Cleaning a mess at the workplace is a little difficult and finding a power tool that can help you with is quite tiring as well. Because the mess could be oil, water, and dry waste, and a tool that can clean all of these is pretty rare. However, there are products known as Best shop Vacs that are enough versatile and capable of cleaning different kinds of messes.
If you are working on a construction site or a woodwork workshop, you going to need a powerful vacuum that can help you clean difficult-looking messes pretty easily. That is why we compiled a list of the 9 Best Shop Vacs.
 My Top Pick…Â
This Vacmaster VFB511B0201 Five-Gallon is a top pick on our list. It has compact in size and lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver. Moreover, the suction power is great and cleaning performance is optimal.
Best Shop Vacs 2023!
After researching a lot on the different community forums, reading user reviews, and reading different blogs by going through from one website to another, we have compiled this list. The main reason behind this effort is just to help you find the best one that matches your needs.
| Sr.No | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vacmaster VFB511B0201 | ● Compact Size and Easy to Use | Check Price |
| 2 | VacMaster VJH1612PF0201 | ● Ideal for wet messes | Check Price |
| 3 | DeWalt DXV09P | ● Durable Construction | Check Price |
| 4 | Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 | ● Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum | Check Price |
| 5 | Laguna Tool B-Flux Dust Collector | ● Great for Workshops | Check Price |
| 6 | Bosch VAC090A | ● 9-Gallon Capacity | Check Price |
| 7 | Vacmater Pro | ● Includes HEPA filter | Check Price |
| 8 | DeWalt Vac | ● 16-Gallon Capacity | Check Price |
| 9 | Stanley 4-Gallon Shop Vac | ● Durable Stainless-Steel Construction | Check Price |
As far as the regular household vacuum is concerned, then these normal vacuums are designed for picking dust, dirt, and other small debris. However, these shop vacs are pretty different and designed for robust performance. This means they can easily pick nails, screws, and wooden chunks without actually damaging the internal components of the product.
With a specific purpose in mind, each accessory of these products is professionally engineered to make them last for long and do the job perfectly.
There are several products available in the market, but finding the one that perfectly matches your needs is pretty hard. So, read this post until the end, and make your life easy.
1.) Vacmaster VFB511B0201 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
In terms of performance, this Vacmaster VFB511B0201 Wet/Dry Vacuum turns out up to mark, specifically when you are looking for an option having a smaller capacity and comparatively little compact size. Due to its compact size, it can easily be stored in the garage for cleaning vehicles. Moreover, it eliminates the hassles of dragging for the dreaded car cleaning session.
It features a 5.5 HP motor and has a 5-gallon capacity. The Vacmaster designed this product for increased portability, however, the main features effectively meet the needs. The vacuum has pretty unique that turns this from vacuum to blower. This blower feature turns very handy when it comes to cleaning trucks.
If you need to clean the area beneath the counter, or under other heavy furniture, you done at have to go through the hassle of moving or shifting. This vacuum has an integrated hose that is pretty long that helps to reach the hard corners pretty easily. Plus, there is storage for hose too means, when you are done with the cleaning you can easily store it as well.
As mentioned above, it is designed for increased portability. It includes an 18-feet long cord which is pretty helpful for cleaning the entire area without going through the hassle of plugging and unplugging.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Huge 5-gallon capacity
- Powerful 5.5 HP motor
- Compact size and truly portable
- Long hose along with storage area
- Long cord for increased movement during the cleaning process
- Suction is low
Conclusion:
2.) VacMaster VJH1612PF0201 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Cleaning the large debris or wet mess is not an issue at all for this VacMaster VJH1612PF0201 Wet/Dry Vac. It is best known for its powerful suction. While working in the wooden workshop you can pretty easily pick screws, nails, or other small chunks of wood. As the manufacturer advertised this one offers somewhat around 64-inch water lift and 400 air watts pretty remarkable for powerful suction.
Just like the above-mentioned sibling this one also includes an integrated hose that connects with the suction outlet with the help of included clips. This feature is pretty handy when there is a need for cleaning beneath the heavy furniture or other hard corners where hands cant approach.
With space-saving benefits in mind, both the cord and hose have pre-designed space for storage. This advantage pretty much eliminates the hassle of managing the cord as well as the hose, while dragging it from the workplace to the storage area.
The noise diffuser makes the whole cleaning operation pretty noiseless. Plus, the crevice tool and extension wand help in cleaning, and with the floor nozzle, you can do multiple jobs with this powerful vac.
The hose length is 7-feet, and the cord is 20-feet long which means it gives the user a 27-feet long reach. With that long reach, you don’t have to find plugs in every room or drag an electricity extension board.
Another feature that makes it different and more reliable than the above-mentioned products is its 16-gallon huge capacity. You can clean the entire workplace or home at once by emptying the dirt container again and again.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Huge 16-gallon capacity
- 27-feet long reach
- Pre-designed space for storing cord and hose
- Multiple tools to make cleaning easy
- Increased portability due to wheels
- Suction can be improved more
Conclusion:
3.) DeWalt DXV09P 9-Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vacuum
This DeWalt DXV09P Wet/Dry Vacuum can be used as the dust extractor as well as the blower. It includes many tools and attachments to make the entire cleaning process pretty simple for the user.
It has sturdy plastic construction and pretty lightweight. It is reliable for construction sites and professional workshops. The 5 peak HP motor, give excellent suction and make tough-looking cleaning jobs pretty easy. It has four rubberized caster wheels located at the bottom of the housing to provide stability and ease of use.
The smooth swiveling makes this DXV09P to be pushed and pulled where most needed or around the shop. There is one downside is that the DeWalt has a relatively short power cord when compared to others. The cord length is only 10-feet but is still pretty good at tackling many jobs.
This unit has three major parts Vacuum Port, Blower Port, and Drain Port. The drain port is used for cleaning liquid messes, the blower port is used for blowing smaller dirt particles and dust, and the vacuum port is used for vacuuming in the workshop or construction site.
It can be used in both bagged and bagless ways mean if you are using it for cleaning dust you can use a paper filter bag that can be disposed of easily after cleaning, and if you are using it for liquids make sure the paper bag is removed.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Long flexible hose
- Include many tool and extension for effortless operation
- Suction power is great
- Caster wheels make it easy to move
- Suction power is low
Conclusion:
4.) Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum
Cleaning large dirt particles needs somewhat extra powerful suction and a robust motor. This Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Shop Vacuum is a great product in this regard. It features a 6.5 peak HP motor which is an added addition compared to other products of the same line-up.
The included motor generates enough suction power that pretty much removes anything including the screws, nails, and wooden chunks, from the workshop or the construction site. Furthermore, the ability to turn from a powerful shop vac to a robust blower is another great feature.
The blower port is located on the rear side, where the is connected, and when the motor starts it blows a powerful airflow to remove dry leaves and grass from the garage.
As the name suggests, this wet/dry vacuum is not only intended for dry messes, but it can effectively deal with liquids too. At the bottom of the housing, there is a drain plug that helps ease emptying the container when it gets full.
The hose of the vacuum has a 2.5-inch diameter, which means at each move it will cover a moderate area for cleaning. Furthermore, the hose is equipped with dual-flex technology that helps the user to move it up to 180-degree for conveniently cleaning the hard corners.
Just like the other top-quality models this Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 also includes various additional tools and extensions that make the entire cleaning process a breeze. The accessories it includes in the box are 2x Extension wands, 1x Dual-flex hose, 1 car-cleaning nozzle, 1x Wet nozzle, disposable dust collection bag, and filter for the lock.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Powerful motor and great suction power
- Can be used as a blower
- Reliable for both dry and wet messes
- Easy to the empty drain plug
- Tools and extensions to help users in cleaning
- Some people reported an issue about construction quality
Conclusion:
5.) Laguna Tool B-Flux Single Stage Dust Collector
This Laguna Tool B-Flux Dust Collector is a single-stage dust collector that pretty much blows everything in the bad that is attached to it. It has a powerful 1 horsepower motor, the motor itself is a little smaller when compared to the other products mentioned in this list.
The most admiring thing about this dust collector is its mobility. It could roll around the shop or the area you are cleaning pretty easily. So, you are a shop owner and willing to change the entire setup of the shop, you won’t face any issue when it comes to moving this robust dust collector due to heavy-duty wheels located at the bottom.
One of the most important features is the included HEPA filter, not every dust collector or professional vacuum has this feature. The HEPA filter reduces the number of allergens up to 99.9% from the air, a great feature for those who have allergy problems.
These models come in two different configurations C-flux and B-Flux, the C-flus doesn’t include a HEPA filter, but the B-Flux does. Another major difference is the noise reduction capability. This one is more noiseless as compared to C-Flux. This feature will do matter for you if you own a shop in the basement, where a very little voice feels much louder.
Furthermore, there is a board that is located in the housing that tells about the indications means when the HEPA filter needs a cleaning, or when the drum needs to be emptied.
The motor generates a cyclone inside the filter that easily filters the larger wood chips and the dust. The wood chips are collected in the bin while the dust particles will need to pass through the filter. The larger the cyclone means the better the filtration.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Powerful suction
- HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air
- Mobility is flawless
- Cyclone like cleaning process for better filtration
- Some people reported an issue that the suction is not good
Conclusion:
6.) Bosch VAC090A 9-Gallon Dust Extractor
Bosch is a well-known company for manufacturing power tools that help to do difficult-looking tasks pretty easily. Similarly, this Bosch VAC090A 9-Gallon Dust Extractor is another addition from them. This powerful tool helps clean the large messes on the construction site or the workshop pretty effectively.
It has a 9-gallon capacity which is more than enough for doing the whole cleaning job without going through the hassle of emptying the container again and again. For the increased performance the manufacturer added a unique feature of automatic filter cleaning that cleans the filter in a pre-defined mechanism to maximize the suction power during the entire cleaning process.
Furthermore, the whole body sits on heavy-duty tires, the rear tires are somewhat large, while the front is smaller, but both are long-lasting and effectively help in moving the vacuum. Plus, the on/off process is pretty straightforward as it includes a power tool switch through which you can turn one with one press and off in another.
Moreover, the dial for the power broker is another great plus, this dial enables the user to control the suction power means you don’t need a full suction power when you need to clean dry dust, however, in the case of large debris or wet messes you need a powerful suction. You can easily control the power with the included power broker dial.
It is not purely a smart robotic vacuum but includes one feature that makes it semi-smart and it is a water level sensor. This water level sensor indicates to the user when the liquid mess in the container reaches up to a specified amount, and the container needs to be emptied. This sensor helps to protect the motor from liquids to enhance the working life of the unit.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- The pre-included automatic filter cleaning mechanism
- Easy to move around the shop
- Easy on and off feature
- Dial to control the power usage
- Smart sensor for water level indicator
- Expensive in price
Conclusion:
7.) Vacmater Pro 8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
In our list of the best shop vac, this Vacmater Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum is another great addition. One thing that makes it apart from the other Vacmaster products is the HEPA filter. Moreover, the 8-gallon capacity is great.
Coming to the construction, the tank is made of polypropylene which is solid, lasts for long, and eliminates the chances of leakage due to the nail, screw, and wood chips that are collected while vacuuming the shop.
Furthermore, the 8-gallon capacity is more than enough for cleaning the whole construction site or the workshop in just one go. The user does not have to go through the difficulty of emptying the dirt container frequently.
Also, the HEPA filter is a great feature, especially for those who are suffering from allergy problems. This filter removes the number of allergens from the air up to 99.9%. Ant the cyclone technology keeps the dust particles rotating inside the housing which is great for filtering the large debris from the dust particles and also prevents the leaking or dust during the cleaning process.
It features a two-stage motor that is powerful and effectively handles all the cleaning procedures without losing power. Doesn’t matter whether the messes are dry or wet the cleaning partner will handle all jobs without an issue.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Huge 8-gallon capacity
- Solid construction that lasts for long
- Powerful motor effectively does the job
- HEPA filter removes allergens
- Suction can be improved more
Conclusion:
This Vacmater Pro 8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a pretty decent product that helps clean in the workshop as well as at the construction site. This comes with many reliable features that make it worthy of consideration. Also, the affordable price is another great plus.
8.) DeWalt 16-Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
So far, the second product from DeWalt in our list. This DeWalt Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is a great product and designed to handle the cleaning job pretty effectively. And compared to other models, it is pretty noiseless in operation.
This model includes 3x disposable bags, that you can dispose of trash later after the cleaning or after the dust bag gets full. Moreover, the included muffler helps to reduce the noise level. This noiseless operation is especially an advantage for those who own a shop in the basement, where a little voice turns pretty loud.
The hose outlet is located at the top of the housing, on the one end of the hose connected to that outlet, while on the other end you can connect a regular nozzle for regular cleaning, or a car nozzle to clean the hard corners of the car where reach is pretty difficult.
The best thing among all is the 16-gallon huge capacity. You can pretty do everything without emptying the dirt tank frequently. Also, it features a 6.5 peak HP motor not every shop vacuum available in the market is loaded with that amount of power. This powerful motor generates enough suction power that does every cleaning job perfectly.
When it comes to mobility, then there is no compromise on it. This shop vacuum includes heavy-duty durable rubberized wheels. The front wheels are smaller, while the rear wheels are larger. Through these wheels, you can drag it easily around the shop or anywhere else where you are cleaning.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Long hose for giving the user a long reach for cleaning
- Powerful motor tackles every job effectively
- Works well as both vacuum and blower
- Easy to use the drain plug
- Some users reported the poor motor performance
Conclusion:
9.) Stanley 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Stanley is a well-known company in manufacturing power tools and so far, this Stanley 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is the first product in our list of best shop vacs by them. It has a durable stainless steel construction that lasts for decades. However, the 4-gallon capacity is a little less when compared to other products of the same line-up.
This compact unit sits on heavy-duty rubberized wheels that make maneuvering pretty easy around the construction site or in the workshop. It has a 4-gallon capacity which is a little less, but still enough to pick small as well as large debris effectively.
The best thing is the 4 peak HP motor, the motor is pretty powerful, so doesn’t matter the messes are liquid or dry, this powerful vacuum will tackle everything. It includes a 5-feet long hose in the box and a 10-feet long cord. This means the user will get somewhat around 15-feet long reach for cleaning the territory.
Furthermore, Click here to read a detailed review of this Vacuum!
- Durable long-lasting construction
- Easy to move due to rubberized heavy-duty wheels
- Cleaning performance is up to mark
- Lightweight and reliable
- Construction quality is poor
Conclusion:
Buying Guide: Best Shop Vacs To Buy in 2023
There are several features that you should look for before investing in a shop vac. If you are planning to find the best one for yourself then consider the below-mentioned factors.
Motor:
The motor is the main component that tells whether the specific product will be able to do the job or not. Such as if you are a contractor and usually need a vacuum that can clean the messes at the construction site. These messes could be dry or wet, then a regular vacuum that has moderate suction power will not be a good pick.
If the case is that, then you should consider a product that comes with a 4 to 6.5 horsepower motor. The more powerful the motor means, the more the suction power.
Long Reach:
If you re cleaning at a place where electricity sockets are not nearby, then, in this case, you should consider a product that has a longer reach. The reach is calculated like (hose length + cord length). Such as the included hose is 5-feet and the cord length is 10-feet, then you will get a 15-feet long overall reach.
Additional Accessories:
If you want a multipurpose vacuum that helps to do different cleaning jobs, such as cleaning the car, construction site, workshop, and cleaning the corners that are hard reach, then you should consider a product that comes with additional accessories, such as an extension wand, car nozzle, and many others.
Furthermore, some vacuums can turn from a regular vacuum to a blower. This feature is handy for blowing the leaves.
Ease of Use:
The ease of use is one of the most wanted features by any user. Consider a vacuum that comes with wheels for added mobility and a smart sensor to indicate when the filter needs cleaning and the dirt container needs emptying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Best Shop Vacs
What Shop-Vac has the best suction?
In any shop vac, the best and the most important thing to look at is suction power. Various brands in the market are known for their impressive suction and come off them are Vacmaster VFB511B0201 Five-Gallon, VacMaster VJH1612PF0201 16-Gallon Professional Wet/Dry Vac, and DeWalt DXV09P 9-Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vacuum.
What is the best small shop vac?
The small shop vacuums are usually used for small shops and cars. These models are not good for construction sites but reliable for smaller projects. The Vacmater Pro 8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with HEPA Filter and Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum is good for smaller projects.
What are best shop vacs for cars?
Some shop vacs come with a car nozzle, that helps to reach the hard-to-reach corners of the car. Some of the best vacuums are Vacmater Pro 8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with HEPA Filter and Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum.
What is a good horsepower for a shop vac?
Vacuums that are labeled as a powerhouse, usually come with a powerful motor to give a great amount of suction and the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum and Stanley 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum are great products.
Which shop vac has the strongest suction?
The strongest suction comes from the commercial-grade shop-vacs, which are typically more expensive but also more powerful. If you’re looking for a shop-vac with high suction power, I would recommend checking out the commercial-grade models.
Some of the factors that affect suction power include the motor size and horsepower, as well as the type of filter system. So when choosing a shop-vac, it’s important to consider all of these factors in order to get the most powerful model.
What wet and dry vacuum has best suction?
There are a lot of factors that go into finding the best vacuum cleaner for suction, including the type of floor you are cleaning and the size of the space. That said, some vacuums definitely have better suction than others.
Dyson is a popular brand known for its powerful suction, and the Dyson Ball Animal 2 has been called one of the best wet/dry vacuums for suction. It has a Cyclone technology that separates dust and dirt from the air, so it doesn’t get clogged up in the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, it has a motorized brush bar that helps loosen dirt and debris on carpets or furniture.
What is the best shop vac for dust?
The Craftsman XSP 16 gallon is a powerful and versatile shop vacuum that can be used for a variety of tasks, including picking up dust. This shop vacuum has a number of features that make it ideal for use in dusty environments. For starters, it has a high-efficiency filter system that helps to trap dust particles. Additionally, the vacuum comes with a number of attachments, including an extension wand, crevice tool, and floor nozzle, which makes it easier to reach tight spaces and corners.
How many HP should a shop vac be?
The amount of horsepower needed for a shop vac will vary depending on the size and nature of the shop. That said, here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right HP for your needs:
If you’ll be using your shop vac for heavy-duty tasks such as sanding or grinding, then you’ll need at least a 6 HP model.
If you’ll be using your shop vac for lighter tasks such as cleaning up dust or debris, then a 2 or 4 HP model should suffice.
Is a dust collector better than a shop vac?
A dust collector is better than a shop vac because it has a higher capacity and captures more fine particles. A dust collector is also better suited for larger workshops because it has more airflow and can cover a larger area. Shop vacs are not as efficient at capturing small particles, so they are not ideal for use in dusty environments.