Vacuum lifters for tiles

Tiles are the main application for the vacuum lifter, which many tilers call a gripster: 488 of the 519 models in the database are listed for this use. Prices per unit range from €12 to €500, with €67 being typical. Typical load capacity is 220 kg, with a peak of 500 kg; per €100 you typically get 333 kg. 93% are electric. Among the battery-powered units, 38% have a removable battery, 33% a built-in battery, 15% charge via USB-C and 28% re-pump automatically. 67% have a digital display and 4% a vibration function. 88% use a rubber seal and 11% foam. By shape, 54% are oval, 38% round and 8% narrow.

What to look for

• Tile surface: Glazed and polished tiles hold securely with a rubber seal. For slip-resistant or textured tiles, foam works better, see Rubber vs. foam.
• Format and shape: Square tiles pair well with round suction pads, long formats with oval ones. For the comparison, see Round vs. oval.
• Bedding in: With a vibration function, you can vibrate tiles straight into the adhesive bed, see With vibration function.
• Large formats: From 120 cm edge length, the guide Laying large-format tiles with vacuum grippers is worth a read.
• Attach cleanly: Dust and adhesive residue on the tile or on the sealing lip cost you vacuum.