Get a Grip On Your Household's Worst Messes with These Game-Changing Shop Vacs

If you assume that shop vacs are just for construction sites and busy garage workshops, think again. These rugged machines, also called wet dry vacs, can be useful to practically anyone, and are essential for cleaning up messes that your upright vacuum just isn’t designed to handle. Their powerful motors, wide hoses, and specialized filters allow them to safely and effectively pick up both dry and wet debris, and most can be used as a blower as well. They can even be used to avoid messes altogether, by attaching to your miter saw, table saw, or power sander, and acting as a standalone dust collection system.

The Best Shop Vacs

What to Consider

Size

Make sure you choose a shop vac size that will be convenient for you and what you plan on using it for. If it’s too small, you may find yourself emptying it more often than you like, and it may not provide the power you need to get the job done. If too big, you’ll have to deal with a bulkier, heavier machine than necessary — not to mention the extra cost of a large-capacity machine. Take some time to think about exactly what you’ll be cleaning up, how frequently you’ll be doing so, as well as how much storage room you have to spare in your garage or workshop.

Accessories

You should also pay attention to the quantity and variety of accessories and attachments included with your potential shop vac. If you know you want to use it to clean out your car or truck, for example, look for an option that has a nozzle head for cleaning upholstery or carpeting, as well as a narrow crevice tool for reaching into those cupholders and interior door handles.

Also, if you plan on using the shop vac for dust collection, ensure the intake hose is the same size as the dust port of the tool you’ll be attaching.

How We Chose

We’ve been using shop vacs for decades, both in our home garages as well as on-site at commercial and residential construction projects. This experience has helped us recognize the brands we’ve come to know and trust, as well as valuable accessories and features to look for. We made sure to include a good range of shop vac sizes and prices, too, so regardless of your cleaning situation or budget, there should be an option that works for you.

For more great cleaning gear, check out our picks for the best robot vacuums, stick vacuums, and handheld vacuums.