Tired of your household vacuum cleaner clogging up? Dust and debris plaguing your garage? Or maybe you can't handle all the sawdust from the woodworking? Well, whether you are a contractor at a construction site or an amateur woodworker working on a new project, you can easily use one of the best shop vacs to help you clean up all kinds of messes. These exquisite cleaners will leave no trace of the mess behind, ensuring every single particle of the dust is vacuumed in.
Interested in learning more about these dry/wet vacuum cleaners? Well, keep on reading ahead to find out.
What is a Shop Vac?
A shop vac is a generic name given to an industrial strength vacuum capable of vacuuming wet or dry messes. An interesting point to note is that the shop vac is just a generic name given to these vacuum cleaners, it is actually the name of a popular industrial vacuum cleaner brand. The Shop-Vac vacuums became so popular that folks started associating their names with all such models.
The special feature in shop vacs is that these industrial strength cleaners can suck up water and different liquids too. They are available in many sizes and come with different tank capacities. Most of these are either medium duty or heavy duty vacuum cleaners.
The general construction of the shop vacs is a large tank with a hose attached to it. The hose has numerous nozzle attachments that help to suck in any solid or liquid. Most cleaners have a handle to help you carry them up the stairs while others have caster wheels to help you push them around.
Applications
A shop vac can be used in industries, construction sites or garages and workshops. In construction sites, it can be used to select any debris such as nails and concrete dust from the site. It is used in woodworking as well to collect sawdust and other dust particles.
It can also be used to collect water and other liquids as well. So, they can be used to clean spills. Other uses involve pumping out flooded water.
It works as a blower as well and can be used to blow leaves and other debris as well.
Types of dry/wet vacuums
There are numerous types of dry/wet vacuums available in the market. These are divided on the basis of their size. Here these are:
Mini dry/wet vacuums
These are lightweight and small in size with smaller capacity. They sacrifice their performance for better portability and storage. These are usually handheld units used at workshops and garages.
Small dry/wet vacuums
These are slightly bigger and heavier than the mini variety, however, their capacity is much greater than them.
Medium dry/wet vacuums
Medium sized vacuums provide the perfect balance between performance and portability. They can be carried with ease and have sufficient capacityfor personal uses.
Large dry/wet vacuums
These vacuum cleaners have large capacities and perform more efficiently. They are mostly used in industries and in a construction site where the amount of debris is large. However, they are heavy in weight and large in size, hence, handling them is harder.
Why would you need a shop vacuum?
Well, you might need a shop vacuum if you own a garage or workshop where you often need to clean up wet or dry debris. They are perfect for cleaning up messes and spills. They can be used in construction sites as well. Imagine you are sawing wood for your latest project. All that sawdust can clog your normal household vacuum cleaner. So, you need one with an industrial suction power to help you clean away the mess.
Best Shop Vac Reviews
Although the market is full of numerous models, you might find it difficult to pick out the perfect one. However, not to worry. We have compiled a list of the 5 best shop vacs 2018 that will help you clear away all kinds of dirt and debris. We have judged them on the basis of many factors some of which are durability, power, tank capacity, efficiency, and suction power. We also take into account the portability and ease of use of these units.
Ridgid 50348RID Shop Vac
Powerful motor
The Ridgid Vacuum is equipped with an 11-amp powerful motor that delivers a peak power of 6 hp. This leads to an efficient air flow and premium suction power to clear away the most stubborn of debris. The motor is a two-stage motor for added power.
Portability
Included with the vacuum is a sturdy and durable cart that makes it easy to transportthe vacuum from one place to another. The cart has a push handle and caster wheels that make it easy to carry it over stairs.
Durability
The motor of the Ridgid is durable and long lasting. Further, the two-piece polypropylene construction of the drum is rugged which helps it bear the harshness of the construction site.
Large capacity tank
The Ridgidhas a large capacitytank, measuring up to 14 gallons. This allows the vacuum to easily clear up large spills at construction sites. Also included is an oversized drainat the bottom ofthe drum to help drain all water.
Noiseless operation
The vacuum is equipped with sound reduction technology that makes the motor's operation noiseless. This quiet operation is accomplished by controlling the flow of air through the vac.
Best suited for: The Ridgid 14 gallon shop vac is best suited for use at construction sites where there is a large amount of debris and dust.
Key features
- 5 amperes 2-stage motor
- Delivers 6 hp
- Tank capacity: 14 gallons
- 20-footpower cord
- Can function as a blower as well
- 8-foot hose with a diameter of 1-7/8 inches
- Includes Sound reduction Technology and QwikLock filter Fastening System
Cons
What's in the box
- Vacuum
- Accessory Bag
- Cart
- Wet nozzle
- Fine dust filter
- Owner's manual
- Utility nozzle
- Two extension wands
- 1-7/8 Inches by 8 foot locking pro hose - premium
- Crevice tool
- Car nozzle
Bottom line
All in all, the Rigid 14-gallonwet/dry vac is the best heavy duty shop vac designed to easily beat the ruggedness of the construction sites. However, it is well equipped to be used in your shops and garages as well.
Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuum
Remote control function
The Craftsman Shop Vac is the best shop vacuum as it is equipped with a wireless remote control function that allows you to turn the suction on when over you want and turn it off whenever you don't. This allows for convenience when your hands are full and you want to vacuum sawdust or other debris.
Mountable
The Craftsman vacuum can be easily mounted on the wall where you can then connect it to your saw's dust chute. Now, all you need to do is use the remote control to turn the vacuum on to suck away all dust.
Portable
It can be unmounted as well and used as a portable unit. Included are 2 heavy-duty plastic molded ergonomic handles that allow you to carry it from one place to another easily.
Powerful motor
Included is a powerful turbo motor (dual) that provides suction power as well as quiet operation. It can easily deliver peak powers of 5 hp at 120 V.
Long reach
The Craftsman includes a 21-foothose system as well as a 20-footpower cord. This lends you about 41 foot of reach. Also included are two extension wands that add to the overall reach.
Best suited for: The wall mount shop vac is best suited for medium duty work and woodworking in garages and workshops.
Key features
- Ultra quiet turbo motor
- Delivers a peak of 5 hp
- Tank capacity: 2-7 gallons
- Includes a wireless remote control option
- Can be used while mounted or as a handheld unit
- Functions as a blower as well
Cons
What's in the box
Bottom line
The Craftsman was specifically crafted to be the best shop vac for woodworking due to its powerful suction and its innovative wireless remote control technology.
Shop-Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum
Powerful motor
The Shop-Vac is equipped with a powerful motor that can deliver a peak of 4.5 hp. The rating of the motor is 120 V, 60 Hz, and 9.9 amp. It can deliver a maximum air flow of 175 cfm.
Easy storage
The Shop-Vac is small in size, measuring a mere 14″ x 14″ x 21″. This allows you to easily store it anywhere you like. Also included is an onboard storage system for the accessories that allow you access to your best tools while you vacuum.
Ease of use
The Shop-Vac includes a positive lid latch system which holds the lid and the tank together to prevent any spills. The dolly ensures the tank doesn't tip over. Also included is an on/off switch that allows for easy on and off.
DurabilityThe Shop-Vac is constructed out of durable stainless steel that is easy to clean and maintain.
Dual function
The Shop-Vac can function as both a vacuum and a blower. Simply attach the hose to the rear blower part and you can easily blow away any dirt or debris from the workstation.
Best suited for: The Shop-Vac is best suited for medium duty work in garages and in the workshop. It can also be used to blow away leaves or any other debris.
Key features
- Powerful motor that delivers 4.5 hp
- Rating: 120 V, 9.9 amps, 60 Hz
- Tank Capacity: 5 gallons
- Maximum air flow: 175 cfm
- 6 feet cord
- 7-foot
- Can function as a blower as well
Cons
What's in the box
- Vacuum
- 7 foot by 1.25 inch hose
- Crevice tool
- Floor nozzle
- Filter bag
- Three extension wands
- Foam sleeve
- Gulper nozzle
- Cartridge filter
Bottom line
The Shop-Vac is the perfect vacuum for medium duty jobs. It can work as a blower as well as a vacuum to help you achieve all sorts of jobs.
Vacmaster HEPA Shop Vac with two stage motor
Durability
The Vacmaster has an 8-gallon propylene tank and an industrial grade hose both of which are crush proof. This means they can bear the most rugged of worksites.
Powerful motor
The unit is equipped with an industrialgrade motor that works in two stages and has an ultra-quiet operation. The motor can deliver a peak of about at 120 V and 60 Hz. This allowsit a maximum airflowof 125 cfm and a water lift of 106 inches.
Long reach
The HEPA Shop vac is equipped with a 30-foot power cord as well as a 10-foot industrial hose, totaling up to 40 foot of reach.
Powerful HEPA approved suction
The Unit is HEPA approved, which means it can collect and retain dust of up to 0.3-micron particle size. This has allowed it an efficiency of 99.996%, exceeding the HEPA 99.97% efficiency requirement.
Portability
Also included with the unit are 2 heavy duty caster wheels at the front and 2 large wheels at the back. An ergonomic handle atthe top helps you easily transport the unit anywhere you want.
Best suited for: The Vacmaster is best suited for clearing industrial and construction worksites.
Key features
- Tank capacity: 8 Gallons
- 2 stage industrial motor
- Certified HEPA system
- 30-foot
- 10-foot
- Maximum airflow: 125 cfm
- Heavy-duty metal casters included
Cons
What's in the box
- Vacuum
- Replaceable Filters: VKFF001,VKEF001, VKPF001, VKHF001
- Power Tool Adapter
- Crevice Tool
- 20 Inch Two Steel Wands for locking
- Foam Sleeve Filter - Reusable
- Round Brush with Horse Hair
- Pre-Filter - Microfiber
- Fine-Dust Collection Bag - High-Efficiency
- One Air Flow Adjuster Steel Elbow
- 10 Feet x 1-and-half Inch Industrial Hose (Crushproof)
- 15 Inch Floor Nozzle (two brushes)
- Cartridge Filter - HEPA
Bottom line
The Vacmaster is the most powerful shop vac in our list. Its HEPA approved suction power, as well as the wide variety of accessories, has made it a favorite amongst workers.
WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vac
Large capacity
The Workshop vacuum cleaner has a large capacity tank of about 16 gallons that allows you to suck up large spills and debris. Also,included is an oversized drain port that allows all the liquids to be easily drained out from the bottom.
Powerful motor
The powerful motor can deliver a peak power of 6.5 hp enabling the vacuum to pick about 1 gallon of water per minute. This helps deliver superior suction.
Portability
The Workshop has large rear wheels and a mobile cart to help you easily take the vac through any tough construction terrains. Ergonomic handle at the top allows you to easily carry the shop vac up and down the flight of stairs.
Onboard storage
Also included is an organized storagefor the hose, cord, andthe accessories on the vacuum. This allows for easy access to all your tools.
Long reach
The Workshop includes a 20-footpower cord as well as a 7-foot hose, totaling to 27 foot of reach. This allows you to easily clear up all spills no matter how widespread they are.
Best suited for: The Workshop is best suited for clearing liquid spills and at construction sites.
Key features
- Powerful motor delivers5 hp peak
- Tank Capacity: 16 gallons
- The 7-foothose of diameter 2-1/2 inches
- 20-footpower cord
- Large rear wheels and an ergonomic handle
Cons
- Large in size
- The wheels may not be tightly secure
What's in the box
- Two 2-1/2″ Diameter Extension Wands
- Wet Nozzle
- Dust Collection Bag
- Fine Dust Filter
- Crevice Tool
- Flex Locking Hose - Dual
- Car Nozzle
- Utility Nozzle
Bottom line
Overall, the Workshop is one of the best-rated shop vacs as it has a large tank capacity and can deliver immense power to help you clean up the messiest of sites.
Conclusion
So, all of these best wet dry vacuums will serve you well in cleaning all kinds of spills and debris. They can help you keep your workstation clean and clear. Although all of these shop vacs are best in their own respects, one stood out head and shoulders above others. Yes, you guessed it right, the Ridgid 14 gallon dry/wet vacuum cleaner is perfect as it comes equipped with a cart that allows you to carry it around. The large tank ensures you can clear up the largest of spills without any worries. It comes packed with many accessories, each of which allows you to perform a different kind of cleaning job. It will suck away all your worries, leaving behind a clean workstation.