The Top Ten Rated Shop Vacuums

Just to set the record straight we are talking about those industrial style vacuum cleaners that are normally used for general maintenance in the garage, or in a woodworking shop for picking up wood chips, sawdust and debris.

The term “Shop-Vac” is actually a trademarked brand name that has become synonymous with the heavy duty wet/dry style of vacuum cleaner. When it comes to the “Shop-Vacs” there is two distinct styles of vacuum, one is mounted permanently on the wall and the other one that looks like a small garbage can sitting on casters. Surprisingly they both equally represented on our list of the Top Ten Rated Shop Vacuums.

Trying to compare Vacuum cleaners from their manufacturers descriptions can be confusing to say the least. Certain manufacturers like to provide their power ratings in horsepower while others prefer amps or even watts.
What we do know is that normal voltage in the U.S. Is 120 volts. And the formulas for power is
Power (watts) = Amps x Volts and that 750watts = 1Horsepower(hp). Using these simple formulas you can compare vacuums specifications regardless of the power rating methods. For example a vacuum cleaner rated for 10 amps is equivalent to 1200 watts and 1.67 horsepower rating. (10amps x 120 volts = 1200 watts) and (1200 watts/750 watts= 1.67 hp).
Several manufacturers also use a “peak horsepower rating” this number according to Shop-Vac data is
“The maximum output horsepower of a motor determined from a laboratory dynamo-meter test. Since peak horsepower is outside the normal operating range of a vacuum cleaner, it may not be indicative of actual air power differences when comparing two cleaners.” This fact pretty much renders the “Peak horsepower rating as almost worthless when it comes to comparing different brands and models of vacuum cleaners.
Most shop type vacuums are rated by their overall size in gallons. However this figure is usually overstated by the fact that the motor housing and filter mechanism can occupy around 30 per cent of the stated volume on a shop vacuum.
And finally there is also the “air volume ratings” in (cfm) cubic feet per minute, these are pretty standard measurement and can be used for comparing a vacuum cleaners air intake volume.

From our research we have isolated the most important facts in differentiating vacuum cleaners. and by employing customer feedback we we able to isolate the most influential ranking factors when purchasing a new vacuum cleaner. There were few surprising results in the top criteria for ranking a vacuum cleaner.

Suction power
Portability
Noise
Hose size and length
Electric cord length
Filter mechanism
Accessories
Reliability
Attachments
Bag or Bag-less

From our list of the top rated shop vacs the RIDGID 16-Gallon High Performance Wet/Dry Vac Vacuum # WD1637 gets consistent high marks for suction power but has been described by several users as being a bit to bulky and requiring a large storage space.
Although a consistently high rated vacuum, the Fein 9-20-25 Turbo-II 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with Auto-Start B001GCVJ4W had several complaints about the size of the motor and its cage. With this motor assembly taking up so much space that the filter bag didn’t have enough room to work properly. In addition there was no provisions for storing the cord and accessories.

For the Shop-Vac 9520262 5-Gallon 4.5-Peak HP Hang Up Wall Mounted Wet/Dry Vacuum
the top complaint was the small hose diameter and poor suction that stopped it from picking up any large items and its frequent clogging was a real detriment.

The all metal old school design of the Milwaukee 8912 11 Gallon 1-1/3 Horsepower Blower Wet/Dry Vacuum rated quite highly overall with only the minor complaint that the wheels were hard to maneuver and that it didn’t’ roll well, even across smooth cement floor.

Even with 30 ft of suction hose the BISSELL Garage Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum, 18P0 B00196S08S
clock in with top ratings for suction power. The manufacturers provided a powerful 12 amp motor to insure suction power over a extra long length of hose.

Another vacuum cleaner that stood out from the pack was the Dustless Technologies 16006 16-Gallon Dustless Wet/Dry Vacuum with HEPA Filter. By employing a HEPA filter this vacuum met the new EPA requirements for fine particles and could be ideal for filtering drywall dust or other small particulates.

There were several vacuum cleaners that had dual functionality such as the Vacmaster VBV1210 Detachable Blower Wet/Dry Vacuum, this unit was a wet/dry vac and leaf blower combined in one. By pressing a quick-release button you easily detach the blower and use it for yard maintenance. Also the Vacmaster VBV1210 combines two powerful tools in one package, easily converting from a standard wet/dry vacuum to a detachable blower.

In summation each vacuum listed below has their own unique characteristics and you’ll have to determine which are the most important for your particular situation. Some people will be looking for a vacuum with a extra long suction hose while others will consider vacuum cleaner attachments as the overriding factor.

#10

Vacmaster VWM510 Wall Mount Wet/Dry Vacuum Powered by Industrial 2-Stage Motor with Remote Control, 5 Gallon, 5 Peak HP

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Brand
Vacmaster

Product Details

Vacmaster wall-mounted 5-gallon, 5 HP vac is perfect for the garage or basement and easily detaches from the wall for portable cleaning anywhere in the home. Powerful 5 HP wet/dry vac comes with a dual turbo industrial 2-stage motor, delivering maximum suction, quiet operation and long life. Easy to use with remote control on/off switch located on contour handle which also has suction control. Comes with 21 feet of hose for an extra-long reach for cleaning vehicle interiors. Application: Wet / dry, Gallons: 5, Hose Length (ft.): 11, Hose Diameter (in.): 1 7/8, HP: 5, Tank Material: Polypropylene, Power Cord (ft.): 20



– Features
Easily detaches from wall
On board storage for all accessories
Blower function and 21 feet of secure fit hose
Large On/Off switch you can’t miss

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#9

Shop-Vac 9520100 3.0-Peak Horsepower Hang Up Wet/Dry Vacuum, 3.5-Gallon

Brand
Shop-Vac

Product Details


The perfect wet/dry vac for your garage, workshop, hobby area, laundry room or anywhere a hands-free vacuum center is needed. Cord Length: 6 Feet Operation Sound Level: Extra Quiet Hose Size: 1 1/2″ Diameter Lock-On Hose Wall Mountable Design Value Priced Onboard Accessory Storage Included Accessories 1-1/4″ Dia. X 18′ Lock-On hose, (2) 1-1/4″ extension wands, 10″ combination nozzle, squeegee, round brush, crevice tool, gulper nozzle, tool holder, wall mount bracket Included Filters Cartridge Filter, Foam Sleeve



– Features
Centralized cleaning device for the garage, work shop, or hobby area
Wall-mount design to save space
Long hose allows users easy maneuverability
Includes versatile accessory assortment

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#8

Vacmaster VBV1210 Detachable Blower Wet/Dry Vacuum, 12 Gallon, 5 Peak HP

Brand
Vacmaster

Product Details


You get two tools in one: a powerful wet/dry vac that converts to a 210 MPH leaf blower with a simple press of a button. No hassling with cumbersome latches and locks. Vacuum has rugged 12-gallon polypropylene tank, an extra-large drain for fast emptying, onboard tool storage and 8 handy accessories for vac and blower applications. Application: Wet / dry, Gallons: 12, Hose Length (ft.): 7, Hose Diameter (in.): 2 1/2, HP: 5, Tank Material: Polypropylene, Power Cord (ft.): 12



– Features
Detachable blower function with 1 button release
On board storage for all accessories
Extra large drain port
Large On/Off dust sealed switch

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#7

Fein 9-20-25 Turbo-II 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with Auto-Start

Brand
Fein

Product Details


The Fein vacuums / dust extractors are designed for heavy, continuous, industrial use, wet or dry. The improved, rugged anti-tipping design features a powerful 120volt two-stage motor that offers bypass cooling, ensuring a long motor life. Vacuum performance measuring at 90 to 99 inches of water lift means Fein dust extractors produce far greater suction than the competition, at an average of 60 decibels. All three models come with electronic variable suction control with LED indicator allowing for maximum performance, auto-start function, and integrated drain plug. Accessory filters are available that capture particles down to .3 micron (HePa). The Fein dust extractors when combined with Feins random orbit sanders are an integral part of Feins 98 dust-free sanding system. Plug your random orbit sanding system into a Fein dust extractor. The tools switch turns the dust extractor on and off and provides a ten second delay after shut off to clear the hose. Maximum performance can be achieved by adjusting the electronic variable suction control. Fein dust extractors handle power tools with inputs of 5 to 2000 watts (.05 to 18 amps).



– Features
Durable, compact, quiet, producing an average of 60 dB (A) noise level at 3.5-Feet
Electronic variable suction control with LED indicator
Rugged and improved new design: The new Fein dust extractors are designed for heavy, continuous, industrial use. The new design has an optimized shape and 6 wheels instead of 4. This reduces tipping
Tremendous static water lift: 90-Inch

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#6

Hoover L2310 GUV 10 Amp 5-Gallon Garage Utility Vacuum

Brand
Hoover

Product Details


Hoover L2310 The GUV – Garage Utility Vacuum Cleaner – Includes 30 foot long crush-proof hose with suction regulator (30 ft. hose means you’ll have no problem reaching across your garage or into automobiles). Seven attachment tools – including two extension wands, two crevice tools, a floor nozzle, upholstery nozzle, and dusting brush (for dusting the car dashboard). All of the tools are conveniently stored in an accompanying canvas tool organizer that can be hung on the wall on the hose storage holder that comes with the unit. 10 Amp Powerful motor 3-Year warranty 5-Gallon tank capacity 5′ power cord length E-Z empty design Easy Installation- No Venting Required



– Features
Rugged, high-capacity, bagless vacuum for workshop or garage
Heavy-duty, all-steel construction; lifetime self-cleaning filter means no bags or filters to replace
Powerful but quiet 10-amp motor
Includes 7 cleaning attachments: 2 extension wands, 2 crevice tools, 1 floor nozzle, 1 upholstery nozzle, and 1 dusting brush

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#5

Shop-Vac 9520210 5.0 Peak Horsepower HangUp Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5-Gallon

Brand
Shop-Vac

Product Details


Compact, hang-up heavy-duty vacuum is designed for wet and dry vacuuming and includes a wall mounting bracket to install vac behind copiers or fax machines in closets for easy maintenance. Ideal for places where space is at a minimum. Use top handle for easy lifting and carrying. Vacuum offers a 5 gallon tank capacity, powerful 4.5 peak Hp motor, 18′ power cord, and 1-1/4″ diameter x 18′ lock-on hose. Accessory assortment includes three 1-1/4″ extension wands, 12″ floor nozzle with brush, squeegee, round brush, crevice tool, gulper nozzle, tool holder and foam sleeve.



– Features
Wall mountable
Top carry handle
LockOn hose
18-Foot power cord

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#4

Milwaukee 8912 11 Gallon 1-1/3 Horsepower Blower Wet/Dry Vacuum

Brand
Milwaukee

Product Details


The Milwaukee line of wet/dry vacuum cleaners pick up a powerful mess, and still have power to spare. Features a positive water shut off to protect the motor during wet pick-up situations. Heavy-duty filters handle large pieces of material as well as dust. U.S.A. Application: Wet / dry, Gallons: 11, Tank Material: Steel, Seal Pressure (in.): 134, CFM: 92



– Features
11-gallon, 1-1/2 bu. recovery capacity; 9.2 amp motor
For wet or dry pick-up with positive water shut-off
Heavy-duty filter system
Three-stage bypass motor for wet/dry operation

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#3

Vacmaster VJ1412P Professional Wet/Dry Vacuum, 14 Gallon, 6.5 HP

Brand
Vacmaster

Product Details


Cleva VJ1412P 14 Gallon 6 HP Professional Wet/Dry VacuumCleva VJ1412P 14 Gallon 6 HP Professional Wet/Dry Vacuum Features:; Professional wet/dry vacuum; Large rear wheels for easy maneuvering; Soft grip push pull handle; Large assortment of accessories; 6.5 peak horsepower; 14 gallon capacity; 10′ flex hose; 18′ power cord



– Features
Convenient push/pull handle with firm grip
On board storage for all accessories
Extra large drain port
Large On/Off dust sealed switch

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#2

Shop-Vac 9601000 10-Gallon 3.5-Peak HP Pump Wet/Dry Vacuum

Brand
Shop-Vac

Product Details


584 Model Offer an economical choice of motors that are quiet and take the work out of cleaning up. Convenient cord wrap, Easy reach on/off switch, Built in carry handle and low-profile design with easy-roll coasters.



– Features
Accessories included: 6-Foot x 2 1/2-Inch LockOn hose, (2) 2.5-Inch extension wands, 8-Inch utility nozzle, elbow grip, tool holder, hose holder, foam sleeve, cartridge filter
3-Year warranty
12-Foot power cord
Built in water pump

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#1

Ridgid WD1670 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum with Detachable Blower

Brand
Ridgid

Product Details


Ridgid 31683 VAC, WD1670 16GAL DETACH 6.5PHP



– Features
Hand-held blower provides 265 mph wind for removing debris from walkways, decks, yards, driveways, job sites, tools, etc.
Performance meets or exceeds that of dedicated lawn and garden leaf blowers
6.5 peak horsepower motor provides maximum power for heavy-duty pickup of water and debris
Scroll Noise Reduction is a patented feature that provides quiet operation by precisely controlling the flow of air through the vac.

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#0

BISSELL Garage Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum, 18P0

Brand
Bissell

Product Details


Bissell 18P0 Garage Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum – The complete system for your garage cleaning needs. Features: 12 amp motor for powerful suction; Picks up both wet and dry messes; Can be used as a vacuum or blower; 3 Ft Tall – Made to Mount on Garage Wall



– Features
12 amp wet/dry vacuum cleaner for the garage, car, or workshop
Use as vacuum or blower on carpeting, bare floors, upholstery, and more
4-gallon tank; 32-foot-long flexible crush-proof hose; LED indicator lights
Multi-purpose tools, accessory caddy, hose holder, and mounting bracket included

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