Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Wet Dry Vacs Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best for Beginners
- 3. Best Premium
- 4. Best for Daily Use
- 5. Best Splurge
- 6. Best Heavy-Duty
- 7. Best Value
- 8. Best for Small Spaces
- Wet Dry Vacs Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Wet Dry Vacs
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
In this stanley wet dry vac review, the top choice is the Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum. This model has a 6-gallon tank and a powerful 4 horsepower motor. These features make it great for quick clean-up jobs without needing to empty it often. The best value is the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250, which has a smaller 2.5-gallon tank. You sacrifice some capacity, but it is portable and easier to store.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Wet Dry Vacs Reviewed in Detail
Here are detailed reviews of the best wet dry vacs on the market. Each model has unique strengths to help with your cleaning needs.
1. Best Overall
Stanley – SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower Black
- ❤【LARGER CAPACITY】Stanley SL18116P Wet / Dry Vacuum has a larger capacity over 22 L, makes small clean-up jobs a breeze for you as you don’t have to empty the bucket frequently any more.Runtime: 300.0 hours
- ❤【VERSATILE & POWERFUL】Thanks to the 4 peak HP motor, this vac offers powerful enough suction needed to almost any cleanup jobs in vehicle, jobsite, workshop, garage, basement, van, house, etc
- ❤【3 in 1 FUNCTION】With this versatile vac you can vacuum both wet liquid spills and dry debris, dust, saw, dirt or blow leaves away(use blower port), just organize the hose and power cord on top handle and side wraps after using, conveniently
- ❤【FARTHER CLEANUP】With over 16 ft of cleaning reach(6 ft hose, 10 ft power cord and 3 pieces of extension wands) it’s easy to do a farther cleanup for you without unplugging the unit, while it has four swivel casters for convenient and easy manoeuvrability
- ❤【WHAT YOU GET】Stanley SL18116P Wet / Dry Vac x 1, 1-1/4″x6’ super flexible hose x 1,extension wands x 3, gulper nozzle, floor nozzle x 1,crevice nozzle x 1,foam filter x 1, dust bag x 1, reusable dry filter x 1, 12-Month Warranty
The Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum is the best overall choice. It has a 6-gallon tank and a powerful 4 horsepower motor. This makes it perfect for various cleaning tasks, from small spills to larger messes. Compared to other models, it stands out for its balance of size and power. Many vacs have smaller capacities or lower motor power, which limits their use. The only downside is its larger size, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you need something portable.
Pros
- 6-gallon tank for less frequent emptying
- 4 peak horsepower for strong suction
- Durable construction suitable for varied tasks
Cons
- Larger size can be cumbersome to move
- Not the quietest option available
Best for: General home and workshop cleaning. Not ideal for: Those needing a very portable vac.
An excellent choice for versatile cleaning tasks.
2. Best for Beginners
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet dry shop vac offers unparalleled mobility
- IDEAL FOR SMALL MESSES: Perfect for the home, garage, cars, trucks and vans
- EASY TO STORE: Compact size, carry handle and cord wrap feature allow for easy storage
- TWO-IN-ONE CAPABILITY: Shop vacuum can be used as a blower for added versatility
- DESIGNED FOR TIGHT SPACES: 1-1/4 in. shop vacuum accessories allow for maneuverability in tight areas
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1-1/4 in. x 5 ft. Friction Fit Hose, Crevice Tool, Utility Nozzle, Filter Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTER: CMXZVBE38737 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Filter Bag
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: CMXZVBE38662 Car Cleaning Kit
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is perfect for beginners. It features a 2.5-gallon tank and 2.5 peak horsepower motor, making it lightweight and easy to use. Compared to larger models, it’s more manageable and ideal for small messes in homes or cars. However, its smaller capacity means you may need to empty it more often for bigger jobs. This can be a limitation for users who tackle larger clean-ups regularly.
Pros
- Compact design for easy transport
- 2.5 peak horsepower motor for good suction
- Easy to store with a carry handle
Cons
- Limited tank size for larger messes
- Less powerful than higher HP models
Best for: Small jobs and beginner users. Not ideal for: Heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Great for light cleaning needs and easy to handle.
3. Best Premium
Amazon Basics Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner, 4 Gallon, 3 HP Stainless Steel, Grey/Black
- POWERFUL CLEANING: This wet and dry vacuum effectively tackles messes, ideal for home, garage, or job site cleaning tasks
- DURABLE DESIGN: Featuring a sturdy stainless steel tank, this wet vacuum cleaner withstands repeated use, maintaining efficiency
- VERSATILE ACCESSORIES: This wet and dry vacuum cleaner includes a reusable cloth filter, foam wet filter, and locking hose, plus multiple nozzles and extension wands for diverse cleaning tasks
- CONVENIENT STORAGE: On-board storage keeps tools and accessories organized and accessible, enabling seamless transitions between modes with this shop vacuum wet and dry
- EASY MOBILITY: Equipped with sturdy wheels and a lightweight frame, this small shop vac moves effortlessly across various surfaces, providing convenience and efficiency where needed
The Amazon Basics Wet Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for those wanting a good balance of power and durability. With a 4-gallon tank and 3 horsepower motor, it efficiently handles both wet and dry cleaning tasks. When compared to the Stanley SL18116P, it offers a slightly smaller capacity but is easier to maneuver. However, its stainless steel tank means it may weigh a bit more than plastic options. This could affect mobility for some users.
Pros
- Sturdy stainless steel tank for durability
- 3 peak horsepower motor for decent suction
- Versatile for home and job site use
Cons
- Heavier than some plastic models
- Moderate capacity means frequent emptying
Best for: Home and job site versatility. Not ideal for: Users who prefer lightweight models.
Strong performance for various cleaning tasks.
4. Best for Daily Use
Armor All® AA155 1.5-Gallon 2 Peak HP Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum, Orange
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: Equipped with balanced top handle to clean up small messes on the go!
- WALL MOUNTABLE: For convenient storage
- BLOWER CAPABLE: Easily pick up wet and dry messes at 2 peak HP, as well as blow away debris with a quick conversion
- 1.5-GALLON* TANK: The tough polypropylene tank is constructed to last
- INTEGRATED STORAGE: Store attachments on the powerhead for easy access
- 6 ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Equipped with a 6-ft cord and 4-ft hose, this vacuum is designed to handle various cleaning needs
The Armor All AA155 is compact and portable, making it a great choice for small messes. With a 1.5-gallon tank and 2 peak horsepower motor, this vac is light and easy to carry. It excels in quick clean-up jobs, fitting snugly in tight spaces. Compared to the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250, it has a smaller tank and less power, but it offers wall-mountable storage. This feature adds convenience but limits its use for larger clean-ups.
Pros
- Compact size for easy transport
- Wall mountable for space saving
- Blower capability for added versatility
Cons
- Very small tank for large messes
- Lower power might struggle with tough debris
Best for: Quick clean-ups in limited spaces. Not ideal for: Larger cleaning jobs.
Perfect for portability and small tasks.
5. Best Splurge
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
- HEAVY-DUTY: Powerful 6.5 Peak HP provides extra power for large projects in the garage, shop and on the jobsite
- BUILT-IN BLOWER PORT: Rear blowing port on this wet dry shop vac allows for quick cleaning of leaves and grass clippings in your garage and outdoors
- OVERSIZED DRAIN: Built-in oversized drain on the wet/dry vac allows for convenient emptying of liquids
- DUAL-FLEX TECHNOLOGY: 2-1/2 in. diameter shop vacuum hose features Dual-Flex technology for 180-degree mobility at each end to resist kinking
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Utility Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Wet Nozzle, Qwik Lock Filter and Dust Collection Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTERS: CMXZVBE38751, CMXZVBE38753, CMXZVBE38754, CMXZVBE38773, CMXZVBE38755, CMXZVBE38776, CMXZVBE38777, CMXZVBE38778, and CMXZVBE38779 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Vac Filters
- COMPATIBLE DUST BAGS: CMXZVBE38749 and CMXZVBE38750 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Dust Bags
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a heavy-duty option with a 16-gallon tank and a powerful 6.5 peak horsepower motor. This vacuum is built for large projects and can handle a variety of debris types effectively. Compared to the smaller models, it offers very good capacity and performance. However, its bulkiness makes it less portable, which can be a drawback for users needing a mobile solution. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for serious clean-up jobs.
Pros
- 16-gallon capacity for maximum clean-up
- 6.5 peak horsepower for extra suction power
- Built-in blower port for outdoor use
Cons
- Heavy and hard to move around
- May be overkill for smaller tasks
Best for: Large projects and heavy-duty cleaning. Not ideal for: Smaller, quick clean-up tasks.
An excellent choice for serious cleaning tasks.
6. Best Heavy-Duty
Vacmaster VOC508S 1101 5-Gal 4 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vac Red
- MADE FOR: Everyday wet and dry pick-up
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Features a stainless steel tank
- POWERFUL SUCTION: 135 air watt motor provides strong suction
- EXTENDED CLEANING REACH: 16-feet of cleaning reach with hose and power cord
- FEATURES: 6 accessories, including a cartridge filter for dry pick-up and a foam wet filter for wet pick-up
The Vacmaster VOC508S is suitable for everyday wet and dry pick-up. It has a 5-gallon tank and a 4 peak horsepower motor, providing solid performance for various tasks. Compared to the Amazon Basics model, it offers a larger tank and better suction. However, the build quality may not be as durable over time. Some buyers may find this vac less sturdy than other options, but it still performs well for typical home use.
Pros
- 5-gallon tank for decent capacity
- 4 peak horsepower for reliable suction
- Includes multiple accessories for versatility
Cons
- Build quality may not be as durable
- Less powerful compared to higher end models
Best for: Everyday cleaning tasks. Not ideal for: Heavy-duty projects requiring sturdy durability.
A solid option for regular cleaning needs.
7. Best Value
Vacmaster VOC812SF 1101 8-Gal 6 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vac Red
- Premium Stainless Steel 8-Gallon Tank
- High-Performance Motor Delivers 83-Inches of Water Lift for Tough Messes
- 17-foot Cleaning Reach with Hose and Power Cord
- Complete Vac Organization with On-Board Hose, Cord and Accessory Storage
- Easily Converts to Blower
The Vacmaster VOC812SF is a premium option with an 8-gallon tank and 6 peak horsepower motor. It excels in suction power and has a long cleaning reach. Compared to other models, it offers better organization with onboard storage for accessories. However, its larger size may be challenging for some users to handle. For those who need a powerful vac, it’s an excellent choice, but portability may be an issue.
Pros
- 8-gallon capacity for larger tasks
- 6 peak horsepower provides strong suction
- Onboard storage for easy access to accessories
Cons
- Larger size can be difficult to manage
- Higher power may lead to higher energy usage
Best for: Users needing powerful cleaning. Not ideal for: Those who prefer lightweight options.
Strong power meets good organization.
8. Best for Small Spaces
Bissell Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop All in One Wet and Dry Vac Combo Hard Floor & Area Rug Cleaner, 3888A
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- VACUUM AND WASH AT THE SAME TIME. BISSELL CrossWave multi-surface floor cleaner cleans better than a sponge mop and bucket, and in less time.
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING. Safe and effective for use on tile, sealed wood floors, laminate, linoleum, rubber floor mats, pressed wood floors, area rugs, and more.
- TWO-TANK TECHNOLOGY. Keep clean water and formula separate from dirt.
- ANTIMICROBIAL TREATED FRESHSTART FILTER. Designed to protect your filter against odors.
The Bissell Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop is unique as it combines vacuuming and mopping in one. Designed for hard floors and area rugs, it cleans efficiently. Compared to traditional wet dry vacs, it offers different cleaning capabilities. However, its specific design limits its use mainly to hard surfaces. This might not suit those who need a vac that can handle a variety of mess types, especially on carpets.
Pros
- Cleans and mops in one step
- Effective for hard floors and rugs
- Supports pet foundation initiatives
Cons
- Not suitable for all surface types
- Performance may vary on different floor materials
Best for: Multi-surface cleaning and homes with pets. Not ideal for: Users needing a traditional wet dry vac.
Great for hard surfaces and pet owners.
Wet Dry Vacs Compared Side by Side
The comparison table below shows key specifications for each wet dry vac. The columns include capacity, motor power, and special features. Use the target keyword, stanley wet dry vac review, to find the model that suits your needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanley | Best Overall | Alton Industries | $57.39 | Check |
| 2 | CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry… | Best for Beginners | Emerson Tool Company | $49.99 | Check |
| 3 | Amazon Basics Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner | Best Premium | Amazon | $62.99 | Check |
| 4 | Armor All® AA155 1.5-Gallon 2 Peak HP Portable Wet/Dry… | Best for Daily Use | Cleva | $33.9 | Check |
| 5 | CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop… | Best Splurge | Emerson Tool Company | $149.99 | Check |
| 6 | Vacmaster VOC508S 1101 5-Gal 4 Peak HP Stainless Steel… | Best Heavy-Duty | Cleva | $62.99 | Check |
| 7 | Vacmaster VOC812SF 1101 8-Gal 6 Peak HP Stainless Steel… | Best Value | Cleva | $84.77 | Check |
| 8 | Bissell Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop All in One Wet and Dry… | Best for Small Spaces | BISSELL | $129.99 | Check |
| 9 | Armor All AA255W 2.5 Gal 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Vac… | — | Cleva | $64.32 | Check |
| 10 | Koblenz WD-2L Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner | — | KOBLENZ | $39.99 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from reliable sources like manufacturer specifications, customer reviews, and expert recommendations. This approach allowed us to compile many information. In total, we reviewed over 30 different wet dry vacs.
How we built this shortlist
To build our shortlist, we focused on vacs with a minimum of 2 horsepower and at least 1.5 gallons in capacity. We aimed for products that are popular among users and have received positive feedback to ensure quality.
What we ruled out and why
Models with less than 2 peak horsepower or those with poor customer ratings were excluded. We also eliminated any vacs with limited features that would not meet a variety of cleaning needs.
What we did not do
None of the products were tested by hand or measured in a lab. All scores and rankings are based on researched data, not personal experience.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated every few months to reflect new products and changes in user feedback. We aim to keep the information fresh and relevant for shoppers.
How to Choose Wet Dry Vacs
Consider the Tank Size
Choose a wet dry vac with a tank that fits your cleaning tasks. A larger tank, like 6 gallons, means fewer trips to empty it. But if you only need it for small messes, a smaller tank of 2.5 gallons is easier to handle.
Look for Powerful Motors
Select a model with at least 2 peak horsepower for effective cleaning. A motor with higher power makes it easier to pick up heavy debris and liquids. For tough jobs, consider models with 4 horsepower or more.
Check for Portability
If you need to move your vac often, look for a lightweight model with a carry handle. A portable design makes it easier to clean cars, smaller spaces, or areas far from power outlets. Compact sizes typically weigh less.
Evaluate Additional Features
Consider vacs with extra features like blower capabilities or wall mounts for storage. These features can enhance versatility. They allow you to use the vac for more tasks beyond just cleaning up spills.
Review the Material Quality
Look for a durable tank, often made of stainless steel or tough polypropylene. High-quality materials ensure your vac lasts longer under heavy use. This is especially important if you use it frequently for tough jobs.
What to look for
Tank Capacity
Tank capacity is essential for any wet dry vac. A larger tank allows you to clean more without stopping to empty it. Common sizes range from 1.5 to 16 gallons. If you clean large areas regularly, a tank of at least 6 gallons is recommended.
Motor Power
Motor power, measured in peak horsepower (HP), affects suction strength. A higher HP rating means better performance for tough jobs. Most wet dry vacs have motors between 2 and 6.5 peak HP. Choose at least 2 peak HP for general use and 4 HP or more for heavy-duty tasks.
Portability Features
Portability is a key feature for convenience. Look for a vac with a carry handle and lightweight design. Models under 10 pounds are easy to move. Also, check for cord length and hose reach, as they affect your cleaning range.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is important for long-term use. Stainless steel tanks last longer than plastic ones. Inspect the manufacturing quality and materials used. A solid build can handle the wear and tear of frequent use.
Versatility
Versatile vacs can handle different types of messes. Some models can convert to blowers or have attachments for specific tasks. A two-in-one model can save you space and make cleaning easier, especially if you deal with both wet and dry messes.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wet dry vac?
A wet dry vac is a vacuum cleaner that picks up both liquid and solid messes. It is useful for cleaning jobs in homes, garages, and workshops.
How do I choose the right size wet dry vac?
Choose a wet dry vac based on the mess size. For small tasks, a 2.5-gallon model is sufficient. Larger tasks often need a model with at least a 6-gallon capacity.
Can a wet dry vac be used outdoors?
Yes, many wet dry vacs are suitable for outdoor use. They can clean up wet debris in garages or yards, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.
Is it safe to use a wet dry vac for liquids?
Yes, wet dry vacs are designed for liquid pick-up. Just remember not to overload the tank and avoid using it for flammable liquids.
What does peak horsepower mean?
Peak horsepower refers to the maximum power output of the vacuum’s motor. Higher peak horsepower typically means better suction and performance.
Shopping around? We have 13 more wet dry vac guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR product finder ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- EPA indoor air quality U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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