Makita Cordless Hoovers: Which LXT or CXT Vac Should You Buy?
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Makita's cordless vacuums are simple, tough tools that run on the batteries trades already own. Buy one if you have Makita 18V LXT or 12V CXT batteries and want a light vac for the van, workshop, caravan or a quick tidy-up at home. As your only hoover for a carpeted house, they fall well short of a Dyson or Shark.
Quick answer: Already on Makita LXT? Get the DCL180Z (bare unit) for basic jobs or the brushless DCL280F for noticeably better suction. On 12V CXT, the CL106FD/CL108FD type are light, handy cleaners. Without Makita batteries, a household stick from Shark or Vax is better value for cleaning the house.
On this page
The Makita cordless vac range at a glance
Makita sells dozens of cordless vacs worldwide, including backpack and extractor models. The UK models relevant to home and light-trade cleaning are the stick-style cleaners below. "Z" at the end of a code means "body only": no battery or charger.
| Model | Platform | Type | Best for | Typical price band (bare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCL180Z | 18V LXT | Basic brushed stick, bagless capsule | Vans, cars, quick tidy-ups | £35–£60 |
| DCL182Z | 18V LXT | Similar to DCL180, different switch/bin | As above | £40–£70 |
| DCL280FZ | 18V LXT | Brushless stick, more suction, LED | Best all-round Makita stick | £70–£120 |
| DCL281FZ | 18V LXT | Brushless with cyclone attachment | Fine dust; less filter clogging | £90–£140 |
| CL106FD / CL108FD | 12V CXT | Compact stick | Light home use, cars, caravans | £50–£100 |
| DVC series (e.g. backpack/L-class) | 18V / twin 18V | Dust extractors | Proper trade dust control | £150+ |
Bands are typical, not live prices. Kits with a battery and charger cost considerably more. If you already own batteries, the bare unit is far better value.
How Makita's vacs differ from household cordless hoovers
Makita's sticks are built like power tools. The motor and battery sit in a straight tube with a simple nozzle. There's no motorised brush roll on the standard floor tool, no cyclone on most models and no clever auto modes. That makes them light (around 1–1.5kg with a small battery), easy to repair and reliable, but they don't clean carpet well. Without a brush roll they lift surface debris and miss hair and grit trodden into the pile.
- Bag vs capsule: Many models can use a disposable paper bag or a washable cloth filter in the nose capsule. Paper bags are cleaner to empty and better for fine dust.
- Brushed vs brushless: The DCL280F/281F brushless models have clearly stronger suction and runtime than the DCL180. That's the upgrade worth paying for.
- Trigger vs switch: Some models use a trigger, others a lock-on push button. Lock-on is less tiring for longer jobs.
Recommended Makita models
Makita DCL280FZ (brushless, 18V LXT)
If you're on LXT, this is the one to buy. The brushless motor gives it much stronger suction than the older brushed models, it has an LED light on the nozzle and you can choose a paper bag or filter. It's an excellent van, garage and caravan vac. It's also an adequate second hoover for hard floors, but not a carpet machine.
- Brushless: strong for its size
- Uses existing LXT batteries
- Light and simple
- No powered brush roll
- Small capacity
Makita DCL180Z (18V LXT)
The classic. It's cheap, light and almost indestructible, and it works well for crumbs, sawdust and car interiors. Suction is modest, and it struggles with heavier grit and carpet. Read our DCL180 review for the detail.
- Very cheap bare unit
- Tough, simple, repairable
- Weak suction by 2026 standards
- Capsule fills quickly
Makita CL106FD / CL108FD (12V CXT)
If your tools are on 12V CXT, these compact sticks are pleasant to use around the house for quick jobs and in the car. They're weaker than the 18V brushless models, but they're feather-light.
- Very light
- Good for cars and caravans
- Short runtime on small packs
- Not for carpets
Makita vs DeWalt, Ryobi and household brands
| Need | Makita | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Van/workshop on existing batteries | DCL280F | DeWalt DCV501LN (if on DeWalt XR) |
| DIY garage, budget | DCL180 | Ryobi ONE+ hand/stick vacs |
| Carpeted house | Not ideal | Best cordless hoover picks |
| Hazardous/fine trade dust | Makita L/M-class extractor, not a stick | Any proper M-class extractor |
Watch out: No stick vac, Makita included, is suitable for silica dust from cutting concrete, brick or tile, or for large amounts of plaster dust. Those need an M-class extractor (or H-class for hazardous dust). See our workshop hoover guide.
Reliability, parts and warranty
Makita tools are known for durability, and parts such as nozzles, filters, capsules and bags are cheap and widely stocked. Makita UK has offered an extended warranty (often up to 3 years) when you register tools within a set period, and batteries often get similar cover. Check Makita UK's current registration terms. Because the battery is your existing LXT/CXT pack, a dead battery doesn't make the vac useless, which is a real advantage over household brands with sealed batteries.
Accessories that make a Makita stick better
- Cyclone attachment: Makita sells a clip-on cyclone separator for several LXT sticks (built into the DCL281F). It catches most dust before the filter, so suction holds up much longer between emptyings. It's the best upgrade for workshop use.
- Paper dust bags: cheap, and they keep fine dust off the filter and your hands.
- Wall hanger: most sticks come with a hook or can use a universal clip. See storage ideas.
- Brush and crevice nozzles: the standard kit is basic. A soft dusting brush makes the vac far more useful in cars and on shelves.
Where to buy Makita vacs
Toolstation, Screwfix, Amazon and independent tool dealers sell the range. Watch for older brushed versions sold as "new" at near-brushless prices, and for bare units marked "kit". Check the box contents before you pay.
FAQs
Can a Makita vacuum replace a normal hoover?
In a small flat with mostly hard floors it can manage. In a carpeted house it can't, because without a powered brush roll it won't lift embedded dirt and hair from carpet.
Which battery should I use with a Makita stick vac?
A 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah LXT pack is a good balance of weight and runtime. A 5.0Ah pack runs longer but makes the stick nose-heavy.
What does the Z mean in DCL180Z?
Body only, with no battery or charger. Makita kits use other suffixes, so check the listing to see exactly what's in the box.
Should I use bags or the filter?
Paper bags are cleaner and better for fine dust. The washable filter saves money for coarse debris such as crumbs and sawdust.