Best Shop Vac Vacuums: Clean Like a Pro

Keeping your home or workspace clean can be tough, especially when dealing with big messes. A strong shop vac makes the job easier and faster. The best shop vacuums give you powerful suction, long-lasting build, and the ability to handle both wet and dry debris. If you own a garage, workshop, or basement, the right vacuum helps you stay on top of cleanup without wasting time.
The Ridgid Wet/Dry Vac is a top choice. It offers solid performance and a large tank, making it popular with both homeowners and pros. This post highlights top-rated shop vacuums that truly deliver so you can pick the best fit for your needs.
Review of Best Shop Vac Vacuums
1. Stanley – SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum, 6 Gallon, 4 Horsepower Black
- Brand: Stanley
- Manufacturer: Stanley Factory
- Color: Black, Yellow
- Dimensions: Height: 20.47 Inches Width: 13.8 Inches Length: 13.8 Inches
- Weight: 13.4 Pounds
Stanley SL18116P delivers strong suction with a 4 peak horsepower motor and 85 CFM airflow. Its 6-gallon durable polypropylene tank handles wet spills and dry debris with ease. The 10-foot power cord includes a cord wrap for storage. Smooth-rolling casters and a rear blower port make it easy to move and use in different cleaning tasks.
The package includes a 6-foot hose, two extension wands, a crevice nozzle, floor nozzle, foam filter, and dust bag. This model runs on 120 volts and 8 amps, giving reliable performance. It weighs only 13.4 pounds, making it easy to carry. The water-resistant power switch and onboard storage add extra convenience. Perfect for garages, homes, and workshops.
Advantages
- The Stanley SL18116P Wet/Dry Vacuum is a powerful and durable vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes.
- It has a 6 gallon capacity which makes it great for larger jobs.
- The 4 horsepower motor provides plenty of suction power to get the job done quickly.
- The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments which makes it versatile and able to tackle any cleaning task.
- It is also relatively lightweight and easy to move around, making it convenient to use.
Our Recommendations
I’m so glad I bought this Stanley wet/dry vacuum! It’s powerful, yet lightweight and easy to maneuver. The 6 gallon size is perfect for small to medium jobs around the house or workshop.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Tool Only (DCV580H)
- Brand: DEWALT
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
- Color: Black, Yellow
- Dimensions: Height: 13.12 Inches Width: 12.31 Inches Length: 17.25 Inches
- Weight: 8.0 Pounds
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum delivers strong suction in a compact design. It runs on 20V MAX lithium-ion batteries, giving freedom from cords. The 2-gallon tank handles both wet and dry messes with no hassle. Its HEPA-rated filter traps 99.97% of dust as small as 0.3 microns and rinses clean with water.
The vacuum includes a crush-resistant 5-foot hose, crevice tool, and wide nozzle, all stored onboard for quick access. It produces 140 CFM airflow and offers 52 inches of sealed suction power. Weighing just 11 pounds, it feels light and easy to carry. DEWALT backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Advantages
- The DCV580H is a powerful, cordless wet/dry vacuum that can be used for a variety of tasks around the home or workshop.
- It is easy to set up and use, with no extension cords required.
- It has good suction power and can tackle both wet and dry messes.
- The tank is removable for easy emptying, and the whole unit is easily portable thanks to its compact design and integrated carry handle.
- The DCV580H comes with a one-year warranty from Dewalt.
Our Recommendations
This is a great little wet/dry vacuum. I’ve used it for everything from cleaning out my car to sucking up spills in the kitchen. It’s got plenty of power and the battery lasts a long time.
3. MZY LLC 2 Pack VF5000 Replacement Filter for Ridgid for Shop Vac
- Brand: MZY LLC
- Manufacturer: CBT Supply
- Color: Ridgid Blue vf5000*2
MZY LLC offers a dependable 2-pack VF5000 replacement filter set for Ridgid wet/dry vacuums. Each filter has a durable 3-layer pleated design that efficiently traps fine dust, sawdust, and drywall particles. You can rinse these filters with water and reuse them after they dry, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
You can easily install them without using tools. They fit Ridgid vacuums sized 6 to 20 gallons, including models WD0670, WD0970, WD1270, WD1450, WD1851, WD1680, WD1956, RV2400A, RV2400HF, and RV2600B. Each filter measures 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches and weighs 1.37 pounds. The set includes two filters and supports Amazon’s 30-day return policy.
Advantages
- The product is very affordable and provides great value for money.
- It is a high quality product that is built to last.
- It is very effective at trapping dust and debris.
- It is easy to install and use.
- It comes with a satisfaction guarantee from the manufacturer.
Our Recommendations
This filter is exactly what I needed! My shop vac was starting to lose suction and I thought it might be time to replace the filter. These filters fit perfectly and were very easy to install.
4. ALYYDBG For Shop Vac 5-8 Gallon Bags
- Brand: ALYYDBG
- Manufacturer: QHYDZ HOME
- Dimensions: Height: 0.1 Inches Width: 11.9 Inches Length: 31.0 Inches
ALYYDBG Shop Vac 5-8 Gallon Bags perfectly fit Shop-Vac Type E (90661, 9066133) and Type H (90671, 9067133) models. These bags use tear-resistant kraft paper and have a rubber-sealed collar that blocks dust from leaking back into the vacuum, keeping your workspace clean. Designed for dry use only, they are not suitable for wall-mounted or HangUp vacuums.
Each pack contains five disposable bags that fit vacuums with 2.5-inch hose ports, including brands like Genie, Stanley, Vacmaster, and DeWalt. These high-efficiency filter bags offer reliable dust collection and easy replacement, helping maintain your vacuum’s performance and ensuring hassle-free cleanup.
Advantages
- Can be used with Shop-Vac 5 to 8 gallon tank wet/dry vacuums
- Type E bags collect fine dust, dirt, and debris
- Bags help keep your vacuum cleaner operating at peak performance
- 5 pack of disposable bags
- Easy to install
Our Recommendations
I’m really happy with these bags. They fit my shop vac perfectly and they seem to be really good quality.
5. Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac, 12 Gallon, Beast Series
- Brand: Vacmaster
- Manufacturer: Cleva North America
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 23.8 Inches Width: 19.9 Inches Length: 19.9 Inches
- Weight: 14.5 Pounds
The Beast Series Professional Wet/Dry Vac from Vacmaster is a powerful and versatile vac perfect for the home or workshop. With a 12 gallon capacity, this vac can tackle any mess big or small. The built-in blower function means you can use it to clean up leaves and debris from your yard easily. The rugged design means it can withstand even the most challenging jobs.
Advantages
- The Vacmaster Professional is a powerful and durable wet/dry vac that can handle even the toughest messes.
- It features a large 12 gallon capacity tank that can hold plenty of debris and liquid.
- The Beast Series designation means this vac is built for heavy-duty use, making it ideal for professionals who need a reliable and tough machine.
- The vacuum comes with several accessories, including a crevice tool, dust brush, and floor nozzle, to make cleaning easier.
- Its strong suction power ensures that all dirt and debris will be removed from surfaces quickly and easily.
Our Recommendations
I have had this vacuum for about a year now and it has been amazing. It has great suction power and is very durable. I have used it for both wet and dry vacuuming and it works great for both. It is also very easy to empty and clean. This is an excellent vacuum and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and reliable wet/dry vac.
6. Vacmaster Professional – Professional Wet/Dry Vac, 5 Gallon, Beast Series
- Brand: Vacmaster
- Manufacturer: PROOK
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: Height: 17.1 Inches Width: 12.5 Inches Length: 17.8 Inches
- Weight: 13.5 Pounds
Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac, 5 Gallon Beast Series offers strong cleaning power for demanding tasks. It has a 5-gallon tank that holds large amounts of debris and liquids. The vacuum’s 5 peak horsepower motor delivers excellent suction to quickly clean wet spills and dry messes. Equipped with a HEPA-rated filter, it captures fine dust and allergens to keep your environment healthier.
The sturdy steel tank ensures durability for heavy use, while the spacious dustbin means fewer trips to empty. A 6-foot hose and 10-foot power cord provide flexibility and reach. The cordless version runs up to 30 minutes on a full charge. This model includes a 1-year warranty for reliable performance.
Advantages
- The Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac is a powerful and durable vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes.
- The five gallon tank size is perfect for larger jobs, making it a time-saver.
- The Beast Series designation means this vac has superior suction power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- The vac comes with several attachments for different types of cleaning, including a crevice tool and dust brush, so you can tailor your cleaning to your specific needs.
- The Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac has a two-year warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and performance.
Our Recommendations
I’m very pleased with my purchase of the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac. It has great suction power and is very easy to maneuver. It’s also light enough to carry around without feeling too bulky. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone in the market for a new wet/dry vac.
7. 12 Pack Type B Vacuum Filter Bag Compatible with Shop Vac
- Brand: Zibopon
- Manufacturer: zibopon
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 0.2 Inches Width: 6.2 Inches Length: 16.2 Inches
These vacuum filter bags are amazing! They are compatible with Shop-Vac, and they really do a great job at trapping all the dirt, dust, and debris. I have used them for years, and I can say with certainty that they are well worth the money.
Advantages
- The 12 Pack Type B Vacuum Filter Bag Compatible with Shop-Vac is a product that has many advantages, usefulness and benefits. Here are five of them:
- The 12 pack vacuum filter bags are compatible with Shop-Vac, making it a versatile product.
- The vacuum filter bags have a high filtration efficiency, making them ideal for use in the home or office.
- The vacuum filter bags are easy to change and dispose of, making them very convenient to use.
- The vacuum filter bags are cost-effective, as they can be reused multiple times.
- The vacuum filter bags are environmental friendly, as they help to reduce the amount of dust and dirt in the air.
Our Recommendations
I absolutely love these vacuum filter bags! They are so affordable and work great with my shop vac. I have not had any issues with them and would highly recommend to anyone in the market for a new filter bag.
8. Shop-Vac 2024005 Micro Wet Dry Vacuum, 1 Gallon
- Brand: Shop-Vac
- Manufacturer: Shop-Vac USA LLC
- Dimensions: Height: 4.0 Inches Width: 1.0 Inches Length: 1.0 Inches
This little Shop-Vac is perfect for quick cleanup jobs around the house or workshop. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, yet powerful enough to pick up both wet and dry messes. The 1-gallon tank holds plenty of debris, and the 1-1/4 inch hose makes it a cinch to get into tight spaces.
Advantages
- The Shop-Vac 2024005 Micro Wet Dry Vacuum is very powerful and can suck up both wet and dry messes easily.
- It’s small size makes it easy to store away and doesn’t take up much room.
- The vacuum comes with a lot of different attachments, making it versatile and able to handle many different types of cleaning jobs.
- It’s easy to empty out and doesn’t require any bags.
- It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other vacuums on the market.
Our Recommendations
This little Shop-Vac is awesome! I have a larger one that I use for big jobs, but this one is perfect for small spills and everyday cleaning. It’s so easy to use and really gets the job done.
9. Bluemorpho Pack 10 Vacuum Bags For DEWALT 6 to 10 Gallon
- Brand: bluemorpho
- Manufacturer: bluemorpho
- Dimensions: Height: 3.7 Inches Width: 8.66 Inches Length: 12.2 Inches
Bluemorpho Pack 10 Vacuum Bags fit DEWALT shop vacuums sized 6 to 10 gallons. These bags deliver strong dust filtration to keep your workspace clean and protect your vacuum motor from damage. Made with durable material, they trap fine dust and debris effectively, improving overall vacuum performance. The pack contains 10 disposable bags, so you get long-lasting use without needing to replace them often.
Each bag fits securely, making installation and removal simple. These bags are designed for DEWALT models and help maintain strong suction by preventing clogs. They also support cleaner air output, making tough cleaning jobs easier and more efficient every time you use them.
Advantages
- The product helps to save space as it can store up to 10 gallons of vacuumed materials.
- It is very handy and easy to use.
- The product is very affordable.
- It is made of high quality materials that can withstand constant use.
- The product comes with a warranty for added peace of mind.
Our Recommendations
These bags are great! They fit my DEWALT 6 to 10 gallon vacuum perfectly and they pick up a lot of debris. I’ve used them on both wet and dry vacuums and they work well on both. They’re also very durable and I’ve had no issues with them tearing or leaking.
10. DEWALT 20V MAX Vacuum, Wet/Dry, Tool Only (DCV581H)
- Brand: DEWALT
- Manufacturer: DEWALT
- Color: Black, Yellow
- Dimensions: Height: 13.125 Inches Width: 12.31 Inches Length: 17.25 Inches
- Weight: 15.0 Pounds
DEWALT 20V MAX Vacuum, Wet/Dry, Tool Only (DCV581H) delivers strong cleaning power for any job. It provides up to 82 CFM of airflow, making it easy to pick up wet and dry debris. This cordless vacuum works with all DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, allowing you to move without cords. With a 5.0 Ah battery, it runs up to 25 minutes on a single charge.
The vacuum features a large 3-gallon dustbin, so you can clean it longer without stopping to empty it. A HEPA-rated filter traps dust and allergens, improving air quality. Built tough for job site use, DEWALT includes a 3-year limited warranty. Batteries and chargers come separately.
Advantages
- Maximum suction power for efficient cleaning.
- Cordless design for portability and convenience.
- Wet/dry capabilities for versatile use.
- Onboard storage for vacuum accessories.
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use during extended periods of time
Our Recommendations
This product is amazing! I have never seen a wet/dry vacuum that works so well. The suction is incredible and it picks up everything. I highly recommend this product to anyone in the market for a new vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a shop vac vacuum, and how does it differ from a regular vacuum cleaner?
Ans: A shop vac vacuum cleans tough messes in workshops, garages, or construction areas. It handles both wet and dry debris like sawdust, dirt, and spills. Unlike regular vacuums, it works well for heavy-duty cleaning jobs and can tackle a wider range of messes.
Q: What features should I look for in the best shop vac vacuum?
Ans: Look for strong suction power, a large tank, and the ability to clean both wet and dry messes. Choose a vacuum with tough construction and filters that are easy to clean. Also, make sure it comes with helpful accessories like extension wands and different nozzles to reach tight spots.
Q: Can a shop vac vacuum safely clean wet spills?
Ans: The best shop vac vacuums safely handle wet and dry messes. They have sealed tanks and special filters that protect the motor from water damage. This design lets you clean liquid spills without worry.
Q: How important is horsepower in a shop vac vacuum?
Ans: Horsepower shows how strong the motor is and affects suction power. A higher horsepower means the vacuum cleans better, especially for tough jobs. For most workshops, a shop vac with 3 to 6 horsepower gives strong, reliable performance.
Q: Which popular shop vac vacuum model works well for home and workshop use?
Ans: The Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum stands out. It has a durable stainless steel tank and strong suction for wet and dry messes. It also includes handy attachments like a crevice tool and a blower feature. This model combines power and easy handling, making it perfect for many cleaning tasks.
Conclusion
Shop vac vacuums provide strong suction and handle all kinds of messes in your workshop or job site. Their tough build lets you clean up dust, debris, and liquids quickly without losing power. Choosing a trusted brand like Shop-Vac guarantees durability and easy upkeep.
These vacuums speed up your cleanup and keep your workspace safe. With many sizes and features available, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Owning a Shop-Vac makes your work easier and your area cleaner.