Small wet vacuum: Best Small Shop Vacuums 2022

Miscellaneous

Best Small Shop Vacuums 2022

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Small shop vacuums are indispensable. They clean up sawdust in the workshop, dirt at the potting bench, salt and road sand from out of your car’s floor mats, and water from a plumbing leak. Because we use them almost daily, we know how important they are to us and to you. That’s why we’ve tested a range of the most promising models to determine the best.

Take a look below at quick info on the best shop vacs from our testing, then scroll down for buying advice and in-depth reviews.

The Best Small Shop Vacuums

  • Best Overall: Ridgid Stor-N-Go WD5500
  • Best Storage: Vacmaster VHB 305M
  • Most Versatile: DeWalt Max DCB205CK
  • Quietest: Armor All AA255
  • Most Capacity: Snapper XD Max 1688061

Anatomy of a Shop Vacuum

A shop vacuum consists of a detachable motor and fan assembly known as the vacuum head. It sits atop and is clamped to a plastic drum (or a steel drum in some industrial models). If the drum is small, the vacuum may be configured like a suitcase so you can carry it around. Some even have shoulder straps. Many small shop vacuums also have wall-mounting hardware so you can store them near a work bench or on the wall of a garage, wherever you’ll need it most often, enabling fast cleanup. Larger vacuums sit on a set of caster wheels, and you roll them around. The volume of the vacuum’s tank is measured in gallons, which refers to how much it will hold without the vacuum head (and air filter) in place. It’s an approximation of the tank’s capacity. Typical residential and light commercial-grade shop vacuums have tanks that range from 5 to 20 gallons. Industrial models may use a 55-gallon drum.

Most small shop vacuums are designed in a familiar configuration, with a nozzle and hose fitting into an inlet port. Debris or water picked up by the hose gets pulled into the drum, and the air used to pull it goes out the exhaust port. And if you need a blower in a pinch, you can insert the hose into the outlet port.

Related Stories
  • The 10 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
  • The Best Tools of 2022
  • The Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors

How We Tested

We gathered several small shop vacs that are easily portable and ideal for small to mid-size jobs around the house, garage, and yard. We timed each corded vacuum as it sucked up 2 pounds of sawdust, 2 pounds of screened top soil, and a gallon of water. We averaged the times of those three tests and looked at other features and performance characteristics: the machines’ noise under peak load, handle comfort, cord length, and whether the hose attaches securely.

If you’re interested in the cordless alternative, scroll down to the end to have a look at the 9-gallon, 82-volt Snapper, on which we did some preliminary testing. We didn’t run the time trial, but we did use it as a portable dust collector. If you use cordless Snapper power tools, you may find those results worth examining.

—BEST OVERALL—

Ridgid Stor-N-Go WD5500

Time trial: 6.4 sec | Tank size: 3 gal | Cord length: 10 ft | Noise: 88 dB (A-weighted)

Ridgid Stor-N-Go WD5500 Small Shop Vacuum

Ridgid Stor-N-Go WD5500 Small Shop Vacuum

$156 at Walmart

Pros
  • Works quickly
  • Flexible hose
Cons
  • Top-heavy

The small shop vac winner from our test is fast and powerful. Its large-diameter, clog-resistant hose is supple and easy to work with, even in cold weather. The same goes for its power cord. And nothing came close in our test for sucking up a gallon of water: 2.2 seconds, twice as fast as any other machine. Finally, we like that it had the best accessory kit of any of the vacs tested, including a well-designed wall-mounting bracket, which makes it ideal for positioning near a work bench. Its only demerit is that it’s a bit top-heavy; of course that’s less of an issue as the tank fills with debris.

—BEST STORAGE—

Vacmaster VHB 305M

Time trial: 9.8 sec | Tank size: 3.2 gal | Cord length: 15 ft | Noise: 87 dB (A-weighted)

Vacmaster VHB 305M Small Shop Vacuum

Vacmaster VHB 305M Small Shop Vacuum

$65 at Amazon

Pros
  • Good mounting bracket and caddy
  • Long hose

This was the only vac to come with a four-wheel caddy, and its wall-mounting bracket is very well designed–a hook on the side of the vacuum’s canister slips nicely into it. This makes it a very adaptable appliance; we see it as being capable for wheeling around the house (vacuuming as you would normally with a home vacuum), in the shop, or with a permanent station on the garage wall for car cleaning–an application made more practical by its 6-foot hose. You need as much hose as you can get in auto cleaning to reach floor mats and between seats.

—MOST VERSATILE—

DeWalt Max DCB205CK

Time trial: 12.6 sec | Tank size: 2 gal | Cord length: 8 ft | Noise: 88 dB (A-weighted)

DeWalt Max DCB205CK Small Shop Vacuum

DeWalt Max DCB205CK Small Shop Vacuum

Now 28% Off

$318 at Amazon

Pros
  • Works both with a cord and with batteries
  • Great air filter
Cons
  • Tank lip can catch dirt

The only vacuum that works as both cordless and corded in this test is powered by its manufacturer’s well-regarded XR (extended run) battery; you can drill and saw with the company’s other cordless power tools and then plug the same battery into this machine and clean up the mess. As versatile and as remarkable as that it is, it gets even better in that you can also run the vacuum on 120-volt power. Icing on the cake is the best air filter in the test, which you don’t need to change when switching from dry to wet. Our only complaint is the tank’s lip. It catches dirt when you tip the tank over to empty debris. Not a deal breaker, by any means, but something that could be improved.

—QUIETEST—

Armor All AA255

Time trial: 11.6 sec | Tank size: 2.5 gal | Cord length: 10 ft | Noise: 83 dB (A-weighted)

Armor All AA255 Small Shop Vacuum

Armor All AA255 Small Shop Vacuum

$71 at Amazon

Pros
  • Produces relatively little noise
  • Well suited to cleaning cars
Cons
  • Stiff power cord

The quietest ­vacuum in the test is at home sucking up debris and other messes in the car (though you should still wear hearing protection). It has more than enough power for light-duty cleaning and a handy Velcro band for the cord. We also particularly like its oddly shaped (and oddly named) accessory: the Deluxe Car Nozzle. Calling it “deluxe” may be overstating things a bit, but it’s actually well suited to the low-nap carpet used in cars, along with ribbed floor mats. Our only complaint is that the power cord, which is sufficiently long, is stiff–especially in cold weather. Our advice would be not to station the machine in the garage; leave it in the house where a little extra warmth will help maintain cord flexibility.

—MOST CAPACITY—

Snapper XD Max 1688061

Time trial: Not tested | Tank size: 9 gal | Cord length: N.A. | Noise: Not tested

Snapper XD Max 1688061 Small Shop Vacuum

Snapper XD Max 1688061 Small Shop Vacuum

$599 at Amazon

Pros
  • Powerful
  • Large tank
Cons
  • Expensive

One of the better shop vacuums we’ve tested is this cordless model from Snapper. With one battery, it will run for a bit more than 20 minutes, and we found that it has enough power to pull in both sawdust and heavier debris, like a mixture of metal shavings and sawdust (we didn’t try it with water). One of the best applications for it is to plug its hose into an adapter fitting and connect the fitting to a circular saw that has a dust port. In that context, the 1688061 is amazing. It forms a rolling dust collector that follows the saw as it cuts. We estimated that it picks up 95 percent (or slightly more) of the dust the saw produced. We were impressed when we picked up the vacuum head and looked in the tank. On the work surface, there was a thin scattering of dust, but the tank had quite a pile at the bottom, all of which would have been on the shop floor—and us—had we not had the vacuum hooked up. Because the vacuum as a kit is quite expensive, it makes the most sense as an accessory for people that are already using Snapper’s other yard tools, like its mower. That makes it more likely that you’ll have access to two batteries, greatly extending the machine’s run time. A final observation: We liked the Turbo setting, which increases the motor and fan speed for aggressive vacuuming. Of course, this runs the battery down faster, further necessitating a backup. To be fair, however, we did notice that only 15 minutes on the charger will impart enough charge to the battery to do an equal amount of vacuuming, probably allowing you to finish the job.

Roy Berendsohn

Senior Home Editor

Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.

Wet/Dry Vacuums & Shop Vacs at Ace Hardware

Top Categories

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison. Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

  • Select 2 or more products for side-by-side feature comparison.Compare

Showing 30 of 53

which small wet and dry vacuum cleaner is better to choose?

Life

For a quick daily cleaning, washing glass, furniture, skirting boards and cornices, you can purchase a compact washing vacuum cleaner. Which small option for dry and wet cleaning of the house is better to choose?

All washing vacuum cleaners work on the same principle. For wet cleaning, they need two tanks of water. From one they take a liquid that, under pressure, falls on a rag, sprayed on the surface, and the floor is wiped. Waste dirty water enters another container. The fluid supply is adjustable. The larger the tanks, the longer the vacuum cleaner runs before refueling.

If you need a full-fledged wet general cleaning, you will have to purchase a large unit. But for local daily cleaning, a compact mini-vacuum cleaner is quite suitable. He will wash the windows, do a wet cleaning in the car, clean the furniture, wipe small areas of the floor. The technique, having special functions, can also work with delicate fabrics.

Choice

When choosing a technique, you should decide whether you need a universal model for frequent small cleaning or a unit with a narrow action: for washing windows, car interiors, cleaning furniture. Next, you need to decide which device is preferable, mains or battery. Maybe someone needs a robot. Already having an idea of ​​​​your desires, you should take a closer look at the parameters of the technique. For full-fledged work, it must have the following features.

  • It’s best to choose the most powerful mini vacuum cleaner available, suction activity is especially important. If the instructions indicate only the power of the motor, you should ask the seller about the amount of suction (for a “baby” it is at least 100 W).
  • Tank volumes it is advisable to choose the largest of the proposed options.
  • A good quality filter is essential for a vacuum cleaner.

    Many people prefer a light vacuum cleaner for quick cleaning, but we should not forget that for washing models, the smaller the dimensions, the worse and more useless the cleaning itself becomes. It is also necessary to take into account the texture of the surface to be looked after. Wet cleaning with a vacuum cleaner can adversely affect the condition of the laminate or parquet. Water, lingering in microcracks, can spoil the coating material.

    Washing mini vacuum cleaners work well on carpets and upholstery. They clean off the old dirt stuck on the villi, which is beyond the power of conventional units.

    Moist daily cleaning is essential for people with asthma or allergies. In this case, it will be justified to choose a compact vacuum cleaner for the home with a wet cleaning function.

    Overview of models

    There are a lot of washing mini-vacuum cleaners on the market, this does not make it easier, but rather makes it difficult to choose. To help you understand and decide on a purchase, consider the most popular models.

    Clever&Clean HV-100

    Battery operated product. In addition to dry cleaning, it is used as a universal unit for washing windows, chandeliers, cornices, sofas, and small areas of the floor. The model has a weight of 1.3 kg, a dust collector of the cyclone system. Consumers note good power as a positive point, but are dissatisfied with the big noise that the “baby” makes, like a full-fledged large vacuum cleaner.

    Mi Roborock Sweep One

    The robot has 12 sensors and a laser range finder, which helps it move freely and return to base on its own. He is able to overcome obstacles up to 2 centimeters high. Works in the mode of dry and wet cleaning for about 3 hours without recharging. Then it charges for 2. 5 hours. The disadvantages include the high cost of the robot.

    Karcher SE 6.100

    Compact and manoeuvrable unit, one of the best small-sized washing vacuum cleaners. In terms of performance, it is not inferior to large-sized models. It performs dry and wet cleaning, has a power of 1.5 kW, a long network cable (5 m), and an average noise level. As a dust collector there is a bag and a tank (4 l). The disadvantage is the lack of a power regulator.

    Kitfort KT-516

    Tiny, elegant black robot with electronic display, 0.5 l dust container, weighs 3.1 kg. Works for 1.5 hours without recharging, dry cleaning and thoroughly wiping the floor with a damp cloth. Returns to base on its own, requires 5 hours of recharging.

    Handles daily cleaning in two to three rooms. Cleans thoroughly, in corners and crevices. It is relatively inexpensive. Among the shortcomings, failures in the cleaning program for some unsuccessful specimens are noted.

    Everybot RS500

    Oblong vacuum cleaner with aquafilter. It has 6 modes of operation, including on vertical surfaces, moves quickly enough. Carries out wet cleaning with napkins. The tank is small – 0.6 liters. Runs autonomously for 50 minutes, requires 2.5 hours of recharging. The robot weighs just under 2 kilograms. It washes glass and mirrors well, works almost silently. The downside is the height of the structure, which does not allow cleaning under low-standing furniture. Users note the manual charging process and the frequent collision of the robot with an obstacle during cleaning as a disadvantage.

    The result of the washing vacuum cleaner can be seen in the video below.

    • Dendrobium orchid transplant (8 photos): how to transplant a dendrobium orchid into a pot after buying it at home step by step?
    • Creating an atmosphere of happiness in the house: 10 simple ideas

    Trendy black manicure 2020: popular and new dark nail art ideas

    Reducer: assembly features, rules and secrets

    Grape compote is rich in useful vitamins and turns out moderately sweet – with a bit of sourness and a very balanced taste

    How to make a chocolate cake quickly and tasty

    Vacuum cleaner for dry and wet cleaning Karcher NT 22/1 Ap Te L 9 0001

    Article: 1. 378-610.0

    114 990 ₸

    Installment plan 19 165 x 6 months

    Vacuum cleaner for dry and wet cleaning NT 22/1 Ap Te L quantity

    Add to compareCategory: Wet and dry vacuum cleaners

    Description

    Toolmakers and craftsmen will appreciate this small working machine. Our NT 22/1 Ap Te L wet and dry vacuum cleaner has a socket for power tools, it is very light and therefore always easy to transport. The model impresses with its capabilities in solving problems associated with the collection of small and moderate amounts of various debris: from fine dust to debris and liquids. The connection hole for the suction hose is located directly on the turbine head of the device, which ensures maximum ease of disposal of the collected debris. With a semi-automatic filter cleaning system and a moisture-resistant PES polyester silk cartridge filter, it can easily deal with dust, fine debris and liquid with little effort. All of the above key features make this model an ideal assistant when performing installation, construction and finishing work.

    Features and Benefits
    Light weight with compact dimensions

    The machine is easy and safe to move and store

    Semi-automatic filter cleaning

    Semi-automatic filter cleaning system ensures long-lasting high suction power.

    Removable filter cassette

    Easy and dust-free replacement or maintenance of the flat pleated filter.

    Power tool socket with automatic on/off switch Power tool socket turns on the vacuum cleaner only when required like a “remote control”

    The vacuum cleaner automatically turns on when the connected power tool starts working

    Specifications

    Specifications

    Power supply (V/Hz)

    220 – 240 / 50 – 60

    Air consumption (l/s)

    71

    Vacuum (mbar/kPa)

    255 / 25.