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Best Wet/dry vacuums

Which Wet/dry vacuums performed best in our tests?

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We tested 23 wet/dry vacuums to determine the best-performing models. Our expert lab technicians tested each Wet/dry vacuum based on the following criteria:

  • Dry
  • Emissions
  • Ease of use
  • Weight (lb.)
  • Wet
  • Capacity (claimed/usable, gals.)

Below lists the Wet/dry vacuums that rated best in each of the tests our experts looked for. Learn about how these tests were performed and find out which Wet/dry vacuum is rated best when you subscribe.

Consumer Reports Ratings for Best Wet/dry vacuums

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Dry
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Dry denotes the amount of airflow maintained after vacs picked up 1,000 grams of dust-simulating wood flour, along with the ability to pick up screws, wood pieces, and other heavier debris.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Dry has the following features: Accepts dust bag and Cleanup tools.

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Emissions
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Emissions denotes wood flour released while vacuuming.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Emissions has the following features: Accepts dust bag and Cleanup tools.

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Ease of use
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Ease of use includes changing the filter and using the hose, wands, nozzles, handles, lid latches, and other features, as well as tip resistance when empty.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Ease of use has the following features: Accepts dust bag and Cleanup tools.

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Weight (lb.)
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The weight of the unit, in pounds.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Weight (lb.) has the following features: Cleanup tools.

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Wet
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Wet reflects how thoroughly it removed a 1-gallon water spill and how long it took.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Wet has the following features: Accepts dust bag and Cleanup tools.

ratingsBest Wet/dry vacuum for Capacity (claimed/usable, gals.)
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Capacity is as claimed by manufacturers, and for usable, as measured by vacuuming water until models shut off automatically, in gallons.


This Wet/dry vacuum which tested best for Capacity (claimed/usable, gals.) has the following features: Cleanup tools.