December 2007
Wet/dry vacuums
large models
The Craftsman, a CR Best Buy, weighs less and held 14 gallons. The Ridgid held 11.5 gallons and excelled in our dust-emissions tests. Like all Ridgid models, it's sold mostly at Home Depot.
medium-sized models
The Ridgid, a CR Best Buy, was the best of this size and held the most (10.5 gallons).
small models
Between these two vacs, the Craftsman performed better in our wet-pickup tests and held 6.5 gallons. The Ridgid held less in our tests (3 gallons), but proved better for picking up dry debris.
minisized models
The stackable Ridgid trades pickup capacity (just 2.5 gallons in our tests) for neat, compact storage.
Ridgid Pro Utility Vac WD1850
large models
- Craftsman (Sears) 17762, $110
- Ridgid Pro Utility Vac WD1850, $150
The Craftsman, a CR Best Buy, weighs less and held 14 gallons. The Ridgid held 11.5 gallons and excelled in our dust-emissions tests. Like all Ridgid models, it's sold mostly at Home Depot.
medium-sized models
- Ridgid WD1450, $100
The Ridgid, a CR Best Buy, was the best of this size and held the most (10.5 gallons).
small models
- Craftsman (Sears) 17742, $60
- Ridgid Stor-N-Go WD5500, $100
Between these two vacs, the Craftsman performed better in our wet-pickup tests and held 6.5 gallons. The Ridgid held less in our tests (3 gallons), but proved better for picking up dry debris.
minisized models
- Ridgid Pro Pack WD4550, $100
The stackable Ridgid trades pickup capacity (just 2.5 gallons in our tests) for neat, compact storage.
