Meredithe Barwick

Written by Meredithe Barwick

Published: 10 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

9-best-wet-dry-vacuums
Source: Dyson.ph

When it comes to cleaning up messes, a wet dry vacuum can be a lifesaver. Whether you're dealing with liquid spills or stubborn dirt and debris, having a trusty wet dry vacuum can make the job much easier. In this article, we'll take a look at the 9 Best Wet Dry Vacuums on the market, evaluating their features, performance, and overall value. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of what sets these vacuums apart and which one might be the best fit for your cleaning needs.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 9/10

The Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum is a powerful and versatile vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes with ease. With a 6-gallon capacity and 4 peak HP motor, it's perfect for vehicle, jobsite, workshop, garage, basement, and house use. The vacuum also comes with over 16 ft of cleaning reach, making it convenient for larger clean-ups without having to unplug. The 3-in-1 function allows you to switch between vacuuming wet spills and dry debris. With a set of versatile attachments, it's great for cleaning cars, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. It's compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, suitable for all-purpose use at home or work.

Key Features

  • Larger Capacity: Larger 6-gallon capacity for less frequent emptying
  • Versatile Powerful: 4 peak HP motor for versatile and powerful suction
  • 3in1Function: Vacuum both wet and dry debris, dust, saw, and dirt
  • Farther Cleanup: Over 16 ft of cleaning reach and four swivel casters
  • What You Get: Comes with a variety of attachments and a 12-month warranty

Specifications

  • Color: Black, Yellow
  • Dimension: 13.80Lx13.80Wx20.47H
  • Size: 6 Gallon, 4.0 HP AC

Pros

  • Powerful suction for wet and dry messes
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Comes with versatile attachments
  • Convenient 3-in-1 function

Cons

  • Short power cord limits reach
  • Vacuum hose and cord layout could be improved

The Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum is a fantastic all-purpose vacuum that offers powerful suction, convenience, and versatility. With its larger capacity, strong motor, and 3-in-1 function, it’s a great choice for various clean-up jobs. While it may have some limitations in terms of cord length and layout, its performance and value make it a top contender in the world of wet/dry vacuums.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Vacmaster VF408 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner with 2-Stage Motor is a powerful and user-friendly shop vacuum. It offers balanced top handle design, 22-ft cleaning reach, and automatic cord rewind. The 4-gallon tank and 5 peak HP motor make it perfect for a variety of tasks. It comes with convenient on-board hose and accessory storage. The red vacuum is 17.32Lx12.00Wx17.32H in size and has a 2-stage motor for powerful and quiet performance.

Key Features

  • 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with 2-Stage Motor
  • 5 peak HP motor
  • Balanced top handle design
  • 22-ft cleaning reach
  • Automatic cord rewind

Specifications

  • Color: Red
  • Dimension: 17.32Lx12.00Wx17.32H
  • Size: 4-Gallon

Pros

  • Powerful and user-friendly
  • Convenient on-board hose and accessory storage

Cons

  • Retractable cord and hose flexibility issues
  • Issues encountered with durability and suction

The Vacmaster VF408 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner with 2-Stage Motor offers great power and user-friendly design, but there are some reported issues with retractable cord functionality, hose flexibility, and durability. Overall, it’s a solid choice for various cleaning tasks, but might need improvements in certain areas.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Vacmaster Red Edition VJH1211PF 1101 Heavy-Duty Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and high-performance cleaning tool that easily converts to a blower. It features a high-efficiency fine dust filter for cleaner air and a 12-gallon rugged polypropylene tank with heavy-duty 360° swivel casters. With over 27-foot cleaning reach and complete vac organization, this wet dry vacuum is easy to use and store. Its 5.5 peak hp motor delivers powerful suction for tough jobs, making it a versatile and reliable cleaning solution for any space.

Key Features

  • 5.5 peak hp: High-performance motor with powerful suction and blower conversion
  • Filtration system: High-efficiency fine dust filter for cleaner air
  • 12-gallon tank: Rugged polypropylene tank with extra-large drain port and heavy-duty 360° swivel casters
  • Easy to store: Complete vac organization with on-board hose, cord, and accessory storage

Specifications

  • Color: 12 Gallon
  • Dimension: 17.32Lx17.32Wx23.20H
  • Size: 12 Gallon

Pros

  • Powerful suction and mobility
  • High-quality construction and strong suction for effective cleaning
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Loud operation compared to other vacuums
  • Bulkier design may not be suitable for all users
  • Potential issues with wheels and packaging

The Vacmaster Red Edition VJH1211PF 1101 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner is a reliable and powerful cleaning solution with excellent suction and mobility. While it may be louder and bulkier than other options, its high-quality construction and strong performance make it a great value for the price. With proper care and maintenance, this shop vac is sure to meet the cleaning needs of various users.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Bissell MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful and versatile vacuum designed for both wet and dry cleaning. With a powerful 11 amp motor and a 6 gallon capacity, it is perfect for cleaning both large and small messes. The vacuum also includes a blowing function for clearing dirt and debris from porches, garages, and doorways. Its 2-stage filtration system is designed to extend the life of the filter and provide easier cleaning. The specialized auto tool kit includes a crevice tool, precision blowing/suction tool, precision wet suction tool, upholstery brush, and detailing/inflatable nozzle tools. The vacuum comes in a striking red color and has dimensions of 16.00Lx16.00Wx24.50H.

Key Features

  • Powerful 11 amp motor for wet and dry cleaning
  • 6 gallon capacity for big and small messes
  • Includes blowing function for clearing dirt and debris
  • 2-stage filtration system for easier cleaning
  • Specialized auto tool kit with various attachments

Specifications

  • Color: Red
  • Dimension: 16.00Lx16.00Wx24.50H

Pros

  • Excellent suction power
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Comes with a wide range of attachments
  • Large filter to prevent clogging
  • Great customer service from the manufacturer

Cons

  • Attachment parts prone to breakage
  • Issues with starting in high temperatures
  • Limited reach with current hose length

The Bissell MultiClean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner is a highly efficient and versatile vacuum that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With its powerful suction and specialized attachments, it’s a great choice for pet owners, car enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable shop vac. However, potential buyers should be aware of the issues with attachment parts and temperature-related starting problems. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those in need of a reliable wet/dry vacuum.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Vacmaster 3 Peak HP 5 Gallon Shop Vacuum is a powerful wet/dry vacuum cleaner with a blower function and a HEPA filter. Its smart design and lightweight construction make it perfect for a variety of tasks around the house or garage. The vacuum comes with a 10ft power cord and over 15ft of cleaning reach. It also has on-board storage for accessories and attachments, keeping everything organized. While it's great for household cleaning, some users found that it may not be suitable for heavy use in places like garages and workshops. However, it's highly recommended for general household work, making it a valuable addition to any home.

Key Features

  • 5 Gallon Lightweight Wet/Dry Vacuum
  • Powerful suction and blower function
  • Smart design with over 15ft of cleaning reach
  • On-board storage for accessories and attachments

Specifications

  • Color: Blue
  • Dimension: 13.00Lx13.00Wx19.00H
  • Size: 5 Gallon

Pros

  • Powerful suction and blower function
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Large canister capacity for less frequent emptying
  • Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons

  • May not be suitable for heavy use in garages or workshops
  • Cord could be longer
  • Suction power may be inadequate with certain attachments

The Vacmaster 3 Peak HP 5 Gallon Shop Vacuum with Hepa Filter offers powerful suction, smart design, and a lightweight construction that make it a practical choice for general household work. Despite some limitations in heavy-duty applications, the vacuum’s performance, ease of use, and low maintenance make it a valuable addition to any home.

Overall Score: 7/10

The NEIKO 53730A Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner is a high-powered 12V vacuum with wet/dry capabilities, perfect for detailing your car, boat, truck, or RV. It comes with a 14.8-foot cord and various cleaning attachments for hard-to-reach areas. While it may not have the power of a shopvac, it's great for quick clean-ups and maintaining a clean vehicle interior. The compact design and included filter elements make it easy to use and maintain.

Key Features

  • High-powered 12V wet/dry vacuum for vehicles
  • 14.8-foot cord for interior/exterior cleaning
  • Compact design with strong motor
  • Ideal for quick clean-ups and ridesharing

Specifications

  • Color: Black/Blue
  • Dimension: 19.00Lx15.00Wx17.00H

Pros

  • Portable and compact design
  • Includes cleaning attachments
  • Corded for easy DC outlet use
  • Comes with extra filter elements

Cons

  • Limited suction power
  • Attachments may not stay secure
  • Not suitable for large debris
  • May shut down if filter clogs

The NEIKO 53730A Car Vacuum Cleaner offers a convenient and effective solution for maintaining a clean vehicle interior. It may not have the power of a full-size vacuum, but it’s perfect for quick clean-ups and regular maintenance. The included attachments and extra filter elements add to its value, making it a great addition to any car or boat.

Overall Score: 6/10

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is a multi-surface vacuum that can remove dirt, dust, hair, and liquid spills. It is lightweight, portable, and cordless, powered by a lithium ion battery. The vacuum's washable dirt bowl and filter make it easy to clean, and it includes a wall mount for storage and convenient charging. However, some users have reported issues with suction power and filter clogging.

Key Features

  • Removes hair, dirt, and debris from multiple surfaces
  • Lightweight, portable, and cordless
  • Picks up liquid spills up to 8 oz
  • Translucent, bagless dirt bowl for easy debris disposal
  • Washable dirt bowl and filter for easy cleaning
  • Wall mount for storage and charging
  • Charging indicator light
  • Includes HLWVA325J21 hand vacuum, jack plug charger, push-in squeegee, washable foam filter

Specifications

  • Color: Titanium
  • Dimension: 7.50Lx5.75Wx14.13H
  • Size: Wet-Dry Vacuum/ 8 oz

Pros

  • Versatile usage, for both wet and dry cleaning
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Cordless operation with lithium ion battery
  • Washable dirt bowl and filter for easy cleaning
  • Includes wall mount for storage and charging

Cons

  • Some users report issues with suction power
  • Dirt and dust can easily clog the filter

The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is a versatile and convenient cleaning tool. While some users have experienced issues with suction power and filter clogging, its lightweight and portable design, along with the ability to handle wet spills, make it a handy tool for quick cleanups. Overall, it offers good value for its functionality.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool designed for both wet and dry messes. With a heavy-duty 4 horsepower motor, it offers industry-leading suction power for a variety of cleaning tasks, making it great for use in garages, workshops, and basements. This vacuum features a 6 gallon stainless steel tank that is easy to empty, as well as a mobile design with carrying handle and wheel casters for convenient transportation. It also comes with a range of accessories to enhance its functionality, including extension wands, nozzles, hose, filter, and dust bag.

Key Features

  • Powerful suction: 4 horsepower motor for maximum suction power
  • Universal use: Great for wet or dry messes in garage, workshop, or basement
  • Easy to move: Carrying handle and wheel casters for mobility
  • 6 Gallon tank: Easy to empty with built-in drain
  • Accessories: Includes extension wands, nozzles, hose, and filter

Specifications

  • Color: Silver+yellow
  • Dimension: 12.50Lx12.50Wx20.00H
  • Size: 6 Gallon, 4.0 HP

Pros

  • Powerful suction for efficient cleaning
  • Universal use for wet or dry messes
  • Easy to move and transport
  • Comes with a variety of useful accessories

Cons

  • Power cord is too short
  • Unit can be easy to topple due to light weight

The Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum offers powerful suction, versatile use, and a convenient design with useful accessories. While it has a few minor drawbacks, its performance and reliability make it a great investment for both household and professional cleaning needs.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Tosima H1 Pro is a true multitasker, allowing you to vacuum and wash your floors simultaneously. It features enhanced edge cleaning, powerful suction, an intelligent sensor, and a 3-in-1 docking station. The product also includes smart voice reminders, dual water tanks, and a child lock design. With a sleek black design and H1 Pro size, this vacuum mop is a great value-for-money solution that includes a 2-year quality guarantee and lifetime customer support, as well as a maintenance service center in California.

Key Features

  • True multitasker with vacuum and washing capabilities
  • Enhanced edge cleaning feature for precision
  • 19,800Pa powerful suction for tough dirt
  • Built-in intelligent sensor for auto mode
  • 3-in-1 docking station with self-cleaning
  • Smart voice reminders and dual water tanks
  • Unique child lock design for safety
  • 2-year quality guarantee and lifetime support

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 11.00Lx10.00Wx44.00H
  • Size: H1 Pro

Pros

  • Powerful suction and efficient cleaning
  • Versatile with vacuuming and mopping capabilities
  • Smart voice reminders and 3-in-1 docking station
  • Unique child lock design for safety
  • 2-year quality guarantee with lifetime support

Cons

  • Battery may have issues with charging and runtime
  • Self-cleaning feature may not be fully effective

The Tosima H1 Pro offers excellent cleaning capabilities, combining powerful suction with efficient mopping. Although there are some concerns about battery performance and self-cleaning, the overall versatility and value-for-money make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a convenient and high-quality vacuum mop.

  • Consider your needs: Think about the size of the area you'll be cleaning and the types of messes you'll be dealing with. Do you need a smaller one for a car or a larger one for a workshop?
  • Suction Power: Look for a vacuum with strong suction power to ensure it can handle both wet and dry messes effectively.
  • Tank Size: A larger tank will allow you to clean longer without having to stop and empty it frequently, but it will also make the vacuum heavier. Decide based on your specific needs.
  • Portability: If you plan on using the vacuum in a variety of locations, consider one with wheels for easy maneuverability.
  • Accessories: Check for any extra attachments that may be helpful for your specific cleaning needs, such as crevice tools or upholstery brushes.
  • Filtration: A good filtration system will prevent dust and allergens from being released back into the air. Look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter if you have allergies.
  • Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the vacuum, especially if you'll be using it in a residential area.
  • Build Quality: Look for a vacuum with a durable build and sturdy construction to ensure it can handle the wear and tear of regular use.
  • Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of the brand and read reviews to make sure you're investing in a reliable product.
  • Price: Set a budget and compare the features and capabilities of different models within that range to get the best value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Wet Dry Vacuums

What is a wet/dry vacuum cleaner used for?

A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be used to clean up messes such as spills, pet hair, dirt, and even wet debris like water or mud.

Can a wet/dry vacuum cleaner be used on carpet?

Yes, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be used on carpet to effectively remove dirt and spills. Just be sure to use the appropriate attachments and settings for carpet cleaning.

How does a wet/dry vacuum cleaner work?

A wet/dry vacuum cleaner uses a powerful motor to create suction, which pulls dirt, debris, and liquids into the vacuum’s tank. The vacuum then filters out the solids and stores the liquids separately.

Are wet/dry vacuum cleaners heavy and difficult to move around?

While wet/dry vacuum cleaners can be larger and heavier than traditional vacuums, many models are designed with wheels and handles to make them easier to maneuver around your home or workspace.

Can a wet/dry vacuum cleaner be used to clean out a car?

Yes, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is great for cleaning out a car, as it can effectively remove dirt, crumbs, and even spilled liquids from the vehicle’s interior.

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