The Best Vacuum Pumps, According to Hundreds of Customer Reviews

Christian Cavallo

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best vacuum pumps 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thomas Insights publishes the latest news and analysis every day to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in the industry. Sign up here to get the day’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox.

Pulling a vacuum – that is, removing matter from a volume of space, leaving a nearly empty void – is necessary for all kinds of tasks. Vacuum pumps are primarily responsible for drawing gas molecules out of an enclosed space and leaving behind a partial vacuum, and they are currently found throughout the industry as integral parts of manufacturing, R&D, and other engineering projects. It can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing a vacuum pump for your application, so this article will detail some of the best vacuum pumps found on Thomasnet.com to make your search easier.

A vacuum pump used for removing refrigerant from a cooling system.

Image credit: Wends/Shutterstock.com

What is a Vacuum Pump?

A vacuum pump, as its name suggests, creates, improves, and maintains a partial vacuum within an enclosed volume. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, but the methodology remains the same across all vacuum pumps: air from the inlet is pulled into the pump, where it is then forcibly brought to an outside location, leaving behind a vacuum on the inlet side. As more and more air molecules are taken out of the vacuum chamber, it becomes exponentially more difficult to remove successive air molecules; therefore, vacuum pumps must remain operational over a massive pressure range (typically 1 to 10^-6 Torr, or, for scientific vacuums, up to 10^-9 Torr). Industrial vacuum pumps are categorized broadly based on their operating pressure ranges, where the following designations apply (see Table 1 below):

Table 1: Basic vacuum pump designations based on pressure (in Torr)

Pressure (Torr)	Vacuum level/category
760 (atmospheric pressure) to 0.75	Rough/Low Vacuum
0.75 to 7.5 x 10^-3	Fine/Medium Vacuum
7.5 x 10^-3to 7.5 x 10^-7	High Vacuum
7.5 x 10^-7to 7.5 x 10^-11	Ultra-High Vacuum
<7.5 x 10^-11	Extreme-High Vacuum

Vacuum pumps are split into two main categories; there are gas capture (or entrapment) vacuum pumps, and there are gas transfer vacuum pumps. Entrapment pumps collect gas molecules pumped out of the vacuum chamber within the pump, while gas transfer pumps move gas molecules through the vacuum pump to an ambient outlet. In most cases, vacuum pumps are powered via an electric motor or internal combustion engine which influences the pump’s flow rate (in m³/h, cubic feet per minute, or similar units), time-to-vacuum, vacuum level, noise level (in dB), physical size, and power requirements. Vacuum pumps must also be built to be chemically compatible with working gases and can be either “wet” (lubricated) or “dry” (non-lubricated) based on application. Typically, dry vacuum pumps are chosen due to their low/no maintenance requirements, whereas wet pumps are specified for their speed to vacuum.

There are numerous types of each category of vacuum pumps, used for both general and application-specific applications. Common industry vacuum pumps include:

and more.

Vacuum pumps are a highly diversified technology used in all kinds of applications, including but not limited to laboratory, medical, pharmaceutical, filtration, chemical, packaging, automotive, food/beverage, and any other industry where the process steps require vacuum procedures. Vacuum pumps can be confused with centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, vacuum blowers, and other machines that pump material from inlet to outlet; this article explores pumps built to specifically pull a vacuum, and not simply to suction gas/liquid from one space to the next.

Here is a list of the best vacuum pumps, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best vacuum pump for your needs.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Vacuum Pumps on Thomasnet.com 2023

Below are the best vacuum pumps as found on the Thomas Platform, suitable for a variety of different tasks.

Ebara Technologies ESA Model Dry Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

Airtech 3AL Series Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

BrandTech Scientific, Inc. RC 6 Model Chemistry-HYBRID Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

Peterson Products Co. 938-7 Series Vacuum Pumps with Briggs Engine | Buy Now

Nitto Kohki VP Series AC Liner Free Piston Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

Ingersoll Rand 20 HP Piston Displacement Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

KNF Neuberger QVR-4 Series Laboport Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

AVLEKCAA Single Stage Vacuum Pump | Buy Now

Travaini Liquid Ring, DynaSeal, and Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best vacuum pumps, according to many happy buyers.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on retailers' websites as of March 2023

1. Ebara Technologies ESA Model Dry Vacuum Pumps

Model ESA25-D Vacuum Pump from Ebara Technologies.

Ebara Technologies, Inc.’s line of ESA model dry vacuum pumps is engineered for harsh duty processes, with capable speeds ranging from 88 – 1765 CFM using a two-stage main pump design. Built to serve light gas pumping to large-volume atmospheric applications, the ESA Series is powered by high-performance brushless DC motors that range from 3kW-7kW at ultimate pressure. ESA pumps are constructed out of a solid cast NiResist alloy that sports exceptional corrosion resistance, and have casters for easy relocation, if necessary. Their state-of-the-art control and monitoring devices can be used to idle the pump for increased utility savings, and are SEMI S2 assessed, NRTL Listed, and CE marked for guaranteed safety.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Ebara Technologies Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Ebara Technologies Inc.

2. Airtech 3AL Series Vacuum Pumps

Compressed Air Systems, Inc. provides the 3AL Series vacuum pump product line by Airtech. These screw and piston-type vacuum pumps are a low-maintenance alternative to traditional rotary vane pumps and are suitable for high-water vapor environments. Included with these models is Airtech’s self-contained liquid ring technology, which offers reliable operation with minimal make-up water needed for specific applications. Their flow rates range from 18 to 260+ CFM, with voltage ranges of 208-230V & 460 V, maximum currents between 3.4 to 68 A depending upon the power source, and sound levels not surpassing 76 dB.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Compressed Air Systems, Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Compressed Air Systems, Inc.

3. BrandTech Scientific, Inc. RC 6 Model Chemistry-HYBRID Vacuum Pumps

The RC 6 Model Chemistry-HYBRID Vacuum Pump from BrandTech Scientific, Inc.

BrandTech Scientific, Inc. offers their RC 6 Model Chemistry-HYBRID Vacuum Pump to support applications needing a fine vacuum with reduced service demands. Running on the typical 120 V power, this rotary vane-and-diaphragm vacuum pump is capable of 1 x 10^-2 mbar - 2 x 10-3 mbar of vacuum depending upon gas ballast. The Chemistry-HYBRID Vacuum Pump has a free air capacity at 60 Hz of 4.1 CFM/155 L/min and includes gauges, an oil-mist filter, and a semi-annual to even annual service period. It is often specified in dry chambers, vacuum concentrators, lyophilization, molecular (short path) distillation, and many more chemistry applications.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on BrandTech Scientific, Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: US$9,540, BrandTech Scientific, Inc.

4. Peterson Products Co. 938-7 Series Vacuum Pumps with Briggs Engine

Vacuum Pump for Manhole testing applications.

The 938-7 Series Vacuum Pumps with Briggs Engine sold by Peterson Products Co. is an ICE-powered vacuum pump meant for manhole testing applications. Able to pull a 5-psig vacuum at 85 CFM, this pump will draw a vacuum in just under 2 minutes for a 15’ deep manhole. This compact pump comes in at 495 mm in height, 914 mm in length, and 457 mm in width, with a weight of just under 180 lbs.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Peterson Products Co.’s website.

Buy Now: US$4,420, Peterson Products Co.

5. Nitto Kohki VP Series AC Liner Free Piston Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pump manufactured by Nitto Kohki Co., Inc.

The VP Series AC Linear Free Piston Vacuum Pumps product line manufactured by Nitto Kohki are lightweight, compact vacuum pumps that run on typical 115V-230V power and are great for appliance/benchtop applications. The VP Series Vacuum Pumps have attainable vacuum pressures ranging from -250 mm Hg up to -600 mm Hg with free air displacement rates ranging from 0.106 CFM up to 4.24 CFM. Their continuous duty cycles have rated performances of up to 10,000 hours in select models.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Nitto Kohki’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Nitto Kohki

6. Ingersoll Rand 20 HP Piston Displacement Vacuum Pumps

Barton Associate, Inc. offers a line of Ingersoll Rand 20 HP Piston Displacement Vacuum Pumps made for top efficiency and low maintenance. These 20 HP pumps are built with a 100% cast iron frame and cylinders and have free air displacement values ranging from 294 CFM up to 588 CFM. Weighing in at 1350 lbs. to up to 3300 lbs., these vacuum pumps range from 54 x 31 x 35 inches up to 90 x 63 x 73 inches in size. They are a choice pick for demanding applications needing vacuums up to 730 mm Hg.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Barton Associate, Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Barton Associate, Inc.

7. KNF Neuberger QVR-4 Series Laboport Vacuum Pumps

QVR-4 Laboport® Vacuum Pump from KNF Neuberger.

KNF Neuberger’s QVR-4 Series Laboport Vacuum Pumps sold from Quark Enterprises, Inc. are a line of PTFE laboratory vacuum pumps made to be used in rotary evaporators, solvent recovery systems, vacuum distillation, gel dryers, liquid degassing, vacuum filtration, desiccators, vacuum ovens, and many other chemistry/laboratory applications. The QVR-4 line is available in 10, 20, 34, 60, and 65 L/min capacities, and can pull rated vacuums from 1.5 Torr up to 75 Torr in select models. These pumps require no air, water, or pump oil, and are built to be compact and portable for easy benchtop use.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Quark Enterprises, Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: From US$2,341.42, Quark Enterprises, Inc.

8. AVLEKCAA Single Stage Vacuum Pump

The AVLEKCAA Single Stage Vacuum Pump offered through Energy Machinery, Inc. is a vacuum pump designed for continuous operation in a variety of applications. This vacuum pump offers variable CFM capacities and vacuum ranges depending on motor speed, with values between 62 CFM – 169 CFM and 635 mm Hg to 127 mm Hg at its max speed of 870 RPM, respectively. This pump weighs 600 lbs. and is 38 x 27 x 33 inches in size. The cylinders and crankcase on this pump are built from industrial-strength cast iron, and its discs and springs are formed using AISI 420 stainless steel to prevent any corrosion and fatigue throughout its service life. The AVLEKCAA offers superior lubrication through a gear-driven oil pump powered by the crankshaft that completely lubricates all vital moving components.

View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Energy Machinery, Inc.’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Energy Machinery, Inc.

9. Travaini Liquid Ring, DynaSeal, and Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

FullHD_Picture10.jpg - a few seconds ago

Image credit: Distributor of Industrial Vacuum Pumps - California & Nevada - Coker Pump & Equipment Company

The Travaini Liquid Ring, DynaSeal, and Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump product lines distributed through Coker Pump & Equipment Co. are designed to operate under intense stress. Coker offers four distinct lines of Travaini pumps, all of which are manufactured using ISO 9001 standards. Their Liquid Ring pumps can be implemented in central vacuum systems, boiling processes, vacuum condensing, distillation, and many more applications, while their smaller PVL rotary vane pumps are great for compact applications. Each pump operates at conservative speeds (<1800 RPMs) and is built using fewer components to reduce the risk of parts failure yet increase toughness and repairability.

View all the details on Coker Pump & Equipment Co.’s website.

Buy Now: Request a Quote, Coker Pump & Equipment Co.

The Best Vacuum Pump—Summary

This article summarized the best vacuum pumps as found on Thomasnet.com. Clearly, choosing the right vacuum pump involves considerations like physical dimensions, intended application, CFM needs, safety/quality of life features, and other important specifications, so be sure to outline your needs before purchasing.

Choosing the Best Vacuum Pump—Buying Guide

Choosing a vacuum pump can be confusing, if not difficult. When considering a specific vacuum pump type for your application, keep these questions in mind:

How much volume must be evacuated, what level of vacuum must be achieved, and at what speed (pump flow rate)?
How often can the pump undergo maintenance, if at all (wet vs. dry pumps)?
What is the physical size of the pump, and does it have the appropriate inlets/outlets/features?
What are the pump’s power requirements, how long will it run for, and what are its safety ratings?
How loud can the pump be, what chemicals must it be compatible with, and what is your price range?

Also, consult with industry experts, suppliers, and manufacturers as their knowledge will significantly cut down the time it takes to find the right pump for you.

We hope our review of the best vacuum pumps has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including ccc, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Sources

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