Ridgid WD1850

*Est. $170

Excellent suction
Relatively quiet
Built-in filter-performance sensor
Automatic shutoff for liquids

Lip on lid makes it difficult to empty

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis

Reviewers agree that the 16-gallon Ridgid WD1850 shop vac is the best consumer-level wet/dry vacuum in its size range. Even though the similarly sized Craftsman 17066 (*est. $120) costs less and is easier to empty, it carries only a one-year warranty compared with the lifetime warranty on the Ridgid. Both shop vacs are said to perform well in wet and dry pickup, but the Ridgid is quieter and earns top marks for clean exhaust. The Ridgid WD1850 shop vac has a sensor that tells when the filter needs cleaning so you don't have to open the canister to check. When vacuuming liquids, another sensor shuts off the motor when the maximum level is reached. If you can live with a slightly smaller capacity, reviewers recommend the 14-gallon Ridgid WD1450 (*est. $100).

Consumer Reports' most recent review of shop vacs puts 23 consumer-brand models through objective tests, comparing the 16-gallon Ridgid WD1850 shop vac with four other shop vacs in its size range. American Woodworker magazine also tests the Ridgid WD1850 shop vacuum, comparing it with pro-level shop vacs as well as consumer brands. Home Depot publishes detailed owner-written reviews of the Ridgid WD1850, and at the Ridgid Tool Forum, owners compare the Ridgid WD1850 with Craftsman shop vacs.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports includes the Ridgid WD1850 wet/dry vacuum in its review of 23 consumer-brand shop vacs, grouped by size. In addition to an overall grade, each shop vacuum gets separate ratings for wet and dry pickup, emissions and ease of use.

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

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

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

3. American WoodworkerDetails/Subscribe

Reviewers Vendriska and Caspar compare six shop vacs, including the Ridgid WD1850 wet/dry vacuum. Each is tested for pickup power (using roofing nails) and airflow (by having it suck up sawdust, which can quickly clog the filter). The Ridgid WD1850 outranks the Craftsman model only for sound level.

Review: Tool Test: Shop Vacuums, George Vendriska and Tony Caspar, Oct. 2005

4. American WoodworkerDetails/Subscribe

Reviewers Vendriska and Caspar compare six shop vacs, including the Ridgid WD1850 wet/dry vacuum. Each shop vac is tested for pickup power and airflow. The Ridgid WD1850 outranks the Craftsman model only for sound level.

Review: Tool Test: Shop Vacuums, George Vendriska and Tony Caspar, Oct. 2005

5. HomeDepot.com

Over a dozen owners give the Ridgid WD1850 a near-perfect rating here. Most praise the Ridgid's excellent suction, relative quiet and reliability. These detailed reviews recommend the Ridgid WD1850 for a wide range of household and workshop tasks.

Review: Ridgid 16 Gal. 6.5 Peak HP Pro Utility Vac, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

6. HomeDepot.com

Review: Ridgid WD1850 Review, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

7. RidgidForum.com

This thread focuses on the Ridgid WD1850, comparing it with the smaller Ridgid 4550 "toolbox" shop vac and with larger Craftsman models. Most comments are positive, but one owner says the switch on his Ridgid shop vac stopped working. Another thread notes a similar problem with the Ridgid WD1665.

Review: Ridgid 16 Gallon Pro Vac Modelm WD1850, Contributors to RidgidForum.com

8. RidgidForum.com

The main focus of this discussion thread is the Ridgid WD1850, which is compared with the smaller Ridgid 4550 "toolbox" shop vac, as well as with larger Craftsman models. Most comments are positive, but one owner says the switch on his Ridgid shop vac stopped working.

Review: Ridgid WD1850 Reviews, Contributors to RidgidForum.com