Best Shop Vacs
A shop vac is an essential tool for any workshop, garage, or home. These versatile devices can clean up wet and dry spills, remove sawdust and debris, and even unclog drains. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which shop vac is right for you. To make your decision easier, we've compiled a list of the 10 best shop vacs of 2023, complete with detailed reviews.
Top 10 Best Shop Vacs of 2023:
1. DEWALT DXV16PA 16 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 16-gallon capacity
- 6.5 peak horsepower
- Built-in blower port
The DEWALT DXV16PA is a powerful and versatile wet/dry vacuum, boasting a 16-gallon capacity and a 6.5 peak horsepower motor. The built-in blower port allows you to quickly convert the vacuum into a powerful blower, making it perfect for cleaning up leaves and debris in your workshop or yard. The durable poly tank is built to withstand heavy use, and the extra-large drain makes it easy to empty when full.
2. Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with Detachable Blower
Highlights:
- 12-gallon capacity
- 5 peak horsepower
- Detachable blower
The Vacmaster VBV1210 is a versatile 2-in-1 wet/dry vacuum and blower with a 12-gallon capacity and a 5 peak horsepower motor. The detachable blower is easy to remove and snaps on and off with ease. The large rear wheels and front casters make it easy to maneuver the vacuum around your workspace or yard.
3. Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 9-gallon capacity
- 4.25 peak horsepower
- On-board storage
The Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 is a reliable wet/dry vacuum with a 9-gallon capacity and a 4.25 peak horsepower motor. The on-board storage keeps all your accessories organized and easily accessible. This vacuum is perfect for medium-sized jobs, and the built-in blower port makes it easy to clean up leaves and debris.
4. Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 14-gallon capacity
- 6 peak horsepower
- Noise reduction technology
The Ridgid WD1450 is a powerful wet/dry vacuum with a 14-gallon capacity and a 6 peak horsepower motor. The noise reduction technology ensures a quieter operation, making it perfect for use in residential areas. The large rear wheels and front casters make it easy to maneuver the vacuum around your workspace or yard.
5. Milwaukee 0880-20 18-Volt Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- Cordless operation
- Compatible with Milwaukee M18 batteries
- HEPA filter
The Milwaukee 0880-20 is a cordless wet/dry vacuum that operates on Milwaukee's M18 battery platform. This vacuum is perfect for on-the-go cleanup tasks and offers the convenience of a cordless device. The built-in HEPA filter ensures that fine dust and allergens are captured, making it a great option for those with allergies.
6. Shop-Vac 5989700 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 16-gallon capacity
- 6.5 peak horsepower
- Integrated blower port
The Shop-Vac 5989700 is a powerful wet/dry vacuum with a 16-gallon capacity and a 6.5 peak horsepower motor. The integrated blower port makes it easy to switch between vacuuming and blowing tasks. The large rear wheels and front casters make it easy to maneuver the vacuum around your workspace or yard.
7. Stanley SL18191P 10-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 10-gallon capacity
- 4 peak horsepower
- Built-in power outlet
The Stanley SL18191P is a versatile wet/dry vacuum with a 10-gallon capacity and a 4 peak horsepower motor. The built-in power outlet allows you to plug in your power tools directly into the vacuum for easy operation. The rear blower port makes it easy to switch between vacuuming and blowing tasks.
8. Bosch VAC090A 9-Gallon Dust Extractor
Highlights:
- 9-gallon capacity
- Automatic filter cleaning
- Power tool activation
The Bosch VAC090A is a high-quality dust extractor with a 9-gallon capacity. The automatic filter cleaning system cleans the filter every 15 seconds to ensure maximum suction power. The power tool activation feature allows the vacuum to start automatically when your power tool is turned on, makingit perfect for woodworking and construction tasks.
9. Makita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Highlights:
- 12-gallon capacity
- Variable suction control
- Automatic filter cleaning
The Makita VC4710 is a powerful wet/dry vacuum with a 12-gallon capacity. The variable suction control allows you to adjust the suction power to suit your needs, while the automatic filter cleaning system ensures that the filter remains clean for optimal performance. This vacuum is perfect for professional use, with its durable construction and efficient design.
10. Festool CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
Highlights:
- 6.9-gallon capacity
- HEPA filter
- Tool-triggered operation
The Festool CT 26 E is a premium dust extractor with a 6.9-gallon capacity. The HEPA filter ensures that fine dust and allergens are captured, making it an excellent option for those with allergies or sensitivities. The tool-triggered operation allows the vacuum to start automatically when your power tool is turned on, making it perfect for woodworking and construction tasks.
What to Look for in Shop Vacs
Size and Capacity
Shop vacs come in various sizes, typically ranging from 2 to 20 gallons in capacity. Consider your specific needs and the space you have available for storage when selecting the right size:
- Small (2-6 gallons): Ideal for light-duty tasks and small spaces. They are portable and easy to maneuver.
- Medium (6-14 gallons): Suitable for most residential and workshop applications, these have a larger capacity and can handle bigger messes.
- Large (14-20 gallons): Best for heavy-duty tasks and commercial use. They have a higher capacity and more powerful suction but may be more challenging to store and transport.
Power
The power of a shop vac is measured in horsepower (HP). The higher the HP, the more powerful the suction. Choose a shop vac with sufficient power to handle the tasks you'll be using it for:
- Light-duty (1-4 HP): Suitable for small messes and light cleaning tasks.
- Medium-duty (4-6 HP): Ideal for most residential and workshop applications.
- Heavy-duty (6 HP and above): Best for heavy-duty tasks, large debris, and commercial use.
Filtration
Consider the filtration levels offered by a shop vac. A good filtration system is essential if you'll be dealing with fine dust, allergens, or hazardous materials. Look for shop vacs with HEPA filters or multiple filtration stages for better performance.
Hose Length and Diameter
The hose length and diameter can impact the usability and performance of the shop vac. Longer hoses offer more reach, while wider hoses can handle larger debris without clogging. However, a wider hose may reduce suction power. Consider the tasks you'll be using the shop vac for and choose a hose length and diameter that best suits your needs.
Attachments and Accessories
Shop vacs often come with various attachments and accessories to handle different cleaning tasks. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush nozzles, and extension wands. Some models may also come with specialized attachments for specific jobs like car cleaning or woodworking.
Noise Level
Some shop vacs can be quite loud, making it uncomfortable to use them for extended periods. Check the noise level (measured in decibels, dB) of the shop vac you're considering, and opt for a quieter model if noise is a concern.
Price and Warranty
Finally, consider your budget and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Shop vacs can range in price from around $50 to several hundred dollars. A good warranty can offer peace of mind and protect your investment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 10 shop vacs offer a range of features, capacities, and power levels to suit various needs. When choosing a shop vac, consider factors such as the size of your workspace, the types of materials you'll be cleaning up, and your budget. By selecting the right shop vac for your needs, you'll be able to keep your workspace or home clean and organized with ease.