Wet vacuum cleaners are one of the most versatile cleaning solutions you can buy. In reality, they can be used dry or wet so it’s almost like getting two vacuums in one. They pull up dirt and water into their dirty water compartment while releasing a clean stream of air which removes excess moisture. However, not all wet dry vacuums are created equal. Today we are going to review them in-depth and compare them across various different parameters so that you can find the best wet dry vacuum cleaner for your needs.
Best Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners Reviews
1. Stanley SL18116 Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon
| Brand | Stanley |
| Special Feature | Rear Blower Port |
| Filter Type | Foam |
| Surface Recommendation | Upholster |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
Stanley is a well-known brand in the industry of portable wet dry vacuum cleaners. The STANLEY SL18116 portable shop vacuum is a powerful and convenient tool suitable for cleaning different debris in your household, garage, workshop, or job site. Stanley dedicates to providing clean and tight conditions for every household owner and worker.
Stanley Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Designed for floor cleaning, carpet cleaning, industrial dust collecting
Stanley vacuum cleaner is a very good choice for cleaning any occasion. Cleaning wet and dry trash is equally as messy and tired. However, if you have a wet dry blow 3 in-1 vacuum cleaner, the chore becomes simple, safe, easy, and even fun to do.
Warranty & Support
If you’d like a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty for a product found on Amazon.com, you can contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website for more information. Manufacturers’ warranties may not apply in all cases, depending on factors like the use of the product, where the product was purchased, or who you purchased the product from. Please review the warranty carefully, and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
2. WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs Vacuum WS0255VA Compact
| Brand | WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs |
| Special Feature | Portable, Wet/Dry, Lightweight, Compact |
| Surface Recommendation | Car, Hard Floor |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
This portable wet dry vacuum cleaner is compact and lightweight making it easy to carry and store. This small shop vacuum is ideal for quick pick-ups around the house, dorm, apartment, or condo. Upright vacuums can’t handle every job, and most are certainly not portable vacuum cleaners. This wet dry vacuum can handle those jobs without taking up precious space. Includes: shop vacuum cleaner, 4-ft hose, WS01025F filter bag, utility nozzle, car nozzle, owner’s manual. Also compatible with WS01025F2.
Warranty & Support
If you’d like a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty for a product found on Amazon.com, you can contact the manufacturer directly or visit their website for more information. Manufacturers’ warranties may not apply in all cases, depending on factors like the use of the product, where the product was purchased, or who you purchased the product from. Please review the warranty carefully, and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.
3. Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac
| Brand | Vacmaster |
| Special Feature | Corded |
| Filter Type | Foam |
| Surface Recommendation | Floor |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
This Vacmaster Professional Beast Series 12-Gallon* 5.5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vac is a powerful high-performance vac designed to tackle the toughest cleanup projects—at the jobsite, around the shop, or in the garage.On-board hose, accessory, and power cord storage eliminates unneeded hassle and minimizes total storage space. A unique flat power head design allows you to conveniently store tools on top of the vacuum so they are easily accessible when needed.
Over 27 ft. of cleaning reach (7’ hose and 20’ power cord) allows you to reach farther without unplugging the unit. Quickly control the power with the large dust sealed on/off switch. Heavy duty 360° swivel casters improve mobility on most surfaces. It also includes 9 accessories for nearly any task: 7 ft. x 2-1/2 in. kink resistant premium hose, utility nozzle, crevice tool, (2) extension wands, floor nozzle with squeegee & brush, fine dust cartridge filter, foam wet filter, and air & noise diffuser.
Tank Size: 12 Gal., Tank Material: Polypropylene, Peak HP: 5.5, Voltage: 120V-60Hz, Amps: 10.5, Air Watts: 370, CFM: 143, Water Lift (In.): 60, Cord Length: 20 Ft., Hose Diameter: 7 Ft. x 2-1/2 In., Replacement Filters: VCFF, VCFS, VFF51, Dust Filter Bags: VDBL, VHBL, 7 Ft. x 2-1/2 In. Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Fine Dust Cartridge Filter, Foam Wet Filter, High Efficiency Dust Bag, 14 In. Floor Nozzle, 8 In. Utility Nozzle, Air/Noise Diffuser.
High Performance Motor
Superior suction and power
Integrated On-Board Storage
Keep accessories and hoses stored neatly within reach
Flat Top Design
Keeps tools close at hand while working
20-Foot Power Cord
Extends cleaning and blowing reach to 27 feet
Rugged Polypropylene Tank
Corrosion and impact resistant
4. Eureka All in One Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Multi-Surface
| Brand | EUREKA |
| Special Feature | Powerful Pick Up & No Streaks, Multi-Floor Cleaning with Fingertip Controls, Lightweight Design & Swivel Steering, Two Tank System, Self-Cleaning SystemPowerful Pick Up & No Streaks, Multi-Floor Cleaning with Fingertip Controls, Lightweight Design & Swivel Steering, Two Tank System. |
| Filter Type | Foam |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floors and Area Rugs |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
Your toddler has spilled their breakfast for the umpteenth time; you instinctively grab your Eureka vacuum to deal with the explosion of cereal. On your way to grab your favorite vac, you ever stop and think, “Hey, what’s Eureka been up to?”
Convenient Powerful Cleaning
The corded wet dry vacuum deep cleans hard floor and refreshes short-hair area rugs with fingertip controls and two tanks system for the perfect clean in every situation, leaving no residue, and no stickiness behind.
Customize Your Clean
Allows you to easily switch between cleaning hard floors and short-hair carpets, and control your cleaning with an on-demand solution trigger.
Self-Cleaning System
Once you’re done cleaning, set the vacuum on the storage tray to Auto-Clean the roller with a push of the Self Clean button and Eureka is ready and waiting for the next challenge!
5. Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac
| Brand | Vacmaster |
| Special Feature | Portable, Wet/Dry |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Included Components | • 7’ x 1-7/8” Kink Resistant EVA Hose • Utility Nozzle • Crevice Tool • (1) Extension Wand • Car Nozzle • Fine Dust Cartridge Filter • Foam Wet Filter • High Efficiency Dust Bag • Noise Diffuser• 7’ x 1-7/8” Kink Resistant EVA Hose • Utility Nozzle • Crevice Tool • (1) Extension Wand • Car Nozzle • Fine Dust Cartridge Filter • Foam Wet Filter • High Efficiency Dust Bag. |
This Vacmaster Professional Beast Series 5-Gallon 5. 5 Peak HP† Wet/Dry Vac is a powerful high-performance vac designed to tackle the toughest cleanup projects—at the jobsite, around the shop, or in the garage. On-board hose, accessory, and power cord storage eliminates unneeded hassle and minimizes total storage space. Over 25 ft.
of cleaning reach (7’ hose and 18’ power cord) allows you to reach farther without unplugging the unit. Quickly control the power with the large dust sealed on/off switch. It also includes 8 accessories for nearly any task: 7 ft. x 1-7/8 in. kink resistant premium hose, utility nozzle, crevice tool, car nozzle, (1) extension wand, fine dust cartridge filter, foam wet filter, and air & noise diffuser. Tank Size: 5 Gal.
Tank Material: Polypropylene, Peak HP: 5. 5, Voltage: 120V-60Hz, Amps: 12, Air Watts: 320, CFM: 102, Water Lift (In. ): 82. 6, Cord Length: 18 Ft. , Hose Diameter: 7 Ft. x 1-7/8 In. , Replacement Filters: VJFF, VFF21, Dust Filter Bags: VDBS, VHBS, 7 Ft. x 1-7/8 In. Hose, 1 Extension Wand, Fine Dust Cartridge Filter, Foam Wet Filter, Crevice Tool, Car Nozzle, Utility Nozzle, Air/Noise Diffuser.
Integrated On-Board Storage
Keep accessories and hoses stored neatly within reach
Portable Power
Engineered to tackle jobs on the go
High Water-Lift Motor
Superior suction and power
Rugged Polypropylene Tank
Corrosion and impact resistant
18-Foot Power Cord
Extends cleaning and blowing reach to 25 feet
Getting Started with Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners
Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners: What Are They?
Vacuum cleaners known as wet/dry vacuums are capable of cleaning both dry and wet spills, dust, and debris. Wet dry vacs are available in a variety of sizes, from huge canister types that are ideal for heavy-duty cleanup at construction sites to battery-powered portable wet dry vacs that are about the size of a typical cordless vacuum.
The size of the area, the kinds of surfaces, and the cleaning tasks determine the best wet vacuum for residential use. Larger wet dry vacs employ caster wheels for mobility and might weigh 35 pounds or more. The size of a compact wet/dry vacuum is comparable to that of an ordinary upright canister vacuum. Plug-in or battery power is available for wet and dry vacuums. Models of cordless wet dry vacuums are often more compact and designed for rapid cleaning tasks and spot cleaning.
Comparison of regular and wet/dry vacuum cleaners
Wet Dry Vacs use a motor to create suction and remove dust and grime from surfaces and upholstery, much like any other form of vacuum. But you’ll need a vacuum for high-pile carpets if you need to clean thick carpets. Of course, wet dry vac or wet/dry vacuum can pick up wet debris and wet spills, as the namesake suggests.
Wet/dry vacuums are often bigger and heavier than a typical upright or handheld vacuum. They have one or more dry suction nozzles or flexible hoses as well as specialty nozzles for liquid spills.
Wet and dry vacuums often operate primarily through a large, flexible hose, unlike normal household dry vacuums. They frequently function equally well on concrete floor types and hard surfaces as they do on carpet and upholstery, and they may or may not include brushes and rollers.
Large dry material, including wood chips and shavings, can be handled by wet dry vacs as well by using bigger capacity canisters. An upright dry vacuum’s motor and suction power will probably be smaller in a compact wet/dry vacuum than they are in an upright dry vacuum.
Due to the increased suction required to remove liquid spills and other wet messes, wet and dry vacs consume more power than dry-only ones. Larger vacuums frequently use motors with 2 horsepower to 6.5 horsepower or more.
Wet and dry vacuums frequently have a blower nozzle or blower port, unlike other types of vacuums. This is useful for cleaning up dry debris like potting soil or wood shavings outside. Some models are great vacuums for ashes because they have specialist modes for cleaning up difficult materials like plaster dust. When operating the blower function, it may be prudent to wear a respirator or N95 mask as well as eye protection depending on the amount of dust and debris present. To clean up outdoor debris, you can also choose to use a wet/dry vac in addition to a top-rated leaf vacuum. There are pond vacuums and DIY instructions available if you need to clean a pond or other specific outdoor space.
How Wet Dry Vacuums Operate
Wet-dry vacuums operate similarly to other vacuums in theory. A motor rotates the air pump’s vanes, creating suction, and the suction passes through a variety of nozzles and attachments to collect dirt, trash, and messes. To avoid blocking the motor and preventing dust and debris from becoming aerosolized when cleaning, wet dry vacuums typically have intake and exit port filters.
In order to remove liquids and wet debris, wet/dry vacs require a second wet canister and wet filter. Unclean water can pass through the wet suction pathway’s design and into a canister or tank. Wet dry vacuums come in a variety of tank capacities. Most medium-sized models come with a 5-gallon integrated container. In addition, a big, 16-gallon wet dry vacuum is frequently seen for applications that call for a higher liquid capacity.
Most wet/dry vacs have a drain port so you can remove the debris canister without removing the used water.
The majority of wet-dry types use electric motors that are powered by battery packs or AC electrical outlets, just like regular vacuums. Because wet and dry cleanup requires a lot of power, cordless wet dry vacuum models are often smaller and have shorter battery life and run time. A modern portable wet/dry vacuum can typically run for ten to fifteen minutes on a single charge and use a 20-volt to 48-volt or 8-12 amp-hour rechargeable battery pack.
Reasons to Purchase a New Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
An easy approach to expedite the cleaning process for many household needs is with a new wet dry vacuum. Additionally, the correct wet and dry vac models can function as outdoor and garage cleaning equipment, possibly offering a two-in-one option for regular cleaning and home renovation work.
Consider a wet-dry vacuum if you have pets like young puppies or kittens to expedite cleaning around the litter box or potty training zones. Children’s play areas and nurseries are excellent places to use household wet and dry vacuums.
If you regularly work on DIY projects like ceramics, drywall, or carpentry, you might also want to think about buying a new wet dry vacuum. Modern wet dry vacs can manage tile dust, muddy water, and wood chips on the garage floor with ease. As a result, cleaning up debris is made simpler, and the amount of dust and other allergens in the air is also decreased.
You may want to seek a wet dry vacuum with a dust extractor equipped with a real HEPA filter if you or anyone in your home suffers from asthma or an autoimmune disorder. A true HEPA filter can minimize the amount of aerosolized particles by as much as 99.9 percent.
In comparison to certain plug-in models, the most recent portable wet and dry vacs may provide outstanding suction with over 50 CFM of airflow. New types of wet dry vacs provide greater versatility, better filtration performance, and new convenience features including intelligent power-saving modes and semi-automatic filter cleaning. Recent improvements in battery life and battery power management are advantageous for cordless wet/dry vacs.
Do Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners Make Sense to Buy?
New Pets: Cleaning up after new pets could be made simpler by a small, portable wet/dry vacuum. For cat litter and pet messes, the majority of corded and cordless wet and dry vacuums work better than regular vacuum cleaners.
DIY Woodworking Projects: A modern wet/dry vacuum can also be useful for maintaining a clean workspace in the studio or garage while working on sculpture, woodworking, or other DIY home improvement projects. The greatest wet and dry vacuums are great at collecting dust and can quickly absorb gallons of material.
Cleaning up after a car or truck: A portable wet and dry vacuum may quickly clean up messes that would otherwise be very difficult to handle. A tiny wet and dry vacuum can assist in cleaning up spilt smoothies, mud, pet mishaps, and more, in contrast to a standard handheld vacuum for the car.
Wet and dry vacuums can also be useful for time-pressed individuals who may want to save time when cleaning surfaces like tile flooring in the kitchen or foyer. The best wet cleanup vacuums enable you to do both vacuuming and mopping in one step.
Reasons You May Not Want a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Wet and dry vacuums typically produce a lot of noise because they move a lot of air. You can still use a wet-dry vacuum if noise is a major concern, but you might want to seek for a model that has intelligent power management and a “silent mode.”
Lack of Storage: You may discover compact wet and dry vac models on the market that include a lightweight design and modular accessories. These models differ from the conventional garage wet dry vac with its 16-gallon canister, which may seem too cumbersome to keep in the hall closet.
How Durable Are Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaners?
Wet dry vacuums are often built for tough sturdiness and long-term dependability, and they last about as long as ordinary vacuum cleaners, with greater capacity models. The EPA estimates that the average lifespan of a household vacuum cleaner is 6 to 8 years.
Depending on the longevity of the battery packs and whether the batteries are removable, cordless battery-powered devices could not last as long. Other vacuum parts including motors, hoses, power switches, and fans often have a long lifespan.
Like other vacuum cleaners, wet and dry vacs need routine maintenance. For instance, replacing the filter and exhaust filters at the suggested intervals or whenever they become dirty aids in maintaining the health of the engine and fans. On large wet and dry vacuums, users might need to periodically clean the wet canister and change the dust bag.
Heat, humidity, and run duration are additional elements that affect a wet dry vac’s longevity in addition to maintenance. Battery-operated devices’ wear and tear can be accelerated by heat and electrical problems. Battery life is typically reduced when utilizing a higher-wattage fast charger or charging the battery in a warm climate.
The Best Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner for You
You may choose the best wet dry vacuum cleaner for your cleaning needs by taking into account a number of things. Your cleaning needs, your floor kinds and surfaces, and how much storage space you’re ready to give a vacuum will all influence what makes the greatest wet carpet cleaner.
Best Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaners Key Factors
1. Do You Need Portability?
The right wet dry vac may depend on whether you need a portable wet dry vacuum for your car or truck and clean floors in different rooms around the house. If you need portability, you might want to consider a compact model that you can easily carry around. Look to a battery-powered unit with compact size and built-in accessory storage for the most portable wet dry vac options.
2. What Types of Cleanup Tasks Does It Need to Perform?
Corded wet dry vacs tend to be larger and more capable of heavy cleaning tasks in the garage and outdoors. Some models may offer specialized cleaning options for muddy water, concrete dust, drywall dust, or broken glass. Others offer versatile attachment options suited to pet hair cleanup and spot cleaning on carpeting.
3. Is Noise an Issue?
A 6.5 HP wet/dry vacuum can move a lot of air — larger models reach up to 180 CFM (cubic feet per minute), but that can involve a lot of noise. A wet dry vac tends to be noisier than a regular vacuum on its highest power setting. Some models, however, offer low-noise modes.
4. Do You Need Allergen Filtration?
Filtration is another key consideration when it comes to wet dry vacs. Especially if you have allergies or other respiratory conditions, you’ll want to make sure to get a wet and dry vacuum that offers excellent filtration with a true-HEPA filter.
Final Word
The DEWALT DCV581H is our number one choice when it comes to this category of wet and dry vacuum. It has variable speed control, which means that you can adjust the suction to suit the job at hand. It also has an auto-off feature, which means that the vacuum will turn itself off after two hours of use. The fifteen foot long power cord even allows you to do some jobs without having to worry about re-plugging it into a different outlet. It is a bit more expensive than other vacuums, but if you are looking for something that won’t break your bank, we suggest that you go for the 8 gallon version of this machine and simply refill it with a bucket or the like when the receptacle starts to get low on dirt. On top of everything else, there are no bags involved with this vacuum, so you never have to worry about buying bags, and if you don’t like the dirty water tank emptying option (it’s pretty easy), then you can just remove it, dump out the water, and clean it regularly as needed.