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Expert Review
Bosch Airsweep 3931A Wet/Dry Vacuum

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Expert Review

Bosch Airsweep 3931A Wet/Dry Vacuum

Date Published: 7/2/08

The Bosch Airsweep 3931A 13.3-gallon wet/dry vacuum comes with everything you would expect in a pro-level unit and more. This bad boy can handle it all -- from kitchen mishaps and flooded laundry rooms, to dust and wood shavings, general debris and construction cleanup. Powered by a 6.5 maximum hp / 11.1-amp motor, the Airsweep has powerful suction, moves a lot of airflow (130 CFM), and is built to last. It also comes equipped with plenty of brains and brawns to back up its Best Buy status.

Vacuuming versatility is supersized due to four operating modes: regular vacuum, Power Tool Activation, Pulse-Clean and Pulse-Clean with Power Tool Activation. In the Pulse-Clean mode, dust is automatically removed from the dual filter cartridges, ensuring maximum airflow and suction power. If needed, an electromagnetic pulse shakes loose any remaining debris from the filter. It only takes 10 seconds, and the self-cleaning feature really works! The system can be activated manually or automatically when a connected power tool is switched off.

We love the Power Tool Activation mode. You can plug in your planer, sander or other power tool to the Bosch, connect the dust port to the shop vac hose and dust goes straight into the shop vac whenever the tool is turned on and off. And with Bosch's new Power Broker Dial, there are no worries that the power tool activated vacuum will trip a circuit breaker. Simply turn the dial to allocate power and optimize available power between the vacuum and connected power tool: 15 amps on a 15-amp circuit, or 20 amps on a 20-amp circuit.

As for the basics, the unit moves easily due to its large rear wheels and metal front casters with rubber tires. Its low center of gravity ensures exceptional stability. Also notable is its fine dust filtration and rugged construction. The drain valve is properly positioned to allow all the wet contents to completely drain out of the tank on its own. Onboard tool storage is included, but the six-piece vacuum wand, tool and nozzle set is an optional accessory (VAC011 for $45). Another great selling point is the noise level or relative lack thereof. With a sound pressure level of 69 dB, this unit is among the quietest we tested.

There's a lot more we like about Bosch's Airsweep 3931A wet/dry vacuum, but we recommend that you try it out for yourself.


Pros: Pro-level power and performance, great suction, moves a lot of air, four operating modes, self-cleaning system removes dust and debris from filters, power tool activation mode allows dust to go straight to vacuum when using a tool, Power Broker feature allows optimal allocation of power available between the vacuum and power tool, large wheels and casters, moves with ease, easy to drain tank, low to medium noise
Cons: Warranty period should be longer for its price point, at 45.7 pounds unit may be a bit heavy to lift



Warranty
1 year



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category: l4-cp-wet-dry-vacuums

brws title: Bosch Airsweep 3931A Wet/Dry Vacuum Review: Powered by ConsumerGuide and HowStuffWorks

meta d: The Bosch Airsweep 3931A wet/dry vacuum comes with plenty of brains and brawns to back up its Best Buy status. Check out the full review from Consumer Guide.

url: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/Dewalt-DC500-Canister-Wet-Dry-Vacuum/productId=21309920