Housekeeping House Cleaning Products and Tools The 9 Best Wet/Dry Vacs of 2023 to Buy, According to Testing The Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is the standout pick. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Instagram Twitter Kat is a writer, editor, author, and frequent contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line Our Testing Process What to Know Before Shopping Others We Tested Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Better Homes & Gardens / Amelia Manley For more of a thorough clean around the home, consider trading your regular vacuums for wet/dry vacs. These heavy-duty cleaners can suck up dust, crumbs, and other dry debris just like a regular vacuum, but they have more power and can deal with larger quantities of dirt. Unlike a standard vacuum cleaner, wet/dry vacs can also effectively clean up damp areas and vacuum wet spills, too. Wet/dry vacs have a reputation for being bulky, heavy, and expensive machines reserved for professional cleaning companies. Nowadays, these machines are designed to be more lightweight and suitable for home use, with many models costing no more than a standard vacuum cleaner. “Consider aspects such as how frequently you will use it, how much storage space you have, what kind of cleaning tasks you need to complete, and what special features would be useful to you,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. “Then, there are two critical specifications to think about: the horsepower and the tank capacity in gallons.” Horsepower provides an indication of suctioning power, while the tank capacity measures how much waste the vacuum tank can hold before it needs to be emptied. To find the best wet/dry vacs, we tested 20 wet/dry vacs at home. Over the course of seven weeks, each option was tested and scored based on six categories: ease of setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, noise level, and overall value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Vacmaster Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Armor All Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Fein Wet/Dry Dust Extractor at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Ryobi Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cordless: Ryobi Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum at Home Depot Jump to Review Best with Wheels: DEWALT Poly Wet/Dry Vac at Amazon Jump to Review Best Large Capacity: Craftsman Wet/Dry Vac at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Attachments: DeWalt Wet/Dry Vac at Amazon Jump to Review Best Upright: Roborock Dyad Pro at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.9/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It: It provides excellent versatility, power, and functionality, with easy setup, and plenty of useful attachments, too.Keep in Mind: It doesn’t come with collection bags, although these are available to buy separately. The Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is a corded unit (no charging necessary) with a long cord and plenty of useful attachments that are a breeze to attach and replace. Overall, it’s versatile and powerful, so it’s one of the best wet/dry vacs to consider. The unit comes with four different-sized attachments that can be placed on the hose as well as two extensions (a wide floor extension, and a slanted extension that can be used in smaller areas and allows you to get very close to the floor with a lot of power). A filter for use on water is also included, while additional filters can be bought separately. We found that it is a little louder than a regular vacuum, though it comes with an attachment that can be placed on the blower top that muffles some of the noise. There’s also a narrow extension for nooks and crannies, such as the edge of stairs, in between sofa cushions, and cars, and two extensions to lengthen the wand. The attachments store well on the top of the unit’s wheel component. The hose is sturdy and bendy to provide effortless maneuverability when cleaning, and it coils easily inside the vacuum when not in use. We used the shop vac on hardwood flooring after repotting a plant, on spilled water, and used the blower function to blow snow off the porch steps. Overall, we found that the unit performed impeccably. Overall, there was plenty of power to suck up the plant soil, although not as much with the wider attachment. Even water that was within the mud was sucked up with ease, and the hardwood floor was left only slightly damp, quickly drying thereafter. This 12-gallon unit can store more than enough debris for general clean ups, and would only really need to be emptied if there was a flood (touch wood). It moves easily on both hardwood floors and carpets and is light enough to carry when it’s not full. It can be used inside and outside as well, so it’s a great value for the price point. Price at time of publish: $181 Product Details: Size: 24.25 x 18.25 x 20.75 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Attachments: Secure fit hose, two extension wands, utility nozzle, crevice tool, car nozzle, concentrator nozzle, blower adapter, air/noise diffuser. Best Budget Armor All 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Utility Wet/Dry Vacuum 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Wayfair Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.8/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 4/5 Why You Should Get It: The corded option is lightweight and easy to empty. Keep in Mind: It doesn’t work as well on pet hair. For a pocket-friendly vac that can be carried around effortlessly and used in the car, the Armor All AA255 2.5-Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum is the best wet/vac to consider. It’s small and lightweight, with a handle that makes easy work of moving it around a room or taking it out to a car, and its long cord further aids portability. Though it only has a 2.5-gallon capacity, this is more than enough for weekly use. We found that emptying out the collection tank is simple, though it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with any collection bags so you’ll have to purchase them separately. Since the filter comes preinstalled, setting up the unit was fairly easy. All you have to do is remove the hose and attachments that are stored inside, set them into their placement holders, and attach the hose. It comes with five attachments, including a detail brush, a blower nozzle that the detail brush attaches to, and a deluxe car nozzle that is innovative and helpful for cleaning out hard-to-reach areas in vehicles. It also has two filters: a reusable cloth filter for normal vacuuming, and a foam filter for wet use. Its 6.5-foot hose is flexible yet sturdy and easy to maneuver and is made longer when you add the various attachments. We used this vac to clean out a car, and during a home-painting project to pick up dust from sanding down walls. It was able to pick up almost everything that it came across, including a variety of different sizes and types of debris. The vacuum was able to get two cups of water out of a bucket entirely, and even dry the area without issues. There’s also a convenient float valve that will stop the suction when the tank reaches its maximum capacity. Although it performed admirably in the car, it’s clearly better suited for home use where it might not have to tackle such tight crevices. Its noise level is average (our tester was able to clearly hear their podcast through headphones while using the vac), and there’s also an air-blowing feature that works well. Price at time of publish: $72 Product Details: Size: 20.6 x 14.2 x 14.4 inches | Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Hose Length: 6 feet | Attachments: Hose, 2-in-1 utility nozzle with brush, crevice tool, deluxe car nozzle, blower nozzle with an adaptor, and detail brush Best Splurge Fein Turbo I Wet/Dry Dust Extractor 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Acmetools.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.3/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Ease of Emptying 4.5/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Why You Should Get It: This tool-triggered vacuum is great for workshops—such as a woodworker’s—that creates a lot of dust.Keep in Mind: The hose has a small nozzle, and the bag is smaller than the 5.8-gallon tub, so it will fill up quickly. If you have a bit of cash to invest in a powerful shop vac for clearing up a lot of dust, we recommend the Fein Turbo I Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner with Dust Extractor. This is a professional-level dust extractor with exceptional dust collection and filtration of hazardous dust particles. We tried this vac out in a woodworking shop, a dusty basement, and a number of cars, and it performed outstandingly. Its noise output is rated at 66 decibels, which is astounding considering most shop vacs are rated around 100 decibels. The unit offers strong suction, requires minimal setup (snapping in the casters, and installing the collection bag inside the tub), and has an extra-long 13-foot hose with a soft rubber nozzle. There’s also a flexible and ribbed construction that makes it fairly crush-proof. It’s small and lightweight enough to carry around as well. However, the long hose, as well as its long cord, gives you plenty of room to roam without having to drag the vac behind you at all times or unplug and replug to a new outlet. It comes with two nozzle/cord mounts, but no extensions or extra nozzles are included with this unit. Fein’s Deluxe model, however, comes with all these extras if you need them and are willing to spend a little more. Since this vac is designed for connection directly on tools that make the dust and capture it at the source, the lack of additional nozzles and extensions may not be big deal. It has a high-quality HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) cartridge style, and an ultra-fine filter rated to catch even the finest dust particles smaller than two microns. There’s also a felt-like collection bag to further help capture the debris. Dumping the tub is effortless, although there’s no water drain so you have to lift and tilt it to pour the water out. There’s ultrafine filtering to keep the dust trapped and the air clean, and a built-in power outlet that lets you plug in a compatible tool, like a sander, router, or circular saw. When you set the vac's power switch to the accessory setting and power up the tool, it automatically powers up the vac. After shutting the tool off, we found that the vac continued to run for a further 15 seconds, clearing the hose of any dust remnants. Price at time of publish: $350 Product Details: Size: 39 x 24 x 16 inches | Capacity: 5.8 gallons | Hose Length: 13 feet | Attachments: None Best Portable Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry Vacuum 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Home Depot Our Ratings Effectiveness 3.5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Why You Should Get It: It’s lightweight, quiet, and offers maximum portability thanks to its cordless design. Keep in Mind: The battery needs a few hours to charge. For a portable pick, the best wet/dry vac is this Ryobi pick. Coming in just one part with no assembly necessary (apart from attaching the One+ battery that can be interchanged with a variety of the brand’s tools), the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3-Gallon Project Wet/Dry Vacuum performs superbly on dirt, dust, cracked paint, hair, and general debris. This lightweight vac has an inbuilt hose that is sturdy and flexible and has a nozzle for getting into corners and narrower spaces. It’s as quiet as a standard vacuum and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. During testing, we used this model to clean up the wood floors and tiles in an apartment and the building’s laundry room, which had a lot of dirt, dust, and spills. After a full clean, the canister wasn’t even a quarter-way full. Since this model doesn’t need a collection bag, all you have to do is simply empty out the canister when necessary. We found that the vacuum can suck up a lot of water, but it won’t leave the area completely dry. Overall, this is a great pick if you need a dry vac for daily use, with the capacity to pick up occasional spills. There’s a large filter inside that’s simple to remove, but it takes up a good deal of space inside. However, the canister has plenty of room for debris. The only downside to this model is that the nozzle doesn’t cover much ground, and an attachment with a wider head would be useful. In addition, the battery takes a good couple of hours to fully charge up, but a full charge lasts 15–20 minutes—enough to clean up an average-sized apartment. If you have other Ryobi tools, a second battery would come in handy as you’d be able to clean a larger space while the other battery is on a charge, and swap them out when it runs out of juice. Price at time of publish: $125 Product Details: Size: 12.72 x 10.09 x 18.83 inches | Capacity: 3 gallons | Hose Length: 6 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, utility nozzle Best Cordless Ryobi 40V 10-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum 4.8 The Home Depot View On Home Depot View On Ryobitools.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 4.8/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 5/5 Why You Should Get It: It offers impressive power, has a large tank, and is cordless with wheels for optimum maneuverability. Keep in Mind: The top of the unit is a little tricky to get off. If you’re fed up with having to find nearby electrical outlets, unplugging every time the cord of your shop vac reaches its end, or using an extension cord, the Ryobi 40V 10-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum might just be the best wet/dry vac for you. This lightweight vac comes pre-assembled, so all you have to do is attach the wheels and organize the accessories. The wheels add to easy maneuverability, and it has an impressive 8-foot hose. We used this vac to clean out a minivan from top to bottom, including the console and the carpeted floors, and the floor mats. We also used it on some plaster dust from an art project, and a spill on tile flooring. The unit picked up everything from fruit snacks to hair ties, as well as pretty much anything else that crossed its path. Part of what makes this unit one of the best wet/dry vacs to consider is how easy it is to empty and clean. The canister is large enough to get your hand and a cloth in to effortlessly wipe any residue in between uses. There’s a drain at the bottom to discharge any water, too. The battery lasts impressively long (up to 45 minutes), and the charging dock hardly takes up any space in a garage or even on a kitchen counter. Aside from the standard shop vac accessories, like crevice tools and extenders, it also has a squeegee tool to help pool up water spills. While it doesn’t leave spills completely dry, it sucks up most of the liquid so that the area can easily dry thereafter. The filter comes already installed and is easy to remove and clean out. To get the top off in order to access the canister, you need to push in the two locks, which needs a little practice to perfect. Overall, a clip-down version would be preferable. Overall, this unit is large and easy to use, easy to clean, and reasonably priced for the flexibility it offers. It makes about as much noise as an average vacuum, and, on the lower setting, it’s even quieter. Price at time of publish: $299 Product Details: Size: 19 x 20.9 x 17.1 inches | Capacity: 10 gallons | Hose Length: 8 feet | Attachments: Hose, crevice tool, floor nozzle, two extension wands, two extension wand clips Best with Wheels DEWALT DXV09PZ 9-Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Lowe's View On Northerntool.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 3/5 Why You Should Get It: It’s a powerful shop vac that handles water very well.Keep in Mind: It’s a little loud and not the best for shorter pet hair that tends to get embedded into carpets. Overall, this DeWALT unit performed exceptionally well. We used this pick to suck up leaves, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris from a garage space, as well as to unclog a bathroom sink. Clear instructions are provided, and it only takes 10 minutes to set up using just a screwdriver. The wet/dry vac comes with a hose, two extension wands, a floor nozzle, which works great on carpets, and a round brush. There’s also a disposable filter bag intended for fine particulate matter, like sawdust, that’s easy to get on and off. It even has a blower function. The wheels make it easy to move around, but there are also handles on the top to make it easier to lift and carry if you need to. The model also features a utility nozzle and a crevice tool for corners and small gaps. One of the most notable features is a convenient bag to store the accessories. The bag attaches to the vac itself so you never have to worry about misplacing any pieces. Plus, it’s secure even when the vacuum is in use, but you can easily detach and reattach it when you need to. The long, flexible, and sturdy 7-foot hose is able to bend and switch directions easily for cleaning at all different angles, and it wraps tidily around the vacuum when it's not in use. In addition, there’s a 10-foot cord so you’ll rarely need an extension. The most impressive thing about this vac is its ability to vacuum water. When we used the extension wand, it sucked up debris from a slow-draining sink that had been clogged for weeks and even sucked up all of the water from the pipe in the process. To get rid of the water in the canister, there’s a drain plug located on the front of the unit that you just unscrew to allow the water to drain out. It’s also worth noting that you have to wash the filter and let the filter and basin dry completely before using the vacuum again after dealing with water. It’s a little on the louder side, but not enough to warrant hearing protection. Overall, this is a great machine from a top brand, and it comes at a good price for what it offers. Price at time of publish: $170 Product Details: Size: 17.9 x 23 x 18.5 inches | Capacity: 9 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Attachments: Hose, two extension wands, floor nozzle, round brush, utility nozzle, and crevice nozzle Best Large Capacity Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 4.8/5 Ease of Emptying 4.9/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 4.2/5 Why You Should Get It: It has a 16-gallon capacity and was able to pick up wet and dry leaves, branches, and cat litter. Keep in Mind: Its cylindrical shape makes it a little awkward to move around, but this is greatly helped by the wheels that provide a smooth ride. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is, quite simply, a beast—in the best way possible. The unit is simple to use and powerful and has a large 16-gallon capacity as well. We tested the vacuum in a mudroom that sees tons of leaves, mud, and rain that are tracked through from the backyard and this vacuum performed impeccably. In addition to sucking up the wet and dry leaves, and even branches effortlessly, cat litter was also no bother for this strong vac. When you unbox it, all you have to do is attach the nozzle, plug it in, and you're good to go. It comes with a bunch of attachments, including a Dual-Flex Hose, two extension wands, a utility nozzle, a car nozzle, and a wet nozzle. It also has an additional filter, and a dust collection bag. While we found that it’s a little on the heavier side, it is a heavy-duty machine made for mucky tasks. Plus, it can even be used outside. There’s a handle and wheels for portability, and, even though it’s a corded model, the cord is extra-long to reach almost anywhere you need to. During testing, we noticed that it was incredibly simple to maneuver around as well. It’s also impressively compact, given its large tank and power. The wheels help it move about easier, but just like any cylindrical-shaped vac, it won’t be as easy to maneuver as upright or handheld models. To empty the unit you simply unlatch the cover, lift it up and tip it out.. There are two openings (one is the vacuum, and the other a blower), but you can't switch between them, and there’s no reverse mode. While it can’t be classed as quiet and is much louder than a regular vacuum, it’s not louder than any other typical wet/dry vac. This option is ideal for busy households, garage cleanups, those who like dabbling in messy DIY projects, and anyone with pets. Price at time of publish: $167 Product Details: Size: 23.8 x 26.7 x 21.03 inches | Capacity: 16 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Attachments: Hose, two extension wands, utility nozzle, wet nozzle, and car nozzle Best with Attachments DeWalt 12-Gallon DXV12P Poly Wet/Dry Vac 4.9 View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Acmetools.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Ease of Emptying 5/5 Portability 4.5/5 Noise Level 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It: It has useful attachments to clean every single corner of a home and car, and on various surfaces.Keep in Mind: We felt the cord could afford to be a bit longer. With quick and easy assembly, a ton of helpful accessories, and incredibly strong suctioning power, the DeWALT 12-Gallon DXV12P Poly Wet/Dry Vac is a powerhouse of a machine. We tested it in a crawl space that was flooded due to a burst pipe, and it got all the water out quickly and efficiently without a hitch. The unit has very strong suction, and it is exceptionally durable. Assembly is quick and easy, and it comes with many attachments that can be used for cleaning dry areas like floors, rugs, and furniture, as well as any wet surfaces. There are also attachments for hard-to-reach spaces and corners. It comes with a filter, too. The hose is large, durable, sturdy, and flexible enough to bend in a crawl space while still keeping the forceful suction going. There’s also a wrap that keeps the hose neatly coiled and tucked away for storage. Maneuvering this 12-gallon wet/dry vac is easy thanks to its low weight and wheels that go over smooth surfaces and low-pile carpets easily. Lifting it even when it was at max capacity wasn’t all that difficult either, although it’s understandably heavier when full. The wet/dry vac comes with built-in storage for the cord; however, a 20-foot cord on such a heavy-duty machine could do with being a little longer, especially for dealing with larger areas or taking it outside. Perhaps the most convenient aspect of the DXV12P is how easy it is to empty. A drain on the side allows all the water to come out from the bottom so you don’t even need to lift it. In relation to noise, you won’t need any hearing protection as it sounds like a normal vacuum cleaner. Price at time of publish: $173 Product Details: Size: 19.09 x 26.7 x 22.56 inches | Capacity: 12 gallons | Hose Length: 7 feet | Attachments: Hose, two extension wands, floor nozzle, utility nozzle, crevice nozzle Best Upright Roborock Dyad Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner 4.7 Roborock View On Amazon View On Target View On Roborock.com Our Ratings Effectiveness 4.8/5 Maneuverability 4.9/5 Ease of Emptying 4/5 Portability 5/5 Noise Level 4.5/5 Why You Should Get It: It’s a smart vacuum that you can control via a smartphone, has a lot of power, and is upright so no bending is required.Keep in Mind: It only has a 0.2-gallon tank so it will need regular emptying. The Roborock Dyad Pro has powerful suction, is self-cleaning and drying, and can be controlled via an app on your smartphone, making it the best wet/dry vac to consider if you want an upright style. During testing, we found that the vacuum cleans marvelously on grout flooring, and was able to pick up everything in sight. It’s very effective at cleaning up wet and dry messes, both individually and simultaneously. Almost all spills were cleaned up after just one pass, including water, milk, and mayo. It was even used on an egg yolk, which, granted, needed a little extra attention and a swipe with a damp cloth, but cleaned up nicely. This vacuum has automatic settings, sensing when a tougher mess needs to be tacked and goes into Max Mode. Coffee grounds and soggy cereal were a breeze to clean up in this powerful mode, with floors being nearly spotless after. The vacuum is compact and fits well under chairs, and when working around chair legs. It even managed to suck up crumbs that were right up against the baseboards. For extra cleaning power, there’s a special solution you can buy separately. The debris container pops out at the front so you can empty it, hands-free, without getting your hands dirty. For a more thorough clean of the brushes, however, you can run them under a faucet. This clever appliance also has an audio feature that lets you know if something is stuck in the rollers, and when the canister needs emptying. The battery also lasts impressively long. The only downsides were that, in addition to the small tank that will need regular emptying, the rollers are kind of difficult to remove in order to inspect an obstruction. In relation to noise, this machine is quiet, and you can hardly hear it when it’s in self-cleaning and drying mode. Price at time of publish: $450 Product Details: Size : 12.2 x 10.6 x 43.7 inches | Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Hose Length: N/A | Attachments: None The Bottom Line Thanks to its superior cleaning abilities and power on both wet and dry messes, Vacmaster’s VBV1210 12-Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is our top pick for the best wet/dry vacuum. It has a 12-gallon tank that will rarely need emptying, a seven-foot hose, and plenty of helpful attachments and extenders for getting everywhere from corners to ceilings. Our Testing Process To determine which are the best wet/dry vacs on the market, we tried out 20 of the most popular models over a period of seven weeks. We used a pre-determined methodology and scored the wet/dry vacs based on ease of setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, noise level, and overall value. These wet/dry vacs were tested on all different floor types, including carpet and hardwood, and on many different kinds of debris and stains, both wet and dry. What to Know About Wet/Dry Vacs Before Shopping Size While older models were known for being large, heavy, and bulky, modern wet/dry vacs are much more slender and lightweight, with many being no larger than a normal vacuum cleaner. Their size can range anywhere from 10 to 25 or more inches in height (upright vacuums are, understandably taller, coming in at around 45 inches in height), and 10 to 40 inches in width. Weight and Capacity The best wet/dry vacs can weigh anything from five to 30 pounds, with large capacity and more powerful machines being on the heavier end of that scale. They will also, understandably, be heavier when full. Before needing to be emptied, a wet/dry vac’s tank can typically hold between three to 16 pounds of waste, although some more portable units may have less than a gallon and will need regular emptying. Sokolowski advises that the size and weight of a wet/dry vac should be considered when it comes to portability and storage. “Since you might need to carry it up and down some flights of stairs regularly, size and weight are significant,” says Sokolowski. “If you opt for a portable option, look for a model with a small tank and a place for all the attachments. That way you will be able to move all the necessary pieces at once. Finally, really consider how much storage space you have.” Hose Length The average hose length on a wet/dry vac is around five to 15 feet. For hard-to-reach areas, you’ll want to opt for a longer hose and perhaps extenders. Attachments Many wet/dry vacs come with an array of attachments, including nozzles for cleaning nooks and crannies, car interiors, and others for picking up large debris. Wider hoses, extension wands, dust bags, upholstery brushes, and squeegees are also available. “Some attachments will likely be included with your wet/dry vacuum,” says Sokolowski, “but there are some that you can purchase separately. In addition, also have a look at other features like dual-swivel hose fittings, hose locks, wall attachments, and a pump to help empty the tank more easily.” Other Wet/Dry Vacs We Tested Vacmaster Red Edition VOM205P 1101 Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum The Vacmaster Red Edition VOM205P 1101 Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum is a budget-friendly machine that performed well vacuuming water and leaving surfaces reasonably dry. However, we felt that larger messes might be too much for this machine. We had a hard time getting enough suction out of it to efficiently use the brush attachment, which couldn’t tackle loose cat litter. The tapered nozzle was also good at getting cobwebs, cat litter, construction debris, and dust, but the hose leaves little to be desired. It’s uncomfortably long, and only really useful for cleaning ceiling corners. It’s also quite stiff so using it in close proximity to the vac created some tension. Plus, the airflow that was coming out of one side was counterintuitively blowing around lighter debris while we were trying to vacuum. Bissell Model No 18P03 Garage Pro® Wet/Dry Vac We also tested the Bissell Model No 18P03 Garage Pro® Wet/Dry Vac. This unit is easy to set up, and easy to use as it’s upright, so no bending is required. It has a 32-foot hose, and helpful attachments, including two extension wands, two wide floor tools, and three different-sized suction tools. It has powerful suction and even has a blower function. When put to the test, it didn’t perform all that well on pet hair. It also doesn’t have wheels, so carrying it around was tiresome, and this also caused the bottom of the unit to get scratched. Though the hose is long, the cord is very short so you’d need an extension, and there isn’t a place for the cord or hose on the vacuum itself, which is a little bothersome when it comes to storage. Stanley SL18115P Wet/Dry Vacuum We also got our hands on and tested the Stanley SL18115P Wet/Dry Vacuum. It comes with several accessories that are easy to attach, and two filters: a foam one for wet vacuuming, and a paper one for dry vacuuming. It’s not much louder than a standard vacuum cleaner, and it comes in a small, portable size. It can be described as a basic model for cleaning vehicles, debris out of garages, and smaller wet messes. This SL18115P is easy to set up, but the instructions could be clearer. While it worked well on wet spills, it didn’t clean up dry messes in a single pass like some of the other machines on our best wet/dry vacs list, although it did eventually get them. The small capacity tank also means that you’d have to empty it regularly. The vacuum is small and easy to transport, but the hose is not very flexible and hard to move around. A longer cord also wouldn’t go amiss, as would somewhere to actually store it on the machine. Your Questions, Answered What are the benefits of a wet/dry vac? According to Sokolowski says, there are several benefits to consider when it comes to wet/dry vacs. “These handy machines can vacuum liquids as well as solids, and you can use them both indoors and outdoors—from carpets and wooden floors to patios and driveways,” she says. “You can even clean the inside of your car with it, or use it on upholstery such as curtains and sofas. Finally, there is no risk of damaging the machine if you use it to vacuum pet hair and animal dirt.” Can a wet/dry vac pick up water? Sokolowski advises that the best wet/dry vacs can pick up large quantities of standing water. “Just turn on the vacuum and place the nozzle on top of the water,” she says. “With a good wet/dry vac, you will be able to vacuum that water very quickly.” Can a wet/dry vac clean a carpet? According to Sokolowski, a wet/dry vac is ideal for use on carpets. “Indeed, the vacuum will do a very good job of removing dust, pet hair, and debris from carpets, and will even prevent indoor air pollution,” she says. Who We Are This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, our testers reviewed and tested multiple wet/dry vacs, researching factors such as each machine's size, capacity, hose length, attachments, and cleaning efficiency. Kat also spoke to Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit