The Best Shop Vacs for 2022
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Best Shop Vac
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These simple yet effective vacuums are a must-have item to help make cleanup faster and easier in the garage, in the car, or at the jobsite. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best shop vacs currently available.
UPDATED: April 14, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 because it offers wet/dry capabilities, a 6.5 peak horsepower motor, and a large 20-gallon capacity.
There is a lot of variation in what falls under the generic product category of a “shop vac”. The specifics of each will determine what it can and can’t do along with its ability to accomplish what you want in the most convenient and efficient manner. For example, do you want it to have the maximum capacity or maximum portability? Here are some features to look out for when selecting a model.
Wet/Dry
One feature that sets shop vacs apart from traditional vacuums is their ability to suck up not only dry materials but also wet. This makes them a great solution for cleaning up spills and a variety of messes. Most tanks will include a drain that allows you to quickly remove liquids. This makes it much easier to empty than trying to lift and pour out a heavy tank full of water.
Filters
As with household vacuums, shop vacs contain a filter to remove dust as it is sucked up. These filters will need to be periodically replaced but in between replacements they can usually be washed with water. Check the specific manufacturer’s recommendation for the replacement and cleaning cycles.
Tank Capacity
There are two main categories of shop vacs: small capacity and large capacity. This is determined by the tank capacity which is measured in gallons. A small-capacity vac will be in the 2 to 5-gallon range while a large capacity vac will be 8 to 20 gallons.
The larger the tank the more material or liquid that can be held before having to empty it. However, the larger the tank the more difficult it can be to move around and store. Larger tanks will typically translate to a larger motor. Small tanks have the benefit of being easy to store and transport but are generally less powerful. Depending on your anticipated uses and storage abilities you will need to make a selection based on your specific situation.
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Power
The power of a particular model’s motor is usually measured in horsepower (HP) and can range from 2 HP up to 6+ HP. Generally speaking, the more powerful the motor, the greater the suction and blowing capacity. A larger motor will correspondingly come at a higher cost.
Cordless vacs are also becoming more popular and offer the maximum range flexibility but, for now, typically offer less power than a plug-in version.
Tank Material
The two most common tank materials are polypropylene and stainless steel. Both are very durable and offer the ability to prevent rust and corrosion. If subjected to an extreme impact polypropylene would crack while stainless steel would dent. Stainless is usually more expensive than polypropylene and can be heavier depending on the tank thickness.
Hose Specifics
All vacs will include details about the included hose. Depending on what you will be using the vacuum for the hose length is important to note. For example, if you will be using it most for car cleaning a longer hose can be beneficial. This is especially true for the larger tank models as it is more difficult to get it closer to the work area compared to a compact vac.
The hose length combined with the cord length will provide you with the maximum usable distance from an outlet. For example, a vac with a 10-foot hose and a 20-foot cord results in a 30-foot total radius from a power source.
The hose diameter is also worth noting, the larger the diameter the less likely debris is to get stuck in the hose.
Blower Conversion
A common feature of shop vacs is the ability to connect the house to a blower port and turn the vacuum into a leaf or debris blower. Some models even go a step further and offer a detachable system that leaves the tank behind to convert into a portable leaf blower. See the Vacmaster VBV1210 below.
Accessories
There are dozens of hose accessories available designed to work on a broad range of tasks. Some are provided along with the vac and others need to be purchased separately. There is often some kind of onboard storage that allows easy access.
Common shop vac accessories include a crevice tool that is great for car cleaning and a blower nozzle that works for cleaning gutters or leaf blowing.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Craftsman, DEWALT, Shop-Vac, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Shop Vacs for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 20 Gallon Shop Vac
The CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac features a powerful 6.5 peak HP motor.
Features a blowing port that doubles as a leaf blower alternative.
Comes with a dual-flex hose to resist restricting airflow through the hose.
Features the “Qwik Lock Filter” system, allowing for quick filter changes.
Equipped with a drain to quickly empty liquid from the tank.
Includes a 2-1/2 inch diameter hose.
Features hose, accessory, and cord storage.
Sits on casters for easy maneuverability.
Runner-up: Shop-Vac 5989300 5 Gallon Shop Vac
The Shop-Vac 5989300 features a long-lasting, durable stainless steel tank.
Features a latch system that securely holds the tank and lid together.
Offers a rear blower port that converts the vacuum into a powerful blower.
Features top and side carry handles for portability.
Equipped with onboard tool storage, to help keep everything organized.
Includes a convenient and easy-to-reach on/off switch.
Features a full circumference dolly to prevent it from tipping over.
Comes with accessories and filters.
Best Detachable Blower: Vacmaster VBV1210 12 Gallon 5 Shop Vac
The Vacmaster VBV1210 features a unique design that offers a detachable blower that provides up to 210 MPH for clearing leaves and debris.
Powered by a 5 horsepower motor with a large 12-gallon tank.
Constructed from polypropylene for long-lasting durability.
Includes a crevice tool designed for vacuuming cars and narrow areas.
Includes a large drain port that quickly and easily removes liquids from the tank.
Features onboard storage for accessories.
Equipped with casters for easy maneuvering.
Best for Car Cleaning: Armor All 2.5 Gallon Shop Vac
The Armor All's Utility Vac features a portable 2.5-gallon polypropylene tank making it ideal for car cleaning.
Offers easy conversion to a blower function.
Auto shut-off detects fill limit and prevents overflow.
Features a top handle and onboard accessory storage make for easy carrying.
Equipped with a built-in air and noise diffuser that minimizes volume.
Includes a 10-foot cord with wrap.
Comes with a 6-foot, 1.25-inch hose, reusable cloth filter, reusable foam sleeve, 2-in-1 utility nozzle, crevice tool, deluxe car nozzle, blower nozzle, and detail brush.
No assembly is required.
Best Compact Design: Vacmaster VFB511B 5 Gallon Shop Vac
The Vacmaster Professional Beast Series features a 5-Gallon tank with a 5.5 Peak HP motor.
Offers a 25-foot cleaning radius (7’ hose and 18’ power cord) to reach farther without unplugging the unit.
Includes on-board hose, accessory, and power cord storage.
Equipped with a large on/off switch that is dust sealed.
Includes eight accessories:
Kink-resistant premium hose.
Utility nozzle.
Crevice tool.
Car nozzle.
Extension wand.
Fine dust cartridge filter.
Foam wet filter.
Air & noise diffuser.
Best Power: Shop-Vac 5989400 8 Gallon Shop Vac
The Shop-Vac 5989400 features a durable stainless steel tank with a powerful 6.0 horsepower motor.
Features a secure latch system to keep the tank and lid securely held together.
Features both top and side carry handles.
Equipped with onboard tool storage keeps equipment is easily accessible.
Includes a drain that just requires taking off the cap to quickly remove liquids from the tank.
Equipped with a convenient and easy-to-reach on/off switch.
Features a full circumference dolly to prevent tipping over.
Best Value: DEWALT DXV09P 9 Gallon Shop Vac
The DEWALT DXV09P wet/dry vac features a large convenient top-mounted handle to easily move it around.
Features large swiveling casters to provide easy multi-direction movement.
Includes a tank drain to quickly and easily remove liquids.
Features a built-in 20’ power cord for convenience.
Includes an accessory bag to help with organization.
Features a water-resistant large on/off switch.
Includes a dust cartridge filter.
Best Accessories: Shop-Vac 5895200 2.5 Gallon Shop Vac
The Shop-Vac 5895200 features a range of accessory attachments:
Included accessories:
Friction fit hose.
Extension wand.
Dual surface nozzle.
Gulper nozzle.
Crevice tool.
Round brush.
Powered by a 2.5 HP motor with a 2.5-gallon tank.
Equipped with rolling casters and a top carry handle for easy moving.
Features a wall mount bracket to keep it stored off the floor.
Includes an 18' power cord for flexibility when maneuvering.
Best Cordless: DEWALT DCV580H 2 Gallon Shop Vac
The DEWALT DCV580H offers the ability to provide cordless or corded operation powered by a 20V MAX battery.
Offers a two-gallon capacity.
Features a HEPA-rated wet/dry filter that traps dust with 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns.
Note: the filter is reusable and washable with water.
Features a heavy-duty crush-resistant fully integrated 5' x 1-1/4" diameter hose.
Includes onboard hose and accessory storage.
Comes with crevice and wide nozzle tools.
Battery and charger are sold separately.
Best Budget Option: Stanley SL18116P 6 Gallon Shop Vac
The Stanley's SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum features a 6-gallon tank with a 4 Peak HP motor.
Features a rear blower port to transition into a leaf blower alternative.
Accessories included: two extension wands, a crevice nozzle, and a 10-inch floor nozzle.
Includes an accessories holder and a large on-off switch.
Features a 1-1/4” wide 6-foot long hose.
Includes swiveling casters to easily move the unit.
Features an airflow of 75 CFM.
Includes a 10-foot power cord.
I hope this list of the best shop vacs was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
