Ridgid 5 gal. Ash Vacuum

The Ridgid 5 gal. Ash Vacuum (DV0510) is a specialized tool aimed at cleaning ash and fine particles from wood/pellet stoves, fireplaces, and BBQ grills. As someone who frequently deals with the messes created by such heating methods, I was eager to test if this vacuum could live up to its promises of ease and efficiency.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, and the Ridgid Ash Vacuum makes a strong one. The metal drum feels sturdy and well-constructed, which is reassuring for a tool that will be dealing with potentially abrasive ash and debris. The vacuum is relatively lightweight at 18 lbs, making it easy to maneuver. The onboard storage for accessories and the carry handle for the 8 ft. power cord add a layer of convenience, ensuring that everything you need is within arm's reach.

The vacuum includes a metal hose, wand, drum, and crevice tool, all designed to withstand the rigors of ash collection. The caddy with onboard accessory storage is a thoughtful addition, keeping the various attachments organized and accessible. The cord-wrap feature also ensures that the power cord doesn't become a tangled mess.

Performance

The vacuum features a HEPA media filter, which is crucial for preventing ash from being blown back into the room. This is particularly important for indoor use, where fine ash particles can easily become a nuisance. The vacuum's 3 peak horsepower motor provides sufficient suction for most ash-cleaning tasks, although it's not the most powerful vacuum on the market.

I found the vacuum to be quite effective for cleaning out my pellet stove. The vacuum maintained good suction throughout the cleaning process, and I didn't experience any issues with ash being blown back into the room. However, the vacuum does require frequent cleaning of the filter to maintain its performance. This is a minor inconvenience but a necessary step to ensure the vacuum continues to function effectively.

Ease of Use

The Ridgid Ash Vacuum is straightforward to use. The metal hose and wand are easy to attach and detach, and the vacuum's compact size makes it easy to store when not in use. The crevice tool is useful for getting into tight corners, although I did find myself wishing for an angled attachment to reach some of the more awkward spots in my stove.

One issue I encountered was the vacuum overheating after about ten minutes of continuous use. This required a cool-down period before I could resume cleaning. While this wasn't a deal-breaker for me, it could be an issue for those with larger cleaning tasks that require extended use.

Maintenance

Maintaining the Ridgid Ash Vacuum is relatively straightforward. The HEPA media filter needs to be cleaned regularly to ensure the vacuum maintains its suction power. This involves removing the filter and tapping out the ash, which only takes a few minutes. For those who use the vacuum frequently, this cleaning routine will need to be performed every few uses to keep the vacuum running smoothly.

Emptying the vacuum is also a simple process. The metal drum can be easily detached and emptied, and the vacuum's design ensures that ash doesn't spill out during this process. This is a significant improvement over using a regular shop vacuum, which often results in ash being spread around the room.

Noise Level

The vacuum's noise level is comparable to other vacuums of its size and power. It's not overly loud, but it's not whisper-quiet either. For most users, the noise level will be acceptable, especially considering the vacuum's effectiveness at cleaning ash.

Durability

The Ridgid Ash Vacuum appears to be built to last. The metal construction of the hose, wand, and drum gives me confidence that this vacuum will hold up to regular use. The lifetime warranty is also a reassuring feature, indicating that Ridgid stands behind the quality of their product.

Overall Experience

Overall, I found the Ridgid 5 gal. Ash Vacuum to be a reliable and effective tool for cleaning ash from my pellet stove. It handles fine particles well, and the HEPA media filter ensures that ash doesn't get blown back into the room. The vacuum's design and build quality are impressive, and the onboard accessory storage is a convenient feature.

However, the vacuum does have some drawbacks. The need to frequently clean the filter can be a bit of a hassle, and the vacuum's tendency to overheat after extended use is something to be aware of. Additionally, while the crevice tool is useful, an angled attachment would be a welcome addition for reaching tight spots more easily.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Ridgid Ash Vacuum? Yes, with some reservations. If you have a pellet stove, fireplace, or BBQ grill and need a dedicated tool for cleaning ash, this vacuum is a solid choice. It performs well, is easy to use, and is built to last. However, be prepared for some minor inconveniences, such as frequent filter cleaning and the potential for the vacuum to overheat during extended use.

For those with larger cleaning tasks or who require a vacuum that can run continuously for longer periods, it may be worth investing in a more industrial-grade vacuum. But for most homeowners dealing with regular ash cleanup, the Ridgid Ash Vacuum offers good value and reliable performance.