Central vacuum
or canister vacuum?
The canister vacuum is the classic floor-standing appliance dragged along as you walk. Central vacuum works on the same principle — hose and brushes — but without the appliance to drag. Here's why they're not the same experience.
Canister vacuum
vs. central vacuum.
Of all conventional vacuums, the canister is the closest to central vacuum. Let's look at what really separates them.
| Criterion | Canister vacuum | AspiWall central vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Suction power | 250–600 AW (quality models) | Up to 1,354 AW continuous |
| Appliance to move | Yes — body dragged on the floor, room to room | No — fixed unit, lightweight hose only |
| Power supply | Electric cord (8–12 m) | Integrated PVC network — hose at wall inlet |
| Noise in the room | 65–78 dB | Very low (relocated motor) |
| Exhaust air | In the room (filtered, sometimes HEPA) | At the unit, outside living spaces |
| Bin / bag capacity | 2–5 L — regular emptying or replacement | Large central bin — empty 1–2×/year |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years (high-end) | Central unit 15–20 yrs · durable network |
| Maintenance | Bags or bin, filters at regular intervals | Annual bin empty, minimal maintenance |
| Stairs | Yes, but body is bulky | Yes — light hose, inlet at each level |
| Investment | €200–700 (quality) + consumables | Complete installation — central unit 15–20 yrs, durable network |
The canister:
the closest relative.
Canister vacuum
- No installation — immediately available
- Good power on high-end models
- Body to drag and cord to manage
- Change socket in each room or level
- Motor and noise present in the room
- Filtered air exhausted back into the room
- Bags, filters or bin to maintain regularly
- Replacement after 10–15 years
AspiWall central vacuum
- Power up to 1,354 AW — 2 to 4× more than a canister
- Lightweight hose — no appliance to drag
- Relocated motor — absolute silence in rooms
- Exhaust air directed to unit, outside living spaces
- Wall inlet in every room and at every level
- Large central bin — empty 1–2×/year only
- PVC network with no wearing parts
- Durable installation: central unit 15–20 yrs, PVC network with no wear
The limits of
each solution.
The body: enemy of the stairs
Cleaning stairs with a canister means moving the body step by step, managing the cord and keeping balance. AspiWall central vacuum solves this: with an inlet at the top and bottom of the stairs, only the lightweight hose goes up or down with you.
Central vacuum requires installation
Unlike a canister you take out of the cupboard, central vacuum is integrated into the building: PVC pipe network in the walls, wall inlets, unit in a utility room. It's an investment to plan during construction or renovation.
Cost over 20 years
High-end canister (€500) + bags and filters over 12 years + replacement: total cost adds up. AspiWall central vacuum is a one-time investment — PVC network, unit, hose — with a central unit lasting 15–20 years, a durable PVC network and very limited maintenance costs.
When to choose
which solution?
Canister vacuum suits you if…
- You rent and cannot install a PVC network
- You want a no-installation, immediately available solution
- Your budget does not currently allow a full installation
- You live in a single-level, compact home
- You vacuum occasionally and have no noise constraint
AspiWall central vacuum suits you if…
- You own the property and plan a lasting installation
- You vacuum regularly across multiple levels
- You are tired of dragging the vacuum room to room
- Motor noise in the rooms is a problem
- You have thick carpets, rugs or carpeted stairs
- You want durable equipment, without repeated purchases
In terms of motion, yes: you use a hose with a brush, you vacuum floors, carpets, furniture, stairs. The big difference: with AspiWall central vacuum, the 'body' (motor, bin, filters) is in a utility room. You drag nothing — just the lightweight hose plugged into a wall inlet.
A canister is limited by its compact format and power consumption (800 W to 2,000 W, often capped by EU regulations). AspiWall central vacuum has no such constraints: the unit is installed in a utility room with a motor sized for performance. The S500 delivers up to 1,354 AW continuously.
No. A canister produces 65–78 dB directly in the room where you vacuum. With AspiWall central vacuum, the motor is relocated to an isolated utility room. In the rooms, you only hear the quiet airflow of the hose — even a sleeping child in the next room won't wake up.
Premium brands like Miele or Sebo offer durable canisters (10–15 years) with good filtration. But they remain limited in power (300–600 AW), exhaust air into the room, and must be moved room to room. AspiWall central vacuum goes well beyond in power (1,354 AW) and comfort of use.
A high-end canister (Miele Complete, Sebo) costs €300–700, plus regular bags and filters. Replace after 10–15 years (€300–700 again). An AspiWall central vacuum installation is a single investment — central unit 15–20 years, durable PVC network — with no repeated purchase.
Central vacuum accessories use standard connectors compatible with most market accessories. Some motorised brushes are directly compatible. AspiWall advises you on the accessories suited to your floor types at the quote stage.
Ready to switch to central vacuum?
Send your floor plans and get a personalised quote. AspiWall serves all of Belgium.