It does not matter if you are a business owner who is interested in deep cleaning their storefront or just a homeowner who is interested in making sure every dust speck is well sucked when vacuuming: shop vacs are considered to be among the best tools suited for such tasks. They are made to offer powerful suction ensuring even the most stubborn dust and dirt is cleaned away.
However, with so many options available in the market, getting the right shop vac can be quite a great challenge. That is why we made the initiative of creating a list of the best 5 shop vacs for you. We have also listed some of the important factors you need to consider before you can settle on a particular shop vac. With this, let’s dive in and look for the shop vac suited for you. Also, don’t forget to click on the buttons below to get their best deals on Amazon.
Best Shop Vacs Comparison & Rating
1. Craftsman CMXEVBE175951 Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum
Craftsman CMXEVBE175951 is a high-performing shop vac as it comes with a 6.5 peak hp that offers extra power for large projects in the shop, garage, and job site. It comes with a built-in blower port that facilitates faster cleaning of grass and leaf clippings. It also has an inbuilt oversize drain on the wet/dry vac that allows for convenient emptying of liquids. This product features a dual flex technology that ensures 180-degree mobility. Has lots of accessories included in its package.
2. Shop-Vac 5989400 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Wet Dry Vacuum
This Shop-Vac 5989400 is well known for its positive latch system. It comes with lots of accessories like rechargeable wet dry vacuums, air movers, automotive vacuum systems, and bags. This product is a recognized world leader in the wet/dry vacuum cleaners industry. It is made using high-quality and durable materials.
3. Vacmaster Professional Beast Series Shop Vac
Vacmaster Professional Beast suits people who are in need of a very powerful shop vac. It is well known for its 5.5 Peak HP high-efficiency motor. You can convert it to a blower with lots of ease. It comes with an 18-inch cord together with cord storage. The hose storage is well integrated.
4. Shop-Vac 5989300 Shop Vacuum
Shop-Vac 5989300 is a perfect shop vac for people who are in need of a portable and powerful machine. Its full line of products includes rechargeable wet dry vacuums, air movers, cordless, attachments and automotive vacuum systems. This product offers a complete line of vacuum cleaners, filters, attachments, bags, etc. This shop vac is a recognized leader in the wet/dry vacuum cleaners. It comes with side and top handles to enhance its portability.
5. Armor All AA255 Shop Vacuum
Armor All AA255 is a perfect shop vac for individuals who are in need of a lightweight machine that they can carry around with ease. It comes with a 10-foot cord that has a cord wrap. There are also on-board accessories together with hose storage space. Its blower function is very easy to convert. It is a perfect shop vac for indoor use.
Best Shop Vacs - Buyer's Guide
The size or how portable a shop vac is should be one of the main considerations you make when shopping for the best shop vac in the market. If you plan to use the shop vac in different places in the house, then it is advisable to go for one that is lighter or smaller in size. However, when you are interested in a shop vac of larger bin capacity, you can get one that has wheels. However, if you do not intend to be moving it more often, then you can go for a heavier and bigger unit.
It is important to first know what you will be using your horsepower for before you can make any purchase. In case you will be cleaning little stuff like small spills or pet hair, then, you can go for one that is around 1-2 HP.
However, if you intend to use the shop vac on stubborn messes, you can settle for one with 4-5 HP machines.
This refers to the amount of pressure there is to move the air. You do not require a shop vac with lots of CFM for doing small cleanings or everyday use. In case you will be cleaning finer debris like sawdust or sand, then you will need something that has a higher CFM.
Just like the other metrics of the unit, you need to know what you will be using the shop vac for. In case you want one to help clean finer materials, smaller debris and little messes, then there is no need to go for a bigger capacity bin.
In case you will be using the shop vac on a regular basis, regardless of the debris type, then you will want to go for one with a bigger capacity to help in alleviating constant bin emptying.
In case you are in need of a shop vac that you will be using to clean your car and house, then it is appropriate that you go for a model that comes with accessories that will suit your needs. There are models that will come with a crevice tool meant for tight spots. This will work well for cars while others will come with better attachments to ensure effective cleaning of liquid messes.
Best Shop Vacs - FAQs
Although a normal vacuum cleaner will be enough for some quick cleaning, most of them lack enough CFM to handle heavy-duty and bigger jobs. Also, the woodworking together with other jobs that produce fine particles like dust will clock the normal vacuum. The shop vacs were initially meant for use in shops hence, they are better equipped for such types of tasks.
Yes, the shop vac can pick up water, be it wine, soda, water, urine, it will suck it up. However, it is important that whenever you are switching to dry vacuuming that your vac has the necessary filter and if possible, a bag. The HEPA filters are the best due to their filtering special design.
It is never advisable to do so. Filters are not the same and there could be internal components that can be ruined by the wet debris.
Horsepower of between 5-6hp does have a blower conversion capability and can handle everything right from the fine dust to large debris.