Solsie.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The 14 Best Shop Vac of 2023

David Raum
  Jun 9, 2023 11:59 PM

When you’re cleaning up after a construction project, the garage, or just clearing out your house, you need to suck up all the dust and debris as fast and as efficiently as possible. A shop vacuum is an ideal tool for this job because it has a strong suction that makes it perfect for cleaning up sawdust, small nails, and other small particles. The best shop vac will be lightweight enough to carry around your home or workshop. It should also have enough suction to capture fine dirt and grit while still being quiet enough not to disturb anyone nearby. But how do you choose the right vacuum? There are so many different models on the market that choosing one can be quite confusing. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the factors you should consider when buying a shop vacuum so that you can find the model that suits your needs best.


Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Shop-Vac 12 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, SVX2 Motor Technology, 3 in 1 Function Portable Shop Vacuum

Looking for a powerful shop vacuum that can handle even the toughest jobs? Look no further than the Shop-Vac SVX2! This 12 gallon model comes with a 5.5 peak HP motor that provides ample power for heavy-duty cleanup. The large built-in tank drain makes it easy to remove liquids, and the tool basket design provides convenient storage for all of your essential accessories. Whether you're cleaning up your workspace, basement, or garage, the Shop-Vac SVX2 is up to the task!

Best Budget: CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments , Red

Looking for a heavy-duty shop vacuum that can handle all your large projects? Look no further than the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac! This powerful vacuum provides extra power for large projects in the garage, shop, or on the jobsite. The built-in blower port lets you quickly clean leaves and grass clippings from your garage or outdoors. The oversized drain makes it easy to empty liquids. And the dual-flex technology 2-1/2 in. diameter shop vacuum hose features Dual-Flex technology for 180-degree mobility at each end to resist kinking. Whether you're cleaning up after a project or tackling a big cleanup, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac is up to the task.

Best Value: Blue 8 Quart Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Loaded with Tools for Every Cleaning Job and HEPA Filtration

Looking for a backpack vacuum that will make your life easier? Look no further than the Blue 8 Quart Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Loaded with Tools for Every Cleaning Job. This powerful vacuum has a 8-quart capacity, so it can hold plenty of debris. The 25-foot cord is long enough to reach those hard-to-reach areas, and the 10-pound weight is easy to carry. The 6 included tools make it easy to clean anywhere, and the metal wand can be extended for even greater reach. The included HEPA filters keep dust and allergens out of the air, and the durable bags make cleanup a cinch. With a 2-year motor warranty and 4-stage filtration system, you can rest assured that this vacuum will last you for years to come. So don't wait any longer - get the Blue 8 Quart Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner Loaded with Tools for Every Cleaning Job today!

Editor's Choice: Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum Commercial - Canister Vacuum Cleaner – Hepa Filter - BP6S - 6 Quart

The Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum Commercial is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a powerful and comfortable vacuum cleaner. This backpack vacuum cleaner has a Deuter patented Aircomfort back vacuum cleaner harness system which provides airflow to keep you up to 25% cooler. It also has a 1200-watt portable vacuum that delivers superior cleaning power and productivity. The 5-stage HEPA filtration helps to improve indoor air quality by aiding to eliminate allergens and contaminated air particles. This commercial vacuum cleaner also includes 80-feet of hose, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush.

Related post

Led Strip Lights

Speakers For Music

Rechargeable Batteries


Compare Products

Showing  1 - 10  in  14 results
1
  • SCORE
    10.0
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Shop-Vac
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    DEWALT
3
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Craftsman
4
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    DEWALT
5
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Vacmaster
6
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Shop-Vac
7
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Shop-Vac
8
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Armor All
9
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vacs
10
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    AI Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Vacmaster

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

5
1 ratings

Buying Guides

Knowing What to Look for in a Shop Vacuum

There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a shop vac. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail. Suction Power - This is one of the most critical factors when buying a shop vac. You need the suction power to be strong enough to pick up fine dust and debris. But you don’t want the suction to be too strong as this can damage delicate or fragile materials. Shop vacs typically have around 100 to 200 watts of power. The amount of suction power you need will depend on the type of job you’re doing. If you just need a vacuum to clean up sawdust in your garage, you don’t need the same level of power as someone who needs to suck up sand and pebbles from their yard. Noise Levels - You don’t want your shop vac to be too loud, especially if you’re using it indoors. You may even want to look for a model that’s quiet enough to use in a library or other public space where noise levels need to be kept low. The noise level of a shop vac is measured in decibels (dB). The lower the dB rating, the quieter the vacuum. Tank Size - If you need to clean up large amounts of debris, you’ll probably want a model with a larger capacity tank. You may also want a vacuum with a large tank if you plan to use it for wet pick up, such as when you’re cleaning up outside where there’s a lot of water from the rain. Airflow and Fan Speed - The more debris you suck up, the hotter the motor in your vacuum will get. If the motor gets too hot, it may burn out. So it’s a good idea to look for a vacuum with good airflow and fan speed functions. This will allow you to regulate the suction power to keep the motor cool. Cord Length and Storage - If you work in a large or open space, you may not need to worry too much about the length of the cord. But if you need to use your shop vac in a small room or a cluttered garage, you’ll need to make sure the cord is long enough to reach all the areas you need to clean.

Cord Length and Storage

The cord length and storage are important factors to consider when buying a shop vac. It’s a good idea to look for a model that has a retractable cord so that you don’t have to keep winding it up. It’s also important to consider how you’re going to store the vacuum when you’re not using it. If you have limited space in your garage or workshop, you’ll want a model that’s easy to tuck away out of the way. It’s also worth noting that larger, bulkier vacuums are less portable and may be more difficult to store away when you’re done cleaning.


Bottom Line

There are a lot of different factors to consider when buying a shop vac. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s much easier to find the model that’s perfect for your needs. A shop vacuum is a must-have tool for anyone with a home workshop or a large garage full of cars and other vehicles. Shop vacs are also great for cleaning up larger messes inside the house, such as when your kid has been playing with Play-Doh.