ReviewHub logo

Tech

Outdoors

Kitchen

Appliances

More

The Best Shop Vacs (or Wet Dry Vacs)

Updated Dec 17, 2022
When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

There are messes and then there are messes. For the latter, your best bet is to break out a wet/dry vac. These heavy-duty vacuums suck up water, sawdust, nails, and screws with equal vigor. We’ve been testing and using them for years, and our favorite is the Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1200. We also have a recommendation for a more compact, cordless model for smaller messes.

Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1200, a great wet/dry vac

Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1200

A great wet/dry vac
The Ridgid HD1200 is capable, powerful, and well reviewed. For the size, this vac is easy to lug around, and it comes with a great selection of attachments.
We recommend
Ridgid 1-Layer Standard Pleated Paper Filter (2-pack), never hurts to have a spare

Ridgid 1-Layer Standard Pleated Paper Filter (2-pack)

Never hurts to have a spare
There are only so many times you can bang the dust out of these basic, all-purpose replacement filters for dry debris. The two-pack is usually a better deal per filter.
Ridgid 14-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1400, the same, but bigger

Ridgid 14-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac HD1400

The same, but bigger
This is a more powerful version of our pick, with a slightly larger capacity and motor. It’s widely recommended, but it costs more and is noticeably heavier than Ridgid’s 12-gallon model.
Another good choice
DeWalt DCV581H 20V 2-Gallon Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vac, small cordless or corded option

DeWalt DCV581H 20V 2-Gallon Cordless/Corded Wet/Dry Vac

Small cordless or corded option
This small vac can be used either with a DeWalt 20-volt battery or plugged into an outlet. It’s extremely portable, but it doesn’t have the suction power of the others.
Another good choice
Greenworks 40V 3-Gallon Wet/Dry Cordless Vac, a larger, more powerful cordless vac

Greenworks 40V 3-Gallon Wet/Dry Cordless Vac

A larger, more powerful cordless vac
The Greenworks vac is larger and more powerful than the DeWalt vac, but it doesn’t have a corded option.
Another good choice

Subscribe to the newsletter

Get notified about promotions, exceptional deals, and stay up to date.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
© 2023 ReviewHub. All rights reserved