Best Shop Vacuums for Heavy-Duty Cleaning in 2023
Shop vacuums, also known as wet/dry vacuums, are versatile cleaning tools that can tackle a wide range of messes. They are especially useful for cleaning up large debris, wet spills, and even sawdust in a workshop or garage. The best shop vacuums are designed to handle tough jobs and are built to last.
When looking for the best shop vac, there are a few important factors to consider. The first is the size of the vacuum. Shop vacuums come in a range of sizes, from compact models that are easy to store to larger models that can handle heavy-duty cleaning tasks. It’s important to choose a size that is appropriate for your needs.
Another key factor to consider is the power of the vacuum. Look for a model with a high horsepower (HP) rating, as this will provide more suction power. Additionally, consider the type of filter the vacuum uses. A high-quality filter will be able to capture even the smallest particles, making for a cleaner and healthier environment.
At [publication name], we spent hours researching and testing various shop vacuums to find the best options on the market. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best shop vacuums, based on factors such as size, power, and filtration. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, we’ve got you covered.
Best Shop Vacs
We’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best shop vacs on the market. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, a good shop vac is an essential tool for cleaning up debris and dust in your workspace. Our list includes a range of options to fit different budgets and needs. So, let’s get started and find the perfect shop vac for you.
1) CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle large projects, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is the perfect solution. With its powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, this wet/dry vac can tackle large-scale renovations, builds, or floods with ease.
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We’ve used the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 for several large projects and have been impressed with its power and performance. The large hose sucks up anything, including fine sawdust and larger chucks. The blowing port is a nice feature for quick outdoor cleanups, and the oversized drain makes emptying liquids easy. However, the vacuum is quite bulky and may be difficult to move around, and the noise level is quite loud. Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle large projects, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a great choice.
In terms of accessories, this wet/dry vac comes with a car nozzle, utility nozzle, and wet nozzle, as well as 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 help eliminate unneeded hassle and reduce overall storage space. The Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System allows for quick and easy wet dry vacuum filter changes.
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 comes with a 3-year limited warranty, and is compatible with a variety of filters and dust bags. Overall, we highly recommend this wet/dry vac for anyone in need of a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle large projects with ease.
2) Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vac
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty and versatile shop vac, the Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 is a great option that we highly recommend.
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We recently used the Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 for some garage cleaning and were impressed with its performance. The suction power was excellent, and it was able to handle both wet and dry messes with ease. The drum is made of stainless steel, which made it feel sturdy and durable. We also appreciated how easy it was to change the filter using the Filter Fastening System.
One downside of the vac is that it is on the louder side, so ear protection is recommended when using it in close quarters. Additionally, the casters are too small, which makes the vac prone to tipping over when in use. Lastly, the cord storage area could be improved, as it can be a bit difficult to wrap the cord neatly.
Overall, we highly recommend the Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 for anyone in need of a powerful and versatile shop vac.
3) Craftsman 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
If you’re looking for a versatile shop vac that can handle medium-sized jobs around the garage, home, renovations, and job sites, the Craftsman 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is a great option. With its powerful 4.25 Peak HP motor, it’s perfect for general garage cleaning, basement cleanup from flooding or seepage, as well as removing water from clogged sinks.
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Overall, we recommend the Craftsman 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac for anyone looking for a versatile shop vac that can handle medium-sized jobs. Its powerful motor, easy filter replacement, and variety of accessories make it a great choice for general garage cleaning, basement cleanup, and more.
4) Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner, the Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a great choice.
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Overall, the Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a tough and dependable vacuum cleaner that can handle most cleaning tasks with ease. It comes with a range of included accessories, including an 18‘ x 1-1/4″ Secure LockOn Hose, 7‘ x 1-1/4″ Secure LockOn Hose, (3) Extension Wands, (1) 10 In Wet/Dry Nozzle, (1) Gulper Nozzle, (1) Crevice Tool, (1) Round Brush, (1) Cartridge Filter, (1) Foam Sleeve, (1) Filter Bag, making it a versatile tool for any job site, garage, car, or workshop. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient vacuum cleaner, the Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is definitely worth considering.
5) Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum
If you’re in the market for a powerful and portable wet/dry vacuum, the Shop-Vac 5989300 is a great option.
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We recently put the Shop-Vac 5989300 to the test and were impressed with its performance. The 5-gallon stainless steel tank and 4.5 peak horsepower motor make it powerful enough to tackle both wet and dry messes. The full circumference dolly and top & side carry handles make it easy to maneuver, and the included accessories provide everything you need to get the job done.
One downside is that it can be a bit loud, so you may want to use ear protection if you’re using it for an extended period of time. Additionally, there’s no drain for water, so you’ll need to tip it over to empty it out. Finally, the hose is a little small, which can limit its reach in some situations.
Overall, we think the Shop-Vac 5989300 is a great option for anyone in need of a powerful and portable wet/dry vacuum. With its durable stainless steel tank and versatile accessories, it’s sure to get the job done.
6) CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 20 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac
If you need a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle any cleaning task, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 is an excellent choice.
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We recently had the opportunity to use the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 20 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, and we were impressed with its performance. The suction power is exceptional, and the machine easily picked up dirt, dust, and debris from our garage and workshop floors. The dual flex technology also proved to be very useful, as it allowed us to easily clean tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas.
One downside of the vacuum is its weight and size. It is quite bulky and heavy, which may make it difficult to move around, especially if you need to carry it up and down stairs. The noise level is also quite high, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you need a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle any cleaning task, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 is an excellent choice. Its powerful suction, built-in blower port, and dual flex technology make it a versatile and effective tool for any workshop or garage.
7) Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E 26
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E 26 is definitely worth considering.
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We’ve been using the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E 26 for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its performance. The lift-away functionality makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas, while the anti-allergen complete seal ensures that the air in our home is cleaner and healthier. The brushroll shutoff is also a great feature, as it allows us to easily transition from carpets to hard floors without any issues.
One thing to keep in mind is that the vacuum can be a bit heavy to carry around, especially if you’re using it for an extended period of time. Additionally, the cord length is quite long, which can be a bit cumbersome to deal with. However, these are minor issues that are outweighed by the vacuum’s overall performance.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E 26 to anyone in need of a powerful and versatile vacuum. Its lift-away functionality, anti-allergen complete seal, and brushroll shutoff make it a great choice for pet owners and anyone with a variety of flooring types in their home.
8) Shop-Vac 2.5 Gallon 2.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re looking for a compact and portable shop vac, the Shop-Vac 2.5 Gallon 2.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a great option. It’s perfect for small clean-up jobs around the house, garage, workshop, or even your vehicle.
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We found the Shop-Vac 2.5 Gallon 2.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum to be a reliable and efficient tool for small clean-up jobs. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, while its powerful suction and blowing capabilities make it versatile for various cleaning tasks.
The vacuum comes with a 4’x 1-1/4″ hose, a gulper nozzle, a crevice tool, a standard cartridge filter, a filter bag, and a foam sleeve, providing everything you need for a quick and easy clean-up. The vacuum also allows over 10 FT. cleaning reach, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Overall, we would recommend the Shop-Vac 2.5 Gallon 2.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum for anyone in need of a compact and portable shop vac for small clean-up jobs.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best shop vac, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key features that we recommend you look for:
Capacity
The capacity of the shop vac is an important factor to consider. You want to choose a model that can handle the amount of debris you’ll be cleaning up. If you’re using it for light-duty cleaning, a smaller capacity model may be sufficient. However, if you’re using it for heavy-duty cleaning or need to clean up large amounts of debris, you’ll want to choose a larger capacity model.
Power
The power of the shop vac is another important consideration. A more powerful model will be able to handle tougher cleaning tasks and pick up larger debris. Look for a model with a high horsepower rating to ensure that it has the power you need.
Filtration
Filtration is an important feature to consider, especially if you’ll be using your shop vac to clean up fine dust or other small particles. Look for a model with a high-quality filter to ensure that it captures as much debris as possible.
Hose Length
The length of the hose is another important factor to consider. A longer hose will allow you to reach further and clean more effectively. Look for a model with a hose that is long enough to reach the areas you need to clean.
Accessories
Finally, consider the accessories that come with the shop vac. Look for a model that comes with a variety of attachments, such as crevice tools and brushes, to help you clean a variety of surfaces and areas.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best shop vac for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a shop vac for 2023?
When shopping for a shop vac in 2023, there are several key features to consider. Look for a model with a powerful motor, a large capacity tank, and versatile attachments. Additionally, consider features like HEPA filtration, noise reduction technology, and ease of use.
Which shop vac model offers the best performance for car detailing?
For car detailing, we recommend a shop vac with a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and dusting brush. Look for a model with a long hose and plenty of suction power. The DeWalt DXV06P is a great option, offering powerful performance and a range of attachments.
What are the most powerful wet/dry vacuums available currently?
The most powerful wet/dry vacuums currently available include the Ridgid WD4070 and the Shop-Vac 5989300. Both models offer impressive suction power and large capacity tanks.
How do I choose the best shop vac for efficient dust collection?
To choose the best shop vac for efficient dust collection, look for a model with strong suction power and effective filtration. Consider features like HEPA filtration, which can capture even the smallest particles. The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 is a great option, offering powerful suction and a HEPA filter.
Can you recommend a high-quality small shop vac for limited space?
If you have limited space, we recommend the Vacmaster VP205. This compact shop vac offers powerful suction and a small footprint, making it perfect for small workshops or garages.
How does Stanley’s shop vac performance compare to other leading brands?
Stanley’s shop vacs offer powerful performance and a range of features, making them a great choice for many users. However, some users may prefer other leading brands like DeWalt or Ridgid, which offer similar performance and additional features like noise reduction technology. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
