By Brittany Rowland

Sometimes you have big messes that a regular broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner just can’t handle. Shop Vacs, or wet/dry vacuums, are invaluable tools when it comes to cleaning up tough wet or dry spills and messes around the house, garage, workshop, or car. Shop Vacs can handle sawdust and slick puddles because of their great suction power. As we rated our top ten Shop Vacs, we considered the following qualities:

1. Suction/blowing strength
2. Maneuverability and portability
3. Cleaning performance
4. Range and usefulness of accessories
5. Design
6. Value
7. Price

Shop Vacuum Buying Guide

Buyer’s Guide to Wet/Dry Vacs

As you shop for a wet/dry vacuum, the most important consideration you must look for is cleaning performance. You obviously want a Shop Vac that cleans up dust, debris, and puddles quickly, thoroughly, and efficiently. Here are some other factors to consider.

Size
Generally, the bigger the wet/dry vac, the more powerful the cleaning performance. Also, they have greater fluid capacity. If you plan to use this Shop Vac extensively for big cleaning tasks, then you’ll want a big model. However, if you have limited house space or need a vac for simple, everyday spills and cleaning, then a smaller model will work just as satisfactorily.

Noise
Many wet/dry vacuums, due to their incredible motors, are very loud. You’ll want to wear ear protectors if the vacuum runs at 85 decibels or higher. The Fein 9-20-25 Turbo-II notably runs at only 60 decibels, making it gentler on the ears.

Accessories
Shop Vacs almost always come with a hose, which should be long and flexible for maneuverability. Stiff hoses can make a vacuum tip over if it doesn’t have a stable base. Many Shop Vacs also come with a variety of attachments, such as a crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces in your car, a utility nozzle for large debris, and a brush for carpet. Extension wands can be a lifesaver if you don’t want to crouch or stand on tiptoes to reach areas. If a wet/dry vacuum comes with such tools, see whether it offers onboard storage or some other means of storing these attachments.

Hose Diameter
If the vacuum hose is wide in diameter (say, 2 ½ inches), it can more easily pick up large, bulky debris. Narrower hoses tend to have more clogging issues and take longer to clean.

Dust Bag
Even a standard dust bag can prolong the life of the filter and hold all sorts of heavy debris. The dust bag, which usually costs no more than $8, fits around the filter, improves the suction, and makes it easier to switch between the wet and dry functions.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Shop Vacuum Articles

Wet/Dry Shop Vacs: Horsepower and Capacity, Plastic or Stainless Steel

You may wonder, as you’re shopping for a Shop Vac, whether plastic or stainless steel is better for the tank. Lots of people prefer stainless steel because it’s easier to clean. Plastic sometimes creates static electricity…[more]

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By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a compact, lightweight shop vac for quick cleanup jobs, then you won’t be disappointed with the Stanley SL18132. It’s only 3.5 gallons, but that’s enough it you want a small, easily portable unit rather than a big, heavy shop vac you have to lug around. This Stanley model has 6 amps of power, and its 20-foot hose lets you reach areas all over your garage. Another plus is the reusable dry filter, which catches even miniscule dust. The Stanley SL18132 costs $68.99, a great value, and delivers great suction power.

Quick Specs

• 3.5 gallons
• 6 amps
• 2” cleaning path
• 20’ hose

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

The Shop-Vac 5986200 comes in a durable, handsome stainless steel and has a 6.0 HP motor for extra power. We were pleased with its suction power; it handled wet and dry messes equally well. At nearly 24 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy, but its heavy-duty casters roll easily, and it has top and side handles for transporting it here and there. One thing we would have liked to see is onboard storage option. However, the accessories offered worked well and offer several functions. This Shop-Vac is a bit pricey at $126.99, but it provides a powerful motor, a durable stainless steel body, and an assortment of attachments.

Quick Specs

• 12 gallons
• 6.0 HP motor
• Stainless steel
• 23 lbs.

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A versatile, powerful wet/dry vacuum, the Bissell 18P03 can be wall-mounted in your garage, and its thirty-two-foot hose can reach anywhere in the garage—making it ideal for cleaning the inside of your car or picking up spills. We liked the strong, crush-resistant hose, which doesn’t tangle easily or lose suction despite its length. This Bissell model comes with several tools, including a dusting brush, crevice tool, large surface area, and upholstery tool. If you’re looking for a high-performing vac with great power and versatility, then you’ll be pleased with this Bissell, which is available for $179.99.

Quick Specs

• 12 amps
• 7 tools
• 32’ hose

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A solidly built wet/dry vacuum with a durable plastic drum, the Shop-Vac 587-24-62 has a 5-gallon tank and 4.10 kW motor. This Shop-Vac doesn’t disappoint performance-wise, offering a strong suction power. The design also allows you to pick up and carry the lightweight vacuum without straining your back. One benefit we noticed with the accessories is the sixteen-inch crevice tool, which reaches narrow spaces, such as those in your car. For a good performer that runs smoothly and quietly, this Shop-Vac model doesn’t disappoint.

Quick Specs

• 5 gallon capacity
• 4.10 kW motor
• 7’ lock-on hose
• 16” crevice tool

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

Because of its relatively small size, you’ll find the Shop-Vac 2030500 an indispensable tool around the house for cleaning up all sorts of messes in no time. This wet/dry vacuum is perfect for households with pets, because it traps even the finest hair and dander you can’t even see. We were impressed with its strong suction and ability to clean up messes in a single pass. The design of this Shop-Vac is well thought out. It lifts easily from a handle on the top, making it very portable. It comes with a range of accessories, including a hose that screws on securely and a blower. This Shop-Vac is available for $52.99.

Quick Specs

• 5 gallons
• 1.68 kW motor
• 12 lbs.
• 6-foot cord

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Plastic or Stainless Steel?

You may wonder, as you’re shopping for a Shop Vac, whether plastic or stainless steel is better for the tank. Lots of people prefer stainless steel because it’s easier to clean. Plastic sometimes creates static electricity, which makes debris stick to it more stubbornly.

On the other hand, the plastic in wet/dry vacuums is usually of durable, rugged material, and it will never rust. Plastic is also usually less expensive. Ultimately, the overall quality of construction and design matters more than just materials alone.

Horsepower and Capacity Chart

Here is a chart showing the optimal horsepower and capacity for wet/dry vacuums depending on the size of the cleaning task.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Shop Vacuums

Sometimes you have big messes that a regular broom, mop, or vacuum cleaner just can’t handle. Shop Vacs, or wet/dry vacuums, are invaluable tools when it comes to cleaning up tough wet or dry spills and messes around the house…[more]

Top 10 Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are an essential tool for keeping the outside of your home clean. Made for blasting through grime on cars, boats, driveways, grills, and house sidings, a pressure washer carries exponentially more power than a regular garden hose…[more]

Top 10 Push Mowers

While most lawn mowers can handle flat, even terrains, the trick is to find a high-powered lawn mower that still works well when the lawn is large and hilly and containing trees, rocks, and roots. We looked at a number of lawn mowers to see how well they mulch, bag, or discharge grass … [more]

Top 10 Riding Mowers

With riding lawn mowers, you want the same performance you get from a walk-behind mower but in a much larger package. Riding lawn mowers are the ideal choice if you have a lot of property to cover. Here are some of the most important factors we looked for when we selected the top 10 ride … [more]

Top 10 Self-Propelled Mowers

People tend to think of mowing the lawn as backbreaking, sweat-inducing work, but self-propelled lawnmowers can make the task a lot more bearable, particularly if you have hilly or uneven terrain to maintain…[more]

Top 10 Weed Eaters

Lawn trimmers are invaluable tools for keeping your yard looking tidy and professional. Trimmers can reach tight areas that lawn mowers can’t, such as beneath bushes and around trees. Many trimmers also function as edgers… [more]

Top 10 Leaf Blowers

The best leaf blowers, be they gas, electric, or cordless, must be effective at blasting away leaves, twigs, and other lawn debris. We looked for a number of factors when selecting the top 10 leaf blowers… [more]

By Brittany Rowland

For a compact, inexpensive wet/dry vacuum, the Vacmaster VJ507 has more than satisfactory suction and blowing capabilities. It can handle small to medium cleaning tasks easily, whether wet or dry. We were surprised by how quietly it runs too. There were some instances in which it tipped over, mainly because the hose is somewhat stiff. However, it’s otherwise durable and reliable when it comes to performance. At $44.97, it’s very affordable and has the requisite tools for cleaning the house, car, or workshop.

Quick Specs

• 5 gallon
• 3 HP motor
• 6 foot hose
• 8 foot cord

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

If you’re looking for a small, no-fuss wet/dry vacuum, then the Shop-Vac 2021000 is a perfect choice. It does what it advertises: cleans up spills and crumbs easily and efficiently. It comes with a wall mount so you can store it off the floor in a garage or laundry room. The tools also fit on a separate wall mount bracket so they’re out of the way until you need them. We liked the fold-down handle on the top, which makes it easy for carrying this vacuum around. The hose and power cord could be longer, but this is a micro vac so it’s understandable that everything will be a little smaller. The power is surprisingly good for a small machine.

Quick Specs

• 1 gallon
• 1.0 HP motor
• 6 foot cord

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

With a sturdy, durable design, the Vacmaster VQ607SFD rolls smoothly and gleams with its stainless steel drum. We were happy with how the 6-foot hose locks on securely to the tank and with how effortlessly it sucks up wet and dry messes. This Vacmaster also runs fairly quietly and comes with a nice selection of attachments. It’s also lightweight enough to roll or carry around easily. At the end, the cap unscrews and empties the tank easily. At $64.88, this Vacmaster is priced reasonably for a powerful wet/dry vacuum with good construction.

Quick Specs

• 6 gallon
• 3 HP motor
• 7 foot hose
• 12 foot cord

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

A lightweight, inexpensive wet/dry vacuum, the ArmorAll AA255 is a versatile cleaning tool, particularly for families with long-haired pets. It runs quietly and picks up so much hair and dander; it can cover a house multiple times before it has to be emptied. We were impressed with the suction and blowing power of this little wet/dry vacuum. We were pleased with the assortment of attachments included, which are suited to just about any type of cleaning task, big or small. If you’re looking for an affordable vacuum to use in your car or around the home, this ArmorAll vacuum is an ideal choice.

Quick Specs

• 2.5 gallon
• 2 HP motor
• 6 foot hose
• 10 foot cord

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

By Brittany Rowland

The Vacmaster VBV1210 is not only a powerful wet/dry vacuum, but it’s a incredibly mighty blower. We were pleased to find that with the touch of a button, the blower detaches from the top. It’s advertised to blow at 210 MPH, and it’s certainly strong. The suction works very well too, getting up spills and messes quickly. For being so powerful, this shop vac works fairly quietly. There’s an extra-wide drain that makes emptying the tank faster. Furthermore, the construction is durable and rugged; the casters look built to last for a long time. Overall, a solid, versatile purchase at $88.99.

Quick Specs

• 12 gallon
• 5 Peak HP
• Detachable blower function
• 12 foot cord
• 7 foot hose

Prices

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany