Wet Dry Vacuum is a versatile device that can clean both dry waste and wet spills. They can be used to clean. They are lighter, smaller, portable, and economical than regular vacuum cleaners. They come in either cordless or corded version and a few models are wall-mounted that can save your storage space. To purchase the best wet-dry vacuum cleaner, you have to consider these key factors.
- Power: The motor power of a wet-dry vacuum cleaner is measured in horsepower (HP), which indicates its suction. So, the higher HP of a cleaner is, the more outstanding performance it offers. It can be of three types – low, medium & high.
Low suction power – With 1 – 4.5 HP that suits for light-duty works and used to clean small spaces. Medium suction level – With 5 – 6 HP that suits both indoor and outdoor cleaning area. High Suction level – With 6+ HP that suits for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Capacity: The tank capacity will determine how often you have to dispose of the dust. So, the larger the tank is, the lesser times you have to empty it. Also, the space available in your home has to be considered while storing.
- Suction Power: It is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM), which determines how effectively a vacuum suck the waste and debris. For instance, use a shop vacs with a high suction power for the industrial purpose/small workshops. Apart from these three key factors, there are various other factors to be considered, which are clearly explained in the below “Buying Guide”. Based on the same information, we have shortlisted the Best Wet Dry Vac for your reference.
Best Wet Dry Vacs
7 Best Wet Dry Vacs Reviews
1. Craftsman Wet Dry Vac
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Craftsman is known for making all kinds of power tools that generally offer great performance. You can also find a wet-dry vac offering from Craftsman. The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 wet dry vac is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the best performing option present in this article. It comes with a highly powerful 6.5 HP electric motor. Since you also get a high capacity of up to 16 gallons, this wet dry vac can be a great option for industrial or heavy-duty usage if you want. Another great thing about this wet dry vacuum is that Craftsman offers a 3-year long warranty with it. You also get a great build quality with this wet dry vac that is always great to have. A unique feature of this wet dry vac is that it has inbuilt wheels on the bottom. It even offers a handy grab handle on the top. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 6.5 HP Vacuum capacity of 16 gallons 3-year long warranty Inbuilt wheels for ease of use and moving the vacuum
Pros:
Best performing wet dry vac Offers a highly powerful electric motor Large capacity for heavy-duty usage
Cons:
A bit large in size Motor can be loud for some
2. Stanley Wet Dry Vac
You can find a high user rating with almost all of the power tool offerings from Stanley because of the various features that you get, including its wet dry vac. Stanley’s multifunction wet dry vac is present in the 2nd position in this article as it has a high user rating because of the various features it offers to the user. As per its name, it is a multifunction wet dry vac. It offers a total of 3 function modes to the user that includes dry vacuum, wet vacuum, and a blower function for flexibility while using it. Talking about its performance, you get a decent 4 HP electric motor in this wet dry vac. This is decent for the given capacity of 6 gallons. Because of the smaller capacity, this wet dry vac can be a great option if you are looking for compact models. You also get a decent build quality with this wet dry vac. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty with this wet dry vac. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 4 HP Vacuum capacity of 6 gallons 1-year long warranty Decent build quality for peace of mind
Pros:
Offers multiple function modes for flexibility Decent performance from 4 HP electric motor Small and compact design
Cons:
Only a 1-year long warranty
3. Shop-Vac Wet Dry Vac
Just per its name, Shop Vac is a brand that makes only vacuums and related accessories. Hence, you can even find a wet-dry vac option from Shop Vac. This Shop Vac 2021000 micro wet dry vac is present in the 3rd position in this article as it is the cheapest option in this article. Since it has an affordable price tag, it makes for a great option for buyers on a budget. You even get a lot of features with this wet dry vac that makes it a great value for money option. Just per its name, it is a micro vacuum and not made for heavy-duty usage and applications. Instead, you get a simple and small 1 HP electric motor in this wet dry vac. When combined with its 1-gallon capacity, it is mode ideal for simpler applications. Although, unlike other budget options out there, this one comes with a 2-year long warranty that is great to have. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 1 HP Vacuum capacity of 1 gallon 2-year long warranty Decent build quality for the given price
Pros:
Affordable price tag for a high value for money Budget wet dry vac with decent build quality 2-year long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Not ideal for heavy-duty usage
4. Vacmaster Wet Dry Vac
As you would expect from the given name, Vacmaster is a brand of power tools that mainly deals with vacuums that are generally powerful and reliable. Vacmaster’s VFB511B0201 wet dry vac is one of the most powerful yet highly reliable options available out there. This is possible due to the reason that you get a great build quality along with a 5-year long warranty with this model, which is always great to have. You also get a highly powerful 5.5 HP electric motor with this vacuum. Unfortunately, the capacity of this wet dry vac is just 5 gallons that is lower than other options. Since it does not offer a high capacity, it is not the most ideal option for heavy-duty usage. A great thing about this wet dry vacuum is that it comes with an 18 feet long power cord. When combined with its compact portable design, this wet dry vac vacuum proves to be a great reliable option. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 5.5 HP Vacuum capacity of 5 gallons 5-year long warranty Excellent build quality for longevity and reliability
Pros:
Highly powerful electric motor for heavy-duty usage Offers an 18-foot long power cord for ease of use Small and compact design
Cons:
Vacuum capacity is a bit low at just 5 gallons
5. Dewalt Wet Dry Vac
Dewalt is one of the oldest brands of power tools out there that offer all kinds of products, including a decent wet dry vac model. This Dewalt DXV06P wet dry vac can be another great option if you are looking for a model that is powerful as well as reliable enough for your needs and requirements. It comes with a decent 6-gallon capacity that is ideal for a lot of users out there. As for its electric motor, it uses a 4 HP electric motor that offers a balance between power output and power consumption. Since Dewalt is a reputable brand of power tools, you also get a 3-year long warranty with this wet dry vac. Its build quality ensures that you do not face any issues over time while using this wet dry vac. As this wet dry vac is a bit large in size, it has wheels on the bottom for ease of use. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 4 HP Vacuum capacity of 6 gallons 3-year long warranty Inbuilt wheels for ease of use and moving the vacuum
Pros:
Decent build quality for peace of mind High-performance motor Large capacity for heavy-duty usage
Cons:
A bit large in size
6. Bissell Wet Dry Vac
When compared with other options in this article, Bissell is quite a new brand of vacuum that also happens to make a wet-dry vacuum for its users. The Bissell 2035M wet dry vac can be another great option if you are looking for a decently powerful wet dry vac. It offers a very common capacity rating of 6 gallons. Although, unlike other wet dry vacs in this article, it has its motor power rating mentioned in 11 amps. Thankfully, it performs quite well, and you should not have power issues while using it. Moving over to its reliability, you get a 2-year long warranty with it that is quite good to have. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about its build quality since it leaves the user wanting for more. Its two-stage filtration system ensures that the dust does not reach the electric motor to prevent any motor damage. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 11 amp Vacuum capacity of 6 gallons 2-year long warranty Offers 3 function modes for ease of use
Pros:
Two-stage filtration system for proper cleaning Decent performance from 11 amp electric motor 2-year long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
Average build quality for the given price tag
7. RIDGID Wet Dry Vac
Even though Ridgid is a new brand of power tools, making wet dry vacs, it offers highly reliable models that are ideal for industrial usage due to their power rating. The Ridgid 50353 wet dry vac is most likely the perfect option for users who want a wet-dry vac for industrial usage. This is simply due to the reason that you get a highly powerful 6.5-gallon electric motor in this wet dry vac. You also get a large capacity of 16 gallons in this vacuum for cleaning a lot of litter at once. Apart from being highly powerful, this wet dry vac is also quite reliable and durable. It offers an excellent build quality that should easily last for a long time. This is the only option in this article that comes included with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind. And just like other large-sized vacuums, this one also has inbuilt wheels on the bottom. Best Features:
Electric motor power rating of 6.5 HP Vacuum capacity of 16 gallons Lifetime warranty Comes with wheels on the bottom for ease of use
Pros:
Most durable and reliable vacuum option Highly powerful for industrial usage Includes multiple handy accessories in the box
Cons:
Quite an expensive wet dry vac model
How to Choose the Best Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner?
This wet/dry vacuum cleaner is a handy tool that effectively cleans both solid dust or liquid spills. Here are the key features you have to look for while buying the best wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
1. Horsepower
Since the vacuum cleaner works on an electric motor, which makes it essential to consider its horsepower (HP). Here the HP will determine how strong the suction power of a given vacuum cleaner. A general rule is – the higher the HP of a motor is, the more outstanding suction it provides. Based on Motor’s HP, we notice three levels of suction in a vacuum cleaner – Low, Medium, & High. Let’s know about them in detail.
Low Suction Level: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner with low suction power comes with 1 HP to 4.5 HP. It is suitable for light-duty tasks and can suck up in small spaces. Medium Suction Power: This type of cleaners have a motor power of 5 HP to 6 HP, which makes it suitable to use for both indoor and outdoor cleaning space. Also, it helps you to perfectly maintain a standard garden or an apartment. High Suction Level: These cleaners operate with a motor power of 6+ HP. This highest suction power makes it an excellent option for outdoor and heavy-duty indoor cleaning.
2. Tank Capacity
The tank capacity of a given vacuum cleaner will let you know how often you have to dispose of the dust. So, the larger the tank is, the fewer times you have to empty the dust. In general, there are three levels of tank capacity to be found in a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
Low tank with 2 – 6 gallons capacity. Medium tank with 8 – 14 gallons capacity Large tank with 14 – 20 gallons capacity.
However, which one to choose is completely depends on your space availability. Most users prefer to use a medium-capacity dry/wet vacuum cleaner to clean their workshop, home, garage or outdoor spaces. While working any professional job like metal or woodworking in your home/workshop, then you have to choose a high-capacity wet dry vac. The reason is that they offer higher airpower and thereby clear tougher messes when compared with a low-capacity wet dry vac. In case, if having less storage space/room, then choose a small shop vac with a 4-to-6-gallon tank capacity.
3. Water Lift (Suction Power)
Usually, the suction power of a vacuum cleaner is measured in terms of Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). It let you know how efficiently your vac sucks the debris and other waste. For instance, a standard 6-gallon wet dry vac offers a suction power of around 75 CFM. Mostly, people focus on the motor HP while selecting a vac, but it’s the suction power that makes all the difference among various models. Looking to purchase a vac for small workshops or industrial units, then go with a high suction power vac cleaner.
4. Air Power
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner with higher air-watts will offer better suction power, and thereby makes it suitable for professional work. If you have gone through different models of vacuum cleaner, then you might understand that not all of them can suck the bigger items effectively. Here the airpower of a vac will play an important role in the cleaning process. If you are performing any metalwork on your garage/workshop, then you have to clear the vacuum screws, bolts, and nuts to keep the floor clean. So, a wet/dry vac with higher airpower helps you to deal with this situation.
5. Attachments
We notice most wet & dry vacuums offer several attachments to quickly and easily do their cleaning process. Almost all vac models have a wide floor utility nozzle, which is used to connect the cleaner to a rigid extension wand. Additional common attachments of vac include a crevice nozzle (to clear debris out of the tight or constricted corners), and an elbow wand (to reach around the corners or overhead). Some models offer a wet nozzle with a squeegee edge for clearing liquid spills, while a brush nozzle is perfect for car interiors.
6. Tank Material
The durability of a shop vac is determined by its tank material. The tank material can be mostly either stainless steel or plastic, in which stainless steel tank is more durable than a plastic one. The plastic build tanks are portable, lighter and won’t retain dents as stainless-steel tanks. Also, polypropylene is considered the strongest, chemical-resistance tank material. So, it completely depends on the user’s personal preference to choose the tank material of wet dry vac.
7. Weight
The size and the weight of the shop vac are interrelated. So, consider weight, especially when it is holding the water. Ensure that you can easily lift the vacuum cleaner without any strain, even when it is full. Also, it should be easy to move around for thorough cleaning.
8. Filtration
Not all wet-dry vacuum cleaners have these HEPA filters, only a few high-end models have inbuilt filters but they are expensive and rare to find. Generally, filters or dust bags are used to capture dust while you vacuum the area. But remember that filters made for wet & dry vacs won’t capture all kinds of dust. One can clean and reuse most of these filters, whereas dust bags are reusable or one-time use only, based on the particular model.
9. Drain Plug
It is essential to know about the draining feature of a particular model before making its purchase. It should be easy to empty the water tank. A few shop vacuums offer a tank drain feature to empty water easily and quickly. Some models offer a pump, while others let you lift to drain water manually.
10. Maneuverability
The easy movement of a wet-dry vac will reduce your frustration and help you to complete the cleaning task quickly, easily and comfortably. So, it is the wheels that make all the difference in their mobility. Check out for a model having 3 – 4 rotating casters, which are set for its stability and maneuverability. Also, look for a carrying handle that helps to move the vacuum easily.
11. Dry/Wet Vacuum Reach
The power cord, hose, and extension wand are the three main components used to determine a vacuum’s overall reach. Let’s know about them.
Power Cords: You should select the long cord of at least 10 feet, which means you won’t have to plug it into any outlet switch. Hose: Look for a hose that ranges from 6 – 8 feet to reach without sacrificing suction. Extension Wand: The shop vacs having an extension wand will allow you to clean the ledges, ceiling, and counters without contorting your body.
12. Attachment Storage
Almost all wet-dry vacuum models offer a few attachments, yet onboard storage is not given. So, to prevent any misplacing of these accessories, you have to pick a shop vac with attachment clips on the barrel (or) inserts on the wheels. Also, check out for a wet-dry vac having a spot to properly store each attachment. Full onboard storage is not possible to have for a machine having a lot of accessories.
13. Blower
Though we don’t find this feature on every cleaner, yet various models turn into blower from a cleaner. A few models offer a port having an adapter attachment, whereas other models are detachable for handheld portability. Anyways, if you have a huge garden area, then a blower function plays a crucial role in its maintenance (or) look for a leaf blower wrapped up in a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
14. Safety
Just like any other appliance, you have to choose a wet-dry vac having safety features. A quite common safety component will shut off the shop vac whenever its tank is full of water. Most power switches of these vacuums are built to last longer by repelling dust. Also, one can notice a multitude of models having bright-colored power cords, which are highly visible and thereby prevent accidental falls or trips.
15. Power Supply
Usually, we have two choices when it comes to power supplying to a vacuum cleaner. They are either an electrical plug or battery power. In case, if you are near the work area (like garage/inside the home/in the shop), then an electrical plug is the best option. When you need to be mobile, like to take a vacuum on the road (or) working in a construction zone where it won’t have constant power, then simply a battery-powered model will be your best option.
16. Portability
Not all shop vacuum models are made equally. A few models are lighter, have small stature, and holds less dust or debris, yet they are portable. while other vacs have a proper base of wheels for easy mobility. Looking to buy commercial-grade or high-capacity vacuums, then make sure to invest in a trolley (or) vacuum cart. In case, having a small unit, then prefer to choose the one with an easy to carry handle or shoulder strap (though it costs more) for easy portability and to have a thorough cleaning.
17. Ease of Changeover
A few models will need you to cover or swap filters whenever you are changing from wet to dry cleaning or vice versa. While other models let you change modes without tinkering/straining. So, prefer to choose a model that is easy to change over.
18. Noise
The vacuums are not meant for their low decibel ratings. Generally, they are louder while operating. When you are planning to use this vac cleaner indoors, then prefer to look for models that are specially designed for indoor use. Some models offer an exhaust muffler (or) shielded motor. Also, models that require more power to operate will expect to have louder noise.
19. Price
Make sure to set the price range and try to grab the best model within that range. For this, you have to be wiser and take a little longer time to purchase the best model, which you can afford. Or else, you may end up with a vacuum which you doesn’t enjoy much (or) regret your purchase & spend some more on the best model (which you think).
20. Warranty
Most wet-dry vacs come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and this warranty will ensure that you fix the vacuum later on to face any issues related to its working. Some models offer a 2- or 3-year warranty, while other reliable models offer a 5-year long warranty. A few brands will even come with a lifetime warranty, which is highly reliable and makes it the best option as an industrial-grade wet dry vac.
21. Other Useful Features
Some add-on useful features help users to clean the area more productively. Have a look at those features and check them while purchasing a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
A cleaner with a double-swivel hose fitting will let you maneuver easily and effectively. With new motor technologies, the cleaner will give a quieter operation without any reduction in the suction power and airflow. A few models offer a hose lock to connect the hose and tank capacity more securely. The hoses and nozzles of a vac having a large, wide passageway will reduce the risk of any blockages and clogs while cleaning. Having a wall mount for your cleaner will definitely save your room/space for storage.
Advantages of Wet Dry Vacs
Other than cleaning the messes, there are various other benefits you can grab by using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner (either in a workplace or home). Have a look on to know what to expect when you are investing in a vac.
Collects wet messes effortlessly Low maintenance High suction power to remove even the most stubborn debris Clean up large debris like glass, wood, and metal easily and quickly. Comes with exhaust and input ports for blowing or sucking. In most cases, its clean-up time will be reduced to half. Durable, sturdy, rugged, and long-lasting. Comes with multiple tool options (or) add-ons for its extended abilities. They can easily handle various kinds of tasks other than cleaning, like from unblocking drains to clearing snow.
How to Take Proper Care and Maintenance of Wet-Dry Vacs?
One should set a regular cleaning, inspecting, and maintenance schedule for a vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that your machine is safe and in the best working condition.
Regularly clean and replace the filters for their proper working. Empty the bags or canister before the vacuum cleaner gets full. It is essential to check the plug & cord for any damage, kinks or broken prongs, which may affect its working function. Check the attachments and hose periodically for damage, wear & tear. Then replace whenever needed. Regularly clean the vacuum, especially after doing a wet clean-up. Here plastic hold odors, which makes it a bit harder to clean. Always store the shop vac in a cool, dry place out of the direct sun while not using.
How This Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner Different From a Regular Vacuum?
No one suggests you replace a versatile wet-dry vac cleaner with a regular floor cleaner. Here are a few reasons that let you understand how this wet/dry vacuum cleaner differs from a regular one.
Most of these wet-dry vacs won’t have a HEPA cartridge filter, but in case, if this HEPA is offered then it has to be purchased separately. A wet-dry vacuum can easily deal with water but it won’t have a motorized brush head (spinning brushes), which means this wet/dry vac unable to clean upholstery or carpet effectively when compared with moderately priced regular vacuum cleaners. The wet/dry vacuum is bulky and unable to place it inside the home. They mostly live in a garage/workshop, as many models cannot even fit inside a normal closet for its storage.
Craftsman’s Wet Dry Vac is the most powerful option present in this article that makes it ideal for heavy-duty usage. This is simply due to the reason that you get a highly powerful 6.5 HP electric motor along with a high capacity of 16 gallon in this wet dry vac. You can go with the RIDGID Wet Dry Vac if you want a highly durable and reliable wet dry vac. Apart from offering an excellent build quality, you also get a lifetime warranty with it that is not available with any other vacuum option mentioned in this article. If you are on a budget, then you can consider the Shop Vac Wet Dry Vac as it is the cheapest option present in this article. As it is a budget product, you get a 1 HP electric motor along with a 1 gallon capacity in this wet dry vac that is backed by a 2-year long warranty.Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
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