacuum cleaner is a lightweight alternative that can be used to efficiently get rid of pet hairs, dirt, and other debris on both carpets and hardwood floors. The vacuum cleaner also relies on water to trap these particles and can be used to clean a wide variety of surfaces, including drapes, hard-to-reach places, and mattresses. One unique feature that sets it apart from other vacuum cleaners is the opportunity to aromatize the air, leaving the home with a pleasant smell right after cleaning. Still, it requires some maintenance since its HEPA filter will have to be cleaned or replaced after some time.
This Sirena Vacuum cleaner offers two speed modes to choose from, where high speed is designed for general cleaning and low speed for purifying and aromatizing the air. Users will also have the option to include a premium pack with their purchase. This pack would consist of a Sirena Multi-Floor tool, a turbo brush, a replacement HEPA filter, a fragrance pack with four options, and two Sirena Twister air purifiers. This is a vacuum with special bonus features and capabilities, like the best wet dry vac which can suck up both debris and water safely.
#4 HYLA GST Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR AIR PURIFICATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is both a vacuum cleaner and an air purifier, making it a must-have, especially for users who need to clean both the air and floor surfaces in their living space. It also has a host of attachments for more efficient cleaning and onboard storage for those attachments.
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- Also works as an air purifier
- Cleans both wet and dry messes
- Relatively powerful suction force
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- Can get clogged up easily
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The Hyla GST water filtration vacuum is a compact, canister-shaped vacuum cleaner that uses water to trap dust and debris. It has a relatively powerful suction force, and since it can deal with both wet and dry messes, it can be used to handle both pet hairs and water spills around the house. The vacuum cleaner comes with a host of attachments, but the two main ones that most people will probably use a lot are its wet or dry hose and bare floor tool. Unfortunately, previous users have reported multiple instances of pet hair clogging it up.
Its power nozzle also comes with fluorescent lighting to illuminate the area being cleaned, and since it can also be used as an air purifier, users can switch on its air purification function and have it remove bad smells from their living space. It also has onboard storage for those attachments, so users will be able to move around with them for added convenience.
#5 Prolux CTX Cannister Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR VERSATILE CLEANING TOOLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: It features a wide range of cleaning tools that make it easier to clean a wide range of surfaces. It also has two cleaning modes and incorporates the use of Ultra Violet Light to kill germs and bacteria.
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- Features a very wide range of cleaning tools
- Cleans both wet and dry messes
- Uses ultra violet light to kill germs and bacteria
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- Dirty water will have to be emptied after every cleaning session
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The Prolux CTX Cannister Vacuum cleaner is a water-based vacuum cleaner with a canister and can handle wet and dry messes. It has an electric power nozzle with LED headlights to illuminate the cleaning surface and four quiet rubber wheels that allow easy maneuverability. Its Italian motor has a 130 CFM and is optimized for air purification and the second one for vacuuming. Still, some might not like that they will have to empty dirty water after every cleaning session.
One highlight feature of this vacuum cleaner is its use of UV technology to clean up bacteria from the air. It also comes with the most comprehensive range of attachments and cleaning tools. These include a pet hair/mini turbo tool, a duster brush, an upholstery tool, a crevice tool, two extension wands, a hardwood floor tool, and fragrance bottles for deodorization.
#6 HydroVac Compact Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR LARGE WATER CAPACITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: It can hold up to 2.5 gallons of water, making it ideal for cleaning larger areas. It also comes with five accessories and does not require filter replacements.
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- Has a large capacity dust cup
- Great for cleaning both hardwood floors and carpets
- No maintenance costs
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- Owners will have to use their discretion when deciding if water is dirty enough to empty.
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The Hydrovac compact water vacuum cleaner is a popular option for various users thanks to its sizeable 2.5-gallon dust capacity and its use of water to filter out pet hair and debris from different cleaning surfaces. The vacuum cleaner can be used on carpets and hardwood floors and comes with five cleaning attachments to make the cleaning process easier. It also has a relatively powerful suction force and can be used to clean both hard floors and carpets. Unfortunately, users will have to use their discretion to decide when the water is dirty enough to empty.
This water-based vacuum cleaner can also be used as a blower if need be, and since it does not come with a filter, users won’t have to deal with filter replacement costs or reduced functionality. It can also be used to clean up both wet and dry messes, and its range of attachments includes a brush attachment, an upholstery brush, and a crevice tool.
Beginner’s Guide to Water Filtration Vacuums
What is a Water Filtration Vacuum?
A water filtration vacuum is a vacuum that relies on a water tank rather than a traditional bag (or dirt compartment for bagless vacuums) to hold dirt, dust particles, and debris. Instead, these vacuums have a large internal chamber that holds water.
Similar to traditional vacuum cleaners, a motor provides suction, which draws dirt and debris into a hose. However, instead of being sucked into a bag or container, the contents are filtered through the water. Because they trap the contaminants in water, there’s less of a chance of them being released back into the air — a common concern with a regular vacuum cleaner.
Additionally, a water filtration vacuum can also suck up spilled water. This is an enormous advantage over traditional vacuums, which often cannot be used on water without the risk of permanent damage.
Water Filtration Vacuums vs Other Vacuums
The biggest difference between a water filtration vacuum and other types of vacuums is that traditional vacuums don’t rely on water as a filtration method. Instead, a regular vacuum will have either a standard or True HEPA filter. While True HEPA filters are effective at trapping 99.97% of airborne particles down to sizes as small as 0.3 microns, there’s the added expense of having to replace the filter periodically.
In contrast, water is a natural filter that helps eliminate the risk of particles being released back into the environment. Another standout feature is that water filtration vacuums can clean up wet messes and dry messes. This is a breakout option that you usually won’t get with regular vacuums. However, some of the best vacuums with retractable cords do support this action, thanks to their wet-dry functionality.
Aside from water filtration and a liquid-friendly cleaning solution, water vacuum cleaners are similar to more traditional models in terms of basic functionality, accessories, and design. You can find water filtration models with attachments designed to clean upholstery, that reach into crevices, and that extend your workable area. Likewise, water filtration models can also be found as both canister vacuums or upright vacuums.
One big drawback with water filtration vacuums is that these models tend to have fewer brand options than conventional vacuums. In some cases, you might be limited to two or three brands. And they can also be a bit more expensive than traditional models.
How Water Filtration Vacuums Work
As we mentioned earlier, water vacuums rely on the same technology as standard vacuums — a powerful motor that helps to build powerful suction strength. However, the biggest difference is that dirt is drawn into a water tank where they’re trapped in the water rather than being stored in a bag. Although, some bagged vacuums can be extremely powerful like you’ll see in our Bissell BigGreen commercial BG1001 review.
Depending on the model, you might have an additional HEPA filter included. This feature ensures that any air that passes through the vacuum cleaner’s system is “cleaned” by the HEPA filter before being released back into the environment.
Usually, the water tank is stored externally so that you can easily empty and refill it when needed. But the biggest benefit is that you usually don’t have to worry about dirt and debris clogging a filter — a problem that can often happen with traditional vacuums.
Why You Should Buy a Water Filtration Vacuum
If you have allergy concerns, water filtration models deliver a deep clean and less likelihood of nasties getting kicked back into the environment after every cleaning session, which means there’s a lot to love about water vacuum cleaners. But is this cleaning appliance right for your home?
Is a Water Filtration Vacuum Worth Having?
- You Want to Minimize Air Pollutants: A common concern with standard vacuums is that if you don’t have a good HEPA filter, there’s a chance of dirt, dust, and other contaminants can pass back through the basic filter and reenter the environment. With a water filtration vacuum, this is less of a concern — making it great for people with allergies.
- You Frequently Need to Clean Wet or Dry Spills: Whether you’re cleaning up after a forgetful preschooler or find spills randomly in your home, a water filtration vacuum is up to the task of sucking up wet spills with no risk of damage.
- Consistent Suction Power: Thanks to the water acting as a dirt magnet, you don’t have to fight clogged filters or empty vacuum bags or canisters like you would with a traditional vacuum cleaner. It also means you won’t experience a loss of suction power.
Why a Water Filtration Vacuum May Not Be for You
- They’re Often Heavier: While there’s a lot to love with water filtration vacuums, they can be heavier to manage thanks to the added weight of a full water tank.
- A Premium Price Tag: There’s no denying how effective water filtration vacuums can be. But that improved functionality can come at a seriously shocking price tag that might set you back significantly.
- Fewer Brand Options: Unlike a dry vacuum cleaner, far fewer brands make water filtration vacuums. This means less competition and fewer options. For some people, this can be a deal-breaker.
How Long Will a Water Filtration Vacuum Last?
Like all vacuum cleaners, your individual experiences are going to vary widely. Some models, like the Sirena vacuum, come with a 10-year warranty. However, conventional wisdom dictates that you should — on average — be able to achieve eight years of routine use from a vacuum before it’s time to trade it in for a newer model.
But as we mentioned earlier, individual results can vary. If you’re the type who runs a vacuum multiple times a day, you might not make it to eight years. Likewise, homeowners with more space to vacuum shouldn’t be surprised if eight years isn’t a benchmark they can meet.
And of course, how frequently you clean your water filtration vacuum is also going to matter. While a water-based system means you’ll experience fewer clogs, you should still regularly empty and clean your water tank and any additional filters or removable internal parts that can also get coated in the dirt over time.
How to Choose a Water Filtration Vacuum
Obviously, with a water filtration vacuum, your first thoughts should center around total water tank capacity and if an additional HEPA filter is present. But as with other vacuum cleaners, you’ll want to consider the design style, the weight, and if there are any additional attachments, like a dust brush, floor tool, and upholstery brush head. Some models, like the Sirena Vacuum Exclusive Royal Line Pro, even come with an inflation tool.
Best Water Filtration Vacuum Factors to Consider
1. What is the tank capacity?
Unlike a normal vacuum, bags and canisters are replaced with water tanks. Depending on the vacuum you select, you can have a compact tank, a dual tank, or a single large water tank. Consider the tank size carefully, as this will affect how frequently you need to dispose of old dirty water and refill it with clean water.
2. What type of filtration system is present?
Obviously, a water filter vacuum cleaner will rely on water to filter out dirt and dust from the air that’s sucked into it. But some models go a step further and also include a final True HEPA filter which works to further purify the air before releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some go even further and include a three-stage filtration system.
But depending on the type of mess you’re most frequent cleaning, you’ll want to pick a water filtration vacuum with a compatible filtration system. For example, if pet hair is a big concern for your home, only prioritize models that specify their efficacy at removing and trapping pet hair.
3. Which vacuum style is best for you?
Water filtration vacuums are available in two styles — an upright water filtration vacuum and a canister model. An upright vacuum can look more compact but can be heavier to maneuver, especially if you have to bring your vacuum to multiple floors in your home. Conversely, a canister vacuum cleaner can give you more mobility as they usually come with a long extension hose — allowing you to maneuver in a room easily and get to hard-to-reach areas.
4. How heavy is the vacuum?
Of all the vacuum styles on the market, water filtration vacuums are a heavier option. In some cases, you can find models that weigh as much as 40 pounds. If you’re only cleaning on one floor, this might not be a big deal. But if you’re planning on carrying your vacuum upstairs to different floors, that weight can be cumbersome.
5. How strong is the suction?
Water filtration vacuums are known for being incredibly powerful and are extremely beneficial as the finest vacuums for a cleaning business. But similar to the filtration method, you’ll want to match your suction to your mess. If you routinely need to clean larger items like hairballs or even food or debris, you’re going to want a vacuum that’s powerful enough to support that.
6. How noisy is the machine?
By default, vacuums can be noisy appliances. But some of them can seem deafening when they’re on. Whether you dislike the racket or you share walls with your neighbors, looking for a low noise option is a good idea.
For this goal, you’ll want a water filtration vacuum that has an output between 57 to 62 decibels. For example, the Pure Air canister water filtration vacuum by Kalorik has an extra motor gasket that helps reduce the unit’s noise levels. Meanwhile, some water filtration vacuums can emit sounds as loud as 84 to 89 decibels.
7. What’s your budget?
As we mentioned earlier, water filtration vacuums tend to be more expensive than traditional vacuums. So, while it’s possible to find a standard vacuum for $100 or less, it’s far more difficult to find a water vacuum at an affordable price. Instead, expect to spend several hundred on the low end or nearly $1,000 for a premium model.
