Bosch GAS 35 M AFC vs. Metabo ASR 35 M ACP
Hi everyone,
I’m currently building my house and I've decided to handle some of the finishing work myself. The vacuum will be used for concrete grinding, wall chasing in silicate and concrete, and likely drywall sanding, plus general construction cleanup. Later on, it will move to my home workshop for woodworking and furniture board projects.
I’m looking for a solid M-class vacuum. Since I already own quite a few Bosch power tools, the Bosch GAS 35 M AFC is the natural choice. However, I’ve come across many opinions claiming the filter cleaning system is prone to failure, causes suction loss, and sometimes requires DIY "hacks" to work properly. I’m also curious how noticeable the suction drop is during the auto-clean cycle and if it's actually a dealbreaker for my level of use.
On the other hand, many people recommend the Metabo ASR 35 M ACP (being a rebranded Starmix) for its superior pulse cleaning system and overall better stability compared to the Bosch. These arguments are tempting, but I’m hesitant to give up the native compatibility with my current tools, the better hose/transport system, and the L-BOXX integration.
The financial side: Where I live, the Metabo is over €100 more expensive than the Bosch. Furthermore, a polyester filter for the Bosch is around €45, while a set for the Metabo costs about €130.
I’m not a pro using this 8 hours a day, but I have some heavy-duty tasks ahead. I don't want to "overkill" it, but I also don't want to deal with constant equipment frustration while trying to get the house finished. Is the Bosch hate just a result of it being a more popular unit (more units sold = more vocal complaints), or is the Metabo genuinely worth the extra investment and higher running costs?
Would love to hear from anyone who has used both or had long-term experience with the GAS 35 M AFC!