The best shop vacs we tested
Best shop vac: Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200
Best cordless shop vac: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless
Best compact shop vac: Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast
The best household vacuums are incredibly capable and can handle most regular cleaning and minor dry spills, but when it comes to serious messes, you’ll want to turn to a shop vac. These powerful wet/dry canister vacuums are specifically designed to handle heavy-duty material like screws, nails, sawdust and, importantly, liquids.
These tough machines are designed for the job site, but they’re right at home sucking up debris and water during household emergencies, from a leaky appliance, storm or just a poorly sealed basement, and their robust hoses and canisters eagerly gobble up renovation and DIY messes that would clog or damage a typical vacuum.
To find the best models for your needs, whether you want a tough, high-capacity model or something easier to handle, we put 25 of the top shop vacs on the market to the test, evaluating their suction power, portability, ease of use and versatility.
Ridgid’s popular wet/dry vacuum has the capacity and suction power to handle even the toughest of tasks, and is light enough to haul around easily.
An innovative detachable base and two power modes maximize portability and battery efficiency without sacrificing functionality.
With a variety of useful attachments packed into a compact vacuum, the Vacmaster is user-friendly and doesn’t compromise on suction power.
Best shop vac: Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200
Ridgid has been a major manufacturer of shop vacs for years, and the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200 is a great example of why they’re so popular. Combining durable construction, sky-high suction power and a lightweight design, this 12-gallon model hits that sweet spot of being large enough to handle heavy-duty projects but not so bulky that it’s a hassle to maneuver around your home or workspace.
This ideal balance of functionality and mobility is seen most clearly in its overall shape. The 26.6-inch height is tall enough for users to grab the top and side handles without bending down too far, and unlike wider, squatter models, has a relatively small footprint. This vertical profile makes it easier to push and guide around corners and through doorways without banging into walls, and it’s also more convenient to store in closets or garage spaces where a bulkier vacuum wouldn’t fit. I do wish the rolling casters were a little smoother, though, and I found them to be slightly stiffer than the versions on the 14-gallon model.
The powerful 144 CFM suction power of the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200 blasted through my liquid and dry cleanup tests. It sucked up 2 gallons of water in just four seconds and took the same amount of time to handle the scattered kitty litter and 3/4-inch-screw mess. None of the other models we tested performed better in these tests, although the beefier Ridgid 14-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1400 did have the same numbers.
The Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200 also prioritizes durability, with a thick and chunky plastic bucket, lid and attachments, making it well suited for use in rugged conditions and job sites. I kicked this unit down the sidewalk and tipped it over “accidentally” several times, which only resulted in a few cosmetic scratches and scuffs.
The 7-foot hose of the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200 is also nice and flexible without feeling thin or fragile, unlike stiffer versions I tested that were both frustrating to use and to wrap up for storage. I also appreciated the quality of the hose attachments, particularly the wide, 14-inch nozzle head that features a flexible rubber squeegee. An 8.5-inch utility nozzle and angled crevice tool round out the collection, along with two 19-inch extension wands. Latches on the hose and extension wands grip onto the corresponding ridges of the attachments, so you won’t need to worry about them falling off during rigorous use. (I used to be skeptical about the long-term durability of these ridges wearing down, but after using well-worn Ridgid models in the past, I haven’t really seen this to be an issue.)
These attachments fit into slots on top of each caster, which isn’t the easiest to access compared to some other vacuums, but for pieces this large, it’s a compromise you kind of have to make. The hose storage clips on the lid do a great job of securing the hose after use, and I never had an issue with the hose coming loose or unwinding.
It’s up to you if the 12-gallon capacity is suited to your specific needs, but in my opinion, the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200 is the best shop vac for the average homeowner looking for a durable, powerful and easy-to-use machine. Plus, at about $100, you really can’t beat the price.
Best cordless shop vac: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless
Cordless wet/dry vacuums provide convenient portability, but they still need to have the storage capacity and suction power to handle heavy-duty cleaning tasks, as well as sufficient battery run time to actually be useful. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless does a great job of meeting those requirements, with a 6-gallon tank and 8-amp-hour battery that delivers impressive power and run time.
In addition to the increased portability you get with a cordless machine, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless also features several design elements that make it even more convenient to transport and move around. Instead of using permanent casters, the vacuum itself is attached to a rolling cart, which can be detached with a foot pedal. This allows you to leave the extra weight of the cart behind when carrying the tank to empty it or when accessing areas that might be too narrow or cramped for the cart. This detachable design is especially important considering the 26-pound weight of the unit, which is substantially heavier than corded models I tested (the Ridgid 12-Gallon, for example, is 22 pounds and double the capacity). The cart’s swiveling casters were also the best I tested, and it wasn’t even really close. Their hard rubber construction and textured tread provide an extremely smooth, solid ride, and their slightly “tacky” surface just glides across the floor.
In my suction tests, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless fared well compared to similarly sized models, draining 2 gallons of water in just six seconds (just a hair longer than our top pick, the Ridgid 12-Gallon). It didn’t suck up the heavier screws in my dry suction test as effortlessly as some other machines, but it still finished the job in about 12 seconds. At 87 CFM, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless may not have the raw power of the larger corded units, but in the interest of conserving run time, I think that’s a reasonable compromise.
One of my favorite features of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless is its two-speed motor. By offering “Max Power” and “Max Runtime” modes, you can choose the level that’s most efficient for your task and avoid wasting extra battery power on light-duty jobs that don’t need it. I clocked its run time as 20 minutes on “Max Power” before the battery died and 36 minutes on “Max Runtime,” which is fine for the majority of cleanups but probably not practical for all-day use.
The hose of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless is also flexible enough to operate comfortably and had a durable, strong feel to it. At 9 feet in length, it’s also longer than any other hose in my testing pool. Milwaukee also provides the necessary onboard storage to prevent this extra-long hose from turning into a frustrating mess during storage and transport. A hose clip on one side of the vacuum and a bungee cord hook on the rear keep the hose snug and out of the way. Some Home Depot reviewers did have complaints about the long-term durability of this clip, although mine seems to be holding up fine after a few weeks of use. A small compartment holds the crevice tool and floor nozzle attachment, but the way they’re fitted inside requires you to remove one to access the other, which was a little frustrating to be honest. Two extension wands are stored on the back of the cart, and their rubber end rings keep them nice and tight.
The $500 price tag of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Cordless might be intimidating, but if you already have a collection of Milwaukee M18 batteries on hand, the tool-only version is just $200.
Best compact shop vac: Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast
If you need the powerful suction and durability of a shop vacuum for tasks around the workshop or garage but don’t have the space or need for a full-size machine, the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast is a great option. This 5-gallon unit has the capacity to handle a range of cleanup project sizes and generates an impressive 102 CFM of suction power, and at just 13.5 pounds and 18 by 12 inches wide, it’s very convenient to transport and store.
My favorite feature of the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast is its onboard storage design and how well it kept the hose and attachments secure and organized. Two curved metal brackets prevent the 7-foot hose from popping out while wrapped up, and circular slots on top of the unit secure the attachments. These include a useful variety of options, like a wide utility nozzle, narrow crevice tool and flatter car nozzle for use on and between car seats. I would have liked to have seen a brush nozzle for upholstery or rugs, but that’s certainly not a deal breaker.
The Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast also features a cord wrap system on the rear of the unit instead of the top where it can get in the way of the handle. This wrap has adjustable wings that flip inward, allowing you to pull the entire cord coil off at once instead of having to unwrap the entire thing. Considering that the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast power cord is 18 feet long — the longest of any vacuum I tested — this user-friendly wrap is especially convenient.
The Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast also performed well in my suction tests, vacuuming 2 gallons of water in 10 seconds — about half as fast as our top full-size pick, the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT HD1200. It also sucked up my kitty litter and screw pile in just eight seconds and had no trouble handling the weight of the screws.
What stood out the most about the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast was just how easy it was to move around. It’s really lightweight, the carrying handle is comfortable and has a balanced feel with the unit, and the organized onboard storage keeps everything tucked into a tight little package. Some might have an issue with its lack of wheels, but I personally didn’t miss them at all and found the flat-bottomed design much easier to set in the back of my car while vacuuming the interior and also to store on a shelf or on top of a table when I was finished with it.
The build quality of the Vacmaster is noticeably sturdy and lacked any ill-fitting components or flimsy parts. The 7-foot hose is flexible but strong, and the connections and the canister latches have a really nice, heavy-duty feel.
How we tested
Since shop vacs have so many uses, we ran all 25 vacuums in our testing pool through a comprehensive process to get a better idea of how they stack up against one another on each task, as well as which ones are better suited to different uses.
Usability
- Ease of use: Shop vacs are fairly straightforward, but since they’re typically used infrequently, and often in emergencies where time is a factor, it’s important they’re easy to use. We compared each vacuum’s overall usability, noting how easy or frustrating any latches or handles were to operate, if their hose and attachments fit easily together, if any adjustments needed to be made to filter depending on the mess and if they offered a drain plug to quickly empty liquids.
- Durability: Since shop vacs are likely to be used in harsh or rugged environments, I also judged each model on its overall durability and build quality. I examined the construction and material used on the latches and handles, the construction of the hose and the sturdiness of any wheels, storage elements, canister and lid. Throughout my testing, I bent and stepped on hoses, yanked on hose connections and knocked over vacuums on the sidewalk to try to expose any potential durability issues.
- Battery life: For cordless models, I fully charged each vacuum’s battery and used it to continuously clean around the house and my car, recording how long the battery lasted before shutting off.
- Added accessories: The type, size and quantity of a shop vac’s accessories impact its functionality, so I noted and compared each unit’s included attachments during these tests. I also evaluated how the vacuum handled storing these attachments and whether the design allowed them to fit securely in place or if they were loose and easy to knock off.
Suction tests
- Liquid suction: To accurately compare each vacuum’s liquid suction power, I filled a 5-gallon bucket with 2 gallons of water and timed how long each vacuum took to suction it out. It’s worth noting that since a shop vac’s advertised capacity isn’t exact, the smaller vacuums were unable to finish the entire 2 gallons before reaching their limit. This was still useful data, though, and gave a rough idea of their suction power as well as their maximum liquid capacity.
- Dry suction: I also performed a dry suction test where I tossed a cup filled with kitty litter and metal screws across my kitchen floor and timed how long each vacuum took to clean up the mess. This test is less precise than the liquid test but still gave a good idea of suction power, especially if I noticed a vacuum struggling to pick up the heavier screws.
Everything to know about shop vacs
Who needs a shop vac?
Yeah, they’re bulkier, arguably less attractive and less convenient to maneuver around than your stick vacuum, but when the dishwasher springs a leak, rainwater starts creeping into your home, you spill soda on the carpet or a tree limb crashes through your living room window, you’ll be glad you have a shop vac.
A shop vac is a key part of a well-stocked home emergency kit. A powerful wet/dry vacuum can scoop up significant volumes of liquid in the event of flooding, whether due to plumbing problems or a hurricane, preventing long-term moisture damage or mold growth. Shop vacs are also typically much more powerful and more durable than your regular household vacuum, so they’re able to suck up most any kind of material, like screws, nails, fine dust and other construction debris without damage. While shop vacs are also capable of sucking up broken glass, there can be safety concerns as well as damage done to certain vacuum parts, so make sure to do your research before proceeding.
Shop vacs are also more versatile than you might think. Most include at least two interchangeable attachment heads, and combined with their long hoses, they are perfect for cleaning out your car or RV. Inconvenient DIY tasks like emptying the water out of a toilet before replacement can be accomplished in no time at all. Plus, most shop vacs can also be run in reverse and used as a blower, which is great for clearing off dusty workbenches and even unclogging sinks and drains.
Considering their relatively low cost and super-durable construction, there’s really no reason not to buy a wet/dry vacuum.
How to choose the right shop vac for your needs
Shop vacs, or wet/dry vacuums, are available in a wide range of sizes — indicated by the gallon capacity of their canister — so make sure you choose the size that’s best suited for you and your intended job.
Higher-capacity models can contain a lot of material before needing to be emptied, are typically more powerful and have larger-diameter hoses that can suck up bigger pieces of debris.
Lower-capacity vacuums are more convenient to carry around and store when not in use and are more practical for those looking for an option to clean out their car or handle lighter-duty messes. Keep in mind that since the filter takes up a substantial amount of space inside the canister, the advertised gallon capacity shouldn’t be taken literally. This is more important to know for small-capacity models since you might only be able to vacuum up two-thirds of the stated capacity before needing to empty it out.
Corded versus cordless is another factor to consider. Corded vacuums are limited to the range of their power or extension cord, but their unlimited run time makes them perfect for all-day tasks. Just remember, unless you have a generator on hand, a corded wet/dry vac will be useless in the event of a power outage. Cordless battery-powered models are naturally more portable and convenient for use in areas that don’t have a power outlet nearby, like cleaning out your car, storage unit, RV or boat. Their limited run times make them impractical for long projects, but they do have the advantage of being able to function during a power outage.
You should also consider the type of attachments that would be most convenient for your task. If you’re looking for a wet/dry vac specifically for cleaning out your car, for example, look for a brush attachment for cleaning the dash without scratching or an upholstery head for your seats.
Other shop vacs we tested
As far as entry-level vacuums go, this one leads the pack in performance. It has a straightforward, utilitarian design with a top handle, an average 12-gallon capacity that handles most jobs with ease and a motor that cleans dry and wet messes with equal ease. To back up this incredible value, it even comes with a lifetime warranty.
There are a lot of entry-level shop vacs that appear the same, but only one exceeded my expectations during testing: the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT RT1200. It has a simple polypropylene drum, caster wheels that swivel 360 degrees, a blower function and a collection of standard attachments.
But this shop vac also has some power. It handled water and gravel with equal ease in our tests and was easy to empty thanks to the drainage hole in the base. It also has a built-in blower function that can be used for clearing leaves off a deck or dusting off a workspace.
Though rugged, it’s still a lightweight machine that’s easy to tote around job sites, especially with the conveniently placed handle on top. While the hose is a bit on the narrow side at 1 7/8 inches in diameter, its smooth interior prevents clogs. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty, which was the longest of any shop vac we tested. This helps make it worth the price.
This smaller model from Ridgid outperforms its size, making it especially helpful for users who want power in a little package.
This 4-gallon vacuum packs a lot of power into a small package, making it ideal for users who want to handle challenging messes but don’t need a large-capacity canister. Unfortunately, the hose was stiffer than other Ridgid models I tested, and with no onboard hose storage, it was frustrating to wrap and organize. This results in a messy, disorganized profile that’s challenging to store, negating a lot of the benefits of choosing a compact option in the first place.
I did find the accessory storage caddy convenient, though, and enjoyed accessing and switching out attachments without having to fit them into specific slots and compartments. The size and power of this unit could make it a great choice for automotive cleaning, especially for users who find that typical compact vacuums lack the power they need.
Supreme portability makes this little vac a tempting choice for those who don't need the most powerful suction or the biggest cannister.
Thanks to its hybrid cordless/corded design, this little vacuum can be used almost anywhere, and its compact size and light weight make it a breeze to carry around. Even though I had a bunch of vacuums filling my house during testing, this is the model I found myself grabbing most often for quick cleanups.
The exterior battery slot lets you quickly check the remaining power level, and the onboard storage system keeps the two attachments — a crevice tool and a wider utility nozzle — easy to access. The 6-foot hose is flexible and comfortable to work with, although I eventually found its storage clip to be a little loose and it popped out once or twice while hauling it around. It didn’t blow me away during the suction tests, requiring 10 seconds to suck up 1.75 gallons of water and 17 seconds to clean up my kitty litter and screw pile.
However, the overall run time demolished the competition, lasting 40 minutes as I cleaned my car and home nonstop. If portability and reliability are your main priorities, and you don’t require a ton of power or storage capacity, this is an awesome choice.
If you know you're going to need your shop vac for bigger jobs, this 14-gallon offering from Ridgid is a size up from our top pick. The added room means you're sacrificing some portability.
If the 12-gallon Ridgid isn’t beefy enough for you, this 14-gallon version has all the same great features with an extra 2 gallons of space. It’s shorter and wider, though, which is why we decided to go with the narrower 12-gallon model as our top pick overall. Nearly 20 inches wide, this vacuum requires some precision to fit through doorways. That said, the onboard storage caddy means you don’t have to store all the attachments on top of casters, which helps cut down on unnecessary bulk.
Its powerful motor guzzled 2 gallons of water in just four seconds, which makes this the ultimate option for those who want to be able to handle large-scale liquid cleanups. The casters also provided a noticeably smooth ride and made rolling it around the house and down the sidewalk a breeze.
A standout attachment and a comfortable carrying handle are highlights for this tiny vac that boasts strong suction, but we didn't love its minimal capacity and abbreviated battery life.
This 3-gallon Ridgid handheld vacuum impressed with its powerful 76 CFM suction and large rubber carrying handle. It also included one of our favorite attachments: a large, soft-bristled brush head. This brush head was perfect for running across the dashboard and touchscreen of my car without scratching, and the long bristles worked their way into the tiny nooks and crevices of the vents.
It could only handle 1.5 gallons of liquid before needing to be emptied and its 13-minute run time was on the lower end as well. I did appreciate how it maintained a strong suction for almost the entire time instead of slowly dying down.
The HD0300 has a good bit more suction than its cordless version, and that showed in our dry suction test. Otherwise, the two are nearly identical models.
The corded version of the Ridgid 3-Gallon 18-Volt, this model boasts more suction power than its cordless sibling, generating 100 CFM versus 76 CFM. Although the difference in airflow curiously didn’t affect the liquid suction test — both performed the same — it was apparent in the dry suction test, cleaning up my kitty litter and screws five seconds faster than the cordless model.
Other than that, these versions are practically identical, featuring the same soft-bristled brush attachment I enjoyed so much as well as an interesting “dustpan” feature. This narrow, suction-powered slit across the end of the vacuum sucks up any small dust and debris that you sweep toward it, which I found to be effective when cleaning up after my kitty litter tests.
Those shopping for something to clean the inside of their car — where a variety of surfaces and materials can hide in hard-to-reach places — will get a lot out of the AA255's five attachments and 6-foot hose.
If you’re more interested in using your wet/dry vac for smaller-scale, detailed cleaning projects, look no further than the Armor All AA255 2.5-Gallon Utility Shop Vacuum. This compact unit boasts a versatile collection of five attachments and a 6-foot hose, making it ideal for interior automotive use. I found the two brush heads especially useful when cleaning my car during testing. I used the 6-inch-wide brush across my dog-hair-covered seats, and the tiny 1.5-inch detail brush to access nooks and crannies around the dash and vents. These attachments each have a dedicated storage slot and, apart from the hose clips that weren’t as tight as I’d like, are snug enough to keep everything in place when it’s time to pack it up.
This vacuum is also powerful and rugged enough for heavier-duty jobs and gave an impressive performance in my liquid suction test, sucking up 1.5 gallons in just seven seconds before hitting capacity. At just 7 pounds, this vacuum is the lightest in our testing pool.
The price is right on this small option from Stanley, which performed admirably in several categories. It's not the right choice if you expect a lot of liquid cleanups.
If you’re looking for a low-budget, compact vacuum that’s easy to transport and store, this Stanley model is a great option. A sturdy carrying handle and low 8.6-pound weight contribute to its overall portability, and the onboard storage is well designed and useful. Although the 4-foot hose is the shortest in our testing pool, the unit is so lightweight and convenient to carry that a lack of reach isn’t an issue. This short hose contributed to the minimal, hassle-free design of the vacuum and made it convenient to stow away when I was finished.
The 3-in-1 crevice nozzle was the standout feature, with a reversible head that provides a stiff brush and soft upholstery end for car detailing. This vacuum finished dead last in our liquid suction test, though, and could only store 0.75 gallons of water before shutting off.
Strong suction power is a plus on this model, but that's about it. We expected more from the name.
Despite the well-known brand name, this vacuum disappointed in both quality and usability. The plastic handles, latches and hose felt cheap and flimsy, and the small, office-chair-style casters were inferior to every other option I tested. The accessory caddy is also mind-bogglingly positioned in front of the power cord wrap, making it impossible to use at the same time. It does provide a decent amount of suction power, though, performing about the same as the 5-gallon Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast. If a 5-gallon vacuum is what you’re after, the Vacmaster is superior in every way and costs about $20 less.
It's rare you'll find a cordless option this big, and though Ryobi didn't get it right with the wheels, the overall durability and suction power of this vac is impressive.
This 10-gallon Ryobi machine is the largest battery-powered model we tested, and although it looks similar to full-size corded options, it fell short in a few areas. First, its casters are small and thin, and rolling it across anything except smooth flooring was noticeably more challenging than any other wheeled model. The hose also feels cheaper than the similarly sized Ridgid units.
That said, the rest of the vacuum has a solid, heavy-duty feel — apart from the wheels — and I didn’t notice any other durability or quality issues during testing. I was impressed with its suction power too, vacuuming 2 gallons of water in just five seconds and clearing up my dry kitty litter and screws in about 10 seconds. I clocked the run time of the included 4.0-amp-hour battery at 15 minutes on high and 25 minutes on low, so it’s probably not ideal for all-day jobs.
The price is steep, but the design of Milwuakee's 2.5-Gallon Packout makes it both comfortable to lug around and easy to stow away.
Unlike the wider footprint design used for most compact cordless vacuums, the Milwaukee 2.5-Gallon M18 Fuel Packout opts for a taller profile, which is naturally more comfortable to carry around without banging into your legs. This shape is also ideal for storing on a shelf or workbench, and since the handle folds completely out of the way, other items can be placed on top.
Heavy-duty metal latches secure the lid — with the battery and two attachments stored inside — and the recessed hose storage keeps it out of the way when not in use. It packs decent power, performing just as well as other similarly sized cordless vacuums, although the narrow, full-length handle was less comfortable to grip than other models that used wider, rubber-coated handles.
A relatively short battery life dinged this model in our testing, but it's clearly made to last with a durable frame and magnetic lid.
This Greenworks machine has a really thick, sturdy construction, with no flimsy or poor-quality components. The 7-foot hose has great flexibility, although it didn’t fit as snugly as I would have liked into its storage area. The magnetic closure of the attachment compartment lid was especially impressive. It sucked up 1.75 gallons of water in 10 seconds in my liquid suction test, and it quickly and powerfully handled my dry suction test of kitty litter and 3/4-inch screws with no trouble at all. Its 12-minute run time ultimately kept it out of our top pick, as well as the overall size, which was 2 inches wider than the Ridgid 3-Gallon 18-Volt Cordless Handheld Wet/Dry Vacuum.
The "Stealthsonic" moniker is no joke — no other vac we tested was as quiet as this one. It's no slouch in other categories either.
This 12-gallon wet-dry vacuum operates at a top-tier level of suction, excelling in both our wet and dry tests, yet remains the quietest machine we tested. Its swivel wheels, long cord and midrange weight make it easy to maneuver, and the wide diameter hose, which is also crack- and kink-resistant, accommodates high liquid volumes and larger pieces of debris. It’s also got a great design, with a storage bag for accessories, and a three-year warranty.
There's a lot of value in this Craftsman vac that isn't all that different from our top pick. That said, it's usually more than double the price.
For bigger jobs, this model has the power to keep up. Its 16-gallon capacity and 2.5-inch-diameter hose make fast work of spills and suck up large chunks of gravel, rock and other debris. It has a lot in common with the Ridgid from a design perspective, including a top handle and swivel caster wheels, but has a thicker, longer hose for extended-reach jobs. It also has a 6.5-horsepower motor and a front drain at the base for emptying liquids without mess or hassle. Its larger size and more powerful motor add to its overall weight, but if you’re looking for a sturdy, well-made shop vac for larger messes, this is a great choice.
Variable suction strengths and an overhead filter are standout qualities on this sleek vac from Karcher.
If you’re going to spend hundreds on a shop vac, you want something special, and this is it. Though its capacity is on the lower side, the compact design makes it easier to move and store, and its combined cord and hose reach more than 35 feet. This is also one of the few shop vacs with power levels as opposed to just an off/on switch, so you can choose the strength of the suction you need. But its best feature is the overhead filter, which isn’t located in the drum so it doesn’t need to be removed when switching from dry to wet cleaning. Bonus: This model is super quiet.
The fact that every attachment neatly clips onto this 9-pound vac means it's easy to grab and go.
This battery-operated unit has a 3-gallon capacity and 45 CFM, which sucked down a gallon of water in just eight seconds in our test. It’s also sturdier than other similarly sized units, with metal clips instead of plastic, a handle that locks in place and a crack-resistant 6-foot hose. The attachments all clip onto the unit, and even fully loaded it’s a lightweight 9 pounds, which makes it ideal for cleaning cars or small spills.
Not many people consider looks when shopping for a shop vac. If you're one of them, look no further.
This was perhaps the sleekest and most stylish shop vac we tested, with a stainless steel attachment most like a conventional vacuum, and it wasn’t a bad performer either. While we ultimately felt like other models have more value, this high-end wet/dry vac is a great choice if you have the money and aesthetics are important.
Though this shop vac is from a trusted brand with the performance to back it up, we think you'd be better off saving money and opting for more affordable options that still outdid this one in testing.
Fein is an excellent name in wet/dry vacs, but one that comes with a hefty price tag. It is among the most powerful vacuums tested, so if you’re going purely for suction, it’s a good investment, but the hose is narrow and the design blocky. It also registered significantly louder than advertised (by about 20 decibels) and had a slightly smaller capacity.
The suction power on Vacmaster's 10-gallon model just wasn't up to par for a shop vac of this size.
This looks like your standard entry-level model but has lower suction than most others. One perk is the removable blower, which is a feature the Craftsman brand used to offer but then did away with. The other drawback to the Vacmaster is that it uses a somewhat flimsy foam filter that has to be installed for wet use, which seems like an extra and unnecessary step compared to other wet/dry vacs.
A middling option across all our evaluations, Stanley's 12-Gallon vac didn't do enough to stand out. And though it's not absurdly priced, we still tested several models that give you more for your money.
This is your basic entry-level model with very little to distinguish it. If you don’t use a shop vac often, or for heavy-duty work, this could be a nice budget option, but it’s not recommended for long-term durability or power performance.
Those seeking a cordless option could do worse than this model — but you could also do better. We like our top cordless vac a lot more.
Similar to our winning cordless wet/dry vac, this is another great cordless option that balances power and convenience. Its suction was admirable, but it is slightly smaller in capacity and has a less rugged construction.
Not having to switch filters when alternating between wet and dry suction is a pro, but Shark's MessMaster doesn't have enough winning qualities to make up for the fact that it's corded.
Such a small capacity on a corded model feels like a hassle, and it was far too easy to exceed the 1-gallon limit for even small spills (anything over half a gallon leaks out the back, making a mess). Also, the power button had a habit of not fully engaging unless pressed and held firmly for a second. The benefit of this was that, like the full-size Karcher, you don’t need to switch filters to go from wet to dry operations, which is nice.
FAQs
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