DeWalt DC500

1. Amazon.com

Almost 95 owner ratings/reviews are posted here, giving the DeWalt DC500 a high average rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most say that although this small wet dry vac is perfect for situations in which they don't want to haul out a full-size wet dry vac. Some say it doesn't have enough suction when used in cordless mode. One writes, however, that "this unit will not replace a Shop Vac nor is it meant to. When used within its scope of operations it is a more than welcome addition to my shop."

Review: DEWALT DC500 2-Gallon 12-to-18-Volt Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vacuum, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. Lowes.com

The DeWalt DC500 gets higher ratings here than it does at Amazon.com: an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 35 people. A couple of owners complain about its lack of suction and short hose, or say that the filter clogs quickly, but most are satisfied.

Review: DEWALT 2-Gallon 1 Peak HP Shop Vac, Contributors to Lowes.com

3. Wood MagazineDetails/Subscribe

In this older buyer's guide, Robert Settich recommends a small shop vacuum over one with a huge tank, noting that a smaller model is easier to move and empty of liquids. He does not say whether he tested or used the models discussed here, but one of those he recommends is the DeWalt DC500.

Review: Dust and Debris Disappear Into a Vacuum, Robert J. Settich, 2006

4. Toologics.com

This is another buyer's guide; author Jude Herr describes her search for a wet dry vac that will meet her needs, saying it needs to be "small and portable, yet powerful and durable."One of the models she considers is the DeWalt DC515, another DeWalt cordless model. She also mentions the DC500, noting that it has "a Gore wet/dry filter that traps 99.7% of drywall dust."

Review: How to Choose a Wet/Dry Vacuum, Jude Herr, Nov. 5, 2007