Festool Vacuum Comparison

Understanding Festool Dust Extractor Options

See the chart below for complete specifications

More than any other power tool manufacturer, Festool designs dust collection as an integral part of their tools. Festool tools and dust extractors are designed to work in concert for the best performance and a clean job site. Except for the CT 36 AutoClean, Festool dust extractors are full-unit HEPA rated so you know they won't be spewing harmful dust back into your workspace. They also include locking wheels, hose storage (a hose garage in Festool's terms), power cord wrap, automatic tool start, anti-static hose, easy-change filter & "self-cleaning" dust bag, variable speed, and wet vac capability. The performance specs on all the vacs except the CT SYS are pretty similar. All of the floor model vacs can handle general shop cleanup.

Festool Vacuum Buyers Guide

We know it can be confusing to choose among the Festool dust extractor options. We've put together this buying guide to help you understand the different models and make your decision easier. If you still have questions after reading this guide, you can always ask one of our Festool experts via phone or email.

Broadly speaking, Festool dust extractors fit into three categories.

Large Festool Dust Extractors

The CT 26 E, CT 36 E & CT 48 E are the mainstays of the Festool Dust Extractor line. They have plenty of suction and airflow to collect dust from any tool. The hose connects securely to the front of the vacuum and can be used to pull it around without crabbing or tipping over. The broad, deep footprint and large rear wheels make the large dust extractors more stable when rolling over rough surfaces, especially with a stack of Systainers on top. Only large dust dust extractors can be used with the Festool Boom Arm Attachment.

The only differences between these three models are the capacity and height. The CT 26 has a 26 liter (6.9 gallon) capacity. The CT 36 has a 36 liter (9.5 gallon) capacity. (See how this works?) The CT 48 has a 48 liter capacity (12.7 gallons).

The CT 36 AutoClean is a modified version of the CT 36 E designed specifically for use with the Festool Planex Drywall Sander. It has an integrated cleaning mechanism that periodically shakes the filter to prevent caking and clogging. The CT 36 AutoClean can be used for standard dust collection jobs, but it is not HEPA certified and you will need to buy an additional hose to fit your Festool tools.

Small Festool Dust Extractors

The CT 15 E, CT MINI I & CT MIDI I pack a lot of performance into a small space so they are great for small shops or crowded jobsites. Both are light enough (under 25 lbs) to carry when they can't be rolled. The MIDI is about 2" taller and has 50% more capacity than the MINI. The CT 15 is the same as the CT MIDI I in performance and capactity, but has different features. See the specifications below.

The CT MINI I & CT MIDI I extractors are great for collecting dust from Domino joiners, sanders, and jig saws. If you'll regularly be collecting dust from a high output tool (track saw, planer or miter saw), you may want to consider one of the larger vacs. The hose plugs into a port in the hose garage. As result, larger and longer hoses are not as convenient with these extractors.

The CT 15 E is designed for jobsite and shop cleanup at an affordable price. It has a standard hose (instead of anti-static) and you store th hose on top using an elastic strap because there is no hose garage. It includes a crevice tool and an upholstery tool, which are stored inside the top compartment with the cord. The top of the CT 15 is flat and can be used for work support, but you cannot attach a Systainer as you can on other Festool vacs. It includes an oultet and automatic tool switching, but not Bluetooth switch capability.

Ultra Portable Festool Dust Extractor

The CT SYS Dust Extractor is unlike any other shop vacuum out there. It's small enough to fit inside a Systainer 2 case and it's HEPA rated. The hose stores in an open top hose garage the size of a Systainer 1 that mounts on top. Clearly it's not as powerful as the larger Festool dust extractors, but it's the most portable of the bunch.

That's all great, but which one should I get?

We think the CT 26 E gives the best value for woodworkers. You get all of the features of the large dust extractors at the best price.

If you'll be using tools that generate a lot of dust, you might consider the CT 36 E or CT 48 E. If you value portability and compactness, you might consider the CT MINI I, CT MIDI I or CT SYS.

If you want the most affordable vac and are willing to do without some of the premium features, the CT 15 E is the best choice.

Model	CT SYS	CT MINI I	CT MIDI I	CT 15 E	CT 26 E	CT 36 E	CT 48 E	CT 36 AC
Suction Hose	Anti-static 27mm x 3.0M 1-1/16" x 9.85'	Anti-static 27/32mm x 3.5M 1-1/16" x 11.5'		Standard 27/32mm x 3.5M 1-1/16" x 11.5'	Anti-static 27/32mm x 3.5M 1-1/16" x 11.5'			Anti-static 36mm x 3.5M 1-7/16" x 11.5'
Filters	One HEPA Cartridge
Disposable Filter Bag	One Self-Cleaning Bag
Bluetooth Switching	No	Std	Std	No	Optional Upgrade	Optional Upgrade	Optional Upgrade	Optional Upgrade
Container Capacity	4.5 liters 1.2 gal	10 liters 2.6 gal	15 liters 3.96 gal	15 liters 3.96 gal	26 liters 6.9 gal	36 liters 9.5 gal	48 liters 12.7 gal	36 liters 9.5 gal
Filter Bag Capacity	3.5 liters 0.9 gal	7.5 liters 2 gal	12.5 liters 3.3 gal	12.5 liters 3.3 gal	24 liters 6.3 gal	34 liters 8.9 gal	46 liters 12.2 gal	36 liters 9.5 gal
Depth	396mm 15.6"	470mm 18.5"	470mm 18.5"	470mm 18.5"	630mm 24.8"	630mm 24.8"	715mm 28.1"	630mm 24.8"
Width	296mm 11.6"	320mm 13.6"	320mm 13.6"	320mm 13.6"	365mm 14.4"	365mm 14.4"	392mm 15.4"	365mm 14.4"
Height	270mm 10.6"	455mm 17.9"	495mm 19.5"	430mm 17"	540mm 21.25"	596mm 23.4"	1005mm 39.5"	596mm 23.4"
Weight	6.9 kg 15.2 lbs	11 kg 24.3 lbs	11.3 kg 24.9 lbs	10.8 kg 23.8 lbs	13 kg 28.7 lbs	14.4 kg 31.8 lbs	16.3 kg 35.9 lbs	15.2 kg 33.5 lbs
Power Use	1000 watts 8.3 amps 120 V AC	350-1200 watts 2.9-10 amps 120 V AC			350-1200 watts 2.9-10 amps 120 V AC
Cord Length	5M 16.4ft	7.5M 24.6ft
Max. Suction	3,000 liters/min 106 CFM	3,700 liters/min 130 CFM			3,900 liters/min 137 CFM
Maximum Vacuum	20,000 Pa 80" static water lift	24,000 Pa 96" static water lift
Noise Level Low	N/A	62 dBA
Noise Level High	67 dBA	72 dBA
Metric specifications are binding. Imperial measurements are approximate.

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