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In this report
- Introduction
- Budget Wet Dry Vacs{2 mentions}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Workshop Vacs{2 mentions}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
- Portable Wet Dry Vacs{3 mentions}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}
- Wall-Mount Vacuums{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
Wet Dry Vacs: Ratings of Sources
Total of 24 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org puts 23 shop vacuums through objective tests, rating each for both wet and dry pickup performance, along with emissions and ease of use, as well as assigning an overall rating. The focus is on the three most popular consumer brands, including Shop-Vac and Craftsman, for household and shop use. Several of the top-rated shop vacuums have been discontinued since this report was published, but the ratings are still quite useful for most. Because the review covers four size ranges, only a few models are compared for each size.
Wise Buys: Tool-Triggered Vacuums
by Editors of Wood Magazine
by Editors of Wood Magazine
Our AssessmentThis review compares four workshop vacs that can be set up to turn on and off automatically. The review makes no attempt to rate or rank the vacuums, which are each tested by a different editor, and some of the top-ranked workshop vacs in other reviews aren't covered here. Noise levels are reported in decibels, making them easy to compare, as are the amps each shop vac actually makes available for powering the tool.
Tool-Triggered Shop Vacuums
by Rob Wotzak
by Rob Wotzak
Our AssessmentThis two-page review summarizes the results of tests done by carpenter Rob Wotzak and his crew, reported in more detail in the June/July 2007 issue of Fine Homebuilding (see below). In addition, the five tested wet dry vacs are also ranked according to a survey of readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking. Readers agree with Taunton Press editors that the Festool CT 33E earns top ranking, with the Fein Turbo II the runner-up. (Ridgid, Craftsman and Shop-Vac brands aren't covered here, and the 2010 Tool Guide doesn't cover shop vacuums.)
Tool-Triggered Shop Vacs
by Rob Wotzak
by Rob Wotzak
Our AssessmentCarpenter Rob Wotzak and his crew evaluate five tool-triggered shop vacuums on a 2,000-square-foot remodeling job. All five are wet dry vacuums that can also vacuum liquids. Noise levels are measured with a decibel meter held 4 feet from each shop vac at ear level, and each vacuum gets ratings for suction power, filter performance and convenience, ease of emptying, mobility and overall design. The Festool CT 33 gets the highest rating as the best overall shop vacuum, while the Fein Turbo II (which costs $200 less) is named the best value.
Wet/Dry Vac Showdown: We Test 6 New Wet/Dry Vacuums
by Tom Klenck
by Tom Klenck
Our AssessmentThis review reports test results for six workshop vacs: two Craftsman and two Ridgid models as well as a Porter-Cable and a Shop-Vac model. Testers measured pickup speed (gallons of water and of cat litter per hour) and how the wet dry vacs hold vs. their stated capacity. Their performances are comparable in general, but the Craftsman 17066 is fastest at sucking up water and cat litter. Testers also checked decibel levels, and although no specifics are given, the author says that all the models tested at about 80 decibels.
The Best in Shop Vacs -- Fein vs. Festool
by Rockler Blog Team
by Rockler Blog Team
Our AssessmentThis comparison review from a major retailer covers the newest version of the Fein Turbo II, which incorporates several improvements. Editors say both Fein and Festool wet dry vacs are very quiet and "can make working with a variety of power tools virtually dust free." Fein models have more capacity, and the latest version of the Fein Turbo II matches Festool for maneuverability and adjustable suction -- features that gave Festool the edge until now. An October 2007 review here goes into more detail about the Festool dust-extraction models.
First Test: Milwaukee Cordless Vacuums
by Mathew Steadman
by Mathew Steadman
Our AssessmentThis balanced review reports on tests of two cordless Milwaukee vacuums, similar except for the batteries used -- the 0780-20 and the 0880-20. Reviewer Mathew Steadman concludes that "cordless convenience, adequate power, handy size, and an easy stowing design make them a jobsite necessity."
New Vacuum from Bosch Tames Dust and Debris -- Quietly
by Roland Johnson, Contributing Editor
by Roland Johnson, Contributing Editor
Our AssessmentContributing editor Roland Johnson reviews the Bosch 3931A shop vacuum, evaluating it in his own workshop. An earlier comparison review in the June 2003 issue tests 13 wet dry vacuums for endurance, adaptability and ergonomics, with particular consideration for the filter design.
Tool Test: Tool-Activated Vacuums
by David Grubb
by David Grubb
Our AssessmentProfessional remodeling contractor David Grubb tests seven tool-activated workshop vacs by using them at jobsites. Each vacuum is evaluated for HEPA filtration, durability, portability, capacity, suction and ease of switching from dry to wet vacuuming and back again. Although this review is older, several of the covered wet dry vacs remain available.
Tool Test: Shop Vacuums
by George Vendriska and Tony Caspar
by George Vendriska and Tony Caspar
Our AssessmentThis review compares -- but doesn't rank -- six wet dry vacs (three large, general-purpose shop vacuums and plus three tool-activated workshop vacs), testing each for pickup power (using roofing nails) and air flow (by having it suck up sawdust that can quickly clog the filter). American Woodworker doesn't rate or rank the wet dry vacs, but the test reports are included in the description of the pros and cons of each model.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
by Contributors to Amazon.com
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our AssessmentThese owner-written ratings and reviews can be useful supplements to professional reviews, because users often report on long-term durability and spot usability problems that experts can miss in the short time many have to perform their review. The older-style Fein Turbo II 9-55-13 gets top ranking here; the newer Turbo II 9-20-25 also gets good ratings, but from fewer people. Several Shop-Vac models also get high ratings, as does a cordless model, the Milwaukee 0880-20.
Wet/Dry Vacuums
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Our AssessmentHome Depot publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the wet dry vacuums sold at its website. Ridgid vacuums are predominant, with few other brands reviewed. It's less convenient to check ratings here than at sites like Amazon.com, because you have to click on a specific model to see the average rating. However, many workshop vacs have enough reviews to make the average ratings credible.
Shop Vacuums
by Contributors to Lowes.com
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Our AssessmentMost of the shop vacuums sold at Lowes are made by Shop-Vac, and several get high ratings from a significant number of owners. The 16-gallon Shop-Vac 934-16-11, with a built-in pump, and the 16-gallon Shop-Vac 931-17-11, which comes with a detachable leaf blower, get the most reviews and the best ratings. The 5-gallon Heavy Duty Portable Shop-Vac 587-24-11 also gets good ratings and reviews. One small DeWalt model, the 2-gallon DC500, receives higher ratings than the Shop-Vac models; it can be used with a cord or run off a battery.
Wet-Dry Vacuums
by Contributors to Sears.com
by Contributors to Sears.com
Our AssessmentSears sells Shop-Vac vacuums, as well as wet dry vacuums under its own Craftsman brand (made by Ridgid). Four of the Craftsman shop vacs get top ranking based on owner-written ratings and reviews; the Shop-Vac models don't fare nearly as well, however. Owners are generally satisfied with the models that are most frequently recommended, but some users complain that their Craftsman wet dry vacuums blow too much air out of the exhaust port during use, spreading dust all around.
Wet/Dry Vacuums Reviews and Prices
by Editors of HowStuffWorks.com
by Editors of HowStuffWorks.com
Our AssessmentConsumer Guide reviews 18 wet dry vacs in all, although some of the products included in this category are primarily for steam-cleaning carpets. Five shop vacuums are named Best Buys, including the cordless Milwaukee 0880-20, two Ridgid models, a Shop-Vac and the Bosch 3931A. Expert reviews are thorough, but vacuums are not compared to one another, and it's not clear what kind of testing was done, if any. In addition, none of the reviews is more recent than 2008.
Choosing a Shop Vac for Your Small Business
by Lance Winslow
by Lance Winslow
Our AssessmentRetired entrepreneur Lance Winslow reports on his own tests of four consumer-grade shop vacuums, comparing them to a higher-end Nilfisk Alto-Wap workshop vac. This article includes useful criticisms and details based on actual use, plus ideas on how to modify the winning shop vacuum to quiet it down. A 16-gallon, 6-horsepower Shop-Vac model is judged the best of the consumer-grade wet dry vacs tested.
Testing the Alto / Wap Vacuums
by Steve D'Gerolamo
by Steve D'Gerolamo
Our AssessmentSteve D'Gerolamo runs three Alto Attix wet dry vacs through elaborate instrument tests of noise levels, air flow and vacuum pressure. One nice feature of the Attix vacs is a "soft start" motor to avoid tripping circuit breakers. Despite this, the review notes that Alto wet dry vacs are only usable with light-duty sanders because they draw so much power for vacuuming.
Festool CT MINI Dust Extractor Review
by Jack Loganbill
by Jack Loganbill
Our AssessmentWoodworker Jack Loganbill tests and rates both the Festool CT Mini and the larger Festool CT 22E wet dry vac in separate, in-depth reviews. He notes specific pros and cons of the Festool models, comparing both with the Fein Mini Turbo shop vacuums.
Dust and Debris Disappear Into a Vacuum
by Robert J. Settich
by Robert J. Settich
Our AssessmentThis buyer's guide recommends picking a small shop vacuum rather than one with a huge tank, noting that a wet dry vac in the 5-gallon range is easier to move and empty (especially if you vacuum liquids). Comparing motors, it's clear that small vacuums often have nearly the pickup power of models with much larger tanks. Though the author documents no testing or hands-on use, he recommends the DeWalt portable that operates as either corded or cordless. The Shop-Vac models that include a pump also get the nod here. If you want a tool-triggered workshop vac, the inexpensive switch accessory is recommended.
Top 9 Woodworking Shop Vac Smack Down: Ridgid vs. Festool vs. Fein and More
by Editors of ToolCrib.com
by Editors of ToolCrib.com
Our AssessmentThis is one of the most current review sources, but it doesn't cover the newest Fein Turbo II. Editors rank nine shop vacuums suitable for woodworking, based not only on reviews but on forum discussions as well -- where users discuss the pros and cons of specific models. Quite a few reviews are left out, but the links to forum discussions are useful. The 16-gallon Ridgid WD1851 earns top ranking here, based on 22 different forum discussions rather than on comparison tests. The biggest Festool workshop vac, the CT 33, edges out the Fein Turbo II for second place.
Wet/Dry and Shop Vacuums
by Contributors to Walmart.com
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Our AssessmentWalmart.com publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the wet dry vacuum cleaners sold here, most by Stanley or Shop-Vac. Some of the Shop-Vacs sold here are special models exclusive to Walmart. Shop-Vac models get the most reviews, because Walmart only recently began selling Stanley wet dry vacs; however, a 3-gallon portable Stanley gets good ratings from more than 10 owners.
Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
by Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment
by Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment
Our AssessmentNorthern Tool & Equipment sells Shop-Vac, DeWalt and Milwaukee wet dry vacs, but only a handful of ratings/reviews of most models are available on the website. The Shop-Vac 5-gallon Hang Up model and the small cordless DeWalt DC515K have enough reviews to yield a meaningful average rating. Both get very good ratings and positive reviews.
How to Choose a Wet/Dry Vacuum
by Jude Herr
by Jude Herr
Our AssessmentAuthor Jude Herr describes her search for a wet dry vac that is "small and portable, yet powerful and durable." She considers three: the DeWalt cordless DC515, the Shop-Vac AllAround 971-03-00, and the more expensive Fein I. She notes of the Shop-Vac model that it has good suction "for a $60 wet/dry vacuum."
Review of the Festool CT 22E Mobile Dust Extractor
by Chris Baylor
by Chris Baylor
Our AssessmentThe Festool CT 22E gets an enthusiastic review (and perfect 5-star rating) from Chris Baylor, About.com's woodworking guide. Like other reviews of Festool dust extractors, this one praises it for quiet operation and overall convenience. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
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