A good quality podiatry dust extraction drill is a popular choice for podiatrists looking to control dust within their clinical environment. With the bewildering amount of choice it can be difficult to know which is the best.
With many of the worlds top drills boasting an array of features including touch panel displays, brush less motors and advanced diagnostics. Choosing a good drill can be a bit confusing. We take a closer look at some of the more popular models available.
>>Check out our top dust extraction drill tips<<
All of the drills listed are offered as the premium model in the range of dust extraction drills. Quite often suppliers will only offer a limited part of a manufacturers range. There are also OEM or “supplier branded” machines, often with similar parts.
Baehr Tec
Baehr TEC drill offers a powerful dust extraction unit in a small form factor. It is also one of the quietest drills currently available. The dust bag is also smaller then most models. The A2000 was one of the original models from the Baehr TEC family to be distributed in the UK. Other models include the A700 & S1200 Spray drill.
Berchtold Podo Q
Berchtold are one of the most well known and best selling brands of dust extraction drill in the UK and worldwide. The Berchtold Podo-q is the latest model in the dust extraction series.
With a new slimmer body and brush-less motor, the Berchtold Podo-Q boasts some of the most advanced diagnostics of any current model on the market. Strong market presence and up-to-date reliable features make this a firm favorite.
Hadewe Auroria
The Hadewe Auroria drill is the top of the range dust extraction drill from German brand Hadewe. Hadewe have a reputation for building solid reliable medical devices and the Auroria is no exception. Featuring a side entry dust bag removal system, helping to keep dust at the front of the drill to a minimum.
Hadewe Medeas
The new Hadewe Medeas is a top of the range drill with a touch panel display, video walkthoughs and the ability to display pictures of your patients feet. Check out our Hadewe Medeas dust extraction drill review here.
Gerlach Saturn
Gerlach are a name of podiatry drills sold in the UK by a number of suppliers. Sadly no longer favored. The suction drill was a solid robust model that gave little complaints. It’s easy to use front panel and strong hand piece with wrap around suction made it a reliable drill. It was highly regarded by some engineers as they rarely saw them break down.
NSK Podivac 40
The NSK Podovac is a traditional rectangular design that’s both functional and sturdy. NSK are well known for their popular spray drills the Jetspray and Minispray. There is a handy hand piece holder on the right hand side of the unit, with clear easy to keep clean touch panel displays. NSK are supported in the UK by Canonbury and DLT.
Orthofex Micro Air
More of a drill from the past, these type of drills fell out of favour with UK podiatrists due to high maintenance requirements. They are actually highly regarded by engineers, who see them as being very well designed. Unfortunately their “knobs & switches” design mean they are prone to mechanical failure if not maintained regularly.
Unitronic
No dust extraction round up post would be complete without mentioning Unitronic. A German OEM brand sold by a variety of UK and worldwide suppliers. Offering a a complete range of dry dust extraction drills boasting the latest features. Unitonic have one of the smoothest and smallest hand-piece.
Nova Precision A500
Sold via Algeos in the UK, the Nova brand offer the A500 and A300xp dust extraction models. There is a strong suggestion that this a OEM brand as some of the component parts are strikingly similar to other models. Not that this is an issue as they are quality components used by a range of manufacturers.
Ruck
New to the market, The RUCK brand offer a range of dust extraction drills suiting all budgets. Sold via Algeos under the Podolog name the drills claim to “the most advanced podiatry drill in the marker”. A bold claim. They certainly have one of the cleanest designs of any brand.
The features are however seen elsewhere. Whether they can boast increased durability is another matter. With first class support and backup from Algeos then they are certainly worth consideration.
Summary
Never has there been more choice for a dust extraction drill. Thankfully some of the tried and trusted brands are still available and support seems to be consistent, There is a model for all situations, for even the most demanding podiatry clinic.
As with all podiatry equipment, maintenance is key. The Berchtold holds the UK sales volume record for both private and NHS use. Baehr TEC claim the quietest whilst Hadewe offer some great features along with excellent backup and support.
If it’s water spray drills that you are looking for check out our spray drill guide here.
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Do you have a podiatry sales rep in the New Orleans area?
Hi Leanne, I’m afraid not. We are just an information site. Based in the UK. Thanks for visiting though 🙂
We are Irish Podiatrists and having problems with drills. Have a Ruck and been told that after buying it for 1,300 Stg 3 years ago and now having problems with it that it is not a “commercial” unit, more of a backup! And while it will be looked at by service department, this seems crazy to me.
We are being advised that as we are a busy clinic we should upgrade again after been persuaded 3 years ago that this was the best drill in the world. Now need to purchase a 2nd drill and very wary.
Can anyone recommend a reliable drill for a busy clinic?
Anyone know of anyone who services drills in republic of Ireland?
Any respone would be greatfully recieved
Hi, I sympathise with your position. I can’t comment on the overall reliability of Ruck products, they are supplied by Algoes who are a good supplier.
As to a reliable drill. Generally most of the expensive brand sold into the UK perform well depending on their overall level of use weighed up against a regular service/maintenance plan. This is essential for reliability.
Good alternative brands I know of are Berchtold, Hadewe and Bentlon.
Who sells the unitronic drill in the UK?
Hi, Unitronic are an OEM manufacturer and have been sold by a few suppliers. You can try Canonbury Healthcare or DLT podiatry as they have both worked with them in the past.
Whats the best drill with vacuum under $1,500 that isn’t too loud or bulky?
Hi, One of the smaller quieter brands on the market are Baehr Tec. Bear in mind that all vacuum drills have a level of noise. A quieter drill can come down to size of suction motor and the overall noise insulation. The top end Hadewe drills are also good.
Hi! An interesting read! I have experience with a drill which does not have connection to water. I am about to change it. Is the water feature an asset in podiatry care and worth investing in? What are the most important features I should look for?
Hi Maria, Water drills are popular and are considered by many an asset to their practice. The cooling effect from the water and dust control are considered advantages. They all have similar features. Size of reservoir, quality of handpiece and overall size are worth considering.