Ridgid Pro WD1851

*Est. $160

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

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

Cons

Lip on lid makes it difficult to empty

Our Analysis

Reviewers agree that the 16-gallon Ridgid WD1851 wet dry vac, formerly the WD1850, is the best consumer-grade workshop vacuum in its size range. It carries a lifetime warranty (once the product is registered with Ridgid), and reviewers find it relatively quiet for a consumer-grade wet dry vac. The exhaust also contains less dust than might be expected. The Ridgid WD1850 / WD1851 shop vacuum has a sensor that tells you when the filter needs cleaning; 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), named a ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed model.

ConsumerReports.org's most recent review of wet dry vacs puts 23 consumer-brand models through objective tests, comparing the WD1851's immediate predecessor, the 16-gallon Ridgid WD1850 workshop vac, against four other wet dry vacs in its size range. American Woodworker magazine also tests the Ridgid WD1850 shop vacuum, comparing it with both pro- and consumer-grade wet dry vacs. HomeDepot.com publishes detailed owner-written reviews of the Ridgid WD1851, and at the Ridgid Tool Forum, owners compare the older Ridgid WD1850 with Craftsman wet dry vacs.

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org includes the Ridgid WD1850 wet dry vacuum, now offered as the WD1851, in its review of 23 consumer-brand shop vacuums, grouped by size. In addition to an overall grade, each wet dry vacuum gets separate ratings for wet and dry pickup, emissions and ease of use.

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

2. American WoodworkerDetails/Subscribe

Reviewers George Vendriska and Tony Caspar compare six wet dry vacs, including the Ridgid WD1850 workshop vacuum. Each wet dry 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

3. HomeDepot.com

Though the new version, the Ridgid WD1851, is reviewed (and reviewed favorably, at that) by only a handful of owners here, more than a dozen owners gave the preceding Ridgid WD1850 a near-perfect rating here. Most praise the Ridgid's excellent suction, relative quiet and reliability, recommending this higher-end Ridgid for a wide range of household and workshop tasks.

Review: Ridgid 16-Gallon Pro Vac Model #WD1851, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

4. RidgidForum.com

The main focus of this discussion thread is the Ridgid WD1850 (now WD1851), which is compared with the smaller Ridgid 4550 "toolbox" wet dry vac, as well as with larger Craftsman models. Most comments are positive, but one owner says the switch on his Ridgid shop vacuum stopped working.

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

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