In the modern living lifestyle, it’s hard to imagine to handle cleaning tasks around your house without the help of a vacuum. Not to mention to those husbands with their wood hobby, a dry vac is more than need.
There are certain jobs a good wet/dry vac can tackle better than a regular one.
Think about sucking the leaking water in your flooded bathroom; it’s a blessing to have a wet vac to do that.
How about in the garage workshop? Well, you definitely need a dry vac to eat those sawdust and drywall.
Do you see how much you need a dry/wet vac now?
We’ve got a collection for you here. Make sure you check the products out thoroughly.
Are you in rush? Here are top 8 best wet dry vacs for home & garage workshop!
- Best for quick pick up jobs – Shop-Vac 2030100 Wet Dry Small Vacuum
- Compact option for pet messes – Shop-Vac 5895200 EZ Series Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Best for carpeted floor – Vacmaster Professional Beast Series Jobsite Vac VFB511B0201
- Best for big messes – Shop-Vac 5989500 Wet Dry Vacuum
- Best for car detailing – RIDGID Wet Dry Vacuums VAC4010
- Best for workshops – DeWALT 14 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac
- Best for pro-sized messes – WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs WS1600SS
- Best for extra-large cleanup projects – CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17656 Wet/Dry Vac
The best dry/wet vacs you can buy in 2019
Best for quick pick up jobs – Shop-Vac 2030100 Wet Dry Small Vacuum
Pros
- Include multiple attachments
- Lightweight
- Dependable
- Wall mountable
- Compact when storing
Cons
- Short cord
In the huge arsenal of Shop Vac vacuums (by huge, we mean more than 3 units), this one is the smallest, but it has the best things in the small pack.
We love the collapsible top handle makes it even easier to carry around. Don’t worry about its bulk because this vac weighs only 5 pounds. That adds to how quick you can complete the work.
In the power aspect, you get the automotive vacuum systems that will pick up the job quickly. The machine can turn into an air mover with the convertible motor.
More than that, the attachments come with the unit are also abundant helping covering more chores around the house.
| Tank | 1.5 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 2.0 HP |
| Hose Length | 4 ft |
| Max Airflow | 50 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 6 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 1.25″ |
| Included Filtration | Reusable disc filter with ring |
| Accessories Included | Crevice tool, Gulper nozzle, Wall mount bracket for vac, Tool holder, Foam sleeve |
| Highlight features | Cordless and versatile on the go with an automotive vacuum system and convertible motor |
Compactness is always perfect for handling urgent work, which you will find right in this small ShopVac machine.
Compact option for pet messes – Shop-Vac 5895200 EZ Series Wet/Dry Vacuum
Not sure about you but for us (and many pet parents), it’s a nightmare to catch dog’s piss on your precious wooden floor, even once in a while. You will understand that if you just adopted a puppy.
Yes. Pet messes are so intricate, and you need a quick cleaner for such “chore.”
Shop-Vac brought the model 5895200 for those who seek a cute vac to match that of your pet.
This machine offers the power of a full-sized vacuum in a handheld model. You’ll be surprised by the 2.5 HP motor and the tank of 12 gallons that can hold a good volume of liquid.
It’s possible to use this vac to clean up spillage, leakage, and dust in your home. Dolly, top carry handle and side tank handles allow you to carry this vac around with ease.
It’s yet safe for kids to use and available in vibrant colors which provoked an idea of teaching children to take care of their pets.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Clean up liquid fast
- Versatile
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Not a heavy-duty vac
- Intake tube is narrow
| Tank | 2.5 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 2.5 HP |
| Hose Length | 7 ft |
| Max Airflow | 130 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 18 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 1-1/4″ |
| Included Filtration | Filter bag Type B |
| Accessories Included | (2) Extension Wands, Bare and carpeted floor nozzle, Gulper nozzle, Crevice tool, Round brush, Wall mount bracket, Foam sleeve |
| Highlight features | Compact design with powerful suction. Handles on the top and rear support easy carrying |
This pink vac will help you clean up pet messes quickly before it leaves stink.
Best for carpeted floor – Vacmaster Professional Beast Series Jobsite Vac VFB511B0201
We are sure cleaning a carpeted floor would be one of the hardest things in your life if you don’t have the right vacuum.
After evaluating several models, we realized the Beast series from Vacmaster has the right suction that won’t destroy the surface. The 5. 5 Peak HP High Efficiency Motor is powerful but only swallowing debris on the carpet.
Using this vac, you don’t have to plug in the hose every time since it has an integrated Hose Storage to keep the tube neatly.
If you have to work far from the outlet, the 18′ cord will give you the extension of connection. And you don’t have to deal with tangled wires as the machine comes with on-board cord storage.
Turning this vac into a blower is a matter of a switch. It makes your life easier than ever getting all the carpets cleaned with just one vacuum.
Pros
- Straightforward assembly
- Easy to convert to a blower
- Long cord
- On-board hose storage
Cons
- Bag doesn’t attach to the inlet hole
- No wheels
| Tank | 5 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 5.5 HP |
| Hose Length | 7 ft |
| Max Airflow | 102 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 18 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 1-7/8 In. |
| Included Filtration | Fine Dust Cartridge Filter, Foam Wet Filter |
| Accessories Included | 1 Extension Wand, Crevice Tool, Car Nozzle, Utility Nozzle, Air/Noise Diffuser |
| Highlight features | Efficient motor won’t destroy the floor. Hose storage for neat storing and long cord |
This is the right vac with the right suction and attachments for carpeted floor.
Best for big messes – Shop-Vac 5989500 Wet Dry Vacuum
It’s hard to avoid big messes. When it happens, you need a suitable vacuum with which you can tackle the mission.
The Shop-Vac 5989500 is a big boy with a 12-gallon durable stainless steel tank enough to pick up stacks of dirt without having to dispose of many times.
We don’t tend to pick up the entire unit because it has caster wheels, but the top handle is quite useful to bring it around.
While many models seem to have a flimsy latching system, we don’t find that on this 5989500. The tank and its lid are held securely ensuring no emission during the clean.
Of course, you can turn this vac into a blower with the rear blower port and a quick switch on top.
Pros
- Durable barrel
- Easy to clean
- Portable
- Tightened latching system
Cons
- Bulky
- Narrow hose
| Tank | 12 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 5.5 HP |
| Hose Length | 8 ft |
| Max Airflow | 140 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 18 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 2-1/2 inch |
| Included Filtration | Filter bag, cartridge filter |
| Accessories Included | 2 extension wands, 14″ wet dry nozzle, crevice tool, foam sleeve |
| Highlight features | Large size, durable stainless steel tank that is easy to clean and providing more space for dirt. The latch system is secured |
Cleaning big mess won’t be a curse anymore because you have the big tank in a versatile unit.
Best for car detailing – RIDGID Wet Dry Vacuums VAC4010
You don’t have to bring the beefy house vac all the way to the garage to clean up your car. The RIGID VAC4010 has you saved by its compact and portable profile.
It’s great to have a versatile and multi-functional portable vacuum ready for the vehicle and backyard. Although packed in a little footprint, the VAC4010 equips a powerful 6.0 HP engine to tackle with the messiest jobs.
You have the leaf blower that outperforms most dedicated models we’ve ever seen. The Patented Qwik-Lock filter makes it easy when changing the filter without using an extra tool.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Functional filter
- Powerful engine
- Easy-to-change filter
- Long cord
Cons
- No locks in the front casters
- Noisy
| Tank | 4 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 6.0 HP |
| Hose Length | 8 ft |
| Max Airflow | 120 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 20 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 1 7/8’ |
| Included Filtration | Fine Dust Filter, Qwik-Lock vac filter |
| Accessories Included | Tool caddy, Car Nozzle, Utility Nozzle, Hose, Blower Wand, 2 Extension Wands |
| Highlight features | Compact in size for easy to move around the car. Can turn to a blower to blow leaves in the garden |
This vac is all you need for keeping your car shiny and around-the-house clean up.
Best for workshops – DeWALT 14 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac
If you use a regular vac for the workshop, drywall and sawdust will soon destroy the filter and the whole machine next.
That’s why you need a heavy-duty vacuum for such deed.
With large pick-up applications, this DEWALT vac is able to eat up the project’s junk in scale. You can leave the job to the powerful 6 peak horsepower motor. All leftover will stay neatly in the ultra-durable rubberized casters.
You can steer this vac around the job site easily with the front and large rear wheel helping finish the work quickly.
Pros
- Easy maneuvering
- Heavy-duty engine
- Large-size canister
- Clean workshop’s debris quick
Cons
- Not ideal for tight spaces
- Difficult to tuck the unit into a corner
| Tank | 14 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 6.0 HP |
| Hose Length | 7 ft |
| Max Airflow | N/A |
| Power Cord Length | 20 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 2-1/2″ |
| Included Filtration | Cartridge filter |
| Accessories Included | 2 extension wands, dust bag, floor nozzle, utility nozzle, crevice nozzle |
| Highlight features | Have a large container for more junk and powerful suction |
Working on a large scale, let this DEWALT gives you a hand tidying things up fast.
Best for pro-sized messes – WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs WS1600SS
With the 6.5 Peak HP motor, the Vacs WS1600SS can easily pick up ample messes of professional workshops quickly.
It’d be an advantage to be able to clean up fast when you’re on an inspiring project.
On this vac, the ergonomic handle and large rear wheels let you transport the unit around the job site with no difficulty. The cart design also adds to the portability and mobility of this vac.
You don’t have to worry about the hose that pulls loose while cleaning. The locking adapters ensure everything is in its place saving you time attaching detaching.
Pros
- Capable of cleaning large messes
- Efficient mobility
- Secure lid locking system
- Easy to use
Cons
- Loud sound
| Tank | 16 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 6.5 HP |
| Hose Length | 7 ft |
| Max Airflow | 167 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 20 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 2-1/2-inch |
| Included Filtration | Fine dust Qwik Lock filter |
| Accessories Included | Dust bag, utility nozzle, wet nozzle, crevice tool, car nozzle, 2 extensive wands |
| Highlight features | Powerful motor sucks in a large amount of debris while the large tank integrates blowing port for using it as a wet vacuum |
For workshops that need to clean big and fast, nothing is better than this 16-gallon vac.
Best for extra-large cleanup projects – CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17656 Wet/Dry Vac
CRAFTSMAN equips this vac with the integrated cart system to roll anywhere you need it. The heavy-duty vacuum is able to handle extra-large messes.
With the accessories included, this vac provides a strong suction to all areas in the matter of minutes. The carry handle yet makes it more comfortable to move the machine around.
The rear blower port works at high speed supporting rapid clean to go back to your work right after; so, you don’t lose the breakthrough ideas.
Pros
- Extreme-large collection chamber
- Flexible 360-degree wheels
- Can clean a wide area
- Easy handle
Cons
- Too big
| Tank | 20 gallon |
| Peak Horsepower | 6.5 HP |
| Hose Length | 10 ft |
| Max Airflow | 190.8 CFM |
| Power Cord Length | 20 ft |
| Accessory Diameter | 1-7/8 in |
| Included Filtration | Fine Dust Cartridge Filter, Dust Bag |
| Accessories Included | Premium Hose, Two Extension Wands, Car Nozzle, Crevice Tool, Wet Nozzle, Utility Nozzle, Muffler/Diffuser |
| Highlight features | 360-degree caster wheels allow flexible movement, large tank for large messes with strong output to suck in junk faster |
Cleaning hulky heaps will be less of a burden with this fast-cleaning vac.
How to choose the best wet dry vac (buying guide)
You have the left hand full of the best vacuum on the market. Now, what you need is an expert’s shopping guide.
We won’t fail you.
The tips we’ve got here will sure be ultimately helpful for you. Don’t skip it.
Tank volume
Wet/dry vacuums are available in various sizes. From mini, small, to large tank.
So, how to determine which size you need?
Simply put! Look at the scale of the job you have to handle.
If it’s your daily chore to clean up a double-story house, we recommend vacuums with tanks under 5 gallons. You won’t be filling the empty canister with dust; so, you want the vacuum to be lightweight to carry.
We hope you don’t have to clean up leak water so frequent; but if you do, a larger tank is more helpful.
For a workshop, it also depends on how large it is. Just measure the size of your job; you’ll know how big a tank you want.
Tank material
There are two main kinds of tank material you can choose. Go for plastic if you want lightweight and portability. Stainless steel is certainly heavier, but it gives the vac the durability in a long time.
We think plastic canisters work best for a home purpose. On the other side, a professional job site should go for metal containers.
Tank drain
If picking up water is a part of your chore, make sure you have a tank drain to help you with that.
Filter
It’s hard to ignore this technical specs, but this factor decides how long your vacuum will live. You may follow this pattern:
Large debris: fine dust, dry wall filter, tear resistant collection bags, cartridge filters
- Medium debris – 2.5″ diameter accessories, reusable dry filters
- Fine debris – 1.5″ diameter accessories, 1.25″ diameter accessories
- Wet debris – Foam sleeve
In case your one of households have an allergy, try to look for a HEPA collection bag. You can have more than one filter for replacement because this compartment exposes to the highest chance of damage.
Using filters wisely will prolong your vacuum’s life.
Hose size
Again, this spec matters a lot if you want to clean effectively.
The rule of thumb is longer hose reduce suction.
So, depending on what kind of dirt you want to clean, match it with the right hose size.
Make sure the vacuum you buy comes with the accessories listed. Other common things are up to you.
Blower port
It will be very handy to have a vac that can convert to an air blower. Detachable blowers will help you clean the yard full of fall leaves.
Besides, having a 2-in-1 machine brings you more cleaning benefits. In the job site, you can use the blower to blow the dust off the projects.
What are the best shop vac brands?
Shop-Vac
Shop-Vac brand produces genuine vacuum to deliver only quality to the market. Their machines serve users of many types, including consumer, industrial, and commercial applications.
Standing on the field for 40 years, Shop-Vac knows how to make their gadget win a lot of customers’ trusts.
Vacmaster
Vacmaster has the greatest vacs in all categories. You can find from the brand vacs of mini size, heavy-duty use, wet/dry, and even mountable wet/dry vac with remote control.
Having been impressing consumers globally, Vacmaster promises more value in their future products.
WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP takes price in each unit they deliver to the market. The company has been manufacturing tough wet/dry vacuums with you in mind for nearly five decades. Tools from WORKSHOP can take care of whatever life throws at you.
FAQs
What does a wet and dry vac do?
A: A wet/dry vac can handle various cleaning jobs in the house as well as a workshop. It can pick up small particles from nails, screws, to wood chips and dust.
Another feature makes people add the “wet” is the vac can empty a basin of water using the same suction.
Can wet/dry vac pick up water?
A: As we explained, a wet/dry vac will suck liquid into the collection chamber. The content inside this container can be drained out if the vac comes with a drain port.
Why does my wet/dry vacuum blow dust backward?
A: It is when you use the vac without a filter. There is nothing to stop the dust, thus exhausting it back to the blower port.
Improperly installation of the filter can cause the same issue, too. Another reason is that dust can be too fine for the kind of filter you have. So, make sure you pick the right filter for the purpose.
Why is my wet/dry vacuum losing suction power?
A: In our experience, it’s pretty much due to the clogged filter. Another part that is likely to be obstructed is the hose.
When your vac is losing the suction power, check those two compartments first. If the hose has a hole or cracks, replacing a new one will fix it.
Which is the right filter for the wet surface?
A: In fact, you don’t need a filter for vacuuming water. If you leave the filter on, you should be cleaning small puddles only. But you will have to rinse the filter after that to use for the dry purpose.
Shop wise and use smart
Glad we’re at the end. Hope our list of the best wet/dry vac will get you confident when shopping for one.
Remember! Using a wet/dry vac can be very intricate if you don’t read the manual. Even a wrong assembly can destroy a whole new unit.
Last but not least, a wet/dry vac has the dual function, but you should never leave the filter on when clearing water or forget the filter when picking up mildews.
That’s it. Leave us comments if you need further help.
Or look for us in new posts. Thank you!
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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