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10 Best Water Filtration Vacuums of 2024

Updated
It’s a whole new way of vacuuming. 

If your vacuum is letting you down, triggering your allergies, and letting dust and debris back into your home, it’s time to switch it up.

Have you heard of water filtration vacuums? They differ from traditional vacuums in that they use water as the filter. Besides that, they’re not that different — often more powerful and thorough, but still easy to use.

We’ve created a list of the 10 best water filtration vacuums so that you can find one that suits your home. To create this roundup, we spent hours researching expert advice and genuine customer reviews, alongside dozens of products. We’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.

Our Top Picks

We independently assess, research, and evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System
Best for Carpets
Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System
  • 10 vacuum attachments
  • Purifies air & removes odors
  • Active edge cleaning
Product Image of the Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum
Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum
  • Lightweight & cordless
  • Motorized floor brush
  • LED headlights
Product Image of the Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum
Best Bagless Water Filtration Vacuum
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Advanced filtration system
  • On board storage
Product Image of the Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum
Best for Apartments
Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum
  • Easy to clean the vacuum
  • Telescoping body
  • Automatically adjusts to floor types
Product Image of the Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner
Best for Pet Hair
Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner
  • Great for cleaning stairs
  • Bagless design
  • Switch between floor types
Product Image of the Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum
Best With HEPA Filter
Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum
  • Suitable for all floors
  • Seven attachments
  • 1.5-HP motor
Product Image of the Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum
Best for Hard Floors
Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum
  • LED-lit basin
  • Fluorescent lights on nozzle
  • Great for pet hair
Product Image of the Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum
Best for RVs
Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum
  • Two speed modes
  • Transparent canister
  • 1200-Watt motor
Product Image of the Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vac
Best Budget Choice
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vac
  • Pet brush attachment
  • Wet & dry messes
  • Bagless and mess-free design
Product Image of the Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum
Best for Extra Attachments
Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum
  • Two functions in one unit
  • Cleans wet and dry messes
  • High-quality European design


The Best Water Filtration Vacuums of 2024

With a limited number of water filtration vacuums on the market, it can be hard to know the pros and cons of each one. We’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews, expert advice, and product descriptions to create a comprehensive guide. With all this information, you’re sure to find the best one for your home!

Here are 10 water filtration vacuums to suck the dirt out of your home.

Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System

Best for Carpets

The brand Rainbow may be what comes to mind when you think of a water filtration vacuum. It’s one of the best! And if you have carpets, it’s particularly good as that’s the manufacturer’s recommendation for the floor type.

The power nozzle, specifically, is for carpets. This lightweight attachment gets dirt out from deep within carpet and rug fibers. This includes lint, threads, hair, and dirt, so your carpet is not only clean but super soft!

What We Like

10 Attachments for Deep Cleaning

With 10 different attachments, you can deep clean your entire home. The power nozzle is great for carpets, but what about the other attachments?

Well, the dusting brush can lift dust from blinds and furniture. The upholstery tool can clean furniture, stairs, and windows.

Another example is the floor and wall brush. If your walls are looking a little dull and dusty, you can clean them, too!

Purifies Air and Odors

This vacuum not only cleans your floors (and walls and windows) but also the air. Simply add water to the basin, put the Rainbow in the middle of a room, and turn it on low-speed mode. It will clean out foul odors, dust, and other particles.

Active Edge Cleaning

When using the power nozzle, you’ll be mega impressed by the active edge cleaning technology. It has brush cleaners on both sides, which helps you to deep clean along skirting boards, the edges of rooms, and around furniture.

Not Too Heavy (17 Pounds)

This is an excellent weight if you don’t want something extraordinarily heavy. At 17 pounds, it’s pretty easy to transport around the house. Plus, it’s a canister vacuum, so it’s even lighter when it’s in use, since the heavy element of it remains stationary.

What We Don't Like

Expensive Price

This vacuum is on the more expensive side. It’s one of the best, so we think the price is justified, especially considering how much it can do. But it is very pricey.

Hard To Set Up and Put Away

With all the attachments, setting this vacuum up and putting it away can be challenging. If you don’t have a ton of storage space, it can be quite bulky.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Any but recommended for carpet
Weight 17 pounds
HEPA Filter HEPA neutralizer
Warranty Warranty does not apply to this listing

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Portability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Experience

Got this product about 9 months ago, and I couldn't be happier with its performance. I use it all the time, and it's made a significant difference in reducing my husband's allergies and my asthma. Although it's a bit heavy, it has wheels, making it easy to maneuver. The attachments are durable, made of metal, and easy to clip on.


Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum Cleaner

Best Upright Vacuum

Looking for an upright vacuum?

Some customers prefer these as they don’t feel like such a big change from traditional vacuums. This Kalorik cordless one is a popular choice.

It’s a 2-in-1 option in that it works as a stick vacuum. It also has a handheld attachment for getting into tight corners, under furniture and cleaning the car.

What We Like

Lightweight and Cordless

This vacuum’s lightweight and cordless design makes it easier than ever to maneuver around your house. Weighing only 7.9 pounds, most people can use this vacuum! Plus, the cordless design means no tripping over wires as you clean the home.

Motorized Floor Brush

The strong motorized floor brush suits many floor types, including hardwood, carpet, laminate, and ceramic.

LED Headlights

The LED headlights are an awesome feature. They show you the dust and dirt ahead of you, which is especially useful under furniture so that you can make sure every corner is clean.

Patented Water Filtration System

This unique filtration system is so useful for various settings. You can use it for cleaning your car, boat, home, and more. It traps dust, pet hair, pollen, and other tiny particles, leaving your environment and air cleaner than before.

What We Don't Like

Short Run Time

The battery life on this vacuum isn’t great. It takes around six hours to charge, and the battery lasts a maximum of 25 minutes. It’s only 15 minutes if you use it on the high-speed setting.

Small Water Tank

Many customers find the water tank is relatively small and therefore needs frequent emptying. We recommend emptying your water tank after every use, no matter which vacuum you go for, so it’s not a huge drawback, in our opinion. But do keep it in mind!

Product Specs

Type of Machine Upright
Type of Floor Hard and carpet
Weight 7.9 pounds
HEPA Filter No
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Insight

I've been using this Kalorik cordless upright vacuum and it's been a great transition from traditional vacuums. Its 2-in-1 feature allows me to easily switch between stick vacuuming and using the handheld attachment for tight spaces, under furniture, and even car cleaning. The lightweight design, motorized floor brush, and LED headlights make it convenient to use. However, it does have a short run time and a small water tank, which might require frequent emptying and charging for larger cleaning tasks.


Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Best Bagless Water Filtration Vacuum

Many prefer a bagless vacuum because they are easier to use. There’s no long or dusty emptying process.

The Kalorik canister vacuum is a great bagless water filtration vacuum option. It has a range of useful features which make it a popular choice amongst customers.

With this vacuum, your house will be cleaner, and your air will be healthier.

What We Like

Easy To Maneuver

This canister vacuum is super easy to maneuver. Transporting it around your house on the four caddy wheels is simple and hassle-free!

Useful Technology Features

This vacuum has two useful bits of technology. One indicator is to let you know the water tank and dust tank are full. The other is the auto-stop switch, so the vacuum automatically turns off when you’re not using it.

On-Board Storage

This vacuum has onboard storage for the accessories, making it easy to keep everything contained. Regarding the accessories, you’ll find the heavy-duty floor brush, a dust brush, and a crevice tool.

Advanced Filtration System

This unique filtration system has been designed to trap even the smallest of particles. So all the tiny debris that some vacuums might blow back out, this vacuum can handle it!

What We Don't Like

Not Great on Carpets

The carpet attachment isn’t great. Customers report it’s difficult to use and doesn’t glide well. Some of the other attachments haven’t gone down well either, with the main hose being described as cheap and too short.

Hard To Clean

Cleaning this vacuum is a hassle for many customers. It’s such a big canister that emptying it all out and deep cleaning it is a big job that takes a lot of time.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard and carpet (but works best on hard)
Weight 14.3 pounds
HEPA Filter No
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
3.5 / 5
Portability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
2.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Community Review

My experience with this product has been mostly positive, particularly due to its incredible water suction and ease of assembly, filling, and cleaning. As someone with pets, I can confidently say that it effectively picks up a significant amount of hair. However, I do find the extension for the attachment slightly short, which can be problematic for someone with a bad lower back. Additionally, the vacuum could benefit from a heavier base to prevent it from easily tipping over, but overall, it remains a useful and efficient cleaning tool.


Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum Cleaner

Best for Apartments

For apartments, we recommend this Quantum X Upright vacuum. It is compact and upright, so you can store it in a cupboard or a corner where it won’t take up much space at all.

Plus, it’s shaped like a traditional vacuum, so if your roommates are confused by your new purchase, they’ll find it easy to get used to.

Lastly, it’s available in three colors, so you can choose one that matches your decor. Choose from blue, red, or grey.

What We Like

Easy To Clean the Vacuum

This vacuum doesn’t use any filters. That includes HEPA, so if you do have allergies, you may want to choose another option. But the significant advantage of no filters is that the vacuum is much easier to clean.

You don’t need to wash out gross, dirty, or clogged filters. Just the tank!

Telescoping Body Increases Maneuverability

The body telescopes up four inches, giving you more clearance for getting the vacuum in tight corners or underneath furniture.

Automatically Adjusts to Floor Types

This is another great reason why it’s suitable for apartments. If you’re renting, you may not be a huge fan of your varying floor types. And it can be hard to find a vacuum that does a good job.

But this one automatically adjusts to different floor types to give you perfect cleaning results in every room.

Cleans Wet and Dry Messes

If you have pets or toddlers, you’ll understand the reality of a messy house. Somehow there are Cheerios, milk, or spilled water everywhere — even after you’ve just cleaned. This vacuum can clean up both dry messes and liquids.

All you need to do is attach the hose extension, which works like a cloth without losing any suction power.

What We Don't Like

17 Pounds Heavy

At nearly 17 pounds, this is a heavy vacuum, especially for an upright model. Many customers — even very happy ones — complained that this was a pain to push around.

Nowhere To Hang Power Cord

On ordinary vacuums, there is a hook to wrap the power cord around. This creates easy storage and protects the wire. But with this vacuum, there’s no hook which is annoying!

Product Specs

Type of Machine Upright
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight 16.93 pounds
HEPA Filter No
Warranty Three years

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
3.5 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability
3 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Individual Opinion

I'm impressed with this product's strong suction power, making my carpets and floors noticeably cleaner than before. While it's a bit on the heavier side, I appreciate that it's likely due to its sturdy construction. Emptying the water container outside is a breeze and I love that there's no smell or dust cloud when doing so. However, I was disappointed about not receiving the promised attachments and the lack of a handle to maneuver it under furniture more easily.


Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner

Best for Pet Hair

This is a super powerful water filtration vacuum, so you know it will do a great job cleaning your pet’s hair. It’s one of the most powerful on the market, with 80 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of power!

It also has six different attachments, hoses, tools, and wands so that you can switch between different surfaces.

These attachments make it even more effective at getting dirt, dust, and hair off your chosen surface.

What We Like

Switch Between Floor Types

With the flick of a button, you can switch between different floor types. This vacuum works on hard floors and carpets. However, it’s essential to switch so the vacuum can adjust its suction power to best clean the floors.

Cleaning Stairs Is a Breeze

With the long hose and the useful attachments, this is an excellent vacuum for cleaning stairs. Stairs can often get neglected, especially if your vacuum doesn’t make it easy.

Bagless Design

While many prefer a bagged vacuum, some prefer a bagless one. This means you save money over time since you don’t have to constantly buy new bags. Plus, you can deep clean the entire tank rather than all the separate elements.

What We Don't Like

It’s a Refurbishment

Remember that this is a refurbishment, so it’s not brand new. Therefore, some customers found theirs quite cheap or not as sturdy.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight Not specified
HEPA Filter No
Warranty Five years

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Portability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

As a long-time fan of Rainbow vacuums, I can confidently say that this product lives up to its reputation. With powerful suction and improved spout design for easy water disposal, it effectively removes dirt from carpets that other vacuums miss. Despite its heavier build and plastic casing, the vacuum is still easy to maneuver and offers excellent cleaning capabilities. However, it is important to note that this model lacks an air purifying option, which may be a drawback for some users.


Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Best With HEPA Filter

For a water filtration vacuum with a HEPA filter, this is a top option. Besides giving you cleaner air, it’s super powerful, so it can tackle every speck of dirt on your floors.

This uses a state-of-the-art filter system to capture dust and dirt better. It has a large dustbin, so you can take longer between emptying it.

All this adds up to being one of the most hygienic filtration systems. So if you’re trying to limit dirt from circulating back into the home — this is a great option.

What We Like

Great for All Floors

This has a nozzle, making it easy to switch between carpets and hard floors. This ensures a deep clean of whatever floor type you’re on.

When you’re not using it on hard floors and want to switch to carpets, you can connect this to a shampooer system. You can shampoo and deep clean your carpets with this handy little fella!

Powerful Features and Seven Attachments

There are a few nifty features to this vacuum that make it super powerful. Firstly, it has seven attachments that allow you to tackle all kinds of dirt on all kinds of surfaces. Secondly, it has strong headlights to see the dirt before you, even in dark spaces.

1.5-HP Motor

With a 1.5-horsepower motor, this is a super strong and reliable vacuum. This great suction power makes it triumphant over all sorts of messes.

Turbo Mini Pet Head Tool

We mentioned that this has seven attachments. One fantastic addition is the turbo mini pet head tool which can clean pet hair build-up from stairs, carpets, and upholstery.

What We Don't Like

No Instructions

Many customers struggled to use this vacuum. It didn’t come with instructions, making it hard to navigate. Besides that, it’s tricky to figure out how without the instructions if you want to use the carpet shampoo feature!

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight 32 pounds
HEPA Filter Yes
Warranty Five years

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4.5 / 5
Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Portability
3 / 5
Ease of Use
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Experience

My experience with this water filtration vacuum has been outstanding, especially due to its HEPA filter and powerful performance. I've found it to be extremely efficient at capturing dust and dirt, making my home feel much cleaner and more hygienic. The large dustbin is a major plus, allowing me to vacuum for longer periods without needing to empty it constantly. Additionally, the variety of attachments, including the Turbo Mini Pet Head Tool, has made cleaning all types of floors and surfaces a breeze.


Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum

Best for Hard Floors

This is a great option for hard floors and carpets since it has varying attachments depending on the floor type.

It’s also great for cleaning up wet and dry messes since this vacuum is capable of both.

No matter what you’re cleaning up, this vacuum will give you purified and dust-free air. You can rest assured that your home is healthy, clean, and safe for folks with allergies.

What We Like

LED-Lit Basin

The water basin has LED lighting in it. This may seem like a random feature, but it’s beneficial. This allows you to see everything going on inside so you can check how dirty the water is and when it needs changing.

Fluorescent Lights on Nozzle

Besides the bright lights in the basin, there are also fluorescent lights on the nozzles. This helps with vision in dark spots, corners, and underneath furniture.

Great for Cleaning Pet Hair

Pet owners love this product. It has superior suction for pulling pet hair out of all types of flooring, even deep rugs and high-pile carpets.

Clean Wet or Dry Messes

This vacuum works to clean wet or dry messes. If you have pets or toddlers, this is a fantastic addition, and we can see why customers love it so much!

It also includes an extra hose if you need to set one aside for cleaning. You’ll always have a backup.

What We Don't Like

High Price

One of the significant drawbacks to this vacuum is the high price tag. While this is discounted, the other models can be up to three times the price. Even discounted, it’s very expensive!

Plus, you can’t replace some parts, which is how the company makes even more money. If you have any faulty parts, you’d need to buy a whole new machine!

Cheap Handle and Bin

Customers reported that the handle and bin were made of cheap parts. Over time, they cracked a little, causing leaks and other issues. For such a high price point, this is disappointing.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight N/A
HEPA Filter No
Warranty Five years

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
4.5 / 5
Portability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Insight

I'm thrilled with this product's water filtration system, as it efficiently picks up dust, debris, and pet hair without having to go over areas multiple times. In my household, where asthma is a concern, this vacuum has been a great help in improving air quality. The powerful suction lifts the pile on my area rugs, and it's versatile enough to clean carpets, wood floors, and upholstery. However, the canister could be made from sturdier material, as it cracked from age. Despite the higher initial cost, I've saved money in the long run by not having to buy bags, and it continues to serve me well after several years.


Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Best for RVs

If you have an RV, you want something compact. That’s why we recommend this Sirena canister vacuum.

It’s nice and compact so that you can slot it under a bed or at the bottom of a cupboard, and it won’t take up much space at all.

It’s also suitable for hard floors and carpets. So no matter what kind of flooring your RV has, this is an excellent option for deep cleaning between guests and road trips.

What We Like

Two Speed Modes

This vacuum does more than just suck up dirt. When you use it at high speed, yes, that’s its main power. It will quickly clean carpets, floors, furniture, and more.

But check this out: If you switch to low speed, you can use the vacuum as an air purifier. Move it around a room, and it will trap allergens, bacteria, odors, and other nasties in the air.

Emptying Is a Breeze

With the transparent canister, you can see everything that’s going on inside the vacuum. That lets you know when it’s working and when it’s time for a water change.

Besides that, there’s an included separator to hold back large debris when you’re pouring the water out. This stops you from clogging up your sink, which is a nice bonus.

1200-Watt Motor

The 1200-watt motor is super strong and powerful. It can tackle all kinds of debris and dirt, at a quick and efficient pace. Besides that, it’s built to last for 10 years. So this investment should stay with you for a long time.

HEPA-Filter Included

Not many water filtration vacuums include a HEPA filter. Since the water does a good job, having a HEPA filter is not crucial, but we like when one does. This is especially useful if you have asthma or allergies.

This model uses a Sirena HEPA filter to trap particles that aren’t water-soluble. In turn, this delivers the cleanest air possible. Say goodbye to dust mite droppings and other minute elements.

What We Don't Like

Tricky To Navigate

While the option for many attachments is good, some customers found it overwhelming. There are six attachments, as well as a DVD, to explain everything. It’s a lot to learn.

Cheap Plastic Materials

The canister and the attachments are made of cheap plastic material. Many customers experienced the attachments or the water tank snapping or cracking.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight 40.2 pounds
HEPA Filter Yes
Warranty 10-year motor and three years parts

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Review

Bought this vacuum because I needed a powerful solution for my ongoing struggle with dog hair on hardwood floors. The water concept, similar to the expensive Rainbow vacuums, caught my eye and I decided to give it a try. When it arrived, assembly was a bit of a challenge, but watching the instructional videos on YouTube helped. This product is definitely well-made and heavy-duty, perfect for my dusty house filled with pet hair. It's been over a year since I got it and the vacuum has done wonders for the cleanliness of my home, tackling everything from furniture to car interiors. However, it's not the most convenient option for quick clean-ups due to its size and the process of filling the basin.


Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum

Best Budget Choice

On a budget but still want to try a water filtration vacuum for yourself? The Kalorik canister vacuum is one of the more affordable options.

It can remove dust, dirt, and allergens from your home, making each room much cleaner.

It’s great for people with allergies and asthma since it improves the air quality. The water reservoir traps particles and stops them from recirculating in your home.

What We Like

Pet Brush Attachment

The special pet brush attachment is perfect for cleaning up pet hair and dander. If you have furry friends in the home, and their hair sticks to every piece of furniture — then you need to try this out!

Wet and Dry Messes

You can clean up every last mess with this vacuum. The wet vacuuming function picks up spills and other liquid messes. The dry function has super strong suction and a high-torque blower to pick up stuck-on dirt.

Bagless and Mess-Free Design

This is super easy to empty and clean. You can simply empty the contents with no mess at all. Plus, the bagless design means you’re not faffing with emptying bags and replacing them.

On-Board Storage

We love when a vacuum comes with loads of attachments. But we hate losing them! With this vacuum, enjoy on-board storage for all the accessories.

What We Don't Like

Short Hose Attachment

The solid hose attachment is short for some users. You may need to hunch over to use this if you’re tall.

Not Smooth on Carpets

Some customers found that it didn’t glide on the carpet that well. It may get stuck and not glide as smoothly as other options.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard or carpet
Weight 14.33 pounds
HEPA Filter No
Warranty One year

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
3.5 / 5
Portability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Individual Opinion

My experience with this product has been mostly positive, particularly due to its incredible water suction and ease of assembly, filling, and cleaning. As someone with pets, I can confidently say that it effectively picks up a significant amount of hair. However, I do find the extension for the attachment slightly short, which can be problematic for someone with a bad lower back. Additionally, the vacuum could benefit from a heavier base to prevent it from easily tipping over, but overall, it remains a useful and efficient cleaning tool.


Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Best for Extra Attachments

Do you like having a lot of attachments that give you great options for cleaning? The more attachments, the more meticulously you can clean different areas of your home.

The Prolux CTX Canister Vacuum Cleaner comes with 13 attachments! You can deep clean almost everything in your home, including your grout, mattress, and floors.

What We Like

Two Functions in One Unit

This vacuum cleaner works as both a hoover and an air purifier. Set the unit on low mode when you want to clean the air in your home from dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Enjoy cleaner air in no time!

Cleans Wet and Dry Messes

Spilled milk? Leaky shower? Muddy pawprints on the ground? Cereal everywhere? No matter the mess, this vacuum can handle it.

High-Quality European Design

Say hello to the German-made power nozzle with rubber wheels, safety shut-off, and tons of power. As for the motor, it’s Italian with two speeds. One for air purifying, the other for vacuuming.

Lifetime Warranty

A lifetime factory service cover backs this high-quality vacuum. So the company will cover it if anything goes wrong that wasn’t your fault.

What We Don't Like

Costly Vacuum

This vacuum is two to three times the price of a regular vacuum, so it might break the bank for many customers. If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider another option.

Parts Don’t Connect Well

A few customers have noticed that the attachments don’t attach that well. It’s hard to lock them into place, which causes them to disconnect while you’re using them.

Product Specs

Type of Machine Canister
Type of Floor Hard floor, upholstery, and carpet
Weight 17 pounds
HEPA Filter No
Warranty Lifetime

Our Ratings

Filtration Efficiency
4 / 5
Suction Power
4 / 5
Portability
3.5 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I'm impressed by the performance of this product, as it effectively removes dirt and pet hair from carpets, making them feel almost new. The water filtration system is a great feature, minimizing dust and allergens in the home. Although the suction of the regular tool isn't as strong as claimed, the "electrical" tool is quite powerful, providing good value for the price. The process of cleaning the water bowl can be discouraging at first, but it becomes easier with each use. Some minor design flaws may make transporting and storing the vacuum slightly cumbersome, but overall I'm pleased with my purchase.


Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Type of Floor Weight HEPA Filter Warranty
Rainbow Model E2 Type 12 System For Carpets Canister Any 17 lbs Yes None
Kalorik Cordless Water Filtration Vacuum Upright Vacuum Upright Hard or carpet 7.9 lbs No 1 year
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Bagless Water Filtration Vacuum Canister Hard or carpet 14.3 lbs No 1 year
Quantum X Upright Water Vacuum For Apartments Upright Hard or carpet 16.93 lbs No 3 years
Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner For Pet Hair Canister Hard or carpet N/A No 5 years
Ocean Blue Bagless Canister Vacuum With HEPA Filter Canister Hard or carpet 32 lbs Yes 5 years
Hyla GST Water Filtration Vacuum For Hard Floors Canister Hard or carpet N/A No 5 years
Sirena 2-Speed Canister Vacuum For RVs Canister Hard or carpet 40.2 lbs Yes 10-year motor; 3 years parts
Kalorik Water Filtration Canister Vacuum Budget Choice Canister Hard or carpet 14.33 lbs No 1 year
Prolux CTX Vacuum Cleaner For Extra Attachments Canister Hard floor, upholstery, carpet 17 lbs No Lifetime

What Are Water Filtration Vacuums?

A water filtration vacuum works like a regular vacuum. They suck up dirt and clean your floors thoroughly. But instead of a dust bin or a dust bag for collecting debris, they have a water filter.

How Do Water Filtration Vacuums Work?

The dirt is sucked into the water rather than a dirt bag or bin. The water absorbs the dirt. You may think this looks gross, but that just means it’s working.

From then on, the water better filters out and traps the dirt, which prevents it from being blown back out of the vacuum.

Are Water Filter Vacuums Better Than Regular Vacuums?

Some people prefer a water filter vacuum over a regular vacuum. Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons.

Pros

  • They may hold more dirt than a standard vacuum, meaning you must empty them less often.
  • The water traps more dust, resulting in cleaner air blown from the vacuum.
  • Great for people with allergies.
  • You eliminate the risk of clogged filters.
  • Easy to empty and less messy.
  • May be more energy efficient.
  • It can clean wet and dry messes.
  • Good for cleaning pet hair.

Cons

  • Much more expensive than regular vacuums.
  • Heavier and harder to transport.
  • Not as many options on the market.

How To Choose the Best Water Filtration Vacuum

Consider these important factors to find the best water filtration vacuum for your home.

Type of Machine

The two main types of water filtration vacuums are upright or canister.

Upright ones are more traditional vacuums, but because they are heavy, some people prefer a canister vacuum. That way, you’re not pushing around the weight of the vacuum with every sweep. You just have to move the canister when you’re going into a different room.

Type of Flooring

What type of floor do you have? Tile, laminate, hardwood, carpet? All of the above?

Make sure to choose a vacuum that will work with your floor types.

Type of Mess

You should also consider what type of mess the vacuum can clean. Many vacuums can tackle all kinds of messes, but some are designed for specific kinds. Or perhaps it comes with attachments to help with certain things, like pet hair.

Weight

The weight is very important. Make sure it won’t be too heavy to maneuver around your home.

Our recommendations range from 7.9 pounds to over 40 pounds. The average weight is around 15 to 20 pounds.

HEPA Filter

These vacuums already do a great job of preventing allergen particles from shooting back out. Still, you could get one with a HEPA filter for extra protection. We’ll let you know whether each has a HEPA filter included, but note that this is a rare finding.

Noise Level

The sound level is measured in decibels. The higher this number, the louder the vacuum. Most will be between 60 and 70 decibels.

Warranty

Last but not least, check the warranty. The longer it is, the more reliable the vacuum. It should be at least one year long, but some range up to 10 years.


Water Filter Vacuums vs. HEPA Vacuums

Water filter vacuums are better at catching particles and delivering cleaner air than traditional ones. But HEPA vacuums are the most effective of all.

HEPA filters usually capture 99.9 percent of particles as little as 0.3 microns. You can get water filter vacuums with HEPA filters, which will be super reliable. If you have allergies, this is a super-safe option.

How To Clean Water Filtration Vacuums

You should regularly clean the water filtration vacuum. This may seem like a big task, but it will keep the vacuum in mint condition. You’ll have to go through the four main elements of the vacuum.

Top Tip

These instructions are subject to change depending on the manufacturer, so check your user’s manual first.

Rotating Brush

  1. Unplug: Unplug the vacuum cleaner.
  2. Cut: Use scissors to cut hair and fabric so you can pull it from the brush.
  3. Unplug: If you can’t get it all, unplug the drive belt and housing plate.
  4. Clear: Clear it out thoroughly.
  5. Reassemble: Put the pieces back together. Spin the brush to check it’s rotating smoothly.

Dust Canister

  1. Empty: If you have a separate dust canister, empty the bin over the trash until all the dirt is gone.
  2. Remove debris: Use an old toothbrush to remove any stuck debris.
  3. Wipe: Use a dampened microfiber cloth to clean the inside.
  4. Empty: If the dirt and water are mixed together, empty this after each use. You can pour this down a drain outside or use a sieve to separate the water and the gunk.
  5. Trash: Discard the dirt and debris into the trash.
  6. Pour: Pour the water down the sink.
  7. Wipe: Clean the tank with a microfiber cloth.

Foam Filters

Most filters can be washed with soapy water but check with your manufacturer. Once you’ve washed it, let it air dry until completely dry.

HEPA Filters

  1. Tap: Tap the HEPA filter onto the side of the trash can to remove excess dirt.
  2. Clean: Wash with warm soapy water.
  3. Dry: Air dry thoroughly.

Always check with the user’s manual before washing your HEPA filter in case the instructions differ.

FAQs

Do Water Filtration Vacuums Work?

Water filtration vacuums do work. They use water as a filtration device rather than a physical filter. If the water starts to turn brown, you know the vacuum is working.

How Long Do Rainbow Vacuums Last?

Rainbow vacuum cleaners last two or three decades if maintained and used following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Does Shark Make a Water Filtration Vacuum?

Shark does make a water filtration vacuum cleaner. The CW240 Bagless Water Filtration Vac is an alternative to the traditional HEPA filtration system that Shark typically uses.

Can You Use a Rainbow Vacuum Without Water?

You can use a Rainbow vacuum without water, but if you want the best results, use it as the manufacturer intended.


Whole New World of Vacuuming

Out with the old, in with the new! If your vacuum is letting you down, and triggering your allergies, consider trying out a water filtration vacuum. They trap more dirt and dust so that it doesn’t recirculate into the air.

There aren’t many options on the market, but we can see them becoming increasingly popular. We’ve rounded up 10 great options to choose from.

When shopping, don’t forget to consider the most important details. That includes the type of machine, what type of flooring it works on, the weight, whether it has a HEPA filter and the warranty.

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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!