Depends on how much $$$ you want to spend. Saw alternatives from Metal bucket w/lid and brush for $50 to Ash Vacuum for
$180 @ sportsmansguide.com do a search on fireplace.

Hello to all. First time poster, long time reader. In response to WoodinVirginia's post about how much $$$ to spend, I have to agree. Let me start by saying I have a wood stove in my Georgia cabin, and I use only that as my heating method for the winter. I found that I spent way too much on propane in the past, and the best alternative was wood. There are plenty of trees on my property that are mine and therefore as a free heat source, I decided to go with that. The problem is that I hate cleaning out the ashes every few days, so I searched and searched for an alternative. I found a site that discussed ash vacuums and bought one. It was a piece of crap. I bought a second one, also not a good product. Finally I came upon a site, http://ashvacuumreview.com/ and it suggested the PowerSmith. I bought that and I LOVE IT!!! It is true that you shouldn't be vacuuming up red hot embers, but its made of fire resistant materials, and I have been using it a lot with absolutely no trouble. Don't expect to get one for nothing, but they really are inexpensive compared to what you get.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ash vacs reviews

No vacuum will deal with really hot ashes. Most ash vacs say no hotter than about 150 degrees. You can spend $100 and (way) up on a so-called ash vac and have a somewhat safer set up. You can also install a HEPA filter bag intended for drywall dust, etc. in a much less expensive shop vac and use it on cold ashes only.