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Shop vacs are similar to regular vacuum cleaners in that they clean up fine dust and debris from floors and other surfaces. However, they have a more powerful motor, making them better for picking up liquids and larger debris. Keep reading to learn about my picks for the top shop vacs available, and find more information in our guide to buying tools.
Top 5 Shop Vacs
- Most Heavy-Duty: Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac
- Best For Medium Jobs: DEWALT Poly Wet/Dry Vac
- Most Durable: Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Most Portable: Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
- Best For Small Jobs: Shop-Vac All Around EZ Wet/Dry Vacuum
Compare Top Shop Vacs
| Product | Size | Motor | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac | 16 gallons | 6.5 horsepower | 26 pounds | 3 years |
| DEWALT Poly Wet/Dry Vac | 6 gallons | 4 horsepower | 14.7 pounds | 3 years |
| Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum | 5 gallons | 4 horsepower | 11.5 pounds | 1 year |
| Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum | 2.5 gallons | 2 horsepower | 11.5 pounds | 2 years |
| Shop-Vac All Around EZ Wet/Dry Vacuum | 1.5 gallons | 2 horsepower | 10.9 pounds | 3 years |
| Product | Size | Motor | Weight | Warranty |
Most Heavy-Duty
Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac
- $139.99
- $166.65
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Maximizes convenience with built-in accessory storage
✔ Has an integrated oversized drain that helps empty liquids with ease
✔ Has a built-in blower port that lets you quickly clean grass clippings leaves, and other lightweight debris
✘ Most expensive option in this review
✘ Heaviest shop vac in this review at 26 pounds
What Customers Are Saying
I found that this product received high ratings for its value, versatility, and suction power. Customers also said that it was easy to assemble and maneuver. Those who weren’t satisfied said that their package arrived with missing parts, including drain caps and leg screws.
Best For Medium Jobs
DEWALT Poly Wet/Dry Vac
- $99.99
- $149.99
- 33% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has dedicated space for cord storage
✔ Has wheels that rotate 360 degrees to let you move the shop vac in any direction with minimal effort
✔ Comes with a crevice tool nozzle to tackle hard-to-reach spots
✘ Doesn’t mention a warranty
✘ The shorter hose may require an extension cord for hard-to-reach places
What Customers Are Saying
I found that happy customers liked this product’s strong suction, medium capacity, and plug-and-play design. Those who weren’t satisfied with their purchase mentioned not receiving screws, filter bags, and hoses, which prevented them from using the vacuum.
Most Durable
Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum
- $49.99
- $119.41
- 58% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Built with a vacuum port and blower port for three-in-one functionality
✔ Can be used on spills, woodworking debris, pet hair, leaves, and more
✔ Has a five-gallon size for small and medium tasks
✘ The metal body can get dented
✘ The hose sometimes gets clogged
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers liked that this product was lightweight and compact without compromising suction power. I noticed that several reviewers also said that while the machine wasn’t completely silent, it was quieter than other options that they had tried in the past. Dissatisfied customers I found said that the machine’s motor failed prematurely and that the company’s customer support was lacking.
Most Portable
Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
- $61.11
- $71.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with several small attachments to clean window vents, car dashboards, and other detailed places
✔ Has an auto shut-off function to keep the tank from overflowing
✔ Comes with two types of filters to keep your air clean
✘ Can’t be plugged into a car lighter
✘ Not compatible with HEPA filters
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this product was easy to transport because of its lightweight. I found that pet owners were especially pleased with how well the Armor All Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum picked up pet hair. Unsatisfied customers said that the vacuum had a higher noise level than they had expected to be and that it didn’t have great suction.
Best for Small Jobs
Shop-Vac All Around EZ Wet/Dry Vacuum
- $102.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can be mounted on the wall for storage to free up floor space
✔ Comes with a three-year warranty
✔ Comes with several nozzles to tackle different tasks
✘ Not powerful enough to pick up larger pieces of debris
✘ Extension wands may be too short for some projects
What Customers Are Saying
Positive product reviews I examined were satisfied with the performance of this product, as well its lightweight and easy portability. However, I saw some purchasers say it lacked suction power, and others said it was overly noisy.
Buyer’s Guide
Take a look at this buyer’s guide that breaks down important shop vac factors, such as tank size, tank material, power, and storage.
Tank Size
Shop vac tanks range from about two gallons to 18 gallons. Follow the chart below to match the size of the tank to the type of task you’ll be using your vacuum for.
Task Size Guidelines
| Project Size | Tank Size |
|---|---|
| Small | Up to six gallons |
| Medium | Six to 14 gallons |
| Large | At least 14 gallons |
| Project Size | Tank Size |
Tank Material
Your shop vac tank will either be made of stainless steel or plastic. Plastic tanks are lighter, making the shop vac easier to carry from room to room. However, stainless steel is more durable and long-lasting.
Power
Horsepower is a measurement of how powerful the shop vac’s motor is and how much suction it offers. For small projects, a one- or two-horsepower motor will suffice. If you’re picking up larger debris, you’ll want a shop vac that has at least a four to six horsepower motor.
Storage
Shop vacs are much larger than regular vacuums, so they’ll take up more room in your closet, shed, or garage. If you have limited storage space, consider buying a smaller vacuum.
Common Uses for a Shop Vac
Shop vacs are highly effective tools for homeowners who need to remove dry materials as well as wet messes or large amounts of debris at your home or job site. I put together this guide of some of the most common uses for shop vacs around the home.
- Cleaning a Garage: Shop vacs are excellent for dust collection for sawdust, wood shavings, metal chips, and other debris commonly found in areas like a workshop or garage.
- Removing Water and Other Liquids: Shop vacs can handle water and other liquids, making them ideal for removing spills, cleaning up flooded areas, and drying out carpets after water damage.
- Cleaning Car’s Interior: Shop vacs can be used to thoroughly clean the interior of your car, including carpets, seats, floor mats, and the trunk. They can remove dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and even small liquid spills.
- Unclog Sinks and Drains: With the right accessory attachment, you can use a shop vac to remove clogs in your sink, tub, or drain.
- Cleaning Outdoor Areas and Surfaces: Shop vacs are effective for cleaning outdoor spaces such as decks, patios and outdoor furniture. They can also be used to remove leaves and pick up dirt and debris.
- Removing Pet Hair: Shop vacs can be highly effective tools for removing pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What power source do shop vacs use?
Shop vacs use electricity to run. Most are corded shop vacs that you plug into an outlet, but some cordless shop vacs have a rechargeable battery. Shop vacs with power cords have an unlimited supply of electricity, but they require extension cords for more reach. Battery-powered cordless wet vacuums are more portable, but they require frequent recharges and may have a higher price point.
Will my shop vac come with accessories?
The shop vac you choose may or may not come with accessories. If it does, those accessories will likely include multiple brushes and extension wands to clean more surfaces in your home, car, and workspace.
What is a wet/dry shop vac?
A wet/dry shop vac is capable of picking up both dry debris and liquids.
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