Shop Vacs Reviews

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Shop Vacs Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Shop Vacs Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Wet/Dry Vacuums Editors of Consumer Reports Mar. 2007		Consumer Reports puts 23 shop vacs through objective tests, rating each for both wet and dry pickup performance, along with emissions and ease of use, plus an overall rating. Since the review covers four different size ranges, only a few models are compared for each size. The focus is on the three most popular consumer brands for household and shop use, rather than more expensive brands aimed at woodworking shops. The review also reports how many gallons of liquid can be vacuumed before the internal float cuts off air flow and stops further vacuuming. With rare exceptions, the internal float cuts off air flow (and further vacuuming) at a lower capacity than the volume of the tank. For example, most "20-gallon" shop vacs tested here can actually vacuum up no more than about 14 gallons of liquid.
2. Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide >> Details/Subscribe	Tool-Triggered Shop Vacs Rob Wotzak and Taunton Press Editors Sept. 2007		This review of five tool-triggered shop vacs (suitable for dust collection) presents essentially the same information as the review in the June 2007 issue of Fine Homebuilding summarized below. In this version editors leave out the comparison with the Alto/Wap shop vac, but summarize the results of a survey of over 9,000 readers of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking. Readers agree with the editors' two top picks, ranking the Bosch 3931A a rather distant third.
3. Fine Homebuilding >> Details/Subscribe	Shop Vacs Rob Wotzak June / July 2007		Carpenter Rob Wotzak and his crew evaluate five tool-triggered shop vacs on a 2,000-square-foot remodeling job, comparing them as well with the more expensive Alto Wap Attix 12 RDFD XC (as a sort of gold standard for shop vacs). All five are wet-dry vacuums that can also vacuum liquids. Noise levels are measured with a decibel meter held four 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. In addition, specific pros and cons are detailed. The Festool Cleantec CT33 gets the highest rating as the best overall shop vac, while the Fein Turbo II (which costs $200 less) is named the best value.
4. Popular Mechanics >> Details/Subscribe	Shop Vac Showdown: We Test 6 New Wet/Dry Vacuums Tom Klenck Sept. 2007		This review compares six shop vacs ranging from 4.5 to 16 gallons, testing their speed and capacity in vacuuming water and in picking up a variety of dry debris. The review notes that "peak horsepower" is just that -- peak, the point at which the motor stalls -- so that motor amps make a better point of comparison. Though the author recommends wearing ear protection with any of these models, no decibel measurements are reported. The Ridgid WD1450 and Craftsman 17706 get the best ratings.

Shop Vacs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Shop Vacs Ratings Comments on Reviews

5. Fine Woodworking >> Details/Subscribe	New vacuum from Bosch tames dust and debris -- quietly Roland Johnson, Contributing Editor July / Aug. 2007		Fine Working magazine's contributing editor Roland Johnson reviews the newest Bosch shop vac, the 3931A, based on evaluating it in his own workshop. No comparisons are made with other shop vacs, but Johnson doesn't find anything to criticize about this model.
6. Taunton's 2005 Tool Guide >> Details/Subscribe	Shop Vacuums Roland Johnson and Editors Jan. 2005		This shop vac review is basically an update of the Taunton's 2004 Tool Guide (below), but it does include three models not reviewed earlier. In addition, the review summarizes results from the annual survey of readers of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. The Fein 9.77.25 Turbo III scores highly with both editors and readers. A discontinued Craftsman shop vac is still highly rated by editors among budget shop vacs, though readers prefer the Shop-Vac Ultra Pro.
7. Taunton 2004 Tool Guide >> Details/Subscribe	Shop Vacuums Roland Johnson and the editors of Fine Homebuilding Jan. 2004		This older review of eight shop vacuums reports tests and ratings by editors of Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines, plus results of the annual survey of 6,000 tool owners. Editors focus on placement of the filter, which affects suction, along with features such as an auto-start plug for small power tools. Though tests focus more on high-end shop vacs suitable for serious woodworkers, a few budget models are also included. The Fein 9.77.25 Turbo III is top-rated by editors overall. For extra-fine dust, editors like the Alto Wap SQ10.
8. American Woodworker >> Details/Subscribe	Tool Test: Shop Vacuums George Vendriska and Tony Caspar Oct. 2005		This review compares six shop vacs (three large general-purpose shop vacuums plus three tool-activated shop vacs), testing each for pickup power (using roofing nails) and air flow (by having it suck up sawdust that can quickly clog the filter). We rank this review a bit lower than the older Taunton Tool Guide reviews, because American Woodworker doesn't rate or rank the shop vacs. However, test reports are included in the description of the pros and cons of each model. Of the three large, powerful shop vacs, the Craftsman 17066 has more advantages than the Ridgid 1850, except that it's louder. Similarly, after reading this review, we concluded that the Bosch 3931 looks like the best tool-activated shop vac, even though it's louder than others.
9. Tools of the Trade	Tool Test: Wet-Dry Vacuums Chris Kulczycki March/April 2004		Nine wet-dry vacuums costing more than $200 are put through torture tests in a workshop environment. We like this review just as much as the Taunton guides above, but unfortunately it’s now quite outdated. Reviewer Chris Kulczycki puts shop vacs through the paces sucking up nails, siphoning a bucket of water and cleaning up fine dust. He reports on how well each vacuum's filter works, while also evaluating mobility and stability. Tests here give top ratings to the Bosch 3931(now replaced by the Bosch 3931A), but two other shop vacs are also recommended.
10. Woodworker's Journal >> Details/Subscribe	European Power Tools Rob Johnstone Apr. 2007		Woodworker's Journal tool expert Rob Johnstone reports on his December 2006 visits to tool manufacturers, including Festool in Germany (which makes shop vacs, called dust extractors, in three sizes). He notes that while tools made in Asia are aimed at hobbyists and homeowners for whom price is crucial, European tool companies design their tools for professional use, where durability and top-notch performance matter much more than price. In the weblog, Johnstone notes that to test tool durability, Festool "employs an entire staff of people whose only job is to break Festool tools by misusing them."

Shop Vacs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Shop Vacs Ratings Comments on Reviews

11. EZineArticles.com	Choosing a Shop Vac for Your Small Business Lance Winslow Mar. 2007		Retired entrepreneur Lance Winslow reports on his own tests of four consumer-level shop vacs, comparing them to a higher-end WAP shop vac. This article includes useful criticisms and details based on actual use, plus ideas on how to modify the winning shop vac (the Shop-Vac QSP PRO) to quiet it down.
12. Fine Woodworking >> Details/Subscribe	Shop Vacuums Roland Johnson May / June 2003		Woodworker Roland Johnson compares 13 wet-dry vacuums for endurance, adaptability and ergonomics by using them in a variety of workshop tests. He makes the point that for collecting dust from workshop tools, it's really the filter design that makes the difference in a shop vac's endurance -- how long you can work without stopping to empty the wet-dry vacuum or clean the filter. Johnson includes ratings for his overall favorite, plus recommendations for a budget shop vac, along with an "if price is no object" pick. Filter placement and operation is the focus here.
13. Tools of the Trade	Tool Test: Wet/Dry Vacs (under $200) Todd Maynard Mar. / Apr. 2001		In this older review of shop vacs priced under $200, several models have been discontinued, including the number-two pick, the Shop-Vac 925-33. The top-rated shop vac, the Fein 9-11-20, has been replaced by the Fein 9-11-55 Turbo I Shop Vacuum. Reviewer Todd Maynard likes the small Fein shop vac for its powerful but quiet motor, stable design, supple 1.5-inch hose and rubber bumpers. This shop vac is also compact enough to haul to jobsites. His second choice (of the models still available) is a Craftsman shop vac, which he says has plenty of power.
14. Workbench Magazine	Shop Vacuums Editors of Workbench June 2000 and 2004		Four 16-gallon shop vacs are thoroughly compared in this in-depth review, with one model garnering the highest ratings. Tests show it's the fastest at collecting wood chips, though relatively slow at vacuuming water and it doesn't work as a blower. After testing, the four wet-dry vacuums are ranked in order of performance. A later article in 2004 picks the DeWalt DC500 cordless shop vac as one of the ten most innovative tools of the year.
15. American Woodworker	Shop Vacuums for Portable Power Tools George Vondriska June 2000		Six shop vacs are compared here for collecting dust from portable power tools. As you might expect, more expensive wet-dry vacuums are judged best for this purpose, although reviewer George Vondriska does identify a more budget-minded shop vac that could work when outfitted with a longer hose plus a high-efficiency filter bag and/or a Goretex filter.
16. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners Editors of Consumer Reports Jan. 2001		Although Consumer Reports has published a 2007 report covering shop vacs currently available, editors don't include quite a few still-available models that were tested in this older report. If you're looking for ratings of specific older shop vacs, you may find this report useful.
17. AssociatedContent.com	Shop-Vac Model Hang-Up Mini Review Jeff. Gedgaud Jan. 2007		This recent review evaluates the Shop-Vac Hangup Mini 201-14-00 based on the author's own experiences. He's reviewing the model that comes with a six-foot cord because it's easier to find, saying that an inexpensive extension cord lets him carry the 5-pound portable around the house with ease. (He notes that the same shop vac is also made with an 18-foot cord.) He added a shoulder strap to make carrying it around easier, and finds the suction quite adequate.
18. Fine Homebuilding >> Details/Subscribe	A Truly Portable Vac: Pro Pak Wet/Dry Vac Justin Fink Dec. 2006		This brief review focuses on the Ridgid Pro Pak portable shop vac that's shaped like a toolbox, with onboard storage for all attachments. The hose is extra flexible, compressing to three feet but stretching to nearly eight.
19. New Hampshire Woodworker.com	Festool CT 22E Mobile Dust Extractor Bill Esposito Feb. 2006		This thorough review covers the Festool 22E, quite similar to the newer Festool shop vac that adds a HEPA filter. Woodworker Bill Esposito provides lots of close-up pictures of details, and the review is well illustrated and organized. Many specifications are included here that aren't mentioned in other reviews or even on the Festool USA website. For example, the Festool 22 is designed for use on a 20-amp circuit, but it comes with an adapter for plugging into a 15-amp outlet. Esposito covers various features in depth, but doesn't compare Festool shop vacs to other brands.
20. UltimateGarage.com	Shop Vac Comparisons: Fein Turbo II, Ghibili, Alto models Steve D'Gerolamo Dec. 2003, updated Feb. 2005		Steve D'Gerolamo is an auto-garage expert who consults on garage workshop design and retrofitting, and he sells the tools and equipment he judges superior. He runs several high-end shop vacs through elaborate instrument tests of noise levels, air flow and vacuum pressure, concluding that the Alto Wap Attix 8 has better suction than the Fein 9-55-13 Turbo II. One nice feature of the Attix model is a "soft start" motor to avoid tripping circuit breakers. Despite this, the review notes that Alto shop vacs are only usable with light-duty sanders because they draw so much power for vacuuming.
21. AssociatedContent.com	Shop-Vac Model 92P350 Review Jeff Gedgaud June 2005		This older single-product review of the Shop-Vac 92P350 is based on the author's personal use. Jeff Gedgaud praises its double-duty use as both vacuum cleaner and water pump. (The author notes that it can also serve as a blower.) It's especially convenient since you can attach a garden hose to the outlet. That means the tank size doesn't limit the amount of liquid it can clean up. The author also finds this shop vacl well constructed and stable.
22. The Woodshop	Festool CT MINI Dust Extractor Review Jack Loganbill Not Dated		Woodworker Jack Loganbill tests and rates both the Festool CT Mini and the larger Festool CT22E shop vac in separate, in-depth reviews. He notes specific pros and cons of the Festool models, comparing them with the Fein Mini Turbo shop vac, as well. Based on tests for dust extraction, suction, portability and overall engineering, the review gives the Festool CT Mini shop vac top rating as a dust extractor, but says it's too small to use as a general shop vac. Loganbill notes that the filters are expensive, to which the CEO of Festool USA adds a thoughtful response..
23. C John Herbert.com	Festool's CT Mini Vac C. John Herbert Not Dated		Woodworker C. John Herbert reviews the Festool CT Mini shop vac, comparing it in workshop use primarily with the larger Festool CT 22E (now the Festool CT 22 HEPA). The photos in this review are especially revealing. Although the author likes many things about the Festool CT Mini, he notes that the small-diameter hose makes it much less effective than the larger Festool shop vac. Still, he recommends the Festool CT Mini for its portability.
24. Benchmark	Reviews of Festool Shop Vacuums Phil Bumbalough Not Dated		Woodworker Phil Bumbalough offers two separate, well-illustrated, in-depth reviews of the two smallest Festool shop vacs, comparing both with shop vacs by Craftsman, Shop-Vac and Fein -- especially for noise level. He praises the Festool shop vacs especially for their low noise level, saying that they're even quieter than the Fein. He also notes that the top-rated Festool shop vacs use antistatic hoses, are light and compact, and have variable speeds. A true Festool fan, the author notes no drawbacks, but recommends the larger Festool CT33 for its larger capacity.
25. OnlineTool Reviews.com	Reviews of Festool and Karcher shop vacs Dean Bielanowski 2004		This site offers in-depth reviews of the same two Festool shop vacs that Phil Bumbalough reviews at Benchmark. Like Bumbalough, woodworker Bielanowski is a Festool shop vac fan, but he finds the Festool CT 22E louder (at 72 decibels) than the 58-decibel Fein shop vac. He also reviews a 9.25-gallon Karcher shop vac (sold in the U.S. as the Tornado NT361), praising its self-cleaning filter and 63-decibel sound level. .

Shop Vacs Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Shop Vacs Ratings Comments on Reviews

26. Consumer Guide.com	Wet / Dry Vacuums: Reviews and Prices Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Sept. 2007		ConsumerGuide seems to be just getting started on single-product reviews and ratings of shop vacs, which they call wet / dry vacuums, so the four reviews posted so far are quite up to date. There's useful detail here about each model, but no head-to-head comparison tests or rankings, and it's not clear whether or not the details come from information supplied by manufacturers, or from actual testing or usage.
27. Stuff	Fein Turbo III Shop Vac Review Editor of Stuff Dec. 3, 2006		This brief review of the Fein Turbo III is one of many tool reviews in this weblog, based on one owner's experiences. He praises the Fein shop vac for its quiet performance and auto-start feature. He notes that while Fein accessories are extra options, it's feasible to use third-party accessories at much lower cost.
28. Amazon.com	Shop Vacuums Contributors to Amazon.com As of Sept. 2007		The plethora of third-party retailers listing shop vacs here at Amazon.com can make browsing the shop-vac reviews tricky, since the same model may be listed in more than one place, with different average ratings. Still, these owner-written ratings and reviews can be useful supplements to professional reviews, because users often report on long-term durability. Most shop vacs reviewed here get positive ratings, making the exceptions worth noting.
29. HomeDepot.com	Shop Vacs Contributors to HomeDepot.com As of Sept. 2007		Home Depot publishes owner-written reviews and ratings of the shop vacs sold here. It's less convenient to check ratings here, since you have to click on a specific shop-vac model to see the average rating, but most shop vacs have enough reviews here to make the average ratings credible.
30. Sears.com	Wet/Dry Vacs Contributors to Sears.com As of Sept. 2007		Sears sells the Shop-Vac brand as well as shop vacs under its own Craftsman brand, and its website posts ratings and reviews from owners. Some owners complain that their Craftsman shop vacs blow too much air out of the exhaust port during use, blowing dust all around. However, many owners are satisfied.
31. Lowes.com	Shop Vacs Contributors to Lowes.com As of Sept. 2007		Lowe's summarizes customer ratings of specific shop vacs sold here, but not comments, so less detail is available here. In addition to an average overall rating, shop vacs get ratings for features, value, design, quality and ease of use. Lowes sells mostly the Shoo-Vac brand, but the cordless DeWalt DC500 continues to get higher ratings. It's interesting that among the Shop-Vac models, ratings don't correspond to price; some expensive shop vacs get relatively low ratings here.
32. Ridgid Power Tools Forum	The Ridgid Review Contributors to Ridgid Power Tools Forum As of Sept. 2007		Though this forum is on the Ridgid website, owners reviewing Ridgid shop vacs also compare them with other consumer-level brands, including Craftsman and Shop-Vac. This is a good site for checking specific models, particularly if you're interested in a Ridgid, and many of the comments are balanced and critical.
33. Epinions	Shop Vacuums Contributors to Epinions As of Sept. 2007		Owners review and rate individual wet-dry shop vacuums at this site, and you can sort the listings by rating. Unfortunately most shop vacs get only one or two reviews; by the time they accumulate more, the manufacturer has replaced the model with a newer one.
34. RoombaReview.com	Dirt Dog Review Contributors to RoombaReview.com As of Sept. 2007		This forum thread at a site devoted to Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners discusses the pros and cons of the new Roomba Dirt Dog for cleaning workshops and garages.
35. MyTriggers.com	Shop-Vac 952-02-62 HangUp 5 Gallon 4-1/2 Horsepower Wall-Mounted Wet/ Dry Vacuum Contributors to MyTriggers.com As of Sept. 2007		As of the date of this report, nine users have posted ratings and reviews here of the Shop-Vac 952-02-62 HangUp wall-mounted wet / dry vacuum. Most are quite positive, but one notes that the motor on an older unit burned up during the second year. Shop-Vac's customer service also comes in for praise here.
36. Ace Hardware.com	Shop Vacs Contributors to AceHardware.com As of Sept. 2007		Ace Hardware has started publishing owner-written ratings and reviews of Shop-Vac brand wet / dry vacuum cleaners sold here, but so far there aren't enough reviews to make the average ratings mean much.