Top 15 Best Small Shop Vac Reviews 2024

Cleaning the hard mess can be an exhausting process. As such, finding a powerful tool to help you collect all the dirt both at the workplace and at home can be a little tricky.

Especially if you are considering a vacuum that can clean up oil, water, and dry waste as well. Although finding this miraculous tool seems impossible, well, there is luckily a versatile and quite unique machine that can do all this job: the best small shop vac.

Starting with the construction site, to the other diverse woodworking workshops, the mess these places are producing requires the best quality vacuums. As you might imagine, the standard household units will not be able to such all the dirt and deal with the heavy-duty tasks.

Today is about the top 15 small shop vacuum cleaners on the market, with their highlights, my personal experience, and the technical facts. Keep scrolling to find these models, as well as a helpful buying guide to help you do smart shopping.

What Does a Shop Vacuum Really Do?

Before jumping straight to the best models of these machines, let’s understand better what these products do. A shop vac is a special type of vacuum, that is mostly used when it comes to heavy dirt.

As such, the shop vacuums are best for construction sites and woodworking. One of the highlights of these machines consists of a high-powered motor, as well as a powerful suction method.

A shop vacuum can suck up dirt, debris, but also lots of hard chunks of material that fell out from building sites and other woodworking shops.

Why do I Need a Small Shop Vacuum Cleaner?

Well, as mentioned before, normal vacuums have been firstly designed to handle small dirt, such as bread crumbs, debris, pet hair, dust, and so on.

On the other hand, shop vacs are a multi-purpose tool, much more powerful, that can pick-up nails, wood chunks, nails, and many other types of dirt that come from any damage.

Moreover, each small shop vacuum comes with lots of accessories that are meant to handle lots of jobs. When choosing the right model for you, keep in mind what you are looking for, and choose the right accessories.

Now, I know that the process of choosing the right model can be very challenging, especially when thinking about the market that is flooded with so many options.

Luckily, I want it to make it easier for you, so I made sure to review some of the best models of small shop vacs. Cast a glance before the full reviews:

What Are The Best Small Shop Vacs?

The best small shop vacs are the Bissell and Shop-Vac because they are versatile and easy to use. Besides that, Armor All and Vacmaster are portable and come at good prices.

But first, let’s see the highlights of all the top products I chose for today:

• Best Overall: Bissell 6 Gallons Red Small Shop Vac
  “Wet and dry cleaning; 11 amps motor; 6-gallon capacity; blowing function; two-stage filtration.”
• Best Budget: Armor All 2.5 Gallons Orange Small Shop Vac
  “2 Peak HP Motor; 2.5-gallon capacity; 10 Ft. Cord; blower function; wet/dry pickup function.”
• Best for Home: Stanley 5 Gallons 3 in 1 Small Shop Vac
  “3-in-1 model; 5-gallon capacity; 4 peak HP motor; 15 ft reach; 10 ft cord; wet/dry feature.”
• Best for Car: Stanley 3 Gallons 2 in 1 Small Shop Vac
  “2-in-1 model; 3-gallons capacity; 3.0 horsepower; extra large drain port; 10 ft reach; 300 hours continuously runtime.”
• Best for Fine Dust: Shop-Vac 5 Gallons Stainless Steel Small Shop Vac
  “5-gallon capacity; full circumference dolly; enhanced portability; stainless steel tank; 4.5 peak HP motor.”
• Best with HEPA Filters: FEIN Turbo II 8.4 Gallons HEPA Filter Small Shop Vac
  “Powerful suction; 13 ft hose; 18 ft cord; 8.4-gallon capacity; HEPA filters; 1100W. ”
• Best for Drywall Dust: CRAFTSMAN 12 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac
  “12-gallon capacity; 6 peak HP motor; detachable leaf blower; built-in drain; 2-in-1 model; 180-degree flexibility.”
• Best on Wheels: Shop-Vac 18 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac
  “2-step dry filter system; 18-gallon capacity; 12 ft hose; 18 ft cord; 6.5 peak HP motor; wet/dry vacuum.”
• Best for Dust Collection: Vacmaster 12 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac
  “19 ft reach; 12-gallon capacity; wet/dry vacuum; extra large drain port; 210 MPH handheld blower.”
• Best for RV: Stanley 6 Gallons Multifunctional Small Shop Vac
  “6-gallon capacity; 4 peak HP motor; multifunctional model; 16 ft cleaning reach; 300 hours continuously runtime.”
• Best Wet Dry: Shop-Vac 10 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac
  “10-gallon capacity; 18 ft power cord; 6″ floor nozzle; 6 peak HP motor; rear tool basket.”
• Best Portable: Dewalt 18/20V Cordless Small Shop Vac
  “18v/20v; cordless; washable and reusable filters; 31 CFM; portable; dual action.”
• Best for Woodshop: Vacmaster Professional 5 Gallons Small Shop Vac
  “5-gallon capacity; 5 ft cord; converts into a blower; 5.5 peak HP motor; fine dust cartridge filter; air and noise diffuser.”
• Best for Ash: Shop-Vac 5 Gallons Ash Small Shop Vac
  “Stainless steel made; 5-gallon capacity; HEPA filter; flexible steel hose; pellet stove cleaning kit.”
• Best Backpack: Hoover Commercial 120 Volts Backpack Small Shop Vac
  “Chiropractor designed; 120V; electric corded; 48 foot power cord; quiet operation; superior mobility. ”

Best Small Shop Vac Comparison Chart 2022

Have a look at the main characteristics of the best small shop vac models I have selected for today.

Top 15 Best Small Shop Vac Reviews 2022

I am sure that you are eager to find out everything there is to know about the best small shop vac products I have prepared for you today. So let’s start!

1. Bissell 6 Gallons Red Small Shop Vac

(Best Overall)

The first model I want to talk about comes from Bissell. It has a great capacity for a small shop – 6 gallons. With a motor of 11 amp, you will be able to do both wet & dry cleaning.

Furthermore, this vacuum cleaner has a blowing function that will come more than helpful when cleaning porches, doorways or garages of dirt and debris.

From the filtration point of view, it has two stages. This aspect will ensure the long life of the filter and therefore better results.

Finally, the dirt cup is also generous – 23 liters.

Key features:

• Large area wet floor tool
• Air flow regulator
• Auto cleaning kit
• Full tank indicator

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Amperage	11 amp
Capacity	6 gallons
Dirt cup capacity	23 L
Brand	Bissell

Personal Experience:

This is a good vacuum that comes at a good price. If you want to have a closer look, you can check out the unboxing video below:

2. Armor All 2.5 Gallons Orange Small Shop Vac

(Best Budget)

Finding a vacuum cleaner for a small shop that is efficient and also at a low price is not an easy thing to do. However, this little fellow from Armor All is exactly what you need if you are on a strict budget.

Even though it doesn’t have the biggest capacity – only 2.5 gallons, it has a strong motor for its size. Moreso, it has a long cord that will let you clean the shop with ease.

Lastly, you also get a blower function that you will most likely find to be very helpful.

Key features:

• Deluxe car nozzle
• 10 ft. cord with wrap
• 2-in-1 utility nozzle

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Special Features	Auto shut-off
Horsepower	2
Brand	Armor All

Personal Experience:

At a good price, this vacuum cleaner from Armor All is exactly what you need when you are on a budget. For more information, check out the next video:

3. Stanley 5 Gallons 3 in 1 Small Shop Vac

(Best for Home)

This Stanley vacuum cleaner has a capacity of 5 gallons and is a 3-in-1 model that will help you around the house in any possible way. Since it has a vast capacity, you won’t have to empty the bucket too often.

With its help you will be able to clean both dry debris and also wet spills. As for its reach, you will be able to move around with it up to 15 ft. This reach is given by its 10 ft cord and its extension wands.

Due to its powerful suction, you will be able to use it for many purposes such as cleaning the house, garage, car and so on.

Key features:

• Water-resistant design
• Built-in power cord wrap
• Built-in tank

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	18.5 L
Horsepower	4
Brand	Stanley

Personal Experience:

In my opinion, every house needs a vacuum cleaner for wet and dry purposes, so why not choose this Stanley model?

Don’t believe what I just said? Check out the video presentation:

4. Stanley 3 Gallons 2 in 1 Small Shop Vac

(Best for Car)

Let me tell you about another Stanley vacuum cleaner that I find to be most helpful. If you want a smaller model than the one previously presented, then let me suggest to you this precisely one.

With a capacity of 3 gallons, you will be able to store it easily and use it as you please. It is very easy to use. All you have to do is to connect the hose, plug it and start running it.

Due to its good suction power, it will tackle any kind of garbage, debris or water.

The reason why I find it very useful for car cleaning is due to its portability and its very reduced weight.

Key features:

• Built-in tank drain
• Washable foam filter
• Water-resistant design

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	3 gallons
Wattage	1200 watts
Sound level	70 dB
Horsepower	3
Brand	Stanley

Personal Experience:

If you want a portable vacuum cleaner that will be of great use for car cleaning, then you are in luck because this Stanley model is perfect for your needs. However, you should not forget that it doesn’t have a blower function.

5. Shop-Vac 5 Gallons Stainless Steel Small Shop Vac

(Best for Fine Dust)

Fine dust is not the easiest one to remove, unless, of course, you have the right tool for the job. One of the vacuum cleaners you should consider for this job is this one from Shop-Vac.

Made from stainless steel and with a capacity of 5 gallons, this vac comes with a 4.5 peak HP motor.

It is very easy to maneuver and to carry around. All these are possible due to its carry handles.

The last thing I want to tell you about this machine is that it is a wet & dry model, therefore you can use it as you seem fit.

Key features:

• 7-foot hose
• Side carry handles
• 3 extension wands

Product Specifications:

Made from	Stainless Steel
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	5 gallons
Wattage	1188 watts
Special Features	Bagged
Horsepower	4.5
Brand	Shop Vac

Personal Experience:

With a 3 years warranty, this vac will be your best friend in the fight with fine dust. To see it in action, check out the next video:

6. FEIN Turbo II 8.4 Gallons HEPA Filter Small Shop Vac

(Best with HEPA Filters)

When coping with allergies, it is important to know what are the best HEPA vacuum cleaners available for your needs. Naturally, I have a recommendation for this aspect as well.

In my opinion, the best vac for this job comes from FEIN. Not only does it have the best filtration system possible, but also has a great capacity of 8.4-gallon. Furthermore, it is a very powerful suction and a very wide reach due to its 13 ft hose and 18 ft cord.

Key features:

• Static water lift feature
• 13 ft hose
• HEPA filters
• 18 ft cord

Product Specifications:

Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	8.4 gallons
Wattage	1100 watts
Special Features	By-pass cooling
Brand	FEIN

Personal Experience:

Even though it is more expensive than other products, this is a great investment especially if you suffer from allergies.

7. CRAFTSMAN 12 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac

(Best for Drywall Dust)

If you haven’t heard of the Craftsman vacs then let me tell you they are great. For example, the model in discussion is perfect for cleaning drywall dust. But this is not its only advantage.

This is actually a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner. This means that you will be able to use it as a blower machine to clear your outdoors or garage of leaves or debris.

From the maneuverability point of view, you won’t have to worry because its hose has an 180-degree flexibility capacity.

Lastly, the emptying of liquids is done easily thanks for its built-in drainage system.

Key features:

• Dual-flex hose
• Built-in drain
• 2 extension wands
• Qwik lock filter

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	12 gallons
Wattage	1200 watts
Horsepower	6
Blowing Port	Detachable Blower
Brand	Craftsman

Personal Experience:

If you have a small shop, this vacuum cleaner will be your best friend. It comes at a good price and has a very generous capacity and motor power.

8. Shop-Vac 18 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac

(Best on Wheels)

I don’t know about you, but for me mobility is very important. This is why I think that presenting the best vacuum cleaner on wheels would be beneficial for all readers.

This Shop-Vac model is not very easy to maneuver due to its wheels but also has a very generous capacity of 18-gallon. Furthermore, it also has a strong motor with 6.5 horsepower.

If you have any doubts about this vacuum cleaner let me also say that it is equipped with a 2 steps dry filter system and can also be converted into a blower.

Key features:

• 2 steps dry filter system
• Blower feature
• Wet & dry feature
• Bagged

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	18 gallons
Horsepower	6.5
Brand	Shop-Vac

Personal Experience:

If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that can be easily moved around the shop, then you should look no more. This Shop-Vac is exactly what you need.

9. Vacmaster 12 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac

(Best for Dust Collection)

If you are finding the best shop vacs for dust collection, you should take this vacuum into account. I just love this brand name – Vacmaster. When you hear the name, I instantly think of professional services and I have not been disappointed so far.

It can be easily transformed from a wet & dry vacuum into a handheld blower. When it comes to the reaching aspect, this vac has a great thing to say because it can reach up to 19 feet.

Last but not least, it has an integrated storage for its accessories, but also a x-large drain port.

Key features:

• 2 extension wands
• Foam wet filter
• Blower adapter

Product Specifications:

Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	12 gallons
Horsepower	5
Special Features	Extra Large Drain Port
Amperage Capacity	10.5 Amps
Brand	Vacmaster

Personal Experience:

This vacuum cleaner has a very good capacity and also a powerful motor that will be very helpful around the shop. For a demonstration of how the blower works, watch the next video:

10. Stanley 6 Gallons Multifunctional Small Shop Vac

(Best for RV)

Even though there are already 2 other vacuum cleaners from Stanley in the list, I feel the need to present you one more from their portfolio.

This one has the largest capacity among them – 6 gallons. What this means is that you can use it for longer periods of time without the need of emptying it. As a motor, it has a 4 horsepower one, that will help you suck from water to debris.

It is lightweight and has wheels. All these will ensure a great maneuverability and portability.

Due to its hose and power cord, you will be able to reach up to 16 feet.

Key features:

• Foam filter
• Extension wand
• 16 ft cleaning reach

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Voltage	120 Volts
Capacity	6 gallons
Horsepower	4
Air Flow (CFM)	85
Sealed Pressure	50
Brand	Stanley

Personal Experience:

There are many great things I like about this vacuum cleaner but what I truly love about it is that it can work for 300 hours continuously.

11. Shop-Vac 10 Gallons Wet/Dry Small Shop Vac

(Best Wet Dry)

There were many wet & dry vacuum cleaners on this list so far, but this Shop-Vac one is the best one and I will tell you why. It has a 10-gallon capacity and a 6 horsepower motor that offers a great suction.

It has a long cord of 18 ft that will provide a great reach. Furthermore, it has side carry handles that will help you maneuver it as you seem fit.

Lastly, you will get a dual surface nozzle that you will very soon discover its effectiveness.

Key features:

• 12″ floor nozzle
• Round brush
• 2 extension wands

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Electric
Capacity	10 gallons
Horsepower	6
Special Features	Cordless, Corded
Brand	Shop-Vac

Personal Experience:

With many accessories, this vacuum cleaner is a tool that every person would love to have around the house.

12. Dewalt 18/20V Cordless Small Shop Vac

(Best Portable)

This little Dewalt vacuum cleaner is the perfect one for people who look for portability. Not only is it cordless, but it can work with either an 18V or a 20V battery.

Its filters are washable and therefore reusable. This will save you money and time. The last thing I want to mention is that all the accessories and hose can be stored on board, providing an easy transport and storage.

Key features:

• Cordless
• Reusable filters
• Heavy-duty hose

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Air Powered
Voltage	20 Volts
Power	31 CFM
Batteries	1 Li ion battery required.
Usage	Dual action
Brand	Dewalt

Personal Experience:

Who doesn’t want a small and effective tool that can be moved around whenever the task requires it?

13. Vacmaster Professional 5 Gallons Small Shop Vac

(Best for Woodshop)

The list is close to an end but before that I want to take the time and present another Vacmaster model.

This professional tool has a 5 gallon capacity that will appear more than enough for a small shop. The motor is powerful enough for its size – 5.5 horsepower.

Not only is the cord long (18 feet), providing great reach, but you will also be able to store the hose on board in the vacuum.

You can also convert it into a blower and clean your porch or garage.

Key features:

• Integrated hose storage
• Blower feature
• High water-lift motor

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Powered
Voltage	120 Volts
Wattage	320 Watts
Color	Black
Brand	Vacmaster

Personal Experience:

Even though this is a professional tool, it has a great price so every person who needs a vacuum cleaner for their shop can afford and should consider buying one.

14. Shop-Vac 5 Gallons Ash Small Shop Vac

(Best for Ash)

If you ever had to clean ash, then you know how much pain it can cause. Luckily, nowadays, you can buy tools that are suited just for this purpose. The vacuum cleaner I find to be the most powerful for the task is from Shop-Vac.

The reason for that? It has a bypass motor designed especially for tough messes. Moreso, It is equipped with HEPA filters that will contain almost all allergens.

However, you should keep in mind that even though it has some thermal protection, it is only suited for cleaning cold ashes.

Key features:

• HEPA filters
• Thermal protection
• Pellet stove cleaning kit

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Powered
Voltage	120 Volts
Wattage	756 Watts
Made from	Stainless Steel
Brand	Shop-Vac

Personal Experience:

Having a fireplace is a wonderful thing, but cleaning one is not as fun. However, if you do decide to invest in a tool for removing ash, you should consider this one from Shop-Vac.

15. Hoover Commercial 120 Volts Backpack Small Shop Vac

(Best Backpack)

The last vacuum cleaner for today is actually a backpack that will make every person who looks for portability very happy.

Being designed by chiropractors and also due to its very lightweight body, you will find it very easy to carry around and use it whenever needed.

It is very quiet so you won’t disturb other people when using it. Lastly, it has a very very long power cord, so you will be able to use just an outlet when cleaning a small shop.

Key features:

• Chiropractor design
• Turbo floor tool
• HEPA filters

Product Specifications:

Power Source	Corded Powered
Voltage	120 Volts
Positive locking hose	60″
Color	Black/orange
Brand	Hoover

Personal Experience:

I said it before and I will say it again. For me portability is king. So, yeah, I do recommend this Hoover vacuum cleaner.

Best Small Shop Vac Buyer Guide

Before going shopping, it’s important to consider the most important factors that will guide you in the process of picking the best small shop vac for you and your needs. Here is my list of features to keep in mind:

Size

What to start with than the size feature? When buying a small shop, it is important to consider the tank capacity and the total size of the machine. Imagine yourself carrying this product in the backyard, or on the construction site, even in your house in general.

If you know you have to carry this machine all around, then getting an industrial-sized model will not be a good idea.

If you are looking for a lighter shop vac, look for some with 8 to 14-gallon capacity. This model will be enough for cleaning up the areas around the home. Moreover, you can easily store them in the garage or in the storage room.

On the other hand, if you have to deal with heavy-duty jobs, look for a larger than 14-gallon small shop vacuum in case of cleaning large commercial warehouses.

Tank Material

Another important feature to keep in mind is the tank material. Most of the small shop vacuums are made of durable plastic, and this is the most popular material you will find on the market.

Plastic is mostly preferred due to the very lightweight highlight. They are easy to carry around from one room to another.

If you don’t want to choose plastic, then you can opt for the stainless steel tanks, popular for heavy-duty work areas. If you have to clean work areas, such as workshops or construction sites, consider the stainless steel small shop vacuums.

Filters

Filters are crucial, as long as you don’t want all the dust particles to flow into the air. The filters will not let all the dirt particles blow into the air, and they will work quite similarly for wet dry shop vacs as for the regular ones.

Usually, the filters are made of foam. This way, they will be capable of cleaning up all those fluid residues, but also the heavy dust deposits. If the small shop vacuum doesn’t come with some separate filters, you can buy some others and give the old one a refresh.

Portability

A mess can happen anywhere in the house or on the construction site. As such, you have to be prepared for any situation. This is where the portability features come in and play a critical role.

If you are planning to use this product, and carry it in the garage, in the garden, car, or other rooms, then you should pay attention to the portability feature.

If you are looking for an easy and portable product, then check its weight. For instance, an extended hose will allow you to reach all those tight areas.

Integrated Blower Port

Do you really need this feature in your cleaning life? Or can you choose a cheaper option of a shop vacuum cleaner without a blower port?

However, if you are looking for a shop vac to remove the debris from the workspace, or just clean the garden from the dry leaves, you will need an integrated blower port.

Storage

The storage aspect is always a problem when it comes to heavy-duty vacuum cleaners. It seems like there is never enough space for your tools in the storage space.

However, if you are going to deposit in a small corner or a basement closet, then it is essential to first consider the space, then the size of the shop vacuum cleaner.

If you are paying attention, you will find some wall-mountable shop vacs that come with special wall brackets, which are great when it comes to space-saving.

Ease of Use

Nobody wants a difficult machine to maneuver. As such, you need to check the size and the weight of the machine you are going to buy. These simple facts will help you realize how easy or difficult it will be to carry the shop vac by using the handles or not.

Moreover, the handles will simplify the process of emptying the storage tank.

Accessories

Usually, the small shop vacuum cleaners come with lots of accessories to make your work easier. Before purchasing the favorite model, ensure those accessories apply to the work you are doing.

For instance, if you will be using this vacuum for the garden and garage, you should look for a small shop vacuum that comes with an integrated blower.

But if your main purpose is to clean the car or the house, then look for a vacuum that comes with car accessories or corner accessories.

The Value

Needless to say that another important factor is the value versus quality. You should never overlook the value. First of all, you should determine the budget. Then do good research and see if your budget matches the value you are looking for.

Look around for the options that suit you best. There is such a wide range of options on the market. If you want a machine that will last you a lifetime, then spend much more time on your research.

Ensure you don’t do any compromises on the quality of your future vacuum. What you are saving now might be the price you will pay for constant repairs and maintenance.

Warranty

Last but not least, it’s important to talk about the warranty matter. As such, you should opt for a shop-vacuum that comes with at least one year warranty. This is a simple feature, that says a lot about the credibility of the company.

If you didn’t have any problem during the warranty, then some companies might let you extend the warranty period, for a little fee.

FAQs

Do you still have some questions regarding the best small shop vac cleaners? Well, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked ones.

My Top Pick

As you have already seen, the best small shop vacuum cleaners come in lots of shapes, sizes and price tags. However, there are some common features that make them ideal for multiple types of jobs.

My favorite model is Bissell 6 Gallons Red Small Shop Vac but have you picked your number one yet or are you still in the process of deciding? Let me know in the comments section below.