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From different workshops to construction sites, Shop Vacs are an essential tool. Whether you are at a shop in your business or your home garage, the right shop vac will make easy work of almost any mess.
You can pick almost anything up with a shop vac, from sawdust to nails, wood, screws, and liquids. The key is finding a well-built unit with a strong motor and capacity. You also want a vacuum that is easy to maneuver, with multiple attachments, and good value for the price.
If you are in a specific industry, make sure it can clean up the waste you produce. Take a look at the best shop vacs on this list to get an idea of what is available in the marketplace.
What is a Shop Vac?
A shop vac is a type of vacuum cleaner that is commonly used in building and woodworking. These devices are made of a powerful engine and a suction unit that sucks up dirt, trash, and bits of material from construction sites and woodworking shops.
They have a large and robust hose, and a large canister for collecting trash, and they are suitable for cleaning almost any mess. Additionally, CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, a measurement of airflow that indicates the efficiency of vacuums in cleaning. Higher CFM values correlate with more effective cleaning power.
Benefits of Using a Shop Vac
Using a shop vac can provide numerous benefits for individuals who need to clean up various types of messes in their workshops, garages, or homes. Some of the key benefits of using a shop vac include:
- Versatility: Shop vacs are designed to handle both wet and dry messes, making them a versatile tool for cleaning up a variety of spills and debris. Whether it’s sawdust in the workshop or a spill on the kitchen floor, a shop vac can tackle it all.
- Affordability: Compared to other types of vacuum cleaners, shop vacs are generally more affordable. This makes them a cost-effective option for individuals who need to clean up messes regularly without breaking the bank.
- Ease of Use: Shop vacs are typically easy to use and require minimal maintenance. Their straightforward design allows for quick and efficient cleanups, saving you time and effort.
- Portability: Many shop vacs are designed to be portable, making them easy to move around and use in different areas of the home or workshop. Cordless models, in particular, offer impressive performance and convenience, allowing you to clean without being tethered to an outlet.
What Would you Use a Shop Vac for?
Shop vacs tend to be most suited for woodworking shops and construction sites. In a garage or workshop, a Shop Vac would be used to clean up sawdust, chunks of wood, suction screws, metal pieces, and various other bits of debris and messes that may be lying around. Shop Vacs are usually more powerful than their domestic counterparts and can be just what you need for heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Key Features to Consider
When shopping for a shop vac, there are several key features to consider to ensure you get the best performance for your needs. Some of the most important features to look for include:
- Suction Power: High suction power is crucial for effectively picking up tough messes and debris. Look for a shop vac with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating to ensure it can handle the job.
- Capacity: Consider the size of the messes you need to clean up and choose a shop vac with a capacity that can handle them. Larger tanks are ideal for extensive cleanups, while smaller tanks are suitable for lighter tasks.
- Power Levels: Some shop vacs come with adjustable power levels, allowing you to customize the suction power based on the type of mess. This feature can be particularly useful for delicate surfaces or heavy-duty cleanups.
- Build Quality: A sturdy build and durable materials are essential for a shop vac that will withstand regular use. Look for models with robust construction and high-quality components to ensure longevity.
- Accessory Storage: Consider a shop vac with built-in accessory storage, such as compartments for hoses, crevice tools, and other attachments. This feature makes it easier to keep everything organized and readily accessible.
Shop Vac: Keep Your Workshop or Office Clean
Selecting the right shop vac, also known as a wet/dry vacuum, for a business is crucial, especially for environments like workshops, construction sites, or any place that requires heavy-duty cleaning. Here’s a guide to the key criteria for choosing the best shop vac:
- Suction Power and Performance:
- Scale of Importance: 9/10
- High suction power is essential for effectively picking up both wet and dry debris. Look for a powerful motor that provides strong and consistent suction.
- Tank Capacity:
- Scale of Importance: 8/10
- The size of the tank determines how much debris the vac can hold. Larger tanks are beneficial for bigger spaces or more extensive clean-up tasks but consider the trade-off in terms of portability. Additionally, consider how much space the filter takes, as it reduces the effective vacuum capacity, especially in smaller models.
- Filter Quality:
- Scale of Importance: 9/10
- A high-quality filter is crucial, especially for fine dust. Some models offer HEPA filters for improved air quality.
- Durability and Build Quality:
- Scale of Importance: 8/10
- The shop vac should be rugged and durable, capable of withstanding rough handling in a work environment.
- Portability and Maneuverability:
- Scale of Importance: 7/10
- Features like caster wheels, carrying handles, and a compact design enhance mobility, especially in dynamic workspaces.
- Noise Level:
- Scale of Importance: 6/10
- Consider the noise level, as loud vacuums can be disruptive in certain environments.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance:
- Scale of Importance: 7/10
- The shop vac should be user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and straightforward maintenance procedures.
- Wet and Dry Capabilities:
- Scale of Importance: 9/10
- Ensure the vacuum can handle both wet and dry pickups, as this versatility is a key advantage of shop vacs.
- Hose Length and Attachments:
- Scale of Importance: 7/10
- A longer hose and a variety of attachments can enhance the vac’s versatility, allowing it to reach tight spaces and clean various surfaces.
- Cost and Budget:
- Scale of Importance: 7/10
- Balance the cost with the features and quality of the shop vac. More expensive models might offer better performance and durability.
Now that you know how we chose them, check out our picks for the best wet/dry vacs on Amazon:
CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon Shop Vac
With 20 gallons of capacity and 6.5 horsepower, this craftsman is a workhorse. The wet/dry feature can clean almost any size mess with its Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System.
This shop vac comes with a 20 ft. power cord, a blowing port to blow dirt, and six different attachments. Compared to other models, the CRAFTSMAN 20 Gallon Shop Vac stands out for its powerful suction and versatile features.
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17596 20 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac
DeWALT 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
This DeWALT comes with a six-gallon capacity and four peak horsepower for wet or dry cleanup jobs. You also get a 10′ power cord, rubberized swiveling casters, a built-in blower port, and three different types of nozzles.
At 14.7 pounds, you can easily carry this vac wherever you need it.
DeWALT DXV06P 6 gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac, Yellow
Shop-Vac 5 Gallon Vacuum
The name Shop-Vac has been around since 1965, and the overall quality is what makes it such a good brand. Stainless steel construction, a five-gallon stainless steel tank, 4.5 peak horsepower motor, and the Shop-Vac brand make this a great tool.
Add the 3-year warranty and the readily available attachments, filters, and kits, making it even better.
Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum
Stanley 5 Gallon Shop Vac
The Stanley name is synonymous with construction, and this shop vac is built to withstand different working environments.
Four-horsepower motor power this multifunctional stainless steel vacuum/blower. You get a 5′ hose, a 10′ power cord, a five-gallon capacity tank, and multiple attachments.
Stanley 5 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum, 4 Peak HP Stainless Steel 3 in 1 Shop Vac Blower
Armor All 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Not all businesses need a large shop vac. This Armor All vacuum is a light but powerful tool if this is your case. You get a two-peak horsepower motor and a gallon tank along with a 10’ power cord.
Onboard accessories and storage with a handle on the top make it easy to carry this 7-pound vacuum. A six-foot hose, a reusable cloth filter, a wet foam filter, a 2-in-1 utility nozzle with brush, a crevice tool, and a detail brush with a two-year warranty are all part of the deal. It is also considered one of the best cordless shop vac options for its portability and efficiency.
Armor All, AA255, 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
Vacmaster Professional Beast Series – 16 Gallon
This vacuum’s suction power and airflow can easily tackle any tough job around the job site, shop, or in the Garage.
The 6.5 horsepower motor sits on top of a 16-gallon tank for tackling big cleaning jobs. The 7′ hose comes with a 20′ power cord, giving you 27′ of total reach.
Two extension wands, floor nozzle with squeegee and brush, fine dust cartridge filter, foam filter, and air and noise diffuser come with the Vacmaster.
Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac, 16 Gallon, Beast Series
Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B – 4 Gallon
With a 4-peak horsepower motor, this is a wet/dry vacuum with a lot of suction power. A compact design makes it light at 11.58 pounds, even though it has a 4-gallon stainless steel tank.
A 10′ power cord, floor nozzle, three extension wands, hose, and gulper nozzle give you plenty of reach. Porter-Cable also includes a three-year limited warranty for this vac.
Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B 4 gallon 4Hp Wet/Dry Vacuum
Vacmaster VJC507P Vacuum – 5 Gallon
Don’t be fooled by its small size, the Vacmaster VJC507P is a powerful portable shop vac that easily handles a variety of messes. It features a powerful 3-peak HP motor that easily picks up liquid messes and dry debris with ease. The powerful motor is also complemented by a 5-gallon tough polypropylene tank. The 360 degrees casters and a well-thought-out top handle allow for easy transportation. This is certainly a great wet dry shop vac at its price range. Additionally, the Vacmaster VJC507P is a practical cordless shop vac option, offering portability and convenience for various cleaning tasks.
Vacmaster Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 5 Gallon
This 5-gallon Vacmaster is the perfect combination of convenience and performance. It comes with a 2-stage motor that’s powerful enough to handle a variety of cleaning tasks. You also don’t have to worry about reach as this vac is fitted with a 21-foot hose system and 20-foot power cord for an extra-long cleaning reach. Conveniently turn the vacuum on and off with the remote-control handle that’s at the end of the hose. Done cleaning? Neatly store the VWMB508 on the wall.
Vacmaster Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 5 Gallon
DEWALT Portable Shop Vacuum – 4 Gallon
Looking for a small but powerful vacuum that you can take to any cleaning job? Look no further than the DEWALT DXV04T. This highly portable 4-gallon features a powerful 5-peak horsepower motor that provides just the amount of suction needed for the best cleanup of wet and dry messes. It also comes with a strong handle for easy carrying, a dust cartridge filter, a built-in 20-feet power cord, and an easy to access on and off switch.
DEWALT DXV04T Portable Shop Vacuum – 4 Gallon
Vacmaster Professional Vacuum – 5 Gallon
Vacmaster produces some great vacuums, and the Vacmaster Professional does not disappoint. This vacuum is designed to tackle the toughest cleanup jobs. It comes with a total 25 feet cleaning reach and includes 8 accessories for nearly any task. The rugged polypropylene tank is impact and corrosion-resistant. Integrated onboard storage provides hassle-free storage when the vac is not in use.
Vacmaster Professional Vacuum – 5 Gallon
WORKSHOP WS1600SS Heavy Duty Vacuum – 16 Gallon
Backed with a 5-year warranty, this professional-grade vacuum comes with heavy-duty suction power that easily outperforms the toughest cleanup jobs. While it is larger in size than some of the other vacuums, it is still easy to move around thanks to the swivel casters, an ergonomic handle, and oversized rear wheels. A Qwik lock filter fastening system allows for quick and easy filter changes. An auto shut-off float mechanism prevents overflow during wet messes cleanup. This model hits the sweet spot for those needing a balance of heavy-duty performance and manageable size.
WORKSHOP WS1600SS Heavy Duty Vacuum – 16 Gallon
VacuMaid GV30PRO Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum – 7 Gallon
Manufactured in the USA, the VacuMaid GV30PRO is a powerful wall-mounted vacuum cleaner. This versatile cleaner comes with a variety of accessories and tools for your cleaning needs, including car care attachments, extension wands, floor, and above floor tools, a long 30-foot hose, and storage accessories. This vac is also super easy to maintain. It also mounts quickly and easily on the wall – no plumbing is necessary.
VacuMaid GV30PRO Wall Mounted Shop Vacuum
How to Choose the Best Shop Vac for Your Business
When choosing the best shop vac for your business, it’s essential to consider various elements beyond basic cleaning needs. A high-quality shop vac is not only capable of handling both wet and dry messes but also adds versatility and convenience to your cleaning routine, thus saving you precious time.
Firstly, you need to ascertain the functionality of your prospective shop vac. Ensure that it has both suction and blowing capabilities for diverse cleaning situations – such as clearing waterlogged areas, unclogging drains, or removing debris from hard-to-reach corners. This versatility is a key distinguisher between typical home vacuums and shop vacs.
The power of your shop vac, measured in horsepower, directly impacts its suction strength. Aim for a vacuum with 5 to 6.5 peak horsepower for optimal performance.
Another aspect to consider is capacity. If you’re dealing with larger amounts of dirt, a larger drum size will prevent frequent cleaning. Smaller shop vacs are perfect for light dust collection or cleaning compact spaces.
Don’t overlook durability – shop vacs with metal bodies are more robust, but keep in mind they’ll be heavier. Features like kink-free, crush-resistant hoses and dust-proof switches add to the vacuum’s longevity.
Take into account the following points:
- Mobility and Reach: Choose a shop vac with sturdy wheels and a lengthy power cord for greater mobility. Additional attachments can facilitate cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Noise Level: Since manufacturers often omit noise level information, check product reviews for user experiences. Aim for a shop vac with noise levels below 70 decibels.
- Accessories: Various accessories can simplify your cleaning tasks. Look for options that include cleaning heads, pipes, and other attachment ports. (See our list below)
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Tips for Using Your Shop Vac
To get the most out of your shop vac, follow these tips:
- Read the Manual: Always read the manual before using your shop vac to ensure you understand how to operate it properly. This will help you avoid common mistakes and extend the life of your vacuum.
- Use the Correct Suction Power: Adjust the suction power based on the type of mess you are cleaning up. Higher suction power may be needed for tougher messes, while lower suction power may be sufficient for smaller spills.
- Choose the Right Accessories: Use the appropriate accessories for the task at hand. For example, a crevice tool is ideal for cleaning tight spaces, while a hose is better suited for larger areas.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your shop vac to ensure it continues to function properly. This includes emptying the tank, cleaning or replacing filters, and checking for any wear and tear.
Best Shop Vac Accessories
Vacuum accessories are supposed to make your life a little easier, not to complicate it. With busy schedules, it is easy to default to using the same accessories all the time. Here are some accessories that will help you make the most of your next cleaning session.
Master Accessory Kit
Easily convert your vacuum to fit a variety of cleaning tasks. This master accessory kit comes with a selection of wand extensions, and nozzles that easily fit standard friction and locking inlets. The accessories are constructed of tough, durable polypropylene and plastic materials and are ideal for both wet and dry clean-up tasks.
WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vac Contractor-Grade Hose
This wet dry vacuum hose is more flexible than most standard hoses. The common hoses tend to be rigid and crimp easily, but not the WORKSHOP wet/dry vac Contractor Grade hose. The locking tab allows this hose to easily attach and detach for storage. It also easily rotates at the collar which makes it super easy to use.
WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacuum Adapter
This adapter kit contains three universal wet dry vacuum adapters. The adapters come in a variety of sizes for optimal airflow and for complete maneuverability in tight spaces. They easily fit a variety of vacuums and are certainly designed to offer diverse applications for your changing needs.
Extolife Replacement Filter
The Extolife replacement filter is compatible with most 5-gallon and above wet-dry vacuums. The filter is made of high-density durable material for great suction. It is also super easy to install.
ANBOO Floor Brush Head
This floor brush head is suitable for vacuum cleaners with a 32mm inner diameter of the brush head interface and it is super easy to operate. Use the left switch to clean the floor and the right switch for the carpet.
Investing in the right shop vac can make maintaining your workspace safer and more enjoyable. Take time to assess your specific needs and research your options thoroughly to find the ideal fit for your business.
Image: Amazon
Shop Vac Safety Precautions
When using a shop vac, it’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid injury. Some of the most important safety precautions to follow include:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when using a shop vac. This will protect you from debris and potential hazards.
- Avoid Electrical Hazards: Keep the shop vac away from water and other liquids to avoid electrical shock. Ensure the vacuum is designed for wet use if you need to clean up liquids.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid overloading the shop vac with too much debris or mess, as this can cause it to malfunction or break. Regularly empty the tank to maintain optimal performance.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Ensure children and pets are kept away from the shop vac while it is in use to prevent accidents.
- Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the shop vac for damage or wear and tear. Repair or replace any damaged parts to ensure safe and efficient operation.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your shop vac remains a reliable and safe tool for all your cleaning needs.
Image: Amazon
