Great question (whats the difference between a $700 vs $100) & something we get asked alot. Basically, when purchasing a higher-priced vacuum, you\’re paying for a top-notch motor that is meant to last & handle longer run times and industrial applications. Your $100 vacuum motor will probably burn-up alot faster.

In regards to asbestos remediation, your $700 vacuum is probably (or at least should be) equipped with multi-stage filtration, inlcuding an oversized main filter, plus an exhaust HEPA. This article here provides a lot more details, including a cost analysis of shop-style vacuums vs. quality industrial vacuums http://www.nilfiskcfm.com/press/articles/09-10-01/Left_in_the_Dust_Industrial_Vacuum_Cleaners_Outperform_Sweeping_Shop-style_Vacs.aspx