15 Powerful Wet Dry Shop Vacs that Will Blow You Away

Mess and dust in your home don’t come in a defined category. There could be dust from a recent renovation product, broken glass, or spilt liquid. Dealing with different kinds of mess becomes easier and efficient when you have the best wet dry shop vac for your assistance

Wet dry shop-vacs are also known as wet-dry vacs or dust extractors and come in a wide range of sizes and capabilities. When it comes to finding the best wet dry shop-vac, it entirely depends on your needs.

In my best wet dry shop vacs review, I am highlighting some of the top vacuums that cater to different uses. But I get into a detailed review; here is a quick comparison table to get you started.

How to Use Wet Dry Shop Vac Correctly?

Sometimes, owning a wet-dry shop vac can be a hassle. Although it looks like complicated machinery, well, there are just several steps to follow in order to use this product in the best way.

Make Sure the Vacuum Is Empty

The very first thing you need to do, so your vacuum will perfectly handle both dry and wet messes, is to make sure the drum is empty. If there is water in, you should first drain it before starting filling it again.

Of course, in case there are other messes or still, dry scraps, be sure to remove them all.

Double-Check the Filter

Once using a wet-dry shop vac, it is your duty to check the filter if it has been placed regularly. The filter is essential to prevent all the dust from being blown in the air. When you are cleaning wet surfaces, make sure you remove the filter entirely, as all those liquids can damage the filters in time.

Use the Right Attachment

In order to obtain the best results, you need to use the right attachment, as each of them has a precise purpose. In case you are cleaning wet surfaces, use those attachments that lay down on the floor perfectly. On the other hand, if you are dealing with large piles, chose the biggest attachment of the wet-dry shop vac.

Start Vacuuming

It’s time to start vacuuming. As soon as the drum is empty, and you have the right attachment, then turn on the machine and start getting the best results.

Empty the Bin

Once the job is finished, it’s time to clean all the mess from the bin. If you want your machine to last a very long time, it’s important to clean it after every single use.

Comparison of Table

When you are able to compare top products at one glance, it can help in making a better decision. Therefore below, I have created a comparison table for you to assess.

What is The Best Wet Dry Shop Vac to Buy?

Below mentioned are the best wet dry shop vacs available in the market today. And, in this section, I have highlighted the most prominent feature of all the top products.

• Best for Domestic Workshop: DeWalt Pro Poly 9-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
  Lightweight design, Long power cord, Easily attachable brushes, Adequate suction power
• Best for Small Spaces: Bissell Crosswave 2306A Wet Dry Vacuum
  Efficient on different floors, Easy to use and assemble, Ideal for standard use
• Best Budget Buy: Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Adequate performance, Extension cord, Replaceable filters, Lightweight design
• Best for Overall Performance: Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 5979403 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Powerful performance, High-quality suction, Easy to use, Extension cord
• Best for Professional Cleaning: Vacmaster VJH1612PF0201 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Strong and sturdy built, High suction power, Powerful performance, Muffled sound
• Best for Portable Cleaning: Rigid 50313 4000 RV Wet Dry Vacuum
  Professional level cleaning, Long power cord, Sleek and compact design, Adequate suction power
• Best for Commercial Use: DeWalt Poly DXV16PA Wet Dry Vacuum
  Perfect of heavy cleaning, High-power suction, In-house storage bag, Easy to use
• Best Value for Money: Stanley 4 Peak Wet Dry Vacuum
  Long power cord, Easy to manoeuvre, Perfect for resident cleaning, Lightweight
• Best for Home Cleaning: Shop-Vac 5989399 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Lightweight design, Adequate suction power, Easy to move, Versatile function
• Best for Light-Duty Use: Vacmaster 12-Gallon VBV1210 Wet Dry Vacuum
  High Suction Power, Easy to clean, Efficient installation, Long cord length
• Best to Clean Tough Messes: Shop-Vac 12-Gallon 9633400 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Easy to assemble, Useful accessory, Value for money, Adequate suction power
• Best for Thorough Cleaning: Workshop WS1600VA 16 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
  Efficient dust collection, High-quality suction, Comes with extension wands
• Best for Small Space: Bissell Wall Mounter Garage Pro Wet Dry Vacuum
  Long hose, Easy to use, High-quality suction, Easy to install, Lightweight design
• Best Lightweight Unit: Armor 2.5 Gallon AA255 Wet Dry Vacuum
  Easy to use, Perfect for car cleaning, Lightweight, Adequate suction power, Versatile operations
• Best for Powerful Performance: Vacmaster VF511B0201 Wet Dry Vacuum
  High durability, Enhanced suction power, Great value for money, Lightweight design, Easy to move

Best Wet Dry Shop Vac Reviews

Following is my indepth review of the 15 best wet dry shop vacs available in the market today –

1. DeWalt Pro Poly 9-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Domestic Workshop)

DeWalt is a popular brand for homeowner and pro construction tools. The company has also launched its wet-dry vacuum market with its iconic black and yellow design. This product will satisfy the DIY-ers and hobbyists.

It sports a plastic canister, so you will have to empty it on a regular basis to avoid bad odour. There is a drain to remove wet trash from the tank. Moreover, the rear blower port works well to move different types of debris.

It comes with various accessories in a package like suction power, washable filter, etc. There is also a 10-inches long power cord featuring cord wrap that makes cleanup more efficient.

Specifications

Suction Power	90 CFM
Motor	5 HP
Tank Size	9 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	22.5 pounds
Dimensions	18 x 22 x 17.5
Filter	Washable cartridge filter
Warranty	1 year manufacturing warranty

Here is video review for the product:

2. Bissell Crosswave 2306A Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Small Spaces)

If you don’t have adequate storage in your house, then 2306A Pet Pro is the best option for you. While the suction power is not that powerful, it does work efficiently for a small space. Even though the note from the manufacturer suggests that it is not a regular dry vacuum, I think performed exactly that, which is a great thing.

A good thing about this model is that you can easily use this vacuum in different types of floor. Whether your floor has tiles, hardwoods, area rugs, and to-wall carpet, the device will perform well.

However, it lacks when you have to clean up after a big renovation project that has created huge dirt or sawdust.

Specifications

Cleaning Brush	Tangle-free brush roll
Power input	4.4 amps
Tank	Two-tank technology – 28 ounce and 14.5 ounce
Multi-surface cleaning	Yes
Weight	11.5 pounds
Dimensions	10.5 x 12 x 46
Filter	Pet hair strainer
Warranty	3 years manufacturing warranty

Have a look at the video review of this product:

3. Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best Budget Buy)

The CMXEVBE17590 is a medium-duty vacuum cleaner that comes with a reasonable price tag. It is a versatile vacuum that works well for indoor as well as outdoor projects. Although it is not that powerful, it offers decent functioning.

However, for the price, you are getting a great product, and it is not user pro users. There is a power cord that easily wraps around the top handle and hose is attaches to the vacuum’s body.

The filters can be removed easily to facilitate fast clean up as well as replacement. However, when you add the hose length, it tends to impact the suction power. In such cases, the horsepower of 4 ¾ proves to be inadequate.

Specifications

Electrical rating	120 V 60 Hz 11.6 Amp
Motor	4.25 peak HP
Tank Size	9 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	15.5 pounds
Dimensions	16 x 16 x 21.1
Filter	Cartridge filter, foam sleeve, and disposable filter bag
Warranty	3 years manufacturing warranty

Know more about it here:

4. Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 5979403 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Overall Performance)

When we talk about the best wet dry vacuum, Shop-Vac is the name that comes in our mind. The company has been operating for around 65 years and provides a wide range of features and sizes of best wet dry models.

The 5979403 vacuum model is a product that I would want to highlight in my best wet dry shop vacs review. The model comes with powerful horsepower and decent size. It features a stainless steel canister to ensure that there is no odor.

Moreover, the tank comes with a drain to remove wet messes. There is also a blower installed at the back in order to reverse the airflow. Additionally, the handles enable you to move around with the device with ease. The standard length of hose might not be suitable for all users, but attachments are available.

Specifications

Suction Power	90 CFM
Motor	6 peak HP
Tank Size	8 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	19 pounds
Dimensions	18.5 x 17.5 x 22.5
Filter	Washable cartridge filter
Warranty	1 year manufacturing warranty

Have a look at this video review:

5. Vacmaster Professional VJH1612PF0201 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Professional Cleaning)

Vacmaster is another best wet dry shop vac manufacturer that offers an extensive range of products. It comes with excellent airflow and supports a detachable blower with 240 mph settings. The extensive drain port installed on the tank assists you to prevent any clogging when you take out the wet debris.

It is an impressively powerful device, and you need to plug it in a circuit that generates below 20 amps. The extended cord eliminates the use of extension cords. And you can easily wrap the hose and core around the device. It comes with a 6 ½ horsepower motor and provides muffled operation.

Specifications

Suction Power	150 CFM
Motor	6.5 HP
Tank Size	16 Gal
Operation	Heavy duty 360° swivel casters for improved mobility
Weight	29 pounds
Dimensions	19.8 x 19.8 x 23.8
Filter	Cartridge filter
Warranty	5 years limited warranty

What to know more? Click here:

6. Rigid Portable 50313 4000 RV Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Portable Cleaning)

The Portable 50313 4000 RV runs on a five horsepower motor, which can efficiently clean up the professional messes. It has a compact design that allows it to clean when small spaces that larger device cannot, making it preferred device for many contractors.

There are a 20-feet long power cord and low requirement of amperage; therefore, you will not need any extension cord. While it is a bit bulky product, it continues to feature a sleek design.

The extended hose enables you to put down the base and operate without falling short. There is a fine dust accessory and filter release that makes it easier to clean the drywall dust easily.

Specifications

Amperage Capacity	9 A
Motor	5 peak HP
Tank Size	4 Gal
Built-in Accessory Storage	Included
Weight	14.5 pounds
Dimensions	19 x 15 x 16.5
Filter	Drywall-rated filter bag and pleated filter
Warranty	Lifetime warranty

Know more about it here:

7. DeWalt Poly DXV16PA Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Commercial Use)

The DXV16PA model by DeWalt is one of the best wet dry shop vacs in my list. It is powerful enough to for clean commercial spaces like offices, hotels, shops etc. However, it is ideal for big houses that require more cleaning.

The device features a horsepower of 6.5 peaks, providing adequate suction to clean up all the messes. There is vacuum storage of 16-gallon that features a suitable hose adaptor, disposable filter bags, and car nozzle.

The sturdy wheel is installed at the bottom with rubberized caster, making the unit easy to move. There is a 20-foot long power cord, which further adds to the mobility.
Specifications

Suction Power	116 CFM
Motor	6.5 peak HP
Tank Size	16 Gal
Wet/Dry	Yes
Weight	30.6 pounds
Dimensions	20 x 28.5 x 19
Filter	disposable filter bags and a silencing muffler
Warranty	3 years manufacturing warranty

Get a video review here:

8. Stanley 4 Peak SL18116P Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best Value for Money)

Stanley is powered by the horsepower of 4 peaks and can efficiently perform the high-volume cleanup. If you are shopping on the budget, then the SL18116P is one of the best wet dry shop vacs to go for.

It is a highly reliable vacuum cleaner that comes with an affordable price tag without having impacting the quality of the product. It has an impressive 6-gallon of the tank and comes with various accessories to facilitate cleaning.

The device features a waterproof power switch with 10 feet long power cord. The device is easy to transport and use without having to put many efforts. It is perfect for home cleaning and can comply with light commercial cleaning.

Specifications

Suction Power	75 CFM
Motor	4 peak HP
Tank Size	6 Gal
Operation	3-in-1 function: both wet liquid spills and dry debris, or blow leaves away (use blower port)
Weight	13.4 pounds
Dimensions	13.8 x 13.8 x 20.5
Filter	Foam filter
Warranty	1 year limited warranty

Look at the video guide of it here:

9. Shop-Vac 5-Gallon 5989399 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Home Cleaning)

If you are looking for the best wet dry shop vac for your home, then the 5989399 model by Shop-Vac is something you should consider. It features a 5-gallon tank made of the stainless steel tank.

Additionally, it runs on a 4.5 peak horsepower, which is sufficient to clean your home. A good thing about this product is that it comes with a wide range of accessories that make the cleaning process more easy and efficient.

A floor nozzle, extension wants, crevice tools, etc. are among the tools that you get with the package. Along with cleaning attachments, the vacuum also features filter bag, foam sleeve, and cartridge filter.

Specifications

Suction Power	175 CFM
Motor	4.5 peak HP
Tank Size	5 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	15 pounds
Dimensions	14 x 14 x 21 inches
Filter	Cartridge filter, foam sleeve & filter bag
Warranty	3 years manufacturing warranty

A detailed video review here:

10. Vacmaster 12-Gallon VBV1210 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Light-Duty Use)

Whether you are looking for the best wet dry shop vac for commercial use or home cleaning, it is an excellent product that offers great value of your money. The product runs on a 5-peak horsepower and can clean different kinds of messes with ease.

The extended hose and cord allow you to clean the otherwise unattainable areas without any hassle. Additionally, a collection of various attachments makes it easier to use the device.

An easy to detach blower makes the use of the product more versatile and cleans out the garden mess at 210miles/ hour. There is also a massive drain port, which further adds to the efficiency.

Specifications

Maximum output	10.5 Amps
Motor	5 peak HP
Tank Size	12 Gal
Blower Port	Included (210 mph blowing speed)
Weight	24.9 pounds
Dimensions	18.4 x 20.5 x 24.5
Filter	Reusable Foam Sleeve Filter
Warranty	2 years manufacturing warranty

User experience of this product here:

11. Shop-Vac 12-Gallon 9633400 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best to Clean Tough Messes)

Shop-vac has an impressive collection of the best wet dry shop vacs, and the 9633400 model is among them. It is a perfect product that allows you to clean tough messes. Moreover, if you have big rooms to clean, then this is the product that would perfectly suit your needs.

It sports a massive 12-gallon of space that allows you to collect a large amount of debris without having to clean the tank frequently. The product is powered by a 6.5 horsepower motor, which is powerful enough to remove all kinds of debris.

There are various accessories, including a crevice tool, multiple filters, utility nozzle, etc., that make the use of the product easier. Additionally, you turn the vacuum into a leaf blower via reversing the motor. There is 8 feet long hose that works well to clean a standard room.

Specifications

Nozzle	Floor Nozzle, 120-Degree Elbow, Utility Nozzle, Blower Nozzle, Concentrator Nozzle
Motor	6.5 peak HP
Tank Size	12 Gal
Blower Port	Detachable blower
Weight	28.4 pounds
Dimensions	18.2 x 22.8 x 18.2
Filter	replacement filter options
Warranty	4 years manufacturing warranty

A video guide of the product here:

12. Workshop WS1600VA 16 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Thorough Cleaning)

With a massive 16-gallon tank, this model of the workshop will help you get the best out of your shop vac. If you have a larger residential space, then this product is one of the best choices you have in the market.

Along with the massive storage space, the vacuum comes various attachments, which makes this product versatile. This wet dry shop vac is manufactured using strong copolymer drum, making it crack and dent resistance.

Coming to accessories, it offers a normal utility set, extension nozzles, and car nozzles. The integrated system is designed in a way to clean and change the filter without any hassle quickly.

Specifications

Pickup Type	Wet & Dry
Motor	6.5 HP
Tank Size	16 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	23.4 pounds
Dimensions	20.4 x 20.2 x 34.5
Filter	Qwik Lock vacuum filter, Fine Dust Filter, HEPA Media Cartridge Filters, and Wet Filter
Warranty	5 years manufacturing warranty

Know more about it here:

13. Bissell Wall Mounter Garage Pro Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Small Space)

This wall-mounted wet dry vacuum by Bissell is ideal for cleaning your workshop, car, or garage. Its runs on a 12-amp motor, which can easily take care of dry and wet messes. The product can also be converted into a leaf blower without any hassle.

There is a 4-gallon tank that integrates two-cycle filtration to accumulate debris. Moreover, there is an extensive 32 feet hose through which you can clean any part of the garage with optimum efficiency.

If you lack the space and doesn’t require portability, then a wall-mounted vacuum proves to be an ideal choice. The devices offer a hose holder, accessory bag featuring seven attachments, and mounting kit.

Specification

Cleaning System	Helix System
Surface type	Carpet and auto
Tank Size	4 Gal
Blower Port	Included
Weight	33.2 pounds
Dimensions	11 x 11 x 26
Filter	2-stage filtration
Warranty	2 years manufacturing warranty

An in-depth video review:

14. Armor 2.5 Gallon AA255 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best Lightweight Unit)

If you are looking for a portable and lightweight unit, then the Armor AA255 is one of the vest wet-dry shop vacs to consider. It weighs nearly 8.4 pounds, so you have to put a lot of efforts in lifting the device.

Additionally, there is 6 feet long hose and a 10-foot long power cord to facilitate a better cleaning experience.

When it comes to car vacuum, this product is unbeatable as it can take out even the most stubborn mess and make your car look new as ever. The tank is powered by a 2-peak horsepower motor and comes with all the necessary attachments.

Specifications

Special Feature	Auto Shut Off
Motor	2 peak HP
Tank Size	2.5 Gal
Blower Function	Easy to use
Weight	7 pounds
Dimensions	10.6 x 14.2 x 14.4
Filter	Reusable cloth filter and reusable foam sleeve
Warranty	2 years manufacturing warranty

A first hand video review:

15. Vacmaster VF511B 0201 Wet Dry Vacuum

(Best for Powerful Performance)

The VF511B 0201 beast series model by Vacmaster is powered by 5.5-peak horsepower motor for powerful performance. The device comes with power cord storage, onboard hose, and required accessories.

The model is designed in a way to provide maximum usability to the customers. There is 7 feet hose along with 18 feet long power cord, allowing you to reach even the normally unattainable corners.

Moreover, there is a dust-sealed power switch that provides quick power control. The device comes with eight useful accessories including utility nozzle, premium hose, car nozzle, crevice tool, fine dust cartridge filter, extension wand, and noise and air diffuser.

Specifications

Integrated on-board storage	Stores hoses and accessories neatly
Motor	5.5 HP
Tank Size	5 Gal
Blower Port	Easily converts to blower
Weight	13.5 pounds
Dimensions	17.8 x 12.5 x 17.1
Filter	Fine Dust Cartridge Filter and Foam Wet Filter
Warranty	5 years limited warranty

Detailed video review of the product here:

Guide to Buy the Best Wet Dry Shop Vac

Choosing the best wet dry shop vac should be a very thoughtful process. You don’t want to regret making an invaluable decision. Below are some factors that you should consider when buying the best wet dry shop vac:

Usability

Consider the weight and size of the shop-vac with regards to the person who will be using it, and for the purpose, it will be used for. The shop-vac you buy should be easy to empty, so look for drain ports and similar features.

Handles on the tank and good grip on the hose also adds to the usability of the vacuum. Storage is also something that you should look into before buying a shop vac. You need to the product, which can be easily stored in your home or workshop.

Power

One of the most important elements in choosing the best wet dry shop vac is power. As such, there are 3 simple indicators to keep in mind:

• Airflow (CFM)
• Suction Capacity
• Horsepower, or amperage

Needless to say, the higher is the horsepower rating, the better will be the suction capacity. If the product is unable to pick up mess and debris from the ground easily, then you have wasted your money.

People often compromise on the quality, in the quest to save a few bucks. However, there are many affordable shop-vac options that don’t compromise on the quality. It is about thoroughly researching your options and choosing the product that offers the best value for money.

Hose & Cord

When talking about the hose, think about these 2 elements: Diameter and Length.

The hose diameter should meet your needs. The larger is the hose diameter, the quieter will be the vacuum and it will be able to vacuum larger items. A thick hose will be unwieldy. The perfect diameter in my perspective is between 1 ¼ to 2 ½.

The hose length is easier to choose. Just think about how big are the areas and rooms you need to vacuum.

Tank Capacity

When talking about the tank capacity, it is measured in gallons. If you want to buy a mini shop vac, then the tank capacity should be around 1 gallon or ½ Gal. But if you are looking for bigger standards, medium and large tanks should store around 14 gallons.

Filters

Filters are very important, as they won’t let any dust particles be blown into the air. The filters for wet dry shop vacs are quite similar with the regular ones and are made of foam.

This way, they are capable of cleaning up all the fluid residues and any dust deposits. You can buy them separately and change them whenever you feel the old ones need a refresh.

The Size of the Device

If you are looking for a shop vac for your home or garage, there is no point in investing in commercial-sized shop-vac with massive horsepower.

Before you buy a wet-dry vacuum, consider the need and storage facility you have, then make a sensible decision. There is no point in juggling with a massive shop-vac when you can be efficiently executed by standard-sized shop-vac.

Installed Blower Port

Integrated blower port could be an important factor to look into when buying shop-vac. If you are planning to use a shop-vac on your garden, or you need to clean the mess from the workspace, then it is a feature that you should definitely consider.

Accessories

What are you going to use shop-vac for? If your primary purpose is to clean your car, then you would need a product that comes with necessary car accessories.

If you want to clean the garage or garden, then you would want a vacuum that comes with an integrated blower port. Consider the kind of accessories you get with the product and assess whether or not it suits your needs.

Moreover, some shop-vac do not provide accessories altogether, so you have to check that as well.

Portability

A mess can happen anywhere and due to any reason; so you have to be prepared for that. This is where the portability of the shop-vac plays a vital role. If you plan to use the product in multiple places such as car, garage, garden, rooms, etc. you would want it to facilitate that kind of portability.

Wither it should be lightweight for you to move around with it easily or it should come with adequate portability feature. An extended hose would also allow you to reach hard-to-reach areas.

The Value

Like I mentioned above, value for money is a crucial factor that you should not overlook. Before you even get to the shopping phase, determine your budget. Do a little research and set a practical budget.

Then look around for the options that best suits your need and budget. There is a wide range of options available in the market catering to different price ranges and needs. It is a matter of spending adequate time to look for your options.

However, ensure that you do not compromise on the quality of the product. This is because what you will be saving now you will have to put it for constant repair and maintenance or for buying additional accessories.

Warranty

It goes without saying that you should opt for shop-vac that comes with at least one year of warranty. This is a feature that reflects the credibility of a company.

So even if something goes wrong with the product, you can have the technician from the company to look into it and provide a solution for free. Post the initial warranty period; you might also have the option to extend the warranty by paying a small fee. You should look into the option with the provider.

Wet Dry Shop Vac vs Dust Collector

Still don’t know what to choose? Well, it’s important to know the main difference first. So, unlike the shop vacs, the dust collectors are heavier machines that come with two compartments, so the dust and debris will be separated and then filtered.

As such, if you have to clean up small areas, I would recommend you to use a wet-dry shop vac. On the other hand, dust collectors are better to cover more ground in an effective way.

Best Wet Dry Shop-Vac – Frequently Asked Questions

If you are using wet-dry shop-vac for the first time, it is natural to have confusion with regards to its usage. Below I am answering some of the most frequently asked questions:

My Top Pick

This is the end of my review, and all the products come with their share of positive and negative traits. If I have to pick one product among the top fifteen, then I would choose the Shop-Vac’s 5979403.

This is a versatile product that can efficiently clean different kinds of spaces. It comes with adequate power and can be moved around the house or space without any hassle.

But that is just my take; your decision should depend on your needs. In this article, I have mentioned all the aspects you need to go over before buying the best wet dry shop-vac.