Best Wet/Dry Vacuums Cleaning Up The Messes
The greatest wet and dry vacuum cleaners can unclog drains, clear flooded water, and remove significant amounts of dust and debris. We’ve put the top wet and dry vacuums to the test to uncover the best alternatives for every budget, including some home-use versions as well as professional-grade ones. Vacuum cleaners, both wet and dry, are also identified as DIY vacs, dirty vacs, or garage vacs. They’re made to handle the kind of messes that would ruin a regular vacuum cleaner. Here we’ve listed our favorite wet/dry vacuum cleaners of 2023 and created a buying guide so that you can make an informed decision.
The Best Wet/Dry Vacuum You Can Buy in 2023
Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuum
– Best Overall
Our first choice comes with the option of collecting dust in a disposable bag that pulls out of the collection tank and is discarded. You’ll receive one bag, with replacement bags available for purchase separately. When vacuuming dry material, dust collection bags are solely used.
The CRAFTSMAN has a 7-foot flexible hose and a 20-foot power cord, offering the user plenty of reach in most cleaning circumstances. There’s also a Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System that lets you easily change the wet/dry vac filters. This vacuum also comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
- Built-in wheels make relocating the vacuum a breeze
- Provides a high capacity electric motor
- Has a large capacity for heavy-duty use
- For some people, the motor is too noisy
Vacmaster Wet/Dry Vacuum
– Runner Up
If you have a lot of dust to manage, consider buying the Vacmaster Wet/Dry Vac with HEPA filters. Both wet and dry mishaps can easily be handled with this vacuum. The HEPA filters, which are only utilized in dry mode, will keep even the tiniest dust and pollen particles from reentering the room’s air.
This vacuum has a 4-gallon capacity and comes with an extra-long power cord and a long flexible hose. When discarding the bag, this model can be connected with a disposable collection bag, which prevents dust from entering the air.
- Small and portable, making it ideal for home tasks
- The top handle allows for balanced and simple transport
- Perfect size for nearly any household clean-up
- Fantastic for cleaning several surfaces
- The tube is small and gets clogged
Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum
– Honorable Mention
Due to the multiple functions it provides, Stanley’s wet/dry vac has good user ratings. The user can pick from three various function modes, including dry, wet, and a blower feature.
When it comes to performance, this wet/dry vac comes with a powerful 4 HP electric motor, which is adequate given the 5-gallon capacity. With its smaller capacity, this wet/dry vac is perfect if you are in search of a smaller vacuum. With this wet/dry vac, you also get excellent quality and reliability. However, something to note with this choice is that it only comes with a one-year warranty.
- Provides a variety of function modes for more versatility
- The design is easily portable
- Doesn’t come with replacement bags
Armor All Wet/Dry Vacuum
– Also Consider
This wet/dry vac is small enough to be used for scrubbing and cleaning cars, yet robust enough to remove floor filth, grime, and other stains. A long power cord, 6-foot bendable hose, utility nozzle, crevice tool, premium vehicle nozzle, and detail brush are included with the Armor All Vacuum.
The detailing brush is intended to remove all dirt from heat and air ducts, as well as other difficult-to-clean locations in automobiles. The user can easily carry the vacuum with a strong top handle. This vacuum’s design and features are perfect for giving your car a deep clean.
- The Premium Nozzle is made to fit into small areas
- Dashboards, fans, integrated circuits, and more can all benefit from a detailed brush
- Transform to a blower in seconds to dry motorbikes, vehicle grills, and tires
- Louder than many others
The DeWALT Wet/Dry Vac is ideal for cleaning up after DIY projects and other household tasks. It has a six-gallon capacity tank with a max torque motor for powerful suction. The bright yellow canister can be used in a garage or workshop.
A lengthy power cord and a flexible suction line are included with this vacuum. Additionally, this vacuum cleaner has a handle to let you easily carry it up a flight of stairs or load it into a truck bed. It also comes with a multipurpose nozzle and a crevice tool, which may be used for a variety of cleaning tasks.
- High-capacity motor
- Offers a big capacity for heavy-duty application
- A little bigger in size
Buying Guide for Best Wet/Dry Vacuums
A wet/dry vacuum is a multi-purpose device that can clean both dry and wet waste. They’re more lightweight, compact, portable, and cost-effective than traditional vacuum cleaners. They’re available in cordless or corded versions, and a few types can be wall-mounted to conserve space. There are some things you should consider before purchasing a wet/dry vacuum, so we’ve created a buying guide to help make the buying process a little easier.
What Is the Horsepower Available in Wet/Dry Vacuums?
Because the vacuum cleaner is powered by an electric motor, it’s necessary to examine its horsepower (HP). The HP will decide how powerful a vacuum cleaner’s suction is. A basic guideline is that the larger the horsepower of a motor, the better the suction.
Low suction level
A 1 HP to 4.5 HP wet/dry vacuum cleaner has lower suction power. It can suck up in small spaces and is appropriate for light-duty chores.
Medium suction capacity
These cleaners have a horsepower of 5 to 6, making them excellent for cleaning both indoor and outdoor spaces. It also aids in the proper upkeep of a normal garden or apartment.
High suction
These vacuum cleaners have a motor output of 6+ horsepower. Because of its tremendous suction force, it’s ideal for both outdoor and heavy-duty indoor cleaning.
Factors To Pay Attention to When Purchasing Wet/Dry Vacuums
Tank capacity
The vacuum cleaner’s tank capacity will tell you how often you’ll have to empty the dust. As a result, the larger the tank, the fewer times the dust must be emptied. The tank capacity of a wet-dry vacuum cleaner is usually divided into 3 levels.
- Low-capacity tanks have a capacity of 2 to 6 gallons.
- A medium tank has a capacity of 8 to 14 gallons
- Large tanks have a capacity of 14 to 20 gallons.
Most users enjoy cleaning their workshop, home, garage, or outdoor environments with a medium-capacity wet/dry vacuum. If you’re doing any professional work in your house or workshop, such as metal or woodworking, you will need a high-capacity wet/dry vac. When compared to a low-capacity wet/dry vac, they have more airpower and, as a result, can clean tougher messes.
Airpower
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a higher air wattage will provide more suction power, making it best suited for professional use. If you’ve looked at numerous vacuum cleaner models, you’ll see that not all of them can successfully suction large items. In this case, the suction power of a vacuum will be critical to the cleaning procedure.
Water lift
This shows you how well your vacuum sucks up trash and other waste. A conventional 6-gallon wet/dry vac, for example, has a suction power of roughly 75 CFM.
When it comes to vacuum cleaners, many people tend to focus on horsepower; however, the suction power is what distinguishes models. If you are looking for a vacuum for a small workshop or industrial operation, a high suction power vacuum cleaner is the way to go.
Filtration
These HEPA filters are not found in all wet/dry vacs; just a few high-end models have them, and they are pricey and hard to come by. Filters or dust bags are commonly used to trap dust while vacuuming. However, keep in mind that wet/dry vac filters won’t catch all types of dust. Most of these filters may be cleaned and reused, whereas dust bags are either reusable or one-time use only, depending on the type.
Tank material
It determines how long a vacuum will last. Stainless steel or plastic are the most common tank materials, with stainless steel tanks being more durable than plastic tanks.
Plastic construction tanks are more portable, lighter, and less prone to dents than stainless steel tanks. Polypropylene is also the most durable chemical-resistance tank material. As a result, the tank material of a wet/dry vac is entirely dependent on the user’s personal desire.
How To Choose the Perfect Wet/Dry Vacuums
Size
The size and weight of the vacuum are linked. So, think about the weight, especially if it’s retaining water. Make sure you can raise the vacuum cleaner effortlessly and without exertion, even when it’s full. It should also be simple to move about in order to clean thoroughly.
Draining capacity
It is critical to be aware of a model’s draining capabilities prior to making a purchase. The water tank should be simple to empty. A tank drain option is available on a few shop vacuums to rapidly and efficiently discharge water. Some types come with a pump, while others require physical lifting to drain the water.
Safety
You must choose a wet/dry vac with safety features, just as you would any other appliance. When the vacuum’s water tank is full, a standard safety feature will turn it off. The majority of these vacuums’ power switches are designed to last longer by rejecting dust. A large number of models have brightly colored power cords, which are extremely visible and help to prevent accidental falls or trips.
Maneuverability
A wet/dry vac’s simple movement will relieve your frustration and allow you to finish the cleaning operation swiftly, simply, and comfortably. As a result, it is the wheels that determine their mobility. Look for a model with three to four rotating casters, which are designed for stability and maneuverability. Also, check for a carrying handle to make moving the vacuum cleaner easier.
Portability
All wet/dry vacuum models are not created equal. A few types are smaller, lighter, and store less dust or dirt while still being portable. Other vacuums, on the other hand, feature a genuine wheeled base for easier portability. If you are looking for commercial-grade or high-capacity vacuums, a vacuum cart (or trolley) is a must-have. If you have a tiny unit, consider one with a convenient carrying handle or shoulder strap (though it may cost more) for easy mobility and thorough cleaning.
Wet/Dry Vacuum FAQ
A: Determine the types of messes that will need to be vacuumed. Then pick a wet/dry vac with the horsepower and capability to take care of those issues.
A: Yes! A few companies have created wireless options that can be used everywhere you need them, making them ideal for outdoor jobs or regions without access to mains power. But, because they are smaller and weaker than their larger counterparts, they will only be able to deal with little messes.
A: When it comes to vacuuming water out of a flooded carpet, a shop-type wet/dry vacuum is frequently the instrument of choice. Unfortunately, it isn’t a carpet cleaner.
