Qualtex Powersonic RL166 Review | 37 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Power: 1,200 W
  • Capacity: 20 L
  • Weight: 3.8 kg
  • Noise Level: 80 dB
  • Tank Material: metal

Qualtex Powersonic RL166 review. Compare 37 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Ash Vacuums category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Ash Vacuums category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Ash Vacuums category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.5

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Very good
7.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Ash Vacuums category across these key areas: Performance, Design, Filter & Accessories.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Ash Vacuums category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.8

Performance

25.0%

7.8

Filter & Accessories

15.0%

5.8

Design

Very good
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Ash Vacuums category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Ash Vacuums category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(276)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Excellent
  • 8.5
    Professional use

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Rated motor power

    35.0%

    10

    Capacity

    25.0%

    4.0

    Reinforced Metal Hose

  • 7.9
    Fireplace cleaning

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Metal End Nozzle

    35.0%

    4.0

    Reinforced Metal Hose

    25.0%

    10

    Capacity

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Qualtex Powersonic RL166 is a bagless 1200 W ash vacuum with a 20-litre metal tank, HEPA and fabric filtration, and a built-in blower. Its 3.8 kg body and 1.10 m hose make it compact for fireplace and barbecue cleanup, while the filters help retain fine ash. The 2.5 m cable and short hose limit reach, and it is intended for completely cooled ash.

Technical Specifications of ash vacuum Qualtex Powersonic RL166

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Ash Vacuums category across these key areas: Performance, Design, Filter & Accessories.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Ash Vacuums category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.8

Performance

25.0%

7.8

Filter & Accessories

15.0%

5.8

Design

7.5
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a technical score of 7.53 points, which is higher than 58.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Ash Vacuums category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Ash Vacuums category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(276)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

8.5
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a user score of 8.52 points, which is higher than 67% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Ash Vacuums category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Ash Vacuums category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
8.8
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a popularity of 8.8 points, which is higher than 63.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Ash Vacuums category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Ash Vacuums category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.4
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.4 points, which is higher than 63.8% of products in this category.
Wet & Dry
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum can handle both dry ash and wet debris or liquids.
When it matters: When you want one vacuum for fireplaces plus occasional workshop or garage messes.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Yes

no
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 is limited to dry cleaning; wet-and-dry cleaning is available in 9.9% of ash vacuums.
Cordless
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum runs on a battery instead of a mains power cable.
When it matters: When portability and easy use away from a power outlet matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Yes

no
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 requires a power cable; cordless operation is available in 10.6% of ash vacuums.
Bagless
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum collects debris without disposable dust bags.
When it matters: When you want simpler maintenance and lower running costs over time.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Yes

yes
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 uses a bagless dust container, a design found in 98.9% of ash vacuums.
Power
What it is: Shows the motor power rating of the ash vacuum.
When it matters: When you compare motor strength and expected cleaning performance.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 1200 W

1,200 W
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a motor power of 1200 W, which is higher than that of 46.7% of ash vacuums and equal to that of 44.4% of ash vacuums.
Capacity
What it is: Shows the ash or dust container capacity of the ash vacuum.
When it matters: When you want fewer interruptions to empty the container during cleanup.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 20 L

20 L
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a dust-container capacity of 20 L, which is larger than that of 55.3% of ash vacuums and equal to that of 37.2% of ash vacuums.
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Tank Material
What it is: Shows what material the main tank or container is made from.
When it matters: When durability, heat resistance, and long-term robustness matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: Stainless steel or steel

metal
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 uses metal for its tank material, which is less durable than that of 47.7% of ash vacuums and the same as that of 52.3% of ash vacuums.
Power Cable Holder
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum has a dedicated holder or wrap for the power cable.
When it matters: When neat storage and cable management matter in your garage or workshop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: Yes

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Power Cable Length
What it is: Shows the length of the power cable.
When it matters: When you want to reach more areas without changing power outlets often.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 4 m

2.5 m
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a power cable measuring 2.5 m, which is longer than that of 46.6% of ash vacuums and the same length as that of 8.2% of ash vacuums.
Operating Radius
What it is: Shows how far you can work from the power outlet with the vacuum setup.
When it matters: When you need freedom of movement around fireplaces, stoves, or large work areas.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 6 m

3.6 m
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has an operating radius of 3.6 m, which is shorter than that of 54.7% of ash vacuums.
Suction Hose Diameter
What it is: Shows the diameter of the suction hose.
When it matters: When you compare airflow potential and how easily larger debris can pass through the hose.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 38 mm

32 mm
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a suction hose diameter of 32 mm, which is narrower than that of 89.7% of ash vacuums.
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HEPA Filter
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum includes a HEPA filter.
When it matters: When cleaner exhaust air and finer dust capture matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Yes

yes
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a HEPA filter, a feature found in 87.5% of ash vacuums.
Sponge Filter
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum includes a sponge filter.
When it matters: When you compare basic filtration setup and filter layering.

Importance: LOW

Good value: Yes

no
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 does not include a sponge filter; sponge filters are included in 6.6% of ash vacuums.
Washable Filter
What it is: Shows whether the main filter can be washed and reused.
When it matters: When lower maintenance cost and easier filter upkeep matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Yes

yes
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 uses a washable filter, a feature found in 90% of ash vacuums.
Automatic Filter Cleaning
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum can clean its filter automatically.
When it matters: When you want steadier airflow and less manual filter maintenance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Yes

no
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 requires manual filter cleaning; automatic filter cleaning is available in 12.1% of ash vacuums.
Reinforced Metal Hose
What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum uses a reinforced metal suction hose.
When it matters: When heat resistance and durability near warm ash matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Yes

no
Qualtex Powersonic RL166 does not include a reinforced metal hose; reinforced metal hoses are included in 97.8% of ash vacuums.
Uses a plastic hose.
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Qualtex Powersonic RL166 vs the average ash vacuum

  • 2 L larger container
    2 L larger dust-container capacity: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 holds 20 L, while the average ash vacuum holds 18 L.
    What it is: Shows the ash or dust container capacity of the ash vacuum.
    When it matters: When you want fewer interruptions to empty the container during cleanup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: At least 20 L

    2 L larger dust-container capacity: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 holds 20 L, while the average ash vacuum holds 18 L.20 L vs 18 L
  • 4 more wheels
    2 more wheels: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a wheel count of 4, while the average ash vacuum has a wheel count of 0.
    What it is: Shows how many wheels the ash vacuum has.
    When it matters: When you compare how stable and easy to move the vacuum may be.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 4

    2 more wheels: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a wheel count of 4, while the average ash vacuum has a wheel count of 0.4 vs 0
  • Includes floor nozzle
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a universal floor nozzle, while the average ash vacuum does not.
    What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum includes a universal floor nozzle.
    When it matters: When you want to use the vacuum more flexibly on floors beyond ash cleanup.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Yes

    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a universal floor nozzle, while the average ash vacuum does not.
  • Includes dust brush
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a dust brush, while the average ash vacuum does not.
    What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum includes a dust brush attachment.
    When it matters: When you want gentler cleaning on delicate surfaces beyond ash pickup.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Yes

    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a dust brush, while the average ash vacuum does not.
  • 0.1 m longer suction hose
    2 m longer suction hose: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 1.1 m, while the average ash vacuum has 1 m.
    What it is: Shows the length of the suction hose.
    When it matters: When you want easier reach into fireplaces, grills, or awkward corners.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 1.5 m

    2 m longer suction hose: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 1.1 m, while the average ash vacuum has 1 m.1.1 m vs 1 m
  • 0.1 kg lower weight
    2 kg lighter body weight: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 weighs 3.8 kg, while the average ash vacuum weighs 3.9 kg.
    What it is: Shows the weight of the ash vacuum.
    When it matters: When carrying, lifting, or moving the vacuum around matters to you.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 2.6 kg

    2 kg lighter body weight: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 weighs 3.8 kg, while the average ash vacuum weighs 3.9 kg.3.8 kg vs 3.9 kg
  • 6.5% higher user score
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a higher user score than the average ash vacuum (8.52 vs 8).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Ash Vacuums category.
    When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Ash Vacuums category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a higher user score than the average ash vacuum (8.52 vs 8).8.52 vs 8
  • 2.7% better value for money
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 offers better value for money than the average ash vacuum (8.41 vs 8.191).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Ash Vacuums category with their prices.
    When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Ash Vacuums category and want a good balance between quality and price.
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 offers better value for money than the average ash vacuum (8.41 vs 8.191).8.41 vs 8.19
  • 2 L larger container
    2 L larger dust-container capacity: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 holds 20 L, while the average ash vacuum holds 18 L.
  • 4 more wheels
    2 more wheels: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has a wheel count of 4, while the average ash vacuum has a wheel count of 0.
  • 0.1 m longer suction hose
    2 m longer suction hose: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 1.1 m, while the average ash vacuum has 1 m.
  • 0.1 kg lower weight
    2 kg lighter body weight: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 weighs 3.8 kg, while the average ash vacuum weighs 3.9 kg.
  • Includes floor nozzle
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a universal floor nozzle, while the average ash vacuum does not.
  • Includes dust brush
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 includes a dust brush, while the average ash vacuum does not.
  • 1 dB higher noise level
    2 dB more operating noise: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 80 dB, while the average ash vacuum has 79 dB.
  • 3 mm narrower suction hose
    2 mm narrower suction hose diameter: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 32 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 35 mm.
  • 20 mm taller body
    2 mm taller body height: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 400 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 380 mm.
  • 10 mm wider body
    2 mm wider body width: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 310 mm.
  • 0.4 m shorter operating radius
    2 m shorter operating radius: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 3.6 m, while the average ash vacuum has 4 m.
  • 7.5 mm deeper body
    2 mm deeper body depth: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 312.5 mm.
  • No reinforced metal hose
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 does not include a reinforced metal hose, while the average ash vacuum does.
    Uses a plastic hose.
  • No reinforced metal hose
    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 does not include a reinforced metal hose, while the average ash vacuum does.
    Uses a plastic hose.
    What it is: Shows whether the ash vacuum uses a reinforced metal suction hose.
    When it matters: When heat resistance and durability near warm ash matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: Yes

    Qualtex Powersonic RL166 does not include a reinforced metal hose, while the average ash vacuum does.
  • 1 dB higher noise level
    2 dB more operating noise: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 80 dB, while the average ash vacuum has 79 dB.
    What it is: Shows how much noise the ash vacuum produces during operation.
    When it matters: When quieter operation matters in your home, garage, or workshop.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Up to 74 dB

    2 dB more operating noise: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 80 dB, while the average ash vacuum has 79 dB.80 dB vs 79 dB
  • 3 mm narrower suction hose
    2 mm narrower suction hose diameter: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 32 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 35 mm.
    What it is: Shows the diameter of the suction hose.
    When it matters: When you compare airflow potential and how easily larger debris can pass through the hose.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: At least 38 mm

    2 mm narrower suction hose diameter: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 32 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 35 mm.32 mm vs 35 mm
  • 20 mm taller body
    2 mm taller body height: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 400 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 380 mm.
    What it is: Shows the overall height of the ash vacuum.
    When it matters: When compact storage or fitting under shelves matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 310 mm

    2 mm taller body height: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 400 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 380 mm.400 mm vs 380 mm
  • 10 mm wider body
    2 mm wider body width: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 310 mm.
    What it is: Shows the overall width of the ash vacuum.
    When it matters: When storage space or fit in tighter areas matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 265 mm

    2 mm wider body width: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 310 mm.320 mm vs 310 mm
  • 0.4 m shorter operating radius
    2 m shorter operating radius: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 3.6 m, while the average ash vacuum has 4 m.
    What it is: Shows how far you can work from the power outlet with the vacuum setup.
    When it matters: When you need freedom of movement around fireplaces, stoves, or large work areas.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: At least 6 m

    2 m shorter operating radius: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 3.6 m, while the average ash vacuum has 4 m.3.6 m vs 4 m
  • 7.5 mm deeper body
    2 mm deeper body depth: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 312.5 mm.
    What it is: Shows the overall depth of the ash vacuum.
    When it matters: When storage footprint or placement in front of a stove matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: Up to 265 mm

    2 mm deeper body depth: Qualtex Powersonic RL166 has 320 mm, while the average ash vacuum has 312.5 mm.320 mm vs 312.5 mm

Graphic comparison of Qualtex Powersonic RL166 and other products in the Ash Vacuums category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Qualtex Powersonic RL166?

  • Powerful 1200W motor provides strong and effective suction
  • Generous 20-litre capacity holds multiple days worth of ash
  • Lightweight and highly portable design weighing only 3.8kg
  • HEPA and cloth dual-filtration system keeps fine dust out of the air
  • Versatile blower function expands utility for clearing tight spaces
  • Bagless design makes it easy and economical to empty directly into the bin
  • Good value for money compared to standard shop vacuums

What customers dislike about Qualtex Powersonic RL166?

  • Flexible suction hose is somewhat short at only 1.1 meters
  • Integrated caster wheels feel slightly cheap or useless to some users
  • Lack of dedicated on-board storage spaces for accessories and attachments
  • The primary filter can clog up quickly if sucking up large volumes of fine ash

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