Price: $645
Capacity: 9.5 gal.
Weight: 30 lb.
Noise level: 71 db.
EPA compliant: Yes
HEPA filter included: Yes
Filter cleaning: No (available on non-HEPA model CT-36A)

Features The Festool is considered by some to be the ultimate shop vac. Its size and shape make it next to impossible to tip over, and its top is easily used as a worksurface or for storage of tools and accessories. The large wheels roll over cords and job-site debris better than those on any of the other vacuums tested. With an optional filter bag installed, almost no dust ever reaches the main filter, and the vacuum can power through any task, either tool-activated or manual. The design includes a great cord wrap and hose storage.

Flaws Unlike earlier versions of this vac, this model has no way to clean the filter without opening the whole unit and removing the filter to shake it out. When vacuuming a mix of fine and heavy debris (concrete mix, for instance) the debris helped to keep the filter unclogged by knocking against it. Unless you use a bag when collecting fine dust, though, the filter fills quickly and loses a lot of suction. The 1-1⁄4-in.-dia. hose seemed to get snagged more often than the hoses of the other vacs I tested, and it clogged when vacuuming planer shavings, nails, and other heavier debris. A larger hose is available and works well, but it costs an additional $150.

Bottom line If this vac didn’t require a bag to maintain adequate suction, I would pick it as my top choice. Aside from that, the quality and functionality of this tool are without equal.

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