Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550

*Est. $100

Outstanding portability
Suction better than most in this size range
Exhausts less dust than most
Lifetime warranty

Does not accept dust bags
Liquid capacity is only 2.5 gallons
Hose is short

Our Analysis

Experts recommend the 4.5-gallon Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 as the best ultra-portable shop vac in its size range. This unusual shop vac is designed for portability. It's shaped like a toolbox, with a handle and flat top. A storage compartment in the lid holds the cord, hose and three cleaning tools. Reviews say it works well for vacuuming cars or for use on stairs. However, some owners report that parts are hard to get, the filter clogs fast and the canister or lid can warp causing the WD4550 shop vac to leak. If you can live with a smaller 1.5-gallon capacity, reviews recommend the less expensive Shop-Vac All-Around 971-02-00 (*est. $55), which can accommodate dust bags.

Consumer Reports provides the best review of the Ridgid WD4550 Pro Pack comparing it in objective tests with 22 other consumer-brand shop vacs, including five other extra-small models. Popular Mechanics also tests the Ridgid WD4550, comparing it with five other shop vacs for speed, capacity and convenience. We also found useful reviews posted by owners of this model on the Home Depot website and in the Ridgid Tool Forum.

Where To Buy

Buy the
Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550
at HomeDepot.com

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Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports includes the Ridgid WD4550 in its roundup review of 23 consumer-brand shop vacs, comparing it primarily with five other small wet/dry vacuums. Each shop vac is put through objective tests and assigned ratings in several performance areas. Unfortunately decibel ratings aren't reported here.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuums, Editors of Consumer Reports, Mar. 2007

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuums, Editors of Consumer Reports, Mar. 2007

This review compares the Ridgid WD4550 with five larger shop vacs, testing both wet and dry speed and capacity. Tests show the Ridgid WD4550 among the slowest at dry pickup, but fast in vacuuming liquid ─ though it can only hold about 2.5 gallons.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuum Showdown: We Test Six New Clean Machines, Tom Klenck, Sept. 2007

This review compares the Ridgid WD4550 with five larger shop vacs. Tests show the Ridgid WD4550 among the slowest at dry pickup, but fast in vacuuming liquid -- though it can only hold about 2.5 gallons. The review praises this shop vac's quality and convenience, except for the short hose.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuum Showdown: We Test 6 New Clean Machines, Tom Klenck, Sept. 2007

5. HomeDepot.com

About a dozen owners have reviewed the Ridgid WD4550 shop vac, most praising its suction and portability. There are some complaints about the filter clogging quickly and accessories being hard to find, and the average rating is well below average for other shop vacs reviewed here.

Review: Ridgid 4 Gal. 5.0 Peak HP Portable Pro Vac, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

6. RidgidForum.com

Although most participants in this discussion about the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 shop vac praise it, there are some complaints about problems getting filters and replacement parts.

Review: Ridgid Pro Pack Vac, Contributors to RidgidForum.com

7. RidgidForum.com

Although most participants in this discussion about the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 shop vac praise it, there are some complaints detailing problems with getting filters and replacement parts.

Review: Ridgid Pro Pack Vac, Contributors to RidgidForum.com