Reviews of the Best Shop Vac in 2018
Choosing The All-time Shop Vac 2018
Whether you have an expensive Dyson or an onetime Hoover, a vacuum cleaner can brand your life easy around the firm. Sometimes the task at manus may be a bit too tough, withal, which is where a shop vac comes in handy.
Our best shop vac guide is going to requite you a crash course on what to look. Things similar accessories and filters are merely a few areas we'll encompass, and nosotros've also included some of the top options whether you demand a Wet/Dry vac or one that's quieter than most.
Run into Peak Picks
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Considerations before buying
Dissimilar their taller brothers, shop vacs are known for their brute force. They can also blow air, so they are a 2-in-1 tool of sorts and one you'll be happy you own once you see what information technology can exercise.
While shop vacs aren't as expensive as a Paslode nailer or the all-time cordless drill, y'all still demand to await earlier you leap and consider these areas…
Power
Before yous retrieve nearly what's in the box or the capacity of the storage tank, y'all'll want to call up about horsepower.
At the top finish, the best shop vac will take a motor rated at around vi.5 Peak HP. But known as PHP, this is a term used to gauge how powerful the motors are in the shop vac world. Information technology'south the total output of the motor which includes inertia.
If you want to dig a little deeper, there are other ways to cheque a shop vacs prowess also.
The AP is the Air Power rating, and something y'all might be able to uncover on pricier models. This tells you how practiced the vacuum is at picking up heavy objects. While that may sound strange if you've never owned a shop vac, they are designed to handle screws, bolts and other heavy droppings.
Some other area would exist sealed pressure level. This won't be as important if you are looking for the best store vac for dust collection or don't programme on dealing with the moisture stuff very often.
The SP rating is primal when dealing with liquids as it tells yous how much suction pressure a motorcar has. If your vacuum doesn't take a good seal, information technology loses suction so look for a high rating in this section if you want the best Wet/Dry Vac.
The Hose
The hose is some other fundamental chemical element and overlooked mostly. That would be a large error as a shoddy hose can cause a great store vac to underperform.
Hoses in this class are generally 2 1/2," but the thickness varies beyond the lath. If y'all get a hose that is too thick, it tin can exist unwieldy and hard to manage. If it'southward also thin, information technology tin can kink and cut off suction in seconds.
The length of the hose usually doesn't go beyond vi-feet or so although there are a few exceptions. Just recall, you can ever replace the hose or employ an extension if you see troubles down the line or like a vacuum simply not the hose.
Shop Vac cords
We would honey to tell you that there is a standard length for shop vac cords, only they are all over the place. Some models will accept 15-foot cords while others may clock in at nether 10-anxiety. While an extension string will give you lot more accomplish, the best store vacuum will give yous plenty to work with out of the box.
If your shop vac does have a long cord, check to see if it gives you an easy way to store it when information technology is non in utilize. Most quality machines have a handle wrap or a set of hooks.
The quality of the string is fundamental as well. Flimsy cords are prone to develop weak spots, and nosotros have all been guilty of "dragging" a tool by the string.
Tank Capacity
The best shop vac doesn't have to accept a xv-gallon drum, especially if you're buying it to use in the motorcar or around the house.
This is where you need to proceed your needs in listen as bigger may not exist better. Larger tanks mean larger machines, and shop vacs are already awkward to store compared to a regular upright. For general household use, anything between six to x gallons should suffice.
Build Quality
It's safe to say shop vacuums are not complicated machines. They have a collection tank, a superlative with a motor, and a hose. They also have wheels, but that'southward near information technology then maintenance will be minimal in most cases.
That doesn't hateful you don't need to pay attention to the build quality, all the same, peculiarly if you are in the market for an industrial model.
Pay attention to how thick the plastic drum is and check out those wheels as well. Caster wheels are great, only only if they work well and don't snap off inside a month. Some models may accept metal tanks which are more than durable. They don't greatly increase the weight only can be noisier.
Filters
Every vacuum on our listing comes with a standard filter. In fact, some of the peak rated store vacs come with two. The cartridge style filters are what you'll want for full general use while foam or other specialty filters are used with liquids.
You can pick up extra filters for your shop vac or one to suit the task at hand.
Are you working with drywall or other materials that put off fine dust? Then look for a fine particulate or HEPA filter. Choosing the right filter for the job is half the battle, and you'll also desire to go on the costs of replacements in heed.
Attachments
Attachments are some other item you volition find in the box of every shop vacuum. Extension wands are the well-nigh common by a longshot, and crevice or carpet tools are sometimes included as well.
What'south not equally mutual are flexible elbows that allow yous to get difficult to reach places. That includes gutters, which are easy to deal with if your shop vac has a blower feature.
Blower
At one time, blowers were a rarity in the shop vac world, simply today y'all'll discover that almost every vac has a bravado function. This is platonic if y'all need to tidy up your backyard or tackle 12-pes gutters packed full of wet leaves. A 6HP motor will make quick work of that.
When it comes to blowers, there are 2 options to consider. You can choose a chop vacuum that blows with the flip of a switch or 1 that actually transforms. The latter is handy if you desire a total-fledged foliage blower as you lot'll only be tethered past the cord.
Noise Level
If yous accept ever been to a car wash with a vacuum station, yous have experienced a course of shop vac. Those beasts can be noisy, and so can a regular shop vacuum.
This is an area that won't thing to some but will be of the utmost importance to others. If you piece of work in an area where silence is golden, you don't desire a vacuum cleaner that rattles the roof. Thankfully, the quietest shop vac is not an illusion as many manufacturers have utilized tech to quite things downwards. Nosotros take even included a few of those models below.
Warranty
We always want our products to come with groovy warranties, even if we forget to fill out those little cards that come in the box. About electrical products come with one, including shop vacuums.
You probably won't find a shop vac with a 10-year guarantee, but information technology's non uncommon to find them with warranties ranging from iii to 5 years. Longer is manifestly meliorate, and you may be surprised to observe many store vac ratings leave this important fact out.
Shop Vac Buying Guide
Earlier nosotros give you our top options, we're going to become over a few areas for beginners briefly. Equally mentioned, a shop vacuum doesn't require much maintenance, but there are a few things you all the same need to proceed in mind.
How to clean a store vac filter
Unless you swim through piles of money like Scrooge McDuck, y'all will want to learn how to clean a shop vac filter. It may be messy at times, only it will save you a considerable corporeality of money in the long run.
If y'all have a foam sleeve or filter built for water, yous can generally merely rinse those out under the tap. As for cartridge filers, they can be beaten out – a technique we covered at length in our guide on how to make clean a shop vac filter.
You volition know information technology'southward time to clean your shop vacuum filter as you tin can actually "feel" the difference in suction if y'all don't detect information technology. You may likewise see clouds of dust for effectually the exhaust if information technology becomes besides chock-full up.
How to use a store vac
While enough of shop vac reviews tell you how amazing a item production is, that doesn't assistance if y'all don't know how to utilize one.
The expert news is, we covered that in our guide on how to apply a shop vac properly and it's just as piece of cake as you'd think. We won't go into all the details, simply if you are capable of flipping a switch and moving a hose, you will have no trouble using this particular type of tool.
Store vac uses
If you are familiar with shop vacs, you may already know they can also deed as blowers. That'due south handy for moving leaves nigh, and they have far more than sucking power than a regular vacuum.
Did you know you lot can also use it to feed wire through tight spots?
That's only ane of the tricks at your disposal in one case y'all chief the shop vac. Cleaning out fireplaces, blowing up pool toys and defrosting freezers are only a few ways to use a shop vac. It's a tool that will certainly surprise y'all with its versatility.
Shop Vac Reviews
If you lot're however hanging with united states, now information technology'southward time for the good stuff.
Our experts have perused the web, picked through product manuals and shell the bushes to find the top shop vacs effectually. Beneath y'all'll detect options for the best overall model along with machines that are built to exist portable and vacuums that are quieter than most.
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Best Shop Vac Overall
RIDGID VAC1200
Orangish and Black have always been a pop combination in the tool world, but a relatively new player in the game is bringing them to the forefront once more. That would exist RIDGID, and the VAC1200 is our choice for the best store vac.
At only five Peak HP, this vacuum is non the most powerful shop vac, and it'southward far from the cheapest.
Wonder what makes it special? That has to do with the build quality and the overall blueprint, performance and the fact it transforms into a min foliage blower.
Power and Performance
While you can detect more powerful blowers, this i is optimized to provide meridian functioning whether you're vacuuming upward a puddle of goop or cleaning out your floorboards.
The collection tank is thick and in the "pro" class and so you can take this ane to the job site without fear. When y'all aren't sucking up dust, dirt and other forms of debris you can switch to blower mode in a matter of seconds.
Y'all can detach the motor from the RIDGID VAC1200 and toss on an extension when you lot need to blow leaves or give a machine a skillful dust off. We don't have an exact number on the weight of said blower but trust u.s.a. when we say it's light enough for anyone to use.
Features
We already told y'all how sturdy the tank is on the VAC1200, and it's a proficient size at 12 gallons. That's more nigh folks will ever need for habitation use and platonic for contractors.
Working with liquid?
You'll be thrilled with the big bleed port which allows yous to quickly empty the drum without breaking a sweat. 12-gallons of liquid tin be heavy, then a peachy plug is always a plus. Nosotros love the cord length on this vacuum likewise. At 20-feet, it'due south unlikely y'all'll demand an extension string in one case you lot factor in the hose and extensions.
Every bit for that hose, it's 8-foot and locks into place, something that's handy if yous tend to tug on hoses and cords.
It won't pull loose and leave yous with a mess and is considerably sturdier other hoses. The dual flex hose also won't crimp upwardly, and is very flexible and easy to use.
Filter and Accessories
We hesitate to call accessories a negative on this model, merely you aren't going to get as many equally you lot will on other models. There are two extension wands, a blower nozzle, and a utility nozzle – that's it. Given the price, we would take like to have seen a few more attachments.
There is merely 1 filter included with the RIDGID VAC1200 as well. It'southward a Qwik Lock paper filter, but other models are available if you demand one for liquid or drywall dust.
Verdict
This shop vac is your all-time option if you demand a machine that tin handle tough tasks effectually the hose or on the chore. Information technology's fairly portable and very durable. The detachable blower is also a huge bonus and a feature we would like to see on more than models.
On the downside, it'due south non cheap, and we do experience there should be a bit more in the box given the price point. The warranty more than makes up for that shortcoming notwithstanding every bit you go a full lifetime warranty against defects and workmanship.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Craftsman 9-17761
While technically in our second spot, the Craftsman 9-17761 shop vac is but a pilus backside our top option. Information technology'south bigger and is some other wet/dry vac geared towards the professionals or consumers that take a lot of messes to deal with around their household.
Everything about this vacuum is large and in accuse. It has a half dozen HP motor that's rated at 170 Blowing MPH and sports a massive 16-gallon drum. While not exactly svelte, it'southward not heavy and rolls hands on flat surfaces. The wheels get some additional protection, but it's not ane you'll want to drag through rocks.
This machine has a 7-pes dual flex hose and a twenty-human foot ability cord, so in that location's plenty of reach. There are too plenty of attachments in the box with 2 wands, a crevice tool, utility nozzle and web nozzle.
The Craftsman nine-17761 cannot transform into a blower but does have a high-speed exhaust port. Information technology comes with i filter, and then you will want to choice up additional ones or a specialty filter if yous're dealing with water.
Craftsman has produced a solid store vac in the nine-17761, only information technology's non without its faults. The biggest one would exist the warranty in our eyes as y'all will merely get ane year. Because cheaper models come with longer warranties, it's a thwarting.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Budget Pick: Store-Vac 5986000
Rounding out our choices for the peak overall shop vac is something for consumers on a tight budget. The Store-Vac 5986000 won't strain your bank account and is an option for the best portable shop vac every bit well due to its overall size.
Shop-Vac wanted to keep things simple and affordable with the 5986000, and they certainly succeeded. It is a 5-gallon vac with a 4.v Tiptop HP motor complete with a blower port if you want to throw a few leaves around.
The highlight of this model would be the stainless steel drum and the tool storage system. We beloved the rack while that drove tank looks adept and is functional to boot. While tip overs shouldn't exist a problem with a good gear up of wheels, the Store-Vac 5986000 has a full circumference dolly to go along it upright.
Other features to note for the shop vac include a secure latch system for the tank, a top handle, and three extension poles. That gives this piddling vacuum a flake more accomplish, and that'south a good matter every bit the hose is merely 7-human foot long. It'south also less than 2-inches in bore and not quite as thick as nosotros'd like.
Information technology may non be large or overly powerful, but the Shop-Vac 5986000 is a fine pick if you need something for your home or small shop. The cost signal makes it an attractive choice, and while pocket-size, information technology still has enough of popular.
You can aslo cheque our review for Shop-vac 9633400.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Best Wet Dry Vac
Non all store vacuums tin can deal with liquids. Some are just made to pick up clay and dust in your shop. If you need one that tin handle water and other liquids, y'all'll want a Wet/Dry out shop vac.
Meridian Pick: Vacmaster VQ607SFD
Looking for something with more than capacity than our budget choice? Vacmaster may take the solution for y'all in the VQ607SFD which is rated at vi gallons and still keeps things light and affordable.
This is another vacuum with a stainless steel drum, which is ideal for liquids and looks pretty darned skillful to kicking. Information technology has onboard storage for your accessories and sports a 7-pes hose that'southward flexible and more than durable than information technology looks.
Exercise you plan to work outdoors?
If so, yous will like the conditions resistant nature of the Vacmaster VQ607SFD. The drum helps in this regard, just the ability switch is sealed, and the wheels provide you with plenty of clearance. You can suck up water while working in it, then poor weather won't keep yous off the job.
You won't get many accessories with the VQ607FD, but it does come with the usual. The value comes with the filters as yous'll get a pocketbook, cartridge and cream filter out of the box. It is an amazing option for light-duty apply, but not something you'll desire if you are a pro.
You tin can also bank check our review for the Vacmaster VBV1210.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Runner-upwards: Craftsman 12004
If you lot prefer plastic to steel, the Craftsman 12004 is well worth a await. This is another 6-gallon machine in the Moisture/Dry class, and one with some features we remember y'all'll appreciate.
This one could almost qualify every bit the best portable store vacuums. Even at 6-gallons, it doesn't exit a large footprint. Nosotros also like the clearance on the 12004 even if the caster wheels could have been a bit sturdier.
Tech specs for this model include a 3 Peak HP motor, a 10-foot power cord and a series of handy attachments. Information technology tin quickly catechumen to a blower when you need to tackle a yard full of leaves too. Information technology may not be the best-looking vacuum on our list, but it certainly gets the chore done.
While modest, this vacuum also comes with a couple of "hooks" that fit on the side to keep your hose wrapped when non in use. If yous're interested in the Craftsman 12004, you can read more nigh information technology in our full review of the Craftsman 12004.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Best Shop Vac for Dust Collection
Every store vac on our list can be used for dust drove, only some do it better than others. With that in mind, here are two that stand up out from the pack.
Top Pick: DeWalt DWV012
When something is dubbed a "grit extractor" y'all tend to pay attention. The DeWalt DWV012 is no ordinary tool, and information technology may be the last vacuum you buy if dust collection is important to you.
As you can see by the pattern, this shop vac is not for full general utilize. It'due south big with a 10-gallon drum and sports a 15-amp motor rated at 140 CFM. It'southward also a HEPA vacuum, then it is built to deal with fine particulates – not nails or water.
One of the unique features on the DeWalt DWV012 is the built-in filter cleaner. This system sends a pulse every thirty seconds to ensure the filter stays clear. Information technology's not something you'll detect on other machines, and neither is variable suction control.
At over 30 pounds, this vacuum is not going to be for everyone. The price tag may rule it out for some as well considering yous can buy iv budget models for the price of one DWV012. That said, if yous need full HEPA filtration in the shop, expect no farther as you may have establish your best pick.
Click hither to read user reviews on Amazon.
Runner-up: Ridgid WD1450
It'southward hard to compare our runner-up to our top choice. Both are built for the pros, just the DeWalt obviously takes the cake with its HEPA filtration system. The Ridgid WD1450 is no slouch, however, and one to consider if y'all need a solid accommodating unit.
We already covered this vacuum at length, and so we won't dig too deep this time around. Instead, we are going to focus on the fine points which included a vi Peak HP motor and a massive 14-gallon pulsate. Information technology's a Wet/Dry out vac, then liquids, nails, and dirt will be no match for this one.
The WD1450 also has a string longer than other models in this range at twenty feet. It wraps around the handle for ease of utilise, and we recollect y'all'll exist thrilled with the large port on this one also. There aren't many accessories with this model, but you volition dig the way they are stored which makes dumping the tub a breeze.
In a nutshell, it's a great shop vacuum you tin can use on the home or job site, and information technology certainly won't pause the bank. It also has an outstanding warranty, and then it'south a tool that will likely outlive your others.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Best Portable Shop Vac
All the all-time shop vacs have a few things in common, and i of those would exist wheels. Every vacuum on our list has a set, but some are more portable than others due to their size or a unique gear up of features.
Elevation Choice: DeWalt DCV581H
Sometimes, large things come in very modest packages. While shop vacs aren't known for their atomic nature, the DeWalt DCV581H bucks that trend and is an pick for the all-time cordless shop vac.
The DeWalt DCV581H is a convertible store vac in more than than one sense. It's small enough that yous can bear it effectually like a household canister vac, but considerably more powerful. Needless to say, it works equally a leaf blower as well.
A 5-human foot hose is integrated into the auto and wraps around the back when not in use. It runs on the company'due south 18 and 20V batteries, or y'all can employ the power cord if you prefer unlimited juice.
Some other perk would be the filtration system on this machine. While it can't concur as much equally a normal shop vac, information technology comes with a HEPA filter rated at 99.97% efficiency. That's impressive and so overall design every bit the company covered everything with this compact picayune unit.
The i downside of the DeWalt DCV581H is also its chief advantage. It's portable, but it won't hold much debris compared to a regular model. The vac is available as a bare tool, with a 20V bombardment or every bit a kit.
Click hither to read user reviews on Amazon.
Runner-upward: Milwaukee 0880-20
Whereas DeWalt's shop vacuum had a streamlined blueprint, this one looks more like a lunchbox. That'due south not necessarily a bad affair, particularly if you're a fan of Milwaukee's lineup of power tools.
The Milwaukee 0880-twenty is a cordless shop vac that functions every bit a blower and can handle liquids with ease. The blower port provides enough of ability, and the filter is of the HEPA variety. Grit and fine particulates are no friction match for this vacuum.
Ane cool feature of this model would be the top. Underneath the lid, you'll notice a few accessories along with the power switch and the bombardment. A holder handles an extension on the side while the front end unbuckles when it's fourth dimension to dump.
The Milwaukee 08820-20 is arguably the all-time pocket-size shop vac if you are willing to work within the company's tool system. If you already own a few of their cordless tools, this would be an amazing add-on to your armory and won't take upwardly much space in your shop or toolbox.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Most Powerful Store Vac
Sometimes you need special filters to bargain with particles, and others times you simply need power. If you're in the market for animal force, yous volition appreciate what these vacuums bring to the tabular array.
Acme Pick: Workshop WS1600SS
While 6.5 Height HP is zilch to scoff at, it is common with pro model store vacs. WORKSHOP'due south WS1600SS vacuum sets itself apart from the oversupply past its overall prowess which makes it our pick for the most powerful store vac.
The WS1600SS has a 16-gallon stainless steel drove tank. Just let that sink in for a minute. That's considerably larger than other "pro" models, and information technology'due south a Moisture/Dry out vacuum as well. Information technology's non what we would consider heavy, but y'all will appreciate that cart on the task site.
Large rear wheels allow you lot to traverse whatever type of terrain and the locking hose is flexible merely very durable. As for that motor, the company claims it'due south capable of sucking up a gallon of water per second. At that rate, you lot're going to be thankful or the large drainage port.
The only negative to the WORKSHOP WS1600SS would be the price. That will rule it out for some, but if you're a contractor, information technology's a auto you'll seriously desire to consider. It comes with a nice array of accessories as well and an outstanding 5-yr limited warranty.
Click hither to read user reviews on Amazon.
Runner-up: Craftsman XSP
When perusing shop vacuum reviews, one make pops up more than most. That would be Craftsman, and the XPS 16 shop vacuum is another solid pick if you're looking for a powerful shop vac. It's also considerably cheaper than our top choice.
You may not go a handle or 2 big dorsum wheels, but the Craftsman XSP as well has a 6.five Height HP motor. It can suck up dust or water and has a blower function too. The pulsate is also 16-gallons, and then you're going to have plenty of room for droppings with this one.
This machine has a 20-foot cord and a sturdy 7-foot hose that's ii 1/2" in bore. The drain port is above average, just nosotros can't say the same of the caster wheels. We feel those could be a bit sturdier and we're not large fans of the style the accessories attach to the wheels. Bad-mannered is the first word to come to mind.
We can't attest the power of this i compared to the WORKSHOP WS1600SS, but the main departure lies in the build quality and blueprint. It'due south non cheaply made by any means; information technology's just not as solid as we'd like considering its size and that powerful motor. The Craftsman XPS is a good pick for homeowners and contractors that need a vacuum with a big pulsate.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Quietest Shop Vac
Looking for a shop vacuum that won't wake the babe? Unfortunately, you lot're out of luck, but we accept found a few models that are far quieter than your typical shop vacuum.
Top Pick: Fein Turbo Two
The Fein Turbo Ii has the distinction of taking two honors from the states. It's the almost futuristic looking motorcar on our list, and it's besides the most expensive. That's because information technology'due south a specialty model, and we remember you lot'll be thrilled by what it can practice.
Take yous ever seen a tool that tin can start itself? Well, this one has an car-offset system and features by-pass cooling. The latter allows you vacuum to outlast other models by keeping dirty air away from the motor.
Yous don't become named the quietest vacuum for no reason. The Fein Turbo'due south racket level is only 66dB which makes it ideal for businesses where racket and messes are a concern. That would include places with h2o equally it has a static water lift of 98.four" and air flow rate of 151 CFM.
There are actually no drawbacks to this one in regards to the build quality, power or functionality. Equally mentioned, it carries a steep price tag, so it'southward geared more towards businesses that require a special type of vacuum and not necessarily homeowners.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Runner-up: Ridgid WD1851
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Rounding things out is a machine that may look a bit familiar. It'southward the Ridgid WD1851, which resembles many of the visitor's other models, only has one feature those others lack. This 1 is quieter, and information technology's got a dainty 3-phase filter as well.
A solid cart with big dorsum wheels will help you get beyond rocky ground or flat surfaces with ease. You'll become plenty of reach from the Ridgid WD1851 thank you to a 20-foot string and a 7-pes dual-flex locking hose. Throw in a couple of extension wands, and you're well over xxx feet.
At sixteen gallons, this vacuum can hold enough of sawdust, nails or other types of droppings. Water won't be an issue as long every bit you switch out the filter and they've included a wide affray of accessories in the box. It comes with a nozzle for your car, a crevice tool, diffuser, utility nozzle, wet nozzle and ii types of filters.
While we like the Ridgid WD1851, it's going to be a matter of choice for some consumers. Information technology'southward a durable automobile with plenty of power, and it is quieter than other models with the aforementioned size motor. It's lacking in a few areas, however, and it comparable in price to some of our other choices with a wider ready of features.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.
Determination
Information technology may not be quite as handy as a cordless drill, but a good shop vac is a piece of equipment nosotros highly recommend.
As you lot can run into from our options, there is truly a cost betoken for everyone. There are also plenty of machines built for consumers with special needs whether it's 4-inches of water or working in areas that crave finesse.
Source: https://woodworkboss.com/product-guides/best-shop-vac/
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