Best Wet/Dry Vacuum Dust Pre-filter System.
In our rigorous comparison between the Bauer Cyclone Dust Stopper and the Dustopper Pro, conducted at our remodel project in Evergreen, CO, we sought to assess their efficacy as prefilter attachments for wet/dry vacuums. These attachments aim to eliminate the need for filter bags, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the vacuum's primary filter and reducing maintenance frequency.
Both systems were affixed to brand-new Rigid NXT 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums and put to the test in collecting fine silica dust generated by floor polishing tasks involving Lavina 30G Elite 3 Head Propane Planetary Floor Grinder and an EDCO Magna-Trap® Dual-Disc 115V Electric Floor Grinder.
While both products effectively filtered dust, our evaluation revealed a clear standout: the Cyclone. Several factors contributed to its superiority. Firstly, its cyclone design adeptly captured a greater portion of dust within its 5-gallon bucket, resulting in minimal dust escape into the vacuum system. Conversely, the Dustopper Pro, seemingly tailored for larger dust particles, allowed finer dust to penetrate into the vacuum, compromising air quality.
Moreover, the Cyclone boasted a larger capacity, permitting us to fill its 5-gallon bucket to 80-90% before necessitating emptying, compared to the Dustopper Pro's 20-30% capacity threshold. This higher capacity not only minimizes downtime for emptying but also prevents debris from bypassing the Dustopper Pro and entering the vacuum system once its limit is reached.
Lastly, cost-effectiveness played a significant role in our assessment. The Bauer Cyclone, retailing at Harbor Freight for $39.99, emerged as the more economical choice compared to the Dustopper Pro, priced at $59.98 before tax and shipping from popular retailers like Amazon and Home Depot. This considerable price difference, coupled with the Cyclone's superior performance and reduced labor requirements, solidifies its position as the preferred option for contractors seeking efficiency and value.
