Aquarius Hot 1400 vs Hot 2800: Which Carpet Cleaner Should You Start With?
Both machines heat their own water. One is compact enough for the back of a car, the other doubles your suction and tank space. Here's how they compare, spec for spec.
Most of the carpet cleaning machines we sell at equip2clean go to professional carpet cleaners, and a lot of those are people setting up on their own for the first time. The question we're asked more than any other is simple: should I buy the Hot 1400 or the Hot 2800?
Both are hot water extraction machines, so both heat their own water and hold it at a steady temperature while you work. The difference is power, capacity and size, and that comes down to the kind of jobs you'll be doing.
Side-by-side specifications
| Specification | Aquarius Hot 1400 | Aquarius Hot 2800 |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum motor | 1400W (single motor) | 2800W (twin motor) |
| Air flow (max) | 3.6 m³/min | 7.2 m³/min |
| Water lift | 2400 mm H₂O | 2400 mm H₂O |
| Boiler | 800W | 1200W |
| Max water temperature | 70°C | 70°C |
| Detergent pump | 48W, 4 bar | 48W, 4bar |
| Pump flow rate | 2 litres / min | 2 litres / min |
| Fresh (solution) tank | 8 litres | 20 litres |
| Waste tank | 37 litres | 76 litres |
| Weight (empty) | 18 kg | 28.5 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40 x 42 x 75 cm | 54 x 54 x 100 cm |
Motor power: one motor or two
The Hot 1400 runs a single 1400W vacuum motor. The Hot 2800 runs twin motors for 2800W in total, which doubles the air flow from 3.6 to 7.2 m³ per minute.
In practice, more air flow means more water and dirt pulled back out of the carpet on every pass. Carpets dry faster, and on large areas you get through the job quicker.
Pump and heat: the same where it counts
Both machines use the same 48W detergent pump, so the spray onto the carpet is the same on either one. Both heat water to a maximum of 70°C and hold it there while you work. The Hot 2800's larger 1200W boiler is there to keep up with its bigger tank.
Tank capacity: how often you stop
- Hot 1400: 8 litre fresh tank, 37 litre waste tank. Plenty for a typical domestic job of a lounge, hall and stairs.
- Hot 2800: 20 litre fresh tank, 76 litre waste tank. Far fewer refills and empties on offices, hotels, pubs and larger houses.
Size: you don't need a van to start
This is the biggest reason new starters choose the Hot 1400. At 18kg and 75cm tall it fits in the back of a car, so you can begin taking bookings without buying a van first.
The Hot 2800 is 28.5kg and a metre tall. It's a van machine, and it's worth it once your work is mostly commercial.
Which one is right for you?
- you're starting out and mainly cleaning homes
- you want to work from a car rather than a van
- you want hot water results at the lowest start-up cost
- you're taking on commercial contracts or large properties
- you want faster drying and fewer stops to empty and refill
- you already have, or plan to get, a van
Both machines are available on their own or as part of our carpet cleaning business start-up packs: the Bronze pack (Hot 1400) and the Gold pack (Hot 2800). Both machines also work with our carpet agitator for heavily soiled carpets.
Ready to start your carpet cleaning business?
View both machines, or talk to us about which one suits the work you're planning.
View the Hot 1400 View the Hot 2800 Contact the equip2clean team