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ToolGuyd > Power Tools > Cordless > New Milwaukee M18 Cordless Compact Hand Vacuum with HEPA Filter

New Milwaukee M18 Cordless Compact Hand Vacuum with HEPA Filter

Oct 7, 2016 Stuart 32 Comments

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milwaukee-m18-hepa-hand-vac

Milwaukee has come out with a new M18 handheld vacuum, model 0882-20, and it looks every bit as versatile as they claim. We’ll have to see just how well it sucks, but for now, I’m very optimistic.

The new Milwaukee M18 Compact Vacuum is said to be the most powerful and adaptable handheld cleanup tool in its class.

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(Too bad they don’t have snazzy names for all their tools, like the new M18 Surge impulse driver!)

milwaukee-m18-hepa-hand-vac-kit-components

What can it do?

Its high performance motor offers best-in-class suction for cleanup of a variety of materials such as drywall dust, wood and metal shavings, and other common jobsite debris.

Okay, so it’s a clean-everything (or nearly everything) kind of vac. And as mentioned, it’s got a HEPA filter, which is removable and presumably easily cleanable and replaceable – not that you should need to replace it often.

The HEPA part means it’s a super-effective filter that reduces the amount of finer particles that pass through the filter and go back into the air.

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milwaukee-m18-hepa-hand-vac-cleaning-sawdust

The vacuum comes with a slew of accessories, such as a 4-foot hose for cleaning a small area without having to move the vacuum around.

Update: It does have a trigger lock-on, so you can vacuum up bigger messes without finger or hand fatigue! Thanks John, good eye!

milwaukee-m18-hepa-hand-vac-floor-cleaning

It also comes with 2 extensions and a floor nozzle, so you can clean more without bending down.

A crevice tool is also included, for reaching into smaller spaces.

milwaukee-m18-hepa-hand-vac-emptying

The vac features a clear canister, making it easier to know when it’s full or close to it, and a trap door design for easier cleaning.

Runtime is said to be 25 minutes with a 5.0Ah XC battery pack, or up to 43 minutes with a 9.0Ah HD battery pack.

Specs:

  • 40 CFM air volume
  • 1-1/4″ inlet diameter
  • 36 oz canister volume
  • Removable HEPA filter
  • Weighs 4.3 lbs
  • Replacement filter no. 49-90-1951

Price: $99
ETA: November 2016

Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)

A battery and charger are not included – you’ll need your own, and any M18 battery will work, but you’ll have better experience with XC high capacity battery packs.

First Thoughts

It’ll be interesting to see how this compares with Dewalt’s 20V Max compact hand vac with HEPA filter, or their larger hybrid-powered vac, two models that I’ve found to be quite versatile.

I can’t see any obvious downsides to Milwaukee’s design, except for maybe a clear way to tote the accessories around. But onboard accessory storage would have likely been clunky and compromising. I suppose users can toss them into a tool bag, or something like that.

Thinking about it more, I wish the HEPA filter were a Cleanstream-type, which can be rinsed clean. Dewalt’s comparable vac is equipped with a rinsable filter. Maybe it was a cost consideration. Still, $99 looks to get you a nicely equipped cordless handheld vac.

Related posts:

Milwaukee Packout Vacuum 0970-20New Milwaukee PACKOUT VACUUM – Here’s Everything You Need to Know Milwaukee M12 Fuel Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Application ExampleMilwaukee Tool Pipeline 2020: The Latest in Cordless Vacs Kobalt 24V Max Cordless VacuumKobalt has a 24V Cordless Vacuum w/ HEPA Filter & 3 Gal Tank

Sections: Cordless, New Tools, Vacuums & Dust Collection Tags: cordless vacuums, Milwaukee M18More from: Milwaukee

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32 Comments

  1. Chris

    Oct 7, 2016

    Wow. $99 seems like a great price point even for no batteries. I wish I had bought into the m18 system, this would be a great addition.

    Reply
    • Adam Petten

      Nov 20, 2016

      Best thing I’ve done was go with Milwaukee I’ve replaced almost all my other brands over the last few years

      Reply
  2. Dacan

    Oct 7, 2016

    Looks cool like the shark/dyson products. Wish I knew this was coming as I might of not gotten the M12 one. Also have the M18 shop box vac which still seems useful compared to this. Will be interesting how this new one performs.

    Reply
    • Kyle R

      Oct 7, 2016

      How do you like your M12 vac? I’ve got it and like it as a household dustbuster type tool. Total DIYer here though – no professional use.

      Reply
      • Rock Hound

        Oct 7, 2016

        I have a M12 vac and quite like it. It does a good job and is easy to clean out, which is good, because it fill up quickly. My only problems are that the filters are not easy to find replacements for and when the filter gets to heavily caked with drywall dust it feels underpowered (no fault of the vac). It is conveniently size and sufficiently powerful for a smaller sized vac.

        I am sure that the M18 vac is more powerful and a better vac, but the size of it will make it less useful for most of what I wanted the M12 for. I might buy a M18 vac in the future though, as it looks like it would be a better size for a portable dust collection when hooking it up to certain tools.

        Reply
      • Adam

        Oct 7, 2016

        For me, it was the first sort of disappointing product from them. I thought it under performed, and I was only cleaning up light debris. I really wanted to like it, as it fit in with the rest of the M12 tools quite nice. I did like the design, though I didn’t like the non-cleanable filter after getting use to a clean-stream in our larger vac.

        I ended up returning it, but may try it out again in a Home Depot if they have a live battery. Luckily I have a couple M18 batteries for the flood light if I end up with this one.

        Reply
      • Dacan

        Oct 7, 2016

        Its good for a dustbuster, but not so great on heavy particles, and yes the can does fill up quickly. The M18 box vac on the other hand is awesome, comparable to a 2-4hp shop vac. Amazon has the filters, it is a shame its not washable.

        Reply
  3. Dacan

    Oct 7, 2016

    Sounds like it should be a Fuel Vac, is it brushless motor?

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 7, 2016

      No, it’s not brushless.

      Reply
      • Chance

        Oct 8, 2016

        Any idea if they will be coming out with Fuel versions of this and other tools? Is there a reason some tools get the Fuel treatment and others do not?

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Oct 8, 2016

          There’s no indication that there will be a Fuel version of this.

          Yes, all tools can benefit from greater efficiency and power, but there’s a cost effectiveness consideration.

          I think that Milwaukee would have a hard time selling a brushless version of this vac at how much it would likely cost.

          I don’t think any brand offers a brushless hand vac yet.

          Reply
  4. Marvin L McConoughey

    Oct 7, 2016

    I need a hand vac with a nozzle thin enough to fit between the saw and the fence rail on my Delta 36-L336 table saw. If this vac will accomplish that useful task it will rank high on my list of buying options.

    Reply
  5. Steve

    Oct 7, 2016

    Dang. Just bought the m18 toolbox style vac. I really like it, but it’s cumbersome. This looks like a great hand vac, esp with the bottom emptying canister.

    Reply
    • Nate818

      Oct 8, 2016

      Pros and cons to everything. I found when I’m on a cleaning mission I can fit a spraybottle of bleach and some sponges or whatever into mine.

      Reply
  6. Jason

    Oct 7, 2016

    I really wish Milwaukee would update the old M18 vacuum that vac is so old ist supports V18 batteries it has to be around 10 years old now. I would like to see a really nice wetdry vac from Milwaukee soon!!

    Reply
  7. John

    Oct 7, 2016

    I can’t tell, but I hope that above the handle is a lock to lock it in the “on” position. Without being able to lock it on (pic #3 with the hose attachment) would be a pain to use with a hose and hold down a trigger at the same time. Its one of the downfalls I have with the similar looking Dyson hand vac / handhelds. Its ridiculous that the Dysons you can’t lock on and they too have hose attachments which make it unwieldily.

    Oh and I hope they don’t get rid of the M18™ Wet/Dry Vacuum bc that thing is amazing too.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 7, 2016

      Yes, it does have a trigger lock, good eye!

      Reply
  8. Dacan

    Oct 7, 2016

    Keep in mind the M18 box vac is the only wet/dry one, this M18 hand or M12 ones are dry only.

    M12 = 33 CFM
    New M18 = 40 CFM
    M18 Box = 45 CFM

    Reply
  9. Tim

    Oct 7, 2016

    40 cfm isn’t overly powerful.

    I like the hepa filter and will be trying one though I guess.

    Reply
    • Ari

      Oct 16, 2016

      I have the m18 box vac which is 45cfm and that is a pretty powerful vac. Much more powerful than the dewalt, and I can use a floor nozzle and clean up sawdust with no problem. I have even used it as a blower to blow debris away on the floor. So if this new compact one is 40 cfm, it is not that far off. I guess dropping down to the 33 for the m12 starts to get too low to be effective.

      Reply
  10. SteveW

    Oct 7, 2016

    If it weren’t for the nearly uselessly tiny capacity, this might be something worth checking out if I got it for free. It’s definitely not worth more than about 30 bucks. If this thing didn’t say Milwaukee on it, you all would be laughing at it.

    Reply
    • GrumpyBugger

      Oct 7, 2016

      Someone sounds bitter.

      Reply
      • SteveW

        Oct 8, 2016

        Not bitter, just look at it, the filter takes up almost the entire canister. If there were another gallon jug sized bit hanging on the bottom it would make a lot more sense, the way it is now is senseless and practically useless.

        Reply
  11. glenn

    Oct 7, 2016

    We were just talking last week at work how we would like to see an M18 hand vac! We have a couple of M12 vacs which frankly are disappointing,

    Hopefully they get this one right and if they do we will be dropping the M12’s like hot rocks.

    I predict a lot of used M12 vacs on ebay very soon.

    Reply
  12. Iron-Iceberg

    Oct 7, 2016

    My question is. HOW LOUD IS IT. Love my M18 vac but it is LOUD. I feel like I’m helping to park. 747 when I use mine.

    Reply
    • RandyM

      Oct 9, 2016

      Thank you for posting my feelings verbatim. :/

      Reply
  13. RX9

    Oct 8, 2016

    I’ve got the m12 vacuum, and while it is quite weak as a vacuum, it makes a rather strong dustbuster. My wife, who has owned several dustbuster like devices, says it’s the strongest dustbuster she’s ever used. It’s also the biggest and heaviest. Most dustbuster class devices use 7.2v to 9.6v and have no swappable battery, so the M12 is a cut above by default. Still, if the M18 hepa vac drops onto the market for $99, I will grab one of those too.

    Reply
  14. Vic

    Oct 15, 2016

    Still hoping ryobi release a 18v one+ canister vacuum. I have been waiting for a long time since they discontinued the old model.

    Reply
  15. Bryan Barnard

    Nov 1, 2016

    Thanks for posting this, Stuart.

    Can you shed any light on noise/db rating and cost of replacement filters?

    I sure wish Milwaukee would use a standard filter or bag that wasn’t as expensive as the M12 vac and the m18 box vac filters.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Nov 2, 2016

      I haven’t tested one yet, but I always try to note the relative noise levels of vacuums, corded or cordless. I’ve asked Milwaukee about the filter cost, will see what they say.

      Reply
  16. Adam

    Jan 18, 2017

    Just an FYI for anyone with the M18 box vac (0880-20) and 9.0AH batteries:

    The vac will work with them, but you’ll need to get a factory-installed upgrade kit first. It’s part number 31-15-0087, and if you fill out the form at http://www.milwaukeetool.com/eService , they’ll pay for shipping both ways.

    Reply
    • Lance

      Mar 19, 2017

      thanks for the tip!

      Reply

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