Ridgid Pro Pack WD4522

*Est. $100

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

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

Cons

Does not accept dust bags
Small liquid capacity
Hose is short

Where to Buy

for $91.81

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Experts recommend the 4.5-gallon Ridgid Pro Pack WD4522 (formerly the WD4550), as the best ultra-portable wet dry vac in its size range. This unusual shop vacuum is 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. Some owners complain about the company's customer service, but most are quite satisfied with this portable wet dry vac. If portability is not an issue, experts recommend another Ridgid wet dry vac, the WD1450 (*Est. $100), which has a 14-gallon tank.

ConsumerReports.org provides the best review of the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4522 (then the WD4550) comparing it in objective tests with 22 other consumer-brand wet dry vacs, including five other extra-small models. Popular Mechanics also tests the now-discontinued Ridgid WD4550, comparing it with five other shop vacuums 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

Ridgid WD4522 4.5 Gallon Pro Pack Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum

(6 reviews)
Buy new: $112.25 $91.81 2 New from $91.81

In Stock.

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org includes the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 (now the WD4522) in its roundup of 23 consumer-brand wet dry vacs, comparing it primarily with five other small vacuums. Each shop vac is tested and assigned ratings in several performance categories.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuums, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, March 2007

This review compares the Ridgid WD4550 (now replaced by the Pro Pack WD4522) with five larger wet dry 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 vacuum's quality and convenience, except for the short hose.

Review: Wet/Dry Vacuum Showdown: We Test 6 New Clean Machines, Tom Klenck, Sept. 1, 2007

3. HomeDepot.com

At the time of our report, only a handful of owners review the latest Ridgid ProPack WD4522 wet dry vac here, but all are very enthusiastic, giving it the highest possible rating and praising its washable filter and compact convenience.

Review: RIDGID 4.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

4. RidgidForum.com

Although most participants in this discussion about the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 (since replaced by the WD4522) wet dry vac praise it, there are some complaints about customer service -- mainly difficulty getting filters and replacement parts.

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

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