The Best Shop Vacuums
We compared eight shop vacuums on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum is our top pick for its power and versatility.
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The bottom line
The CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum (B0B6412553) is our top pick for its powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, 16-gallon capacity, and versatile accessories. It's well-received for its robust performance and versatility. The closest alternative is the CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum (B0B6454LT5), which offers similar performance at a slightly higher price. For a budget option, the CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum (B07QXWG93C) provides good performance for small messes at a lower cost.
CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum $198.99
Best for heavy-duty tasks
The CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum offers powerful suction and a large capacity for heavy-duty cleaning. It includes versatile accessories and comes with a 3-year warranty. At $198.99, it's a bit pricey, but the performance justifies the cost. Skip it if you need something more portable or for smaller tasks.
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CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum $209.99
Also great for heavy-duty use
The CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum is another powerful option with a 6.5 Peak HP motor and 16-gallon capacity. It includes a variety of accessories and a 3-year warranty. At $209.99, it's slightly more expensive than the top pick but offers similar performance. Choose this if you prefer a slightly different accessory set.
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CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum $40.99
Best for small messes
The CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum is lightweight and portable, suitable for small messes. It includes a blower function and multiple accessories. At $40.99, it's a cost-effective option. Skip it if you need a more powerful vacuum for heavy-duty tasks.
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- CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Best for heavy-duty tasks, powerful motor 9.0/10 $198.99 Amazon
- CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum Also great for heavy-duty use, large capacity 8.5/10 $209.99 Amazon
- CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum Best for small messes, lightweight and portable 8.0/10 $40.99 Amazon
- Vacmaster VOC508S Wet/Dry Vac Good for everyday use, stainless steel tank 7.5/10 $58.98 Amazon
- Armor All Utility Vac Versatile and compact, strong suction 7.0/10 $64.32 Amazon
- Armor All Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum Compact and portable, effective cleaning 6.5/10 $39.99 Amazon
- Amazon Basics Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner Versatile and powerful, stainless steel tank 6.0/10 $62.99 Amazon
- CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum Bundle Portable and lightweight, suitable for small messes 5.5/10 $67.98 Amazon
Who should buy which
If you need a powerful vacuum for heavy-duty tasks, the CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum or the CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum are your best bets. For smaller messes or more portable use, the CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum is a cost-effective option. The Armor All Utility Vac and Armor All Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum are also versatile and compact, making them suitable for users who need a portable and easy-to-store vacuum.
What owners complain about
Owners of the CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum mention that it can be loud and the tube can get clogged. The filter also gets dirty over time, requiring maintenance. For the CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum and the CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Shop Vacuum, there are no significant complaints, but their higher price points may be a consideration for some users.
Also-rans
The Amazon Basics Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Cleaner and the CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum Bundle did not earn picks due to either lower power, smaller capacity, or higher price compared to the top picks. The Amazon Basics model, while versatile, lacks the power and capacity of the top picks. The CRAFTSMAN Shop Vacuum Bundle, despite its portability, is overshadowed by the more powerful and versatile CRAFTSMAN 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum.