The Best Shop Vacs
A standard vacuum cleaner is great for dust and dirt, but it can't handle larger heavier objects. That's when we turn to shop vacs. These are generally more powerful and designed to suck up heavier objects like nails and screws. This is perfect for cleaning up after a construction project, for instance. If you're in the market for a new shop vac, you've come to the right place. Read on to discover our top picks for the best shop vacs.
What to Look For
To find the best shop vacuums, we looked at a few key aspects, such as: How large is it? How powerful is it? And does it run off wall power or batteries? For instance, the Dewalt DCV580H is one of the few quality battery-powered shop vacs on the market. It takes standard 20V Max batteries, so you can have plenty of backups at the ready. If you’re after size and power, the Craftsman heavy-duty shop vacuum is your best bet. It has a huge 20-gallon drum and a beefy motor to handle heavy messes. Below, we’ll discuss each of our top picks in more detail. Read on to find the right one for you.
Craftsman Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments
The cleanest cleanups
Heavy-duty work requires heavy-duty cleanups. But if you want to clean up quickly, you might want to check out this excellent shop vac. It sucks up messes with incredibly powerful suction, leaving you with more time and energy to get work done and relax afterwards. It’s perfect for clearing sawdust, for example. And it’s also the best way to keep your car free of dust and dirt. This particular model even works with liquids, although you’ll want to swap the filter for maximum efficiency.
Pros:
- Great for huge messes, thanks to the enormous 20-gallon drum
- Works well as a leaf blower
- Powerful suction handles heavier objects with ease
- Easy to drain with a well-placed knob
Cons:
- Takes up quite a bit of space in storage
Stanley 6 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
Reliable and ready to work
Are you tired of stubborn spills and wasted time cleaning? Then you might need a shop vac like this one. Removing leaves and debris from your yard, cleaning carpets and upholstery, and keeping your car interior clean has never been easier. The four-horsepower motor quickly sucks up dust and dirt, even picking up heavier objects. It all goes into a convenient bag to empty when it’s full. And if you ever accidentally vacuum an important small thing, you can always retrieve it.
Pros:
- Pivots easily with one wheel locked
- Lifts pet hair out of tight weave carpet
- It can be used to fill up air mattresses and other large inflatables
Cons:
- The power cable could be a bit longer
Craftsman 2.5 Gallon Portable Shop Vacuum with Attachments
The handy little cleaner
Most shop vacs are a bit big and bulky, but not this one. This 2.5-gallon wet-and-dry vac from Craftsman is perfect for quick cleanups around the house. It cleans both wet and dry spills, saving you from wasting paper towels. And best of all, it’s small enough to tuck away in a closet or garage neatly. This vacuum hits the right balance between portability and power. With a 1.75-horsepower motor, this bad boy can easily handle heavy spills and remove stubborn stains from carpets.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry one-handed
- Powerful suction for its size
- Great for blowing away leaves and debris
Cons:
- It can be a bit loud
Stanley Stainless Steel Tank Vacuum
Heavy-duty and handsome
This shop vac not only works like a charm, but it also looks great while doing so. With a stainless-steel drum, this powerful shop vac will add a splash of metallic pizzazz to any work area. It’s more visible from afar if you’re working near traffic, too. And in case of any accidental bumps, the metal construction won’t crack like with plastic shop vacs. The motor has four horsepower, plenty for most household tasks. It’ll suck up liquids as well, so it’s a great general-purpose vacuum. If you have stairs, it’s a godsend because this shop vac is relatively lightweight.
Pros:
- The filter is painless to clean, as you can simply rinse it out in a sink
- Straightforward filter replacement
- Enough nozzles for most home applications
- Won’t rust or fade
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- The stainless steel can get dented, although such superficial damage is usually fixable
Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum
Cut out the cables
With this fantastic tool, you can have a powerful shop vac wherever you go. It uses a standard 20V Max battery which is used in many different types of power tools. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with one; however, if you’re into handiwork, you’ll likely already be familiar with 20V Max batteries and own one already. The battery life will depend on the battery size, which is great if you’re looking for a beefier, longer life or a smaller one for quick jobs.
Pros:
- 20V Max batteries can be swapped out for more working time
- It still works with a cord if you’re near a power outlet
- Convenient to carry thanks to the handle and tube clips
Cons:
- This option doesn’t come with a battery, so you have to acquire it separately
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good uses for shop vacs?
If you have a large mess with heavier debris to pick up, shop vacs are the way to go. They’re tougher than a vacuum cleaner and are usually made with stronger motors and larger dustbags. Since they can also vacuum liquids, you can use them for flooded rooms, spills, and other general cleanups.
Can shop vacs inflate an air mattress?
Most shop vacs will allow you to change the airflow direction from vacuuming to blowing, and you might need a certain adapter for it to work properly. Additionally, be careful when topping off your inflatable because shop vacs can have powerful motors and potentially cause damage by overinflation.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.