Best Wet-Dry Vacuums
Wet-Dry Vacuums are also known as Shop Vacuums. These vacuums are designed for heavy-duty use and help to clean all kinds of messes. As these machines also clean wet messes, they are usually costlier than the normal ones.
For further information, we invite you to read our detailed article about the differences between Wet-Dry Vacuum vs Traditional Vacuum Cleaner.
We will discuss and show a few of the best wet-dry vacuums.
What to consider before buying wet-dry vacuums?
When you are going to buy a Wet Dry Vacuum you have to consider a few things:
- Performance
- Capacity
- Mobility
- Features
We will go through the best wet-dry vacuums and discuss them in detail.
Quick Overview (Our Top 3): Best Wet-Dry Vacuums
BEST WET-DRY VACUUMS – OVERALL
BEST HEAVY DUTY WET-DRY VACUUMS
WORKSHOP Wet-Dry Vacs Vacuum WS1600VA High Capacity Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner
BEST CHEAP WET-DRY VACUUMS
Vacmaster Red Edition VOM205P 1101 Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP 1-1/4 inch Hose
Now that you have seen our top 3 picks, let’s take a look at our complete list of the best wet dry vacuum machines out there.
BEST WET-DRY VACUUMS LIST
Best Wet Dry Vacuum – OVERALL
DeWALT 12 gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac,Yellow,DXV12P
- Sturdy 12 gallon wet/dry Vac ideal for large pick-up applications
- Powerful 5.5 peak horsepower motor provides just the amount of suction needed to most any cleanup job
- Ultra durable rubberized casters allow smooth swiveling for ease of movement.To keep your wet/dry vac looking its best, clean the outside with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap
- Extra long, 20′ Power cord with cord wrap helps reach almost any cleanup need
- Built-in blower port powerful enough to blow Sawdust and debris from most any workshop
- Built-in accessory storage bag conveniently attached to the backside of the vac to keep all accessories neatly organized
- Large built-in tank drain makes it easy to remove liquids picked up
The 12 gallon wet/dry vacuum has a convenient handle and large rear wheels for large clean-up applications. It arrives with a cartridge filter for small, dry debris and wet materials.
This vacuum also features a strong handle for easy carrying, large on/off switch with water-resistant design for safe and Quick access, convenient, built-in 20’ power cord and accessory bag to get all your accessories/tools organized. Swiveling casters provide ease of movement in any direction while a built-in tank drain makes draining easy. 7 feet Interior hose diameter is 2.5 inches.
Best HEAVY DUTY Wet Dry Vacuum
- Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System allows quick and easy wet dry vacuum filter changes and contains an auto shut-off float mechanism that helps prevent overflow during wet pickups.
- Accessory storage on the feet and top keeps vacuum attachments secure and within reach.
- 7-ft. x 2-1/2-inch Dual-Flex locking hose offers 180 Degree flexibility at both hose ends. Locking tab keeps hose connected to the wet dry vacuum cleaner during use.
- Integrated Blowing Port provides added versatility to this powerful wet dry vacuum cleaner, allowing a user to blow unwanted debris out of garages, jobsites, and driveways.
- One of the largest capacity and most powerful vacuum in the line; picks-up about 1 gallon of water per second
- Drain port to easily empty wet messes, and integrated blower for added versatility
- 7-foot long with 2-1/2-inch diameter hose and 20-foot power cord provide plenty of reach
- Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty, this shop vacuum cleaner has a tough copolymer drum that resists dents, cracks and it will not rust. It also includes a large drain for easy liquid disposal. Not compatible with Dust Collection Bags.
- Includes: vacuum, hose, Qwik Lock cartridge filter, utility nozzle, wet nozzle, car nozzle, two extension wands
This no nonsense 16 Gallon wet dry vacuum cleaner has the power, durability and collection capacity to be the jobsite workhorse. This vacuum contains an integrated blowing port for added versatility, a large drain at the drum’s lowest point for easier liquid disposal and a large carrying handle for easy transport.
Best CORDLESS Wet Dry Vacuum
DEWALT 18-20-Volt MAX Cordless-Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum
- DEWALT shop vac features cordless or corded operation powered by either an 18V or 20V MAX battery – or an AC outlet
- HEPA rated wet/dry filter of DEWALT 20V vacuum traps dust with 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns
- DEWALT cordless vacuum has easily accessible, washable/reusable filter; tap or water rinse to clean
- Heavy-duty, crush-resistant, fully-integrated 5 ft. (by 1-1/4-inch diameter) hose provides durability, flexibility and ease-of-use
- On-board hose, cord and accessory storage makes the vacuum easy to carry/transport
- 2-Gallon tank capacity provides enough storage to empty a toilet or clogged pipe
The DCV581H 18/20V MAX Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Battery Powered Vacuum is powered by an 18V or 20V MAX battery to suck up to 2 gallons of wet or dry mess.
The cordless shop vacuum includes a flexible hose, accessory storage, and a durable, heavy-duty construction.
Best COMPACT Wet Dry Vacuum
Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac, 5 Gallon, Beast Series
- 5 Gallon Polypropylene Tank
- High Water-Lift Motor – great suction and power
- Integrated On-Board Storage
- 5 Peak HP High Efficiency Motor
- Easily Converts to Blower
It also includes 8 accessories for nearly any task:
- 7 ft. x 1-7/8 in. kink resistant premium hose,
- utility nozzle,
- crevice tool,
- car nozzle,
- extension wand,
- fine dust cartridge filter,
- foam wet filter, and air & noise diffuser.
This Vacmaster Professional Beast Series 5-Gallon 5. 5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vac is a powerful high-performance vac designed to tackle the toughest cleanup projects—at the jobsite, around the shop, or in the garage.
On-board hose, accessory, and power cord storage eliminates unneeded hassle and minimizes total storage space.
Over 25 ft. of cleaning reach (7’ hose and 18’ power cord) allows you to reach farther without unplugging the unit.
Quickly control the power with the large dust sealed on/off switch.
Best HIGH-CAPACITY Wet Dry Vacuum FOR CONSTRUCTION
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum
- HEAVY-DUTY: Powerful 6.5 Peak HP provides extra power for large projects in the garage, shop and on the jobsite
- BUILT-IN BLOWER PORT: Rear blowing port on this wet dry vac allows for quick cleaning of leaves and grass clippings in your garage and outdoors
- OVERSIZED DRAIN: Built-in oversized drain on the wet/dry vac allows for convenient emptying of liquids
- DUAL-FLEX TECHNOLOGY: 2-1/2 in. diameter shop vacuum hose features Dual-Flex technology for 180-degree mobility at each end to resist kinking
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Utility Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Wet Nozzle, Qwik Lock Filter and Dust Collection Bag
- WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
The CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, featuring the powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, is the ideal solution for tackling large cleanup projects in the garage or on the jobsite that need the most power.
Large scale renovations, builds, or floods are an easy task for this large shop vacuum.
This wet dry vacuum includes a car nozzle, utility nozzle and wet nozzle.
Also included is a large 2-1/2 in. diameter hose with added Dual-Flex that resists kinks and crushing. On-board hose storage plus accessory and power cord organizers helps eliminate unneeded hassle and reduce overall storage space.
The Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System allows for quick and easy wet dry vacuum filter changes.
Equipped with an extra-large drain, the tank empties liquids quickly and easily.
The blowing port directs high speed exhaust air through the hose giving you the ability to go from cleaning up from a renovation to blasting yard waste from the deck.
Best Wet Dry Vacuum FOR DUST COLLECTION
Vacmaster Pro 8 gallon Certified Hepa Filtration Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Industrial 2-Stage Motor – For longer life, greater suction, and quieter operation
- 30-Foot Power Cord – Extends cleaning reach to 40 feet
- Four Stages of Filtration – Including HEPA cartridge filter, microfiber pre-filter, sealable tear-resistant collection bag, HEPA-material exhaust filter
- 10-Foot Crushproof Hose – Extended reach to clean tough spots and durability to increase product life
The Vacmaster professional 8 gallon wet/dry vac is a certified HEPA system and has an ultra Quiet 2-stage industrial motor.
It features 4 levels of filtration including a HEPA Cartridge filter, microfiber pre-filter, high-efficiency fine dust filter bag with closure flap, and an exhaust filter-alll for hepa compliance.
To qualify as a HEPA system, a unit must capture & retain 99.97% of all contaminants down to 0.3 micron in Particle size.
In independent tests, the Vacmaster professional VK811PH showed an efficiency of 99.996% in the 0.3 micron particle size range, meeting and exceeding the HEPA efficiency requirements set by the United States environmental protection Agency (EPA) and required under the renovation, repair and painting (RRP) program.
Best Wet Dry Vacuum FOR WATER COLLECTION
Stanley – SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower Black
- LARGE CAPACITY – Stanley SL18116P Wet / Dry Vacuum has a larger capacity over 22 L, makes small clean-up jobs a breeze for you as you don’t have to empty the bucket frequently any more
- VERSATILE & POWERFUL – Thanks to the 4 peak HP motor, this vac offers powerful enough suction needed to almost any cleanup jobs in vehicle, jobsite, workshop, garage, basement, van, house, etc
- 3 in 1 FUNCTION – With this versatile vac you can vacuum both wet liquid spills and dry debris, dust, saw, dirt or blow leaves away (use blower port), just organize the hose and power cord on top handle and side wraps after using, conveniently
- FARTHER CLEANUP – With over 16 ft of cleaning reach (6 ft hose, 10 ft power cord and 3 pieces of extension wands) it’s easy to do a farther cleanup for you without unplugging the unit, while it has four swivel casters for convenient and easy maneuverability
- INCLUDED – Stanley SL18116P Wet / Dry Vac x 1, 1-1/4″x6’ super flexible hose x 1,extension wands x 3, gulper nozzle, floor nozzle x 1,crevice nozzle x 1,foam filter x 1, dust bag x 1, reusable dry filter x 1, 12-Month Warranty
Stanley’s SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6-Gallon, 4. 0-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, with a powerful heavy duty motor for industry leading performance, provides maximum suction power for heavy duty pickup.
The powerful rear blower port instantly converts vacuum to power blower.
Swiveling casters provide ease of movement in any direction.
Other features include a strong handle for easy carrying, a large on/off switch with waterproof design for safe and quick access, a convenient, built-in 10-foot built-in power cord and wrap, an accessories holder to get all tools organized. 14-kPa. Airflow 85 CFM. Accessories include a 1-1/4-inch wide by 6-foot long hose, two extension wands, crevice nozzle, 10-inch floor nozzle, cartridge filter and dust bag.
Best PORTABLE Wet Dry Vacuum FOR CAR CLEANING
Ridgid 50313 Portable Wet-Dry Vacuum, 4 gallon
- Professional cleaning machine that efficiently cleans up messes and jobsites with its 5.0 Peak-HP motor that delivers the suction or blowing power of a vacuum 3 times its size
- Compact and lightweights – 4-gal. size measures 15-in. high and weighs 14 lbs. for a highly portable vacuum with quick and easy transportation that allows you to maximize storage space
- Convenient features – Everything in the box stores on-board including the rugged 1-7/8-in. by 8-ft. locking hose that won’t pull loose, a car nozzle, noise muffler and diffuser, and a fine dust filter
- Qwik lock filter fastening system – Snaps on and off with ease to allow for ultra fast filter installation, removal or changing without the use of any hardware tools or fasteners
- Ergonomic design – Features an extra long 20-ft. power cord that can be wrapped around the large and easy to hold carry handle for superior cleaning convenience with far reach and comfortability.
Best Wet Dry Vacuum FOR HOME USE
Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower, Stainless Steel Tank, 4.0 HP
- Large capacity. 6 gallons of capacity can satisfy normal daily using for you, you can use it for a long time without frequent cleaning of the trash inside.
- Easy to use. You just need to close the cover, connect the hose, and plug in the power so that you can use it.
- Powerful vacuuming ability. The 4.0 horsepower makes it easy to suck all kinds of debris, garbage, dirty water into tank.
- Weight 15.4 pounds, with wheels, movable and portable
- Applications Target: Benefit from its powerful adsorption function, it is very useful for household, upholster, garage, workshop, hotel, car wash, laundry, shop, jobsite, bedroom, kitchen etc
- Reach far away. Over 16 foot of cleaning reach (6 foot hose and 10 foot power cord) allows you to reach farther without unplugging the unit.
- Long life cycle. It can work over 300 hours continuously.
- With built-in cord wrap, easy storage.
- Large transfer switch. make it convenient for using.
- Big handle, easy to carry.
- Excellent material. Stainless steel tank, solid and durable
- Included – Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vac x 1, 1-1/4″x 6’ super flexible hose x 1, extension wands x 2, gulper nozzle x 1, floor nozzle x 1, crevice nozzle x 1, foam filter x 1, dust bag x 1, reusable dry filter x 1, 12-Month Warranty
The STANLEY SL18116 shop vacuum is a powerful and convenient tool suitable for cleaning different debris in your household, garage, workshop, or job site.
Stanley vacuum cleaner is a very good choice for cleaning the any occasions. Cleaning wet and dry trash is equally as messy and tired. However, if you have a wet dry blow 3 in 1 vacuum cleaner, the chore becomes simple, safe, easy and even fun to do.
Best WALL-MOUNTED Wet Dry Vacuum
BISSELL Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum/Blower With Auto Tool Kit, 18P03
- 12 Amp Wet/Dry Vacuum: Picks up both wet and dry messes in the garage, car, workshop, etc.
- Converts to blower – Cleaning System: Helix System. Suctions up wet and dry debris
- Includes 7 Versatile attachments and accessory bag for cleanup on the bare floor, carpeting, upholstery and much more
- 4 Gallon Semi-Translucent Dirt Tank, Filtration: 2 Stage
- Includes Wall Mounting Kit with extra long hose that stretches 32-feet. Reach Extension Tools: Extension Wand. Power Cord Length: 5 feet
This wall mounted wet dry vaccuum frees up floor space. It also means you don’t have to lug the vacuum around while using it.
Since it has a 32-foot hose, you can still reach inside your car and around the garage with the vacuum mounted on the wall. The 4-gallon dirt tank is semi-translucent and has an LED Full Water Tank Indicator so you won’t have to guess when it needs to be emptied.
Features The 12-amp motor provides powerful suction for garage cleaning needs, whether you’re vacuuming your car or tidying up the shop. The wet and dry vacuum was engineered to handle spills and messes from liquids to dirt and grime. The blower is ideal for keeping your work area free of debris. Seven all-purpose tools make car detailing a snap. They’re versatile enough to handle just about any task. And you can conveniently store them in the included accessory bag. The wall-mount design conveniently keeps your Bissell Garage Pro ready for use yet out of the way.
The 4 gallon dirt tank is semi-translucent so you can see the level of water and debris in the tank, to empty as necessary.
Best CHEAP Wet Dry Vacuum
Vacmaster Red Edition VOM205P 1101 Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum 2.5 Gallon
- 2 Peak HP : Suction for household cleanup. This vacuum easily converts to blower with powerful 65 CFM airflow
- 2.5-Gallon: Durable polypropylene tank, and over 14-foot cleaning reach makes this wet dry vacuum cleaner user-friendly
- Lightweight: Compact design at 6.16 lbs. makes this wet dry shop vacuum easy to carry, store and operate
- Easy to Store: Easy wall mount storage and complete vac organization with on-board hose, cord and accessory storage
This lightweight, portable Vacmaster Red Edition wet/dry vacuum is a great tool for quick clean-ups. It easily vacuums dry debris and liquids and comes with an accessory assortment robust enough to handle messes in the house, workshop, or car.
The accessories are easily stored and the vacuum can be mounted on the wall to save space.
Why buy a Wet-Dry Vacuum?
A wet-dry vacuum is great for cleaning dry materials such as dirt, debris, and other allergens. A wet-dry vacuum can also clean wet messes like water spills and floods. Despite a wet-dry machine has a lot of uses, it is a necessary machine for all homeowners.
Wet Dry Vacuum’s performance is greater than normal ones. These vacuums can keep your house, shop, or premises clean. No matter how dirty your carpet is or how much area you have to cover, you can always depend on a wet dry vacuum. Please read our detailed article to find more information and example of Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner Uses and maintenance.
We hope after seeing our best wet-dry vacuums, you will be able to take the right decision. Let us know if you have any feedback, query, or want to know about a particular machine.
