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Buying guide

Best dust extractors for power tools

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Trend T35A: M class auto start with 7 m hose

    The listing gives M class certification with 99.9 percent filtration efficiency.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Vacmaster M class: 38 L tank with power take off

    The listing states independent M class certification for medium hazard dust.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Bosch GAS 35 M AFC: M class with automatic filter cleaning

    Certified M class according to the European standard, as the listing states.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A workshop vacuum is not the same as a dust extractor. Sanders, plunge saws, mitre saws and SDS drills throw out fine dust that clogs an ordinary filter in minutes, and a proper extractor is built to keep pulling air through it. Look first at the dust class. L class suits general wood and household dust, and M class is the usual choice on site for hardwood, MDF, concrete and plaster dust. Next, check for a tool start socket, which switches the extractor on and off with the tool so you are not walking back to it. Filter cleaning is the third point. Automatic systems shake the filter while you work, while semi automatic and push button systems rely on you to do it. This guide compares mains and cordless extractors using the class, capacity, power and features in each listing, and marks anything a listing does not state.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Trend

Trend T35A: M class auto start with 7 m hose

A 1,400 W Trend M class wet and dry extractor with auto start power take off, automatic filter cleaning and an extra long 7 m hose. Strong value for site and workshop use.

In its favour

  • The listing gives M class certification with 99.9 percent filtration efficiency.
  • Automatic filter cleaning vibrates the HEPA cartridge to clear dust.
  • Auto start power take off, a 7 m hose and oversized rear wheels are listed.

Good to know

  • Capacity is 27 litres, smaller than the 35 and 38 litre models here.
  • A listed noise level of 80 dB is on the loud side.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Trend M-Class Wet & Dry Dust Extractor, Auto-Start, Power Take Off

No. 2 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GAS 35 M AFC: M class with automatic filter cleaning

Bosch's 35 litre M class wet and dry extractor with automatic filter cleaning, a power tool socket and an antistatic hose. A full site extractor for sanders, saws and SDS work.

In its favour

  • Certified M class according to the European standard, as the listing states.
  • Automatic filter cleaning keeps suction steady during long sanding or chasing jobs.
  • A power tool socket switches it on and off with the tool, and the 5 m hose is antistatic.

Good to know

  • The listed weight of 18.9 kg makes it heavy to lift into a van.
  • The listing text is brief and partly machine translated.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional GAS 35 M AFC wet/dry dust extractor (incl. crevice ...

No. 3 · Festool

Festool CTL 26 EI: auto socket and Bluetooth start

Festool's CLEANTEC CTL 26 mobile extractor with a tool start socket, Bluetooth start for cordless tools, five suction levels and T-LOC Systainer mounting.

In its favour

  • An automatic outlet starts the extractor with corded tools, and Bluetooth starts it with cordless ones.
  • Five suction power levels and an antistatic function are listed.
  • T-LOC lets you mount Systainer cases on top, plus a hose holder and cable winder.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the dust class or motor wattage.
  • No automatic filter cleaning system is described.
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Listing title: Festool Mobile dust Extractor CLEANTEC CTL 26 EI 230V

No. 4 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GAS 35 L AFC: L class with 254 mbar suction

An L class Bosch wet and dry extractor with automatic filter cleaning and 254 mbar vacuum pressure. It suits joinery and general wood dust where M class is not required.

In its favour

  • Automatic filter cleaning is listed for sustained suction.
  • A 1,380 W turbine with 254 mbar of vacuum pressure is stated.
  • Comes with a 5 m hose, power tool adaptor and a floor nozzle set.

Good to know

  • L class only, so not the right choice for concrete, plaster or hardwood dust on site.
  • The listing does not confirm a tool start socket.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional GAS 35 L AFC wet/dry dust extractor (incl. 1x cell....

No. 5 · Vacmaster

Vacmaster M class: 38 L tank with power take off

A 240 V Vacmaster M class wet and dry extractor with a 38 litre tank, power tool take off and variable speed. A budget minded route to M class extraction.

In its favour

  • The listing states independent M class certification for medium hazard dust.
  • A 38 litre tank is the largest of the mains extractors here.
  • Variable speed control and two stage dust collection are listed.

Good to know

  • The push clean filter needs manual action rather than cleaning itself.
  • The listed hose length is 2.5 m, short for moving around a room.
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Listing title: Vacmaster M Class Dust Extractor 240V with Power Take Off, 38L Industr...

No. 6 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GAS 18V-12 MC: cordless M class on one 18 V pack

A cordless Bosch M class extractor that runs on one 18 V battery, with BITURBO brushless suction and an Auto-Start tag that triggers with your tool. Ideal where there is no socket nearby.

In its favour

  • M class with a HEPA filter, powered by a single 18 V Bosch battery.
  • Pairing the Auto-Start tag starts and stops the extractor with your tool.
  • Includes a GCT 30-42 adaptor, 3 m antistatic hose and carrying strap.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the container capacity.
  • An 18 V battery and charger are not included.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Dust Extractor Gas 18V-12 MC (M...

No. 7 · Trend

Trend T33A: compact M class with blockage indicator

A compact Trend M class extractor with power take off, a filter cleaning button and an LED airflow indicator. It suits smaller workshops and fitters moving between rooms.

In its favour

  • M class certified with an H13 HEPA filter included, according to the listing.
  • An extraction velocity LED shows blockages and when the bag is full.
  • Wet pick up with auto stop when the liquid level is reached.

Good to know

  • Filter cleaning is by button, not automatic.
  • At 25 litres it has the smallest tank of the mains models.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Trend M-Class Wet & Dry Dust Extractor, 1200W, Power Take Off, 240V

No. 8 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GAS 35 L SFC+: L class with one hand filter clean

An L class Bosch wet and dry extractor with semi automatic filter cleaning that works with one hand. A lighter option for workshop use with wood dust.

In its favour

  • SFC+ semi automatic filter cleaning is operated with one hand.
  • The listing states a 1,380 W turbine and 254 mbar vacuum pressure.
  • Certified dust class L to EU standards, with a 3 m hose and floor nozzles.

Good to know

  • L class only, so not suited to fine mineral dust on site.
  • A 3 m hose is shorter than the 5 m hose on the AFC models.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional GAS 35 L SFC+ wet/dry dust extractor (incl. 1xcellu...

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