6 Easy Home Improvement Projects You Can DIY in a Weekend
6 Easy Home Improvement Projects You Can DIY in a Weekend · Update Cabinet Hardware · Weatherproof Your Home · Paint Surfaces in Need of a ...
shop vac
If you don’t want to add anything new, try decluttering your home by removing any broken or underused appliances, furniture, and fixtures. Upcycling or trashing items that no longer serve your needs could take a full weekend to review and decide, but you can make a fun activity of inviting friends and family over to challenge you to rehouse beloved items that are just taking up space or ruining your home’s aesthetic. Decluttering can also include clearing out large debris from areas like the garage and patio—in which case a <anchor>shop vac</anchor> could come in handy.
The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums We’ve Ever Tested​
- Search

Please fill out this field.

Search

Please fill out this field.

Food

Home

Life

Health

Style & Beauty

Holidays & Entertaining

Shopping

My Account

Magazine

Follow Us

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

# The Best Wet/Dry Vacuums We’ve Ever Tested

Find the best vac for your dirtiest jobs.

By

Lauren has more than 15 years of experience as a freelance writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on home improvement, lifestyle, and other topics. She aims to help readers make their spaces more personal, functional, and beautiful.

Updated on August 29, 2024

## In This Article

View All

In This Article

Closeup person using Armor All 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum to clean floor molding:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rsp-wet-dry-vacs-test-armor-all-AA255-2-5-gallon-2-peak-hp-utility-shop-vacuum-ashley-craiger-11-497a678c659e490aaf8634e0cdf514c6.jpg)

Photo:
Real Simple / Ashley Craiger

Hardly anyone likes doing the dirty work—especially when that dirty work is wet or dusty. But having a great shop vac (AKA a wet/dry vacuum) can make almost any job less of a mess. “Shop-Vac® is a brand, but it’s also used as a generic term for vacuums that can be used for wet or dry applications, unlike household vacuums that can only be used for cleaning dry surfaces,” says Scott Morgan, supervisor of power tools at Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware in Bozeman, Montana. “Shop vacs are good for use in the garage, for spills, or in basements where you have water.”

When it comes to shop vacuums, you have a wide range of factors to consider, including capacity, suction power, portability, attachments, and budget. To find the best wet/dry vacuum, we researched top options from trusted brands, and tested them in our own homes to see how well they worked. In addition to Morgan, we consulted Rob Lemke, tool department lead at Owenhouse ACE Hardware, for expert insight, including tips and advice for how to best use your shop vac to clean up any mess.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Budget:

Best Cordless:

Best for Water:

SALE

Best for Dust:

Best Large Capacity :

SALE

Best Portable:

## Best Overall

PHOTO: Amazon

What Stands Out

- This vac has strong suction power, versatile attachments, and is easy to empty.

What Could Be Improved

- Hose storage isn’t as tight and compact as it could be.

Based on our test results, this wet/dry vacuum from DeWalt was just about perfect, making it our top pick. It took us just 10 minutes to assemble, thanks to the clear instructions, and we only needed a screwdriver to attach the wheels. We loved the extension wand and versatile vacuum attachments that let us clean even the tightest nooks and crannies, and the accessory storage bag is convenient and sturdy. It doesn’t fall off while the vacuum is in use, although it does need to be removed to empty the vacuum.

We found that this vacuum was ideal for dirt, leaves, cobwebs, garage debris, and even a clogged sink. It easily picked up everything we tested it on, with the exception of hard-to-remove dog hairs from low-pile carpeting that even some pet-specific vacuums can struggle to get on the first pass. The 7-foot hose was flexible and sturdy, and together with the 10-foot cord, we were able to reach every space we needed to clean. The 9-gallon capacity was more than big enough for average use, and it was easy to empty and to clean. The drain plug on the front of the canister also easily unscrews for fast and mess-free liquid emptying.

The noise level is average for its size and suction power, and we didn’t need to use ear protection. The only slight design flaw seemed to be hose storage. The rubber latch that connects the hose to the vacuum body allowed the hose to dangle a little, and there was limited clearance under the handle where the nozzle was supposed to fit. Still, we found the hose storage similar to that of other shop vacs, and the hose wrapped securely around the canister body for easy storage, even without fitting exactly like the manual diagram showed.

Capacity: 9 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Weight: 22 pounds | CFM: 90

Real Simple / Anna Knief

## Best Budget

PHOTO: Amazon

What Stands Out

- Its size and specialized car-cleaning attachments make it ideal for auto detailing.

What Could Be Improved

- The not-so-tight seal between the lid and the base feels a little unstable.

This budget vac stood out because it didn’t feel or work like a budget buy. Instead, it’s a steal with its five attachments (including detailing brush and deluxe car nozzle), two filters (a reusable cloth and foam filters for wet applications), and ample suction power in a petite package. Setup was simple, as it was already assembled—all we needed to do was remove the attachments and place them in the on-board storage locations on the canister.

This device performed well in a variety of tests, including wet and dry cleanup, and it excelled in hard-to-reach spaces due to its smaller size. But the long hose, generous cord length, and extender attachment made it feel anything but small. We could reach everywhere we needed to clean, and the 2.5 gallon canister was lightweight and easy to carry and maneuver. While it has one of the smallest canister sizes we tested, it was still big enough for minor projects, household cleanup, auto detailing, and similar tasks. It also has a handy auto-shutoff feature that kicks in when it’s vacuuming liquids so the tank won’t overfill.

We did notice the seal between the top and the base doesn’t feel tight, but while the two parts of the unit shook a little during use, no dust or debris escaped. We liked that it doesn’t require collection bags, which will cut down on future costs, but could be a downside for users who want that option. The unit also doesn’t come with a fine-dust filter, and we weren’t able to find one by the same manufacturer that fit this exact vacuum. However, after six months, we’re still returning to this shop vac for car detailing and other small jobs.

Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Hose Length: 6 feet | Weight: 7 pounds | CFM: 53

- PHOTO: Real Simple / Ashley Craiger
- PHOTO: Real Simple / Ashley Craiger

## Best Cordless

PHOTO: The Home Depot

What Stands Out

- This 10-gallon wet/dry vac is large for a cordless model.

What Could Be Improved

- The double-lock top is sturdy but can pinch fingers.

This cordless vac from Ryobi was powerful enough to clean out vehicles, remove debris from between couch cushions, completely clean up puddles of water, and even tidy up plenty of dirt and fruit snacks from messy kids. It comes with several handy attachments, including the squeegee attachment which we specifically loved for more effective water removal, alongside the flat nozzle for small spaces like those in vehicles.

The first charge takes the longest, but it held a charge well between uses, and we didn’t need to recharge it very often. The charger is small and doesn’t take up much space with or without the battery connected, too. The hose was a good length, allowing us to move around the room and our vehicles without having to constantly move the unit, but it was short enough to conveniently wrap around the vacuum for hassle-free storage. It isn’t the lightest vacuum, and the battery adds heft, but it’s easy enough to pick up and maneuver even when full, and the wheels make movement even easier.

Cleaning out the large canister is a cinch—just dump out the debris and give it a wipe with a paper towel or cloth if you want. After using it for wet cleanup, you simply unscrew the cap to drain the water. We appreciated that the drain was flush with the bottom of the holding tank so all of the water drained out without help. We weren’t fond of the locking mechanism on top of the canister, however. The dual locks push in rather than clip down; while we never pinched a finger, it’s a possibility. The price was also higher than some of the traditional shop vacuums we’d tested, but the convenience of cordless and the overall value of this unit offset the cost.

Capacity: 10 gallons | Hose Length: 8 feet | Weight: 16 pounds | CFM: Up to 80

Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa

## Best for Water

What Stands Out

- Powerful suction makes for easy cleanup of soggy messes

What Could Be Improved

- An even longer cord might be helpful for more reach.

Little and big spills, get ready to meet your match. The DeWalt DXV12P 12-Gallon wet/dry vac has a 5.5 horsepower motor and some of the highest suction power of all the models we tested. It assembles quickly and is easy to operate, even in emergency situations. We also liked the specialty attachments for water removal and dry surfaces.

Based on our test results, this wet/dry vac is a powerhouse no matter what we cleaned up. Most impressive was how it suctioned up all the water after a burst pipe in a crawlspace. It made cleaning up an emergency situation a snap, easily handling gallons of water with forceful suction and a flexible hose for hard-to-reach spaces. It was heavy when full, but we didn’t need to lift it very often, as the wheels roll easily on hard floors, dirt, and carpeting. We also found the side drain to be a convenient way to empty the canister of water.

The price was in the middle of the pack, but this vacuum offers a great value for the cost. In fact, the only suggestion we could come up with for making this unit even better may be a longer cord. The existing cord is an extra-long 20 feet, but the larger capacity means you can vacuum longer without emptying the canister, so a longer cord would keep you vacuuming without having to change plugs.

Capacity: 12 gallon | Hose Length: 7 feet | Weight: 23 pounds | CFM: 105

## Best for Dust

PHOTO: Amazon

What Stands Out

- This vac’s ultrafine HEPA-rated filter captures fine dust for cleaner air.

What Could Be Improved

- The high price tag and specialty features may not be necessary for those who want an everyday shop vac.

Turbo isn’t just its name—this high-powered shop vac with a specialty dust extractor performed at a whopping 151 CFM, making it the most powerful vacuum on our list. While it might be a splurge for the average home user who doesn’t need specialty features, the ultrafine HEPA dust filtration system gives this professional-level dust extractor vacuum added value for woodworking or construction pros and hobbyists, or people working with tools that make dust. Dustbusting aside, we were blown away by how quickly it cleaned up messy situations, and its extra-long 13-foot hose and 19-foot cord that made it easy to maneuver.

As much as we loved this vacuum, we did find a few downsides during our testing process. For starters, even though this is a wet/dry vac, it’s really built for dust extraction. It can handle wet surfaces, but it doesn’t have a drain, so the canister has to be tipped for emptying. We also discovered that the dust collection bag is small, so it fills up quickly. Collection bags aren’t designed for reuse, and they cost about $7 each, so replacing them could get pricey over the life of the vacuum. However, you can forgo the collection bag and simply empty the canister when it’s full.

The smaller hose diameter—just 1 1⁄4 inches—makes it hard to impossible to pick up larger debris, and while we liked the longer hose length, there isn’t a place to hang or attach it to the vacuum between uses. The price, about $275, is higher than other vacuums we tested, but it really does excel at cleaning up every microscopic bit of dust. We also found it very easy to carry around, even when full, and it’s also surprisingly quiet when operating (66 to 70 decibels).

Capacity: 5.8 gallons | Hose Length: 13 feet | Weight: 25 pounds | CFM: 151

- PHOTO: Real Simple / Bob Hunter
- PHOTO: Real Simple / Bob Hunter

## Best Large Capacity

PHOTO: Amazon

What Stands Out

- A 16-gallon canister and powerful suction make this vac best for heavy-duty jobs.

What Could Be Improved

- The traditional barrel shape makes this larger vac slightly harder to move.

If you’ve got debris to suck up, this massive 16-gallon shop vacuum from Craftsman has one of the biggest storage canisters on the market. That means more suction power, less emptying, and more effective cleanup for wet and dry messes. Setup was easy and only required us to plug it in—no assembly required. We were also impressed with the number and type of attachments, the extension attachment, the long power cord, and flexible-yet-sturdy hose.

The larger size and squat, barrel-shaped canister could be harder for smaller users to maneuver, but it has a convenient handle and casters that make it easy for most to push and lift. However, due to the large canister size, it can get unwieldy and heavy when full—especially when it’s full of water.

We tested this vacuum inside and outside, and used it to clean up water, dust, leaves, cat litter, and even sticks. It was big enough for big household projects, but it didn’t feel too big to roll out for everyday messes. Sure, it was louder than a standard upright vacuum, but it wasn’t uncommonly loud for a shop vac of its power and size.

Capacity: 16 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Weight: 26 pounds | CFM: Not listed

- PHOTO: Real Simple / Donna Freydkin
- PHOTO: Real Simple / Donna Freydkin

## Best Portable

PHOTO: Amazon

What Stands Out

- The included second battery means no need to pause for charging.

What Could Be Improved

- It only comes with a basic nozzle—you’ll need to buy attachments.

For users who want to easily transport their wet/dry vacuum, this portable unit is up for the task. We loved this device’s lightweight, cordless design that made it easy to maneuver and carry. It was simple to set up, and we found the battery and charger intuitive to use. Battery life is long, charging is fast, and the included second battery meant we could swap out fully-charged batteries and keep on vacuuming. The battery is compatible with other tools in Ryobi’s ONE+ line, so you could make this vac part of a collection of household tools that all use the same battery system.

One of the biggest downsides we found was that it only comes with a basic hose and nozzle and no additional attachments. You can purchase attachments if you want them, though. And you might want to, as we discovered that the basic nozzle shape wasn’t the best for picking up water, reaching into tight crevices, or covering large areas in one swipe. The 6-foot hose was among the shortest we tested, but that might be expected for a portable unit. While the 3-gallon capacity is large enough for small jobs, the filter is large and takes up a lot of space inside the canister.

Still, the $100 price tag is budget-friendly, and the overall value was great. We had success cleaning inside on hard surfaces including wood floors and bathroom tiles, in laundry room spaces, and more. We also found this model to be among the quietest we tested, which is a plus in any busy household.

Capacity: 3 gallons | Hose Length: 6 feet | Weight: 10 pounds | CFM: Up to 50

- PHOTO: Real Simple / Erica Finamore
- PHOTO: Real Simple / Erica Finamore

## Final Verdict

Our top pick is the DeWalt DXV09P 5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, thanks to its versatility (we even used it to unclog a bathroom sink!), ease of assembly, included attachments that come with a convenient storage bag, and overall effectiveness. The size is right—it’s big enough to hold water and debris without needing too-frequent emptying, but it’s small enough to move easily.  And the moderate price is fair for the oversized value it provides. For a more budget-friendly option, we also liked the Armor All AA255 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum. It’s a more petite model than some others on the list, but it proved to be as effective as it is affordable.

## Our Testing Process

To find the best shop vacs, we tested several options for ease of setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, noise level, and value rating. We tested each shop vac at home, putting them through daily tests to see which options performed the best across our aforementioned categories.

First, we clocked setup time for each vacuum, including battery charging time for cordless models. Once we had the units set up, we tested each device’s effectiveness, paying careful attention to how good they were at collecting dirt, dust, debris, and liquids from a variety of surfaces, including carpeting and hard floors.

While operating each device, we focused on maneuverability and portability, evaluating how easy each vac was to move, if it had wheels or handles, whether cords and hoses were long enough, and how much the units weighed empty and full. Lastly, we took a look at the list price, and compared our findings to determine each vac’s overall value. Once initial testing was complete, we kept using the top performers for six months to see how each held up over time.

Real Simple / Jennifer Bonnichsen

## How to Shop for Wet/Dry Vacuums Like a Pro

### Capacity

The capacity of a vacuum refers to the size of its storage tank. The size of the tank limits what will fit inside and how often you’ll have to empty it. The tank size may also correlate to the size of the hose in some models. Shop vacs fall into three capacity categories:

- Small (2–5 gallons): These smallest-canister vacs are best for small jobs, small spaces, and portability. Smaller shop vacs are more likely to be hand-held and cordless than larger models. They’re easier to store but will need more frequent emptying.
- Medium (6–9 gallons): Average-sized shop vacuums are best for normal home and garage use and other medium-sized jobs. They’ll fit in the average closet or tuck away under work benches. These, according to Lemke, are usually perfect for most homes. “You can do a little bit of everything with them,” he says. “They’re not hard to store, and they’re powerful enough for small construction projects or work around the house.”
- Large (10–16+ gallons): These biggest-capacity vacuums are best for heavy-duty jobs, commercial workshop or construction site use, cleaning up very large spills, and other large jobs. Their large size will make them harder to store in small spaces and harder to move from room to room.

Keep an eye on capacity, though, cautions Lemke. “If you’re looking to get one to use as a wet vac, you have to be able to move it,” he explains. “If you’ve ever tried to move six gallons of water, it’s not that light. When you get into bigger shop vacs, like the 12-, 16- and even 20-gallon units, you’re not going to be able to just pick it up by yourself. A 12-gallon unit will hold about 8 gallons of water, and that’s exceptionally heavy.”

### CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)

All vacuums work by generating air flow, and CFM is the measurement of how much air a specific make and model will move in a minute. The higher the CFM rating, the better the suction power your vac has, which means you’ll be able to clean up dust, debris, and liquids faster and with less fuss.

Low CFM is considered 60 and below, and should be fine for picking up light debris and dust. Medium CFM ranges between 60 and 90 and works for most average users in most home and garage settings. Commercial and heavy-duty users should look for high CFM of 90 and above for the best suction power for large messes and frequent use.

“CFM really comes into play when you’re moving liquids,” says Morgan. “If you need to pull liquid out of a depressed area and into your vacuum, smaller vacuums with lower CFM just won’t have enough power to pull it uphill.” For this reason, he recommends carefully choosing a wet/dry vac that’s large and powerful enough to do the tasks you’ll need it for. “They’re pretty simple tools, but power and capacity are the main differences to watch for,” Morgan adds.

### Attachments

Most shop vacs come with some attachments—some are part of a package deal, while others are add-on purchases. These attachments make wet/dry vacuums more versatile and can give you a better value by allowing your machine to function in multiple ways for a greater variety of uses.

“Some have squeegee attachments, so you can use them on hardwood floors,” says Lemke. “Others have brushes that are round or wide, crevice nozzles for tight spaces, and tubes for reaching long distances like into corners of vaulted ceilings for cobwebs.”

Before you buy, he advises thinking about how you’ll use your shop vacuum and what attachments will be helpful. For example, crevice tools let you clean in tight spaces like between car seats and behind appliances, and extension wands and hoses extend your reach far above and below your head. You may also want a brush nozzle with soft bristles meant for more delicate surfaces, lighted nozzles so you can see what you’re sucking up, pet-hair specific tools, and various nozzle sizes for assorted jobs.

Real Simple / Paige VandeWiele

## More Shop Vacs to Consider

Ridgid HD1200 12 Gal. 5.0-Peak HP NXT Wet Dry Vac: This shop vac impressed us with its large capacity, easy assembly, versatile attachments, and ability to pick up almost everything —including removing pet hair and debris. This model doesn’t come with a foam filter for wet vacuuming or a crevice tool for small spaces, which holds it back a bit compared to other options.

Vacmaster Professional Beast Series 14-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum VJE1412SW 0201:  Featuring a 14 gallon capacity, 20-foot cord, 7-foot hose, sturdy wheels, and padded handle, this wet/dry vacuum is big enough to do big jobs and easy to maneuver on the ground. It comes with multiple filters that are easy to change, a blower port for clearing debris, a large drain port, and it’s easy to assemble, but it does weigh a hefty 25 pounds.

Real Simple / Dave Stone

## Questions You Might Ask

### What’s the difference between a shop vac and a wet/dry vacuum?

A shop vacuum, or shop vac, is a vacuum built for heavy-duty cleanup that doesn’t have a rotating brush like vacuums meant for carpeting. All shop vacs can suck up dust, dirt, and other debris. However, only those labeled as wet/dry vacuums are meant to suck up water and other liquids.

### Who should get a shop vac?

Almost anyone—including renters, homeowners, shop owners, professionals, and hobbyists—might want to own a wet/dry vac, according to Lemke. He explains that while some people might think of them as being tools for construction sites and garages, homeowners have a lot of uses for them, too.

“They’re used in so many different applications, from large ones for construction areas right down to portable units around the home and in vehicles,” he says. “They can be useful in sucking up dry material, removing water from saturated carpet, in garages and small shops, in remodel situations, and for any mess cleanup and little projects.”

### What types of messes are shop vacs best for?

The beauty of wet/dry vacuums is that they can clean up just about any kind of mess, wet or dry. Morgan shares a few other uses you might not immediately think of when using a shop vac. “You can detach the motor on top [of some units] that come with an attachment that you can use as a blower,” he says. “You can use this forced stream of air to move leaves or sawdust.”

With the right attachments, Morgan explains, you can use the suction and blower capabilities to inflate and deflate items like rafts and inflatable mattresses. And, in a pinch, you can even use them as you would a carpet shampooer machine. “If you have a stain on your carpet, spray it with an all-purpose cleaner, use water to scrub it, and then use your shop vac to clean up the water and dry the carpet.”

## Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Lauren Bongard, a contributing appliances writer for Real Simple. To find the best wet/dry vacs, we tested several options in home settings, and evaluated each device based on factors such as capacity, maneuverability, attachments, and more. For expert insight, Lauren spoke to Rob Lemke, tool department lead at Owenhouse ACE Hardware, and Scott Morgan, supervisor of power tools at Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware in Bozeman, Montana.

## What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. If that's the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

## Related Articles

Newsletters

Follow Us

Newsletter Sign Up

Newsletter Sign Up