Ridgid Pro WD4550 Pro Pack Shop Vac Review

What the reviewers like:
Owners and professional reviewers agree that the Ridgid WD4550 shop vac’s portability is outstanding, since all its accessories pack inside its toolbox shape. Suction is better than most shop vacs in this size range, and it exhausts less dust than most. The lifetime warranty is also a big advantage.

What the reviewers don't like:
Using a bag is not an option with the Ridgid WD4550 shop vac, and its liquid capacity is only 2.5 gallons. The Ridgid WD4550’s hose diameter (1 7/8 inches) fits only accessories made by Ridgid, and this model comes with cleaning tools, but no extension wands or floor tools. We found complaints from owners that parts are hard to get, and that the filter clogs fast. The hose is also quite short.

Ridgid Pro WD4550 Pro Pack Shop Vac review highlights

This unusual shop vac is designed for portability; it's shaped like a toolbox, with a handle and flat top. A storage compartment in the lid holds the cord, hose and three cleaning tools. Experts recommend the 4.5-gallon Ridgid WD4550 as the best ultra-portable shop vac in its size range, but it gets mixed reviews from owners. Reviews agree that its portability is convenient, but owners also like the less expensive 3-gallon Shop-Vac All Around 971-06-00 (*est. $80), which weighs four pounds less and can accommodate dust bags. Both models exhaust more dust than the ten-pound, two-gallon DeWalt DC500 (*est. $100) that can run on either AC or battery. Tests show the Ridgid WD4550 has better suction, though, and it carries a lifetime guarantee.

Consumer Reports provides the best review of the Ridgid WD4550 Pro Pack comparing it in objective tests with 22 other consumer-brand shop vacs, including five other extra-small models. Popular Mechanics also tests the Ridgid WD4550, comparing it with five other shop vacs 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.

Also see full report: Shop Vacs

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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Wet/Dry Vacuums
Editors of Consumer Reports
Mar. 2007

Consumer Reports includes the Ridgid WD4550 in its roundup review of 23 consumer-brand shop vacs, comparing it primarily with five other small wet-dry vacuums. Each shop vac is put through objective tests and assigned ratings in several performance areas. Unfortunately decibel ratings aren't reported here.

2. Popular Mechanics
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Shop Vac Showdown: We Test 6 New Wet/Dry Vacuums
Tom Klenck
Sept. 2007

This review compares the Ridgid WD4550 with five larger shop vacs, testing speed and capacity in vacuuming water and in picking up a variety of dry debris (cat litter, sawdust, wood shavings and scraps, garden mulch). 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 vac's quality and convenience, except for the short hose.

3. HomeDepot.com
Ridgid WD4550 Shop Vac Review
Contributors to HomeDepot.com

At the time of this report, a dozen owners have posted reviews of the Ridgid WD4550 shop vac, most praising its suction and portability. We found a few complaints -- about the filter clogging quickly, and about accessories being hard to find.

4. Ridgid Power Tools Forum
Ridgid Pro Pack
Contributors to Ridgid Tool Forum.com

Although most participants in this discussion about the Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550 shop vac praise it, there are some complaints about problems getting filters and replacement parts.

Also see full report: Shop Vacs