Robinair (15500) VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump - 2-Stage, 5 CFM , Red

I use this Robinair pump for mini split and central A/C installs. It pulls vacuum fast, runs quiet, and feels solid. Very reliable tool—highly recommended for any HVAC tech.

Fantastic performance for the intelligent DIY'er that is not thinking of only one case but can see ahead to multiple usage cases. I can say for sure I bought mine and I have used it like 10 times since and about to use it again. I can say for sure that IF you want some thing with performance to match the vacuum levels professionals need, but don't need to the time performance a contractor needs. And this is the key! YOU need some thing that can pull a low enough vacuum. A lot of the single stage units that cost less cannot. So, it is really a question of WHICH 2 stage vacuum pump will work for you..

Very high quality pump. I've owned others and not only could I tell an immediate difference in build quality by how heavy and well put together this pump is compared to the others but the quietness and deep vacuum ability are unparalleled. I live in the NE heights of Albuquerque so my elevation is around 5400ft (1645 meters) above sea level. Most people forget to calculate elevation into the amount of mercury your able to pull but I'm here to tell you it factors a GREAT DEAL INTO IT. For instance at my elevation I'm only supposed to be able to pull 25inHg with a vacuum pump that pulls 29-30inHg at sea level (San Diego, CA for instance). So if your at a high elevation like me(Denver for instance) and can't understand why your vacuum pump rated for 29inHg is only pulling 25, it's not the pumps fault (more then likely). Bc the higher your elevation the lower the available atmospheric pressure. Why the meteorology lesson you say?! I'll get to the point. Even tho this pump is technically only able to produce 25inHg at 5400ft it was consistently producing beyond that teetering between 27-28inHg which along with the build quality and quietness of the pump should make you not even consider the cheaper pumps (which I wasn't able to get more then 25inHg from) and spend the little extra money on this. I've had for about a month and a half at this point and used it to pull vacuum on 3 different vehicles (one of which I've pulled a few times bc of how old and long it was open to the elements) and the oil is still really clean. I did just get my replacement robinair oil tho- 2 quarts~$20 on Amazon so I'll be replacing it before the next run-also bc it is a tad low.I'll update review as it gets older if I have any issues but based on build quality and the maintenance I'll give it- I don't suspect I'll have any. Sorry for the winded review! Hopefully it helps someone!

There is nothing to hate about this pump! After reviewing multiple different pumps, I settled on this one knowing that I wanted a 2-stage pump. This held a vacuum for well over 90 minutes and is super quiet. The pump never got too hot to the touch and just simply worked. This was used to vacuum 3 line sets totaling just under 125 feet.For those wanting to install a mini-split yourself - this pump is a perfect addition to the Yellow Jacket R410A manifold setup, 3/8" MegaFlow Vacuum Hose, and both the Appion MGAVCT (1/4") and MGAVCR (5/16") valve core removal tools.If you decide to do this yourself - rent, lease, or buy a nitrogen bottle from your local AirGas or equivalent so you can purge the lines, run a pressure test, then pull a vacuum. Pulling a vacuum alone is not enough to ensure your lines are leak-free.I am not an HVAC tech - just a motivated home-owner - that was motivated to finish this myself after getting a quote of over $7K to pressure test and vacuum the work I already completed, and install a concealed-duct unit in the attic. I saved myself about $6K! Sure, manufacturers want you to have a licensed HVAC tech to do the work (or release the refrigerant) for warranty purposes - however, when properly tested and vacuumed prior to releasing the refrigerant, these units will last as long as the typical central AC systems.

Pump came damaged from poor packaging. The guard that covers the cooling fan was dented in and touching the fan. Very easy to fix and pump worked very well after. Comes with the three main sizes of inlet fittings. It includes a large bottle of vacuum oil. There is a little more than you need to do the first fill for the pump. Does not have enough to do the first change after break in. Pump is made of well made cast aluminum for the case and steel internals.