Want to tidy up your shop, workplace or garage? If you are like many of us who need to ease cleaning at the workplace and get it done efficiently, then a vacuum cleaner is something that must have crossed your mind. Unlike typical home floor vacuum cleaners, there are those that are specifically designed with agility and flexibility for use in a working environment like a shop.
In this buying guide, we will outline some of the best performing vacuum cleaners to use in your shop and factors that one should look out for when buying one.
Best pick – Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
Powerful and portable for a better cleaning experience
The Shop-Vac 5989300 5-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum has a powerful motor that makes it ideal for most clean up jobs. It is portable and this makes transportation very easy.
Best Shop Vacuums 2023 To Buy
Here are 10 of the best shop vacuum cleaners that have stood the test of time and ranked top among dozens in the market.
10. Ridgid 50348RID 50348 1400RV Wet/Dry Vacuum
Price: Fairly priced
Hose length: 8 Feet
Capacity: 14 gallons
Special Features: push handle for emptying, bottom liquid dumping drain.
The Ridgid 50348RID is a high performance shop vacuum cleaner that has 6 horsepower and a large capacity of 14 gallons. With its flexible 8 feet hose, large carry handle and wheels, you can easily move around with this vacuum cleaner and use it with efficiency. Its unique sound reduction technology also makes it one of the quietest in the market.
It comes with a sturdy cart and an accessory bag that helps the user better organize the attachments. The features and high powered 120 volts motor makes this shop vac one of the best performings in the market.
Pros and Cons
- This shop vac has a good suction.
- It has a sturdy build that gives it good durability.
- Some users have complained of receiving the product with missing parts.
9. Armor All AA255 Utility Shop Vacuum
Price: Affordable.
Hose length: 6 feet.
Capacity: 2.5 gallons.
Special features: Lightweight & portable, complete vac organization, wet and dry capabilities, deluxe car nozzle, detail brush, converts to a blower.
Are you looking for an effective vacuum to tidy up your small shop or garage? Then, we highly recommend the Armor All AA255 Utility Shop Vacuum that’s perfect for such small spaces. This small shop vacuum can handle both wet and dry pickup, thus providing you with seemingly unlimited use. It also includes all the accessories for all your interior cleaning needs, such as a 6-foot hose, removable cloth filter, a 2-in-1 nozzle, crevice tool, reusable foam sleeve, and detail brush. The detailed brush will help you access the tiny spaces, such as vents that need extra attention to clean properly.
And, do you need to dry wet surfaces in your home? Well, this vac also converts to a blower to help you with your drying needs. You can also use the blower to dry your motorcycle, wheels, and car grill after cleaning. The unit comes with an automatic shut-off function to prevent overflow. A built-in air and noise diffuser ensures efficient and quiet operation. This vacuum is very easy to use since it doesn’t require any assembly, making it one of the best small shop vacuums you can get for cleaning your workspace.
Pros and Cons
- The unit is lightweight and portable to simplify your cleaning process.
- The hose and accessory storage are within the vac for easy organization.
- It easily converts into a blower for drying wet surfaces.
- The suction power should be enhanced to hasten the cleaning process.
8. VacuMaid GV50PRO Wall Mounted Garage and Car Vacuum
Price: Highly priced
Hose length: 50 feet
Capacity: 7 gallon
Special Features: Sealed HEPA, Galvannealed steel and powder coating
VacuMaid GV50PRO is a wall mount vacuum which easily mounts on the wall with a firm grip eliminating any chances of tipping over or falling. It comes with a hanger, a 50 feet hose, caddy, dusting brush, upholstery tools and wands. For its power and suction, it relies on an Ametek Lamb motor that is well known for its durability and performance.
This vacuum cleaner is designed with a garage in mind although many people have found it to be very useful in large shop space. With a 50 feet long hose and a 7 gallon dirt capacity you can cover a very large area without anything to worry about.
Pros and Cons
- It covers a wide working area, thanks to the long hose.
- The vacuum cleaner boasts a high customer satisfaction rate.
- It comes with a higher price tag as compared to many shop vacs in the market.
7. Vacmaster 5 Gallon Mountable Vacuum
Price: Low price tag
Hose length: 10 feet
Capacity: 5 gallons
Special Features: combo floor nozzle, 2 extension wands, washable filter cartridge, caddy and remote control handle.
This Vacmaster 5 gallon is a powerful and versatile shop vac which also doubles as a detachable blower that is suitable for both wet and dry surface cleaning. Versatility and flexibility are improved with the 10 feet hose, 2 extension wands and a remote that gives you better user experience.
It has a powerful motor that is super quiet which makes it convenient to use. Other features and functionality include the On/Off switch, on-board accessory storage, and a blower function. If you are looking for a wall mount vacuum for use in a small shop then this is one worth giving a shot.
Pros and Cons
- It has a very powerful suction system which gives it good performance.
- The shop vac is easy to operate, thanks to the handy features including the remote control.
- Reported complains include parts failing after some time.
6. DeWALT DXV06P 6 gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac
Price: Fairly priced
Hose length: 7 feet
Capacity: 6 Gallon
Special Features:10 feet power cord, 4 peak HP motor, in-built power port, 3-in-1 operation, crevice nozzle, waterproof switch, 360 degree rotation.
This powerful shop vacuum is what you need to keep your shop clean and maintain it in the best condition. With a heavy duty 4 peak HP motor, this shop vac delivers enough suction power for intensive cleanup jobs. It comes with a 6 gallon tank that makes it ideal for the various clean up jobs that you have to do in your shop. The vacuum is built with durable rubberized casters that make it easy to move the shop vac from one location to another.
The hose is 7 feet long with a diameter that measures 1.875 inches. It is, therefore, able to reach far off locations and pull in as much debris as possible and this will make it easy for you to clean up your job site. At 10 feet, the power cord is long as well and this way, the shop vac can be used to clean large areas without any problem. It comes with a strong handle as well that makes handling and moving around with the unit very easy.
Pros and Cons
- Durable design for long-lasting use
- Functional dust filter to get rid of debris
- Water-resistant design to prevent electric damage
- Minor design issues reported by users.
5. Bissell Garage Pro Wall-Mounted Wet Dry Car Vacuum
Price: Fairly priced
Hose length: 32 feet
Capacity: 4 Gallon
Special Features: Semi-translucent dirt tank, helix system (converts to blower)
Designed with versatility and garage in mind, the Bissell has not only been a good performer for garage owners but shop owners also love its convenience. This vacuum cleaner works for both wet and dry cleaning and can be used effectively on the bare floor, carpeted and upholstery surfaces.
Perhaps one more thing that you will love with this vacuum cleaner is that it can also convert to work as a blower. Although 4 gallons is smaller as compared to many others, its 32 feet hose gives users a wide area coverage. If you are looking for a good wall mount shop vac that covers a wide area this is one that’s worth considering.
Pros and Cons
- It is efficient and has high performing.
- The vacuum cleaner can be used as a blower.
- It boasts a good satisfaction rate from users.
- Has a smaller tank of only 4 gallons, so it cannot be used for cleaning a large working area.
4. CRAFTSMAN Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum
Price: Modest price tag
Hose length: 7 feet
Capacity: 16 gallon
Special Features: Built-in drain, 6.5 HP motor, in-built blower port, dual flex technology, 180 degree mobility, dust filter, dust collection.
The CRAFTSMAN Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum is the best small shop vac that you can get if you usually have a lot of dirt to clean up in your shop or job site. With a 6.5 HP motor, this shop vac provides extra power to clear debris in the garage, shop or job site. It has an in-built blower port that makes it easy to remove grass clippings and leaves outdoors and in your garage.
The hose is 7 feet long and it has a diameter of 2 and a half inches. The shop vac will, therefore, suck in unwanted debris from the job site in the shortest time possible. It has a heavy duty handle on the top that makes it easy to handle and transport the vacuum from one place to another. A Qwik lock filter prevents debris from getting into the delicate parts of the machine and this will ensure that you are able to use it for a very long time.
Pros and Cons
- Heavy duty build for long lasting use
- Strong handle for easier movement and transportation
- Powerful motor for large cleanup jobs
- Some users complain the unit is heavy and bulky.
3. Stanley 6 Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
Price: Low priced
Hose length: 6 feet
Capacity: 6 Gallon
Special Features: Swiveling casters, powerful suction, 4 HP motor, and sturdy handle.
This is another impressive shop vacuum that you may consider if you have some clean up to do in your garage or shop. The shop vac comes with an impressive design that will make it easy for you to set it up as you perform the cleaning within your shop. The unit comes with a 6 feet long hose that will allow you to reach far off areas in your jobsite for proper cleaning. The vacuum has a 4 HP motor which is quite powerful to remove debris, dirt, leaves, and grass clippings from your garage or job site.
The unit has a portable build as well and this makes it easy for you to take it from one job site to another. You can control the shop vac with a large switch and this adds to the convenience of using this unit for your cleanup operations. It has a large handle that boosts the unit’s portability as well.
Pros and Cons
- Portable design for easy transportation
- Long hose makes it easy to clean large areas
- Powerful motor for large cleaning jobs
- The durability could be enhanced to prevent breakage.
2. Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac
Price: Low price tag
Hose length: 8 feet
Capacity: 5 gallon
Special Features: 5.5 HP motor, integrated hose storage, 18″ power cord, superior suction, built-in blower port, rugged design.
The Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Vac is among the best small shop vac that you need for your site clean-up jobs. With a rugged design, this monster is able to withstand corrosion and impact and this assures you of long lasting use. The motor is powerful as well and the unit will effectively clean all the debris that collects in your garage or job site. The hose is long and this way, you are able to reach far off areas with ease.
The unit comes with a long power cord that makes it easy for you to extend your cleaning to far-off areas. A strong handle is fixed to the top that will use to move the shop vac from one location to another. You can adjust the power of the device easily with the switch that has been properly secured to prevent damage. The unit has a durable filter as well that gets rid of dust and other debris that can damage the unit.
Pros and Cons
- Resistant to corrosion and impact makes the unit durable
- Long hose makes it easy to reach far areas
- Durable filter prevents dust from getting to the delicate parts of the machine
- Minor performance issues reported.
1. Shop-Vac 5989300 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum
Price: Low price tag
Hose length: 7 feet
Capacity: 5 Gallon
Special Features: Rear blower port, top, and side carry handles, on-board storage.
To wrap up this countdown is the best selling vacuum cleaner by Shop-Vac. The Shop-Vac 5989300 portrays craftsmanship at its finest. The tank is made of heavy duty stainless steel which makes it last longer. To push maximum airflow of 175 CFM, it comes with a high performance motor. The smooth-running wheels underneath it make it easy to push and flexibly access all the places needed to clean.
Some features unique to this small shop vacuum include the rear blower port, a secure latch system, top, and side carry handles and the on-board storage system. From all facets, this shop vac is a performer ahead of every other in the market.
Pros and Cons
- It offers excellent flexibility and versatility.
- The shop vac is highly efficient and works in almost any environment.
- It has a high customer satisfaction rate.
- Something could be done to improve the hose as it clogs after a while.
Choosing A Small Shop Vacuum
Here are some of the factors to look for when you are looking for the best shop vac to buy.
Capacity
Vacuums are designed differently with capacity in mind. Your choice of a vacuum cleaner will be determined by the size of your shop space and area to clean. If you have a smaller space or looking for a good vacuum cleaner for a small shop then a vacuum cleaner with a small capacity tank will work. However, if you have a large workplace area to be covered you will need a vacuum cleaner with a big tank capacity.
Hose Length
Just as in the case of capacity, the area that you can cover with a vacuum cleaner can be determined by the hose length. Some have short hoses while others have long ones that give the user a wide coverage.
Although there are some shop vacuums that you can move from one place to another, it will depend on your workplace environment. Some vacuums like wall mount vacuums will also demand that you have a long hose if you have a wide area of coverage since you cannot move it.
Versatility and Flexibility
When getting a shop vacuum cleaner, one thing that you must never ignore is its versatility and flexibility. A good shop vac should be multi-functional and also easy to use in any shop, garage or workplace.
The introduction of wall mount shop vacs has brought a positive impact in flexibility and versatility of shop vacuums. You don’t have to move around with them which makes it less time consuming and more efficient.
Performance and Efficiency
Performance is everything in a shop vacuum. The performance and efficiency of the vacuum will depend on the features it has. Mostly the motor, suction system and the filter have a huge impact on the service that one gets.
Whether you are getting a wall-mount shop vac or a portable one, you need to get one with a powerful motor and good suction.
Pricing
If the choice of your shop vacuum cleaner comes down to your budget, then you will be glad to learn that there are good ones that you can find at affordable prices. You should, however, be keen and not fall prey to cheap ones that are flimsy and of lower performance.
Final Verdict
Sometimes keeping your shop or workplace tidy and clean takes time. The shop vacuum cleaners listed above have demonstrated excellent performance in helping users easily clean their shops, garage and workplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a shop vac without a filter?
A: Some shop vacuums can be used without a filter but if you plan to use it this way, make sure that you only use the unit to pick water only. Using it with solid debris may introduce harmful elements that may damage the unit.
Q: How big a shop vac unit do I need?
A: The size of the shop vac that you should get depends on the amount of cleaning that you need to do. If you are running large projects and your job site is always dirty, then you need a shop vac with a large capacity and more power to make cleaning the job site easy.
Q: Can you use the unit without the bag?
A: Yes, you can but this will end up creating a huge mess within the canister. To avoid this, always use the shop vac with the bag.
Q: Can a wet/dry shop vacuum pick up water?
A: Yes, it can. Such pumps are able to collect large amounts of water making them ideal for cleaning water-filled jobsites and basements.
Q: Is 5 HP good for a shop vac?
A: A 5 hp shop vac is a very good choice. To get excellent suction power, you should have high HP. Assuming you have already vacuumed, any 1-2 horsepower vacuum should be able to remove dirt, dust, and debris. We recommend 4-5 horsepower for you.
