Shop Vacs

Budget shop vacs

If you want a wet-dry vacuum for general cleanup, not for collecting dust from power tools, then quiet performance is the only reason to pay more to get a pro-brand wet-dry vacuum. For well under $200, a consumer-brand shop vac will provide plenty of suction power, and unlike the pro models, will come with a full set of accessories. Shop-Vac, Craftsman and Ridgid brands are best known for their less expensive wet-dry vacuums.

Reviews say the 16-gallon Ridgid WD1850 Pro Utility shop vac (*est. $150) is the best budget wet-dry vacuum in this size range. The larger 20-gallon Craftsman 17762 (*est. $110) performs as well, costs less and is easier to empty -- but it's noisier, exhausts more dust, and carries only a one-year warranty compared with the lifetime warranty on Ridgid shop vacs. The Ridgid WD1850 has other advantages too. Large rear wheels and a tall handle equipped with a tool bag make it easy to move around. A sensor tells when the filter needs cleaning, and when vacuuming liquids, the Ridgid WD1850 turns itself off when the maximum level is reached.

If you want a smaller and more portable shop vac, reviews recommend the 14-gallon Ridgid WD1450 (*est. $100) over the 12-gallon Ridgid WD1245 (*est. $70). Both have plenty of power for both wet and dry pickup, but reviews find emissions a problem for the Ridgid WD1245. The Ridgid WD1450 doesn't have the tall handle featured on the larger Ridgid WD1850, but it does offer auto-shutoff for vacuuming liquids. Owners reviewing the Ridgid WD1450 at the HomeDepot.com website praise it for both powerful suction and quiet performance, and tests show it also outperforms the 9-gallon Craftsman 17742 (*est. $50).

Shop-Vac also makes wet-dry vacuums, but comparison reviews consistently give Ridgid shop vacs the edge, with Craftsman and Shop-Vac models vying for second place. However, surveys of readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking usually rank Shop-Vac models above Craftsman overall, and some reviews say Shop-Vac can be a bit quieter. For example, the sound level on the 16-gallon Shop-Vac 962-18-00 Ultra Pro (*est. $120) is about 74.5 decibels, on a par with the more expensive Porter-Cable 7814 (*est. $350) for noise, while reviews rate the Ridgid WD1850 at 78 decibels. (Experts say that the sound energy affecting human hearing doubles for each 3-decibel difference.)

Despite their noise level and lack of auto-shutoff when vacuuming liquids, Craftsman shop vacs have some advantages. The shop-vac review at American Woodworker notes that their lid design makes them easier to empty than either Shop-Vac or Ridgid vacuums. Reviews often recommend the Craftsman 17762 (*est. $110) because of its outstanding 20-gallon capacity.

The 16-gallon Craftsman 17066 (*est. $110) has a detachable head that can be used as a leaf blower. Tests at American Woodworker rate its suction superior to competing Ridgid and Shop-Vac models, but other reviews find the exhaust emissions a problem. The Ridgid WD1665 (*est. $100), which has a similar leaf-blower top, emits less dust and runs at a relatively quiet 75 decibels, but some users report problems with the switch.

Best tool-triggered shop vacs for workshops

Even relatively quiet Ridgid shop vacs are noisier than the pro-brand wet-dry vacuums, especially those made by Festool or Fein. While these more expensive shop vacs are designed primarily with woodworkers in mind, we found quite a few reviews recommending them for general homeowner use as well, provided you can afford their higher prices. They're not only quieter and more pleasant to use, but also more durable, since their motors are designed for long hours of use. Shop vacs made by Bosch, Festool, Nilfisk/Alto Wap, and Porter-Cable also have self-cleaning filters -- another advantage.

Tool-triggered shop vacs include an electrical outlet for plugging in a power tool whose dust port is connected to the shop-vac hose. Once set up this way, the auto-start feature turns the vacuum on and off whenever the tool is turned on and off, and dust goes straight into the shop vac. Several pro-level brands make shop vacs with this feature, but they vary in how well it works, and with how powerful a tool you can pair with it. Some tool-triggered shop vacs are more versatile than others, accepting hoses of different sizes: small-diameter hoses for dust collection from portable tools, larger-diameter hoses for use with larger dust ports. Larger hoses are also much less likely to clog when used for general workshop cleanup, picking up wood shavings and general debris.

Reviews point to the Festool Cleantec CT 33 HEPA Dust Extractor (*est. $490) as the top-rated and fullest featured of these pricey shop vacs. Reviews give Festool shop vacs top marks for excellent build quality and design. Its 8.7-gallon tank is shaped like a box, with a flat top for easy storage. Variable suction makes it versatile for use with different tools, and makes the most of a 20-amp circuit; you can allocate more power to the tool outlet to use it with tools drawing up to 17 amps. The anti-static hose protects against shocks.

A HEPA filter and a drain are included, replacement filters are reasonable (*est. $55), and the Festook CT 33 can convert to a blower. An internal filter-cleaner and separate filter door make it easy to maintain, though reviews recommend using a dust bag (*est. $32 for two) for easiest emptying. Variable speed can reduce the sound level from 72 decibels to 58.5 db, and reviews say this shop vac lacks the annoying whine of most. For general workshop cleanup, larger-diameter hoses are available in various lengths.

The other top-rated tool-triggered shop vac, the Fein 9-77-25 Turbo III shop vac (*est. $400) , lacks an internal filter-cleaning system, and HEPA filters (along with most accessories) cost extra and are priced relatively high (*est. $90 for a HEPA filter). But it's as quiet as the Festool shop vacs; some reviews say it's even quieter. The Fein Turbo III shop vac can collect dust from tools rated up to 19 amps (on a 20-amp circuit), but its 14.5-gallon tank and larger hose make it excellent for general workshop cleanup as well.

Reviews also praise the smaller 7-gallon Fein Turbo II (*est. $300) and 6-gallon Fein 9-11-55 Turbo I (*est. $230) for dust collection, but they come with smaller 1.25-inch hoses and lack drains for emptying liquids. Festool also makes two smaller models without drains. Reviews like the 5.8-gallon Festool CT22 HEPA (*est. $450) and the 2.85-gallon Festool Dust Extractor CT Mini (*est. $230) for dust collection. Festool and Fein shop vacs carry three-year warranties.

Bosch and Porter-Cable shop vacs have internal filter cleaners and separate filter doors so they're easier to clean than the Fein models, but they carry short one-year warranties and reviews say they're quite a bit louder. Reviews do like the way the filters are positioned at the very top, so they don't clog quickly. The newest Bosch model, the Bosch Airsweep 3931A (*est. $415) , has a filter that cleans itself automatically as needed. Like the Festool CT 33 HEPA, it provides variable power and comes with an anti-static hose, with a bigger hose for general cleanup as an extra option. Reviews say the 13-gallon Bosch 3931A has excellent suction, and its size makes it an options for big jobs. As with the Fein shop vacs, the cost of replacement filters is a drawback. A pack of two HEPA filters (*est. $180) costs about three times as much as HEPA filters for a budget shop vac.

Porter-Cable doesn't make a HEPA filter for its shop vacs, but claims that its dual-filter system removes 99.85 of particles, but doesn't specify the size. (Experts recommend HEPA filters for use with sanding dust, because they're designed to capture the tiniest particles that are more apt to damage lungs.) For general workshop use, though, the Porter-Cable filter (*est. $20) is relatively inexpensive, as are its dust bags (*est. $18 for three).

For vacuuming liquids, reviews like the way you can attach a hose to the drain on the 15-gallon Porter-Cable 7814 (*est. $350) , and owners praise the flat top for storing tools and parts. But the Porter-Cable shop vacs lack variable speed, the tool outlet is rated for only 6 amps, and reviews find them the noisiest of the pro-level shop vacs. The 10-gallon Porter-Cable 7812 (*est. $270) lacks a drain but is otherwise similar. Its 23.5-inch height makes it easier to fit under a workbench than the 30-inch high Porter-Cable 7814 or the 29-inch Fein Turbo III.

For quiet vacuuming of extra-fine dust, reviews recommend shop vacs made by Alto Wap (now owned by Nilfisk), but like the Porter-Cable shop vacs, their outlets are limited to use with light-duty tools. The 12-gallon Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC (*est. $825), one of the newer models replacing the top-rated Alto Wap SQ10, automatically cleans its filter every 30 seconds to keep fine dust from clogging the airflow. It's relatively quiet, averaging 60 decibels. It has an auto-start feature, variable suction and a soft-start motor. The 8-gallon Nilfisk-Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E (*est. $535) shop vac is similar, but you have to push a button to clean the filter.

Milwaukee and Shop-Vac also make tool-triggered shop vacs, but they don't get high marks in reviews. The 7.5-gallon Milwaukee 8936-20 (*est. $275) lacks an internal filter cleaner and drain, and ranks in the middle of the pack in the recent Fine Homebuilding review. The 12-gallon Shop-Vac 925-63-10 (*est. $250) is the least expensive tool-triggered shop vac available, but tests at Tools of the Trade Online find its performance disappointing, and its outlet is rated at only 6 amps. Reviews say that in this price range, the quieter 6-gallon Fein 9-11-55 Turbo I (*est. $230) is a better buy.

Wall-mounted shop vacuums

Recent years have seen growing interest in small wall-mounted shop vacuums, since they save space in garages or small workshops. These shop vacs have limited capacity, around 5 gallons, but the hoses are much longer than usual. Craftsman, Ridgid and Shop-Vac each make a wall-mounted shop vac, with the Ridgid WD5500 Stor-N-GoCleaning Station (*est. $100) getting the highest ratings in reviews. Tests show it excels at dry pickup, with reasonably low emissions, and also performs well vacuuming liquids. Owners reviewing the Ridgid WD5500 at Home Depot (where it's sold) give this shop vac a near-perfect rating, noting that it can also be carried around as a portable shop vac. Like all Ridgid shop vacs, the WD5500 comes with a lifetime warranty. The only drawback is that it can be hard to find accessories to fit the hose.

The Craftsman 17925 Clean N Carry Shop Vac (*est. $100) costs the same and comes with an equally long 21-foot hose, with the option of adding a wider 2.5-inch-diameter hose. This Craftsman wall-mounted shop vacuum gets mixed reviews, however, from owners rating it at Sears.com, with some complaints that the hose clogs easily.

The Shop-Vac Hang Up 952-02-62 Wall Mounted wet-dry vac (*est. $100) is shaped differently, with a tall thin design. It comes with a shorter 18-foot hose that's only 1.25 inches in diameter, which owners say clogs easily. Reviews also say it's noisier than the Craftsman and Ridgid wall-mounted shop vacs. Both the Craftsman and Shop-Vac models come with only one-year warranties, so the Ridgid lifetime warranty gives it a further advantage.

If the idea of a permanently installed shop vac appeals to you, you might consider a larger dust collector instead of a portable shop vacuum. Dust collectors have large collection containers and can be hooked up to one or more tools at once (depending on the model). Prices range from $150 to $550 or more. Two major manufacturers are Jet and Delta.

Dust-collection systems are sometimes augmented by an air-filtration system that circulates the workshop air (and dust) through a set of filters. Of course, none of these systems take care of fumes from finishes and solvents, so adequate ventilation is another workshop necessity. Reasonably recent reviews of dust collectors and air-filtration systems may be downloaded for $5 each from Wood Magazine (http://woodstore.stores.yahoo.net/dustcollection1.html).

Portable shop vacuums

We found quite a few owner-written reviews praising shop vacs with much smaller tanks and small-diameter hoses, even though comparison tests show these small shop vacs can't compete with bigger models for powerful suction and sheer capacity. For many people, however, lightweight portability makes up for these drawbacks, especially for vacuuming cars, taking to jobsites, or for use on stairs or ladders. Reviews say they're fine for vacuuming spills or dust, but they lack the power to pick up debris like nails, and large chunks will clog the hose.

While wall-mounted shop vacuums save storage space, reviews say the ultimate in portable convenience comes in the 2-gallon DeWalt DC500 (*est. $100) , which can be used either on AC power or with any DeWalt rechargeable 12- or 18-volt battery. Some owners report frustration at having to buy a battery and charger in order to use the DeWalt DC500 as a cordless shop vac, but it's convenient if you already have another cordless DeWalt tool with battery and charger.

Reviews give the DeWalt DC500 especially high marks for low emissions. It can vacuum liquids (with full 2-gallon capacity) and can also operate as a blower. The long-lasting washable filter is used for both wet and dry pickup, so there's no need to change filters when switching tasks, and reviews say it's easy to clean. Users have a few minor complaints about a short cord and hose, as well as awkward tool storage and battery changes, but most reviews are quite positive. It carries a three-year warranty.

For more power and capacity, but without the option of cordless use, reviews recommend the 4.5-gallon Ridgid WD4550 Pro Pack shop vac (*est. $70). This model is shaped like a toolbox, with space for hose, cord and cleaning tools (but not wands) in the lid. Though it weighs five pounds more than the 10-pound DeWalt cordless shop vac, reviews say the Ridgid WD4550 is ideal for vacuuming autos or for use on stairs or ladders. It can also be used as a blower. Emissions aren't quite as clean as those on the DeWalt DC500, but they are good for this size range. Editors at Taunton Press note that it has as much power as some shop vacs twice its size. The main drawback is that extension wands cost extra.

Owners praise the even smaller Shop-Vac All-Around series of wet-dry vacuums, though they carry only one-year warranties. The 3-gallon Shop-Vac All-Around 971-06-00 (*est. $80) gets very good overall scores in owner-written reviews. Tests show that even the 3-gallon Shop-Vac doesn't have quite as much suction as the Ridgid WD4550 toolbox shop vac, but users like the lighter 11-pound weight. Even cheaper is the smaller, lighter 1.5-gallon All-Around 971-02-00 shop vac (*est. $50) , which also gets nice reviews from owners. Tests show its exhaust is relatively clean.

Important Features: Shop vacs

Reviews suggest considering the following features in choosing the best wet-dry vacuum. In addition, you'll want to consider the price of accessories. Fein and Bosch filters, for example, cost about three times as much as filters for most shop vacs. Most, but not all, budget shop vacs come with a full set of cleaning tools, but most pro-brand shop vacs, despite their higher price, come with few or none.

• Look for a capacity that matches your needs. For collecting wood chips or other big cleanups, look for a large tank of 16 to 20 gallons. For most workshops and households, slightly smaller 10 to 14-gallon tanks have enough capacity and are easier to store and move around. For cleaning a house or car, smaller 5-gallon shop vacs are even easier to transport. 1.5 to 2-gallon models are the most portable of all. Also consider storage space; different shop vacs of equal capacity vary in height, so some fit better under a workbench.

• The best hose diameter depends on the jobs you want the shop vac to do. For general workshop pickup, such as vacuuming wood chips and shavings, experts recommend a 2.25- to 2.5-inch hose. Smaller hoses tend to clog up. However, for attachment to portable power tools for dust collection, you need a smaller flexible hose to adapt to the dust ports on portable power tools. Extra long hoses are available for most models. However, in most models -- but not all -- this reduces the suction.

• Two-stage bypass motors are designed to last longer. This can make a difference if you plan to use the shop vac for long periods as a dust collector. If you only use a shop vac for short periods of time, it's not as important.

• Some filters are easier to clean. The Bosch, Porter-Cable and Festool wet-dry vacuums offer the most convenience with their built-in filter shakers that can be engaged without opening the unit. The Bosch and Porter-Cable shop vacs also have separate filter doors, so you can remove the filter to rinse it off without opening the larger canister.

• Consider noise level. Most new shop vacs have built-in mufflers, but they still vary a lot in sound level. An expert at the UltimateGarage.com points out that an increase of ten decibels actually means the noise level has doubled. He recommends wearing ear protection at 75 decibels or above, though 85 decibels is the limit set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

• Drain valves or spouts make vacuums easy to empty, and a pump is even better. Without one of these, you'll have to take the lid off and tip the tank to empty it. The Porter-Cable also comes with a drain hose. Fein and Shop-Vac offer water-drainage hose kits (*est. $15 to $17) as aftermarket accessories. Shop-Vac Ultra Pump models have a built-in pump, and Sears offers an after-market pump, the Craftsman 16952 (*est. $40) that fits most shop vacs.

• Wide-set wheels and a low profile help keep the unit from tipping over. If you have to haul the vacuum up and down stairs, models with large back wheels and a handle could be useful, such as the Porter-Cable 7814, Bosch 3931A and Ridgid WD1850 shop vacs.

• Convenience features include cord wraps and onboard attachment storage. User-reviews note that these features don't always work as well as advertised. The Ridgid WD1850 shop vac mounts a storage bag on the handle, to carry other tools or parts, and the Ridgid WD5500 toolbox shop vac stores accessories in its lid.

• Do you need a blower? Shop vacs that double as leaf or motor blowers are noisy and tend to exhaust more dust; reviews warn that in a very dusty room they blow around the dust you're trying to vacuum.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Model with retailer link	Details from Amazon.com
6	Festool CT33E (now Cleantec CT33) (*est. $490)	-
5	Fein 9-77-25 Turbo III (*est. $400)	details
5	Alto Wap SQ10 (now Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 12 RDF XC)(*est. $825)	-
4	Fein 9-55-13 Turbo II (*est. $300)	details
4	Festool CT Mini (*est. $310)	-
4	Ridgid Pro Utility WD1850 (*est. $170)	-
4	Craftsman 17066 (*est. $120)	-
4	Ridgid WD1241, 1245, now WD1246 (*est. $70)	details
3	Alto Wap SQ10 (now Nilfisk Alto Wap Attix 8 AS/E) (*est. $535)	details
3	Porter-Cable 7814 (*est. $350)	details
3	Bosch 3931 (now Bosch AirSweep 3931A) (*est. $415)	details
3	Ridgid WD1450 (*est. $120)	-
3	DeWalt DC500 (*est. $100)	details
3	Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 (*est. $70)	-
3	Craftsman 17922 (discontinued)	-
2	Festool CT22E, now Festool CT22 HEPA (*est. $450)	-
2	Fein 9-11-20 Mini Turbo (now 9-11-55 Turbo I) (*est. $230)	details
2	Porter-Cable 7810 (now 7812) (*est. $270)	details
2	Shop-Vac Pump Wet-Dry Vac 960-14-00 (*est. $145)	details
2	Ridgid Stor n Go WD5500 (*est. $100)	-
2	Shop-Vac 971-02-00 (*est. $50)	details
1 each	Alto Attix 8 AS/E, Craftsman 17742, Craftsman 17761 , Craftsman 17762, Craftsman 17764, Craftsman 17790 (disc.), Craftsman 17730, Craftsman 17761 , Craftsman 17762, RIDGID WD0635, Ridgid WD1660 (now WD1665) , Ridgid WD 1950, Shop-Vac 925-40-10 , Shop-Vac Hangup Mini 201-14-00 , Shop-Vac Hang-Up 95201-11 $60, Shop-Vac 925-63-10 , Shop-Vac 925-33 , Shop-Vac 934-20-11, Shop-Vac 587-24-62 Contractor Portable , Shop-Vac 962-16-00 , Shop-Vac Ultra Pro 962-18-00, Tornado NT361

Reviewers like the Fein, Festool, and Nifilsk /Alto Wap tool-triggered shop vacs for their durability, quiet operation and mobility. Among budget brands for general workshop and household use, reviews favor Ridgid shop vacs, and their lifetime warranty is also a plus, but the big Craftsman 17066 also gets good reviews.

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