What Would you Use a Shop Vac for?<\/h2>\n
Shop vacs tend to be most suited for woodworking shops and construction sites. In a garage or workshop, a Shop Vac would be used to clean up sawdust, chunks of wood, suction screws, metal pieces, and various other bits of debris and messes that may be lying around. Shop Vacs are usually more powerful than their domestic counterparts and can be just what you need for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.<\/p>\n
Key Features to Consider<\/h2>\n
When shopping for a shop vac, there are several key features to consider to ensure you get the best performance for your needs. Some of the most important features to look for include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Suction Power<\/strong>: High suction power is crucial for effectively picking up tough messes and debris. Look for a shop vac with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to ensure it can handle the job.<\/li>\n
- Capacity<\/strong>: Consider the size of the messes you need to clean up and choose a shop vac with a capacity that can handle them. Larger tanks are ideal for extensive cleanups, while smaller tanks are suitable for lighter tasks.<\/li>\n
- Power Levels<\/strong>: Some shop vacs come with adjustable power levels, allowing you to customize the suction power based on the type of mess. This feature can be particularly useful for delicate surfaces or heavy-duty cleanups.<\/li>\n
- Build Quality<\/strong>: A sturdy build and durable materials are essential for a shop vac that will withstand regular use. Look for models with robust construction and high-quality components to ensure longevity.<\/li>\n
- Accessory Storage<\/strong>: Consider a shop vac with built-in accessory storage, such as compartments for hoses, crevice tools, and other attachments. This feature makes it easier to keep everything organized and readily accessible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Shop Vac: Keep Your Workshop or Office Clean<\/h2>\n
Selecting the right shop vac, also known as a wet\/dry vacuum, for a business is crucial, especially for environments like workshops, construction sites, or any place that requires heavy-duty cleaning. Here\u2019s a guide to the key criteria for choosing the best shop vac:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Suction Power and Performance<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- High suction power is essential for effectively picking up both wet and dry debris. Look for a powerful motor that provides strong and consistent suction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Tank Capacity<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 8\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The size of the tank determines how much debris the vac can hold. Larger tanks are beneficial for bigger spaces or more extensive clean-up tasks but consider the trade-off in terms of portability. Additionally, consider how much space the filter takes, as it reduces the effective vacuum capacity, especially in smaller models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Filter Quality<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- A high-quality filter is crucial, especially for fine dust. Some models offer HEPA filters for improved air quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Durability and Build Quality<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 8\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The shop vac should be rugged and durable, capable of withstanding rough handling in a work environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Portability and Maneuverability<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Features like caster wheels, carrying handles, and a compact design enhance mobility, especially in dynamic workspaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Noise Level<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 6\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Consider the noise level, as loud vacuums can be disruptive in certain environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Ease of Use and Maintenance<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The shop vac should be user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and straightforward maintenance procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Wet and Dry Capabilities<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Ensure the vacuum can handle both wet and dry pickups, as this versatility is a key advantage of shop vacs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Hose Length and Attachments<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- A longer hose and a variety of attachments can enhance the vac\u2019s versatility, allowing it to reach tight spaces and clean various surfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Cost and Budget<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- \n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Balance the cost with the features and quality of the shop vac. More expensive models might offer better performance and durability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now that you know how we chose them, check out our picks for the best wet\/dry vacs on Amazon:<\/p>\n
CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon Shop Vac<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"CRAFTSMAN](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/p>\nWith 20 gallons of capacity and 6.5 horsepower, this craftsman is a workhorse. The wet\/dry feature can clean almost any size mess with its Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System.<\/p>\n
This shop vac comes with a 20 ft. power cord, a blowing port to blow dirt, and six different attachments. Compared to other models, the CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon Shop Vac stands out for its powerful suction and versatile features.<\/p>\n
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 20 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet\/Dry Vac<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
DeWALT 6 Gallon Wet\/Dry Vac<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThis DeWALT comes with a six-gallon capacity and four peak horsepower for wet or dry cleanup jobs. You also get a 10′ power cord, rubberized swiveling casters, a built-in blower port, and three different types of nozzles.<\/p>\n
At 14.7 pounds, you can easily carry this vac wherever you need it.<\/p>\n
DeWALT DXV06P 6 gallon Poly Wet\/Dry Vac, Yellow<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon Vacuum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThe name Shop-Vac has been around since 1965, and the overall quality is what makes it such a good brand. Stainless steel construction, a five-gallon stainless steel tank, 4.5 peak horsepower motor, and the Shop-Vac brand make this a great tool.<\/p>\n
Add the 3-year warranty and the readily available attachments, filters, and kits, making it even better.<\/p>\n
Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Stanley 5 Gallon <\/strong>Shop Vac <\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThe Stanley name is synonymous with construction, and this shop vac is built to withstand different working environments.<\/p>\n
Four-horsepower motor power this multifunctional stainless steel vacuum\/blower. You get a 5′ hose, a 10′ power cord, a five-gallon capacity tank, and multiple attachments.<\/p>\n
Stanley 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 4 Peak HP Stainless Steel 3 in 1 Shop Vac Blower<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet\/Dry Vac<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nNot all businesses need a large shop vac. This Armor All vacuum is a light but powerful tool if this is your case. You get a two-peak horsepower motor and a gallon tank along with a 10\u2019 power cord.<\/p>\n
Onboard accessories and storage with a handle on the top make it easy to carry this 7-pound vacuum. A six-foot hose, a reusable cloth filter, a wet foam filter, a 2-in-1 utility nozzle with brush, a crevice tool, and a detail brush with a two-year warranty are all part of the deal. It is also considered one of the best cordless shop vac options for its portability and efficiency.<\/p>\n
Armor All, AA255, 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet\/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Professional Beast Series – 16 Gallon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThis vacuum’s suction power and airflow can easily tackle any tough job around the job site, shop, or in the Garage.<\/p>\n
The 6.5 horsepower motor sits on top of a 16-gallon tank for tackling big cleaning jobs. The 7′ hose comes with a 20′ power cord, giving you 27′ of total reach.<\/p>\n
Two extension wands, floor nozzle with squeegee and brush, fine dust cartridge filter, foam filter, and air and noise diffuser come with the Vacmaster.<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Professional \u2013 Professional Wet\/Dry Vac, 16 Gallon, Beast Series<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B – 4 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nWith a 4-peak horsepower motor, this is a wet\/dry vacuum with a lot of suction power. A compact design makes it light at 11.58 pounds, even though it has a 4-gallon stainless steel tank.<\/p>\n
A 10′ power cord, floor nozzle, three extension wands, hose, and gulper nozzle give you plenty of reach. Porter-Cable also includes a three-year limited warranty for this vac.<\/p>\n
Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B 4 gallon 4Hp Wet\/Dry Vacuum<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vacmaster VJC507P Vacuum – 5 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nDon\u2019t be fooled by its small size, the Vacmaster VJC507P is a powerful portable shop vac that easily handles a variety of messes. It features a powerful 3-peak HP motor that easily picks up liquid messes and dry debris with ease. The powerful motor is also complemented by a 5-gallon tough polypropylene tank. The 360 degrees casters and a well-thought-out top handle allow for easy transportation. This is certainly a great wet dry shop vac at its price range. Additionally, the Vacmaster VJC507P is a practical cordless shop vac option, offering portability and convenience for various cleaning tasks.<\/p>\n
Vacmaster VJC507P – 5 Gallon<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 5 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThis 5-gallon Vacmaster is the perfect combination of convenience and performance. It comes with a 2-stage motor that\u2019s powerful enough to handle a variety of cleaning tasks. You also don\u2019t have to worry about reach as this vac is fitted with a 21-foot hose system and 20-foot power cord for an extra-long cleaning reach. Conveniently turn the vacuum on and off with the remote-control handle that\u2019s at the end of the hose. Done cleaning? Neatly store the VWMB508 on the wall.<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 5 Gallon<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
DEWALT Portable Shop Vacuum – 4 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nLooking for a small but powerful vacuum that you can take to any cleaning job? Look no further than the DEWALT DXV04T. This highly portable 4-gallon features a powerful 5-peak horsepower motor that provides just the amount of suction needed for the best cleanup of wet and dry messes. It also comes with a strong handle for easy carrying, a dust cartridge filter, a built-in 20-feet power cord, and an easy to access on and off switch.<\/p>\n
DEWALT DXV04T Portable Shop Vacuum – 4 Gallon<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Professional Vacuum – 5 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nVacmaster produces some great vacuums, and the Vacmaster Professional does not disappoint. This vacuum is designed to tackle the toughest cleanup jobs. It comes with a total 25 feet cleaning reach and includes 8 accessories for nearly any task. The rugged polypropylene tank is impact and corrosion-resistant. Integrated onboard storage provides hassle-free storage when the vac is not in use.<\/p>\n
Vacmaster Professional Vacuum – 5 Gallon<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
WORKSHOP WS1600SS Heavy Duty Vacuum \u2013 16 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nBacked with a 5-year warranty, this professional-grade vacuum comes with heavy-duty suction power that easily outperforms the toughest cleanup jobs. While it is larger in size than some of the other vacuums, it is still easy to move around thanks to the swivel casters, an ergonomic handle, and oversized rear wheels. A Qwik lock filter fastening system allows for quick and easy filter changes. An auto shut-off float mechanism prevents overflow during wet messes cleanup. This model hits the sweet spot for those needing a balance of heavy-duty performance and manageable size.<\/p>\n
WORKSHOP WS1600SS Heavy Duty Vacuum \u2013 16 Gallon<\/a><\/p>\n
Buy on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
VacuMaid GV30PRO Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 7 Gallon<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nManufactured in the USA, the VacuMaid GV30PRO is a powerful wall-mounted vacuum cleaner. This versatile cleaner comes with a variety of accessories and tools for your cleaning needs, including car care attachments, extension wands, floor, and above floor tools, a long 30-foot hose, and storage accessories. This vac is also super easy to maintain. It also mounts quickly and easily on the wall \u2013 no plumbing is necessary.<\/p>\n
- Balance the cost with the features and quality of the shop vac. More expensive models might offer better performance and durability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- A longer hose and a variety of attachments can enhance the vac\u2019s versatility, allowing it to reach tight spaces and clean various surfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Ensure the vacuum can handle both wet and dry pickups, as this versatility is a key advantage of shop vacs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The shop vac should be user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and straightforward maintenance procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Consider the noise level, as loud vacuums can be disruptive in certain environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 6\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Features like caster wheels, carrying handles, and a compact design enhance mobility, especially in dynamic workspaces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 7\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The shop vac should be rugged and durable, capable of withstanding rough handling in a work environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 8\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- A high-quality filter is crucial, especially for fine dust. Some models offer HEPA filters for improved air quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- The size of the tank determines how much debris the vac can hold. Larger tanks are beneficial for bigger spaces or more extensive clean-up tasks but consider the trade-off in terms of portability. Additionally, consider how much space the filter takes, as it reduces the effective vacuum capacity, especially in smaller models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 8\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- High suction power is essential for effectively picking up both wet and dry debris. Look for a powerful motor that provides strong and consistent suction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Scale of Importance: 9\/10<\/em><\/li>\n
- Capacity<\/strong>: Consider the size of the messes you need to clean up and choose a shop vac with a capacity that can handle them. Larger tanks are ideal for extensive cleanups, while smaller tanks are suitable for lighter tasks.<\/li>\n
![\"CRAFTSMAN](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/CRAFTSMAN-CMXEVBE17596-20-Gallon-6.5-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Vac.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"DeWALT](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/DeWALT-DXV06P-6-gallon-Poly-Wet-Dry-Vac-yellow.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Shop-Vac](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/Shop-Vac-5989300-5-Gallon-4.5-Peak-HP-Stainless-Steel-Wet-Dry-Vacuum.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Stanley](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/Stanley-5-Gallon-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-4-Peak-HP-Stainless-Steel-3-in-1-Shop-Vac-Blower-with-Powerful-Suction.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Armor](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/Armor-All-AA255-2.5-Gallon-2-Peak-HP-Wet-Dry-Utility-Shop-Vacuum.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Vacmaster](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/Vacmaster-Professional-Professional-Wet-Dry-Vac-16-Gallon.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Porter-Cable](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2020\/10\/Porter-Cable-PCX18301-4B-4-gallon-4Hp-Wet-Dry-Vacuum.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Vacmaster](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/Vacmaster-VJC507P-5-Gallon.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Vacmaster](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/Vacmaster-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-5-Gallon.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"DEWALT](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/DEWALT-DXV04T-Portable-4-gallon-Wet-Dry-Vaccum.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Vacmaster](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/Vacmaster-Professional-Professional-Wet-Dry-Vac.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"WORKSHOP](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/WORKSHOP-Wet-Dry-Vacs.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"VacuMaid](\"https:\/\/media.smallbiztrends.com\/2022\/05\/VacuMaid-GV30PRO-Wall-Mounted-Garage-and-Car-Vacuum.png\")
<\/p>\n