Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00

*Est. $80

Pros

Experts say the 4.5-hp Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 exhausts fairly clean air for an inexpensive shop vac, and owners love the way its light weight and small size make it easy to use on stairs or to vacuum a car. It comes with a three-year warranty, longer than that of most budget models. Dust bags are available, making emptying it a clean task.

Cons

The Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 lacks onboard tool storage, and reviews say its suction is under par. The 1.25-inch hose diameter is designed for dust, so it can clog easily when used on general debris. One owner reports that when used for wet pickup, it can spew liquid out of the exhaust port.

Our Analysis

The three-gallon Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 wet-dry vacuum is four pounds lighter and comes with a few more tools than the 4.5-gallon Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 (*est. $90), and reviews say both exhaust fairly clean air. However, the Ridgid picks up both wet and dry debris better, and its lifetime warranty beats the three-year warranty on this Shop-Vac. Owners give the Shop-Vac more positive reviews than most, praising its small size and light weight, but some say it's underpowered and that its 1.25-inch hose clogs easily.

Consumer Reports tests the Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 in its recent review of 23 wet-dry vacuums, comparing it with five other ultra-portable models. Ratings are given for wet and dry pickup performance, exhaust emissions and ease of use. At Amazon.com, this shop vac has received more reviews from owners than most models, evaluating it over a longer period of time.

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports tests the Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 in its review of consumer-brand shop vacs, comparing it primarily with five other ultra-portable consumer wet-dry vacuums. Each shop vac is put through objective tests, then assigned a total score, as well as separate ratings in specific areas. Unfortunately, noise level isn't reported in decibels.

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

2. Amazon.com

More than a dozen owners review the Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 on this site, giving it higher than average ratings. Amazon.com also publishes its own "expert" review of this model, praising its suction. Some owners voice complaints, but most love its portability.

Review: Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 Review, Contributors to Amazon.com

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