10 Best Shop Vacuums

The Armor All AA255W is a compact and lightweight wet/dry shop vacuum with a 2.5-gallon tank, making it a good fit for small to medium cleaning tasks around the home, garage, or workshop. Its 2.0 peak horsepower motor (720 watts) offers solid suction power, enough to quickly handle everyday messes involving both wet spills and dry debris. Thanks to its wet/dry capability and included cloth filter, it can manage various surfaces, especially hard floors, though cloth filters may require occasional cleaning to maintain efficiency.

The vacuum comes with several useful attachments like a dusting brush, crevice tool, and side brushes, which add versatility for different cleaning needs. The 6-foot hose and 10-foot power cord provide a decent reach to clean without constantly moving the unit, which is convenient in tight spaces. Portability is enhanced by a wheel base and top handle, making it easy to move around despite its relatively small size.

A limitation is the 2.5-gallon tank capacity, meaning it’s best suited for light to moderate tasks rather than heavy-duty or large-volume cleanups. Also, it’s corded only, so you’ll need access to an outlet nearby. For those seeking a compact, easy-to-use vacuum for general household or light workshop cleaning, the Armor All AA255W strikes a practical balance of power, portability, and useful attachments.

The CRAFTSMAN 60 Litre (16 Gallon) Wet/Dry Vac is a strong choice for anyone needing a reliable shop vacuum for larger jobs in garages, workshops, or on jobsites. Its 6.5 peak horsepower motor delivers plenty of power to handle tough debris and wet messes efficiently. The large 16-gallon tank means you can clean for longer periods without stopping to empty it, and the built-in oversized drain makes emptying liquids quick and less messy. It’s also designed with convenience in mind, featuring a rear blower port to help clear leaves or grass outside, adding to its versatility. The 7-foot dual-flex hose resists kinking and allows for flexible movement while cleaning, which is helpful in tight spaces. You also get a good set of attachments including utility, car, and wet nozzles, plus a pleated paper filter and dust bag for better filtration, helping keep the air cleaner during use.

At 26 pounds, it’s not the lightest vacuum, so moving it around might require some effort, especially for those who want something ultra-portable. Also, since it’s corded, you’ll need access to a power outlet, which might limit where you can use it. This model suits users looking for a heavy-duty, powerful wet/dry vacuum with versatile features for various cleaning tasks, particularly for larger or tougher cleanup jobs where weight and corded operation are acceptable.

The Stanley 12 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for those needing a versatile and powerful shop vacuum. Its 12-gallon tank is large enough for extended cleaning without frequent emptying, making it suitable for garages, workshops, and carpet cleaning tasks. The 5.5 peak horsepower motor delivers strong suction to handle both wet and dry messes efficiently. An added bonus is the rear blower port, which turns the vacuum into a blower for clearing leaves or hard-to-reach dirt. Portability is decent thanks to its relatively light weight (about 19.4 pounds) and a sturdy handle, but the hose is only 6 feet long, which may limit reach without moving the unit often. The 16-foot total working range (including cord and wands) helps somewhat with mobility.

Filtration includes a cartridge filter and a reusable dry filter with a clamp ring, providing good dust control. A thoughtful safety feature is the buoy system that automatically shuts off the vacuum if the water level gets too high, preventing damage. The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments like extension wands, nozzles for crevices and floors, and a dust bag, making it ready for multiple cleaning scenarios right out of the box. On the downside, the noise level is around 80 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users during prolonged use. Plus, it is not cordless, so you’re limited by the 10-foot power cord length.

While it suits general shop and home cleaning needs well, those requiring very long hose reach or ultra-quiet operation may find it less ideal. Given its strong performance, multifunctionality, and safety features, it serves as a dependable option for most wet/dry vacuum tasks.