Wet/dry vacuum Buying Guide

Getting started

Whether it's sawdust in your basement or a spill in your kitchen, wet/dry vacuums are designed to handle the toughest household messes. Our dusty, watery tests show that some wet/dry vacuums shoulder their tasks with more finesse than others.

Major brands are pushing stackable and cordless wet/dry vacuums and other new designs as they try to get wet/dry vacuums out of the basement and into the kitchen and living room. But cleaning ability should be your primary concern. The largest models generally delivered the quickest, most thorough cleaning and the most capacity, and they tended to be the best equipped. But you may need a smaller, lighter vacuum--perhaps even a mini-sized model--if your home is shy on storage space or has more than one level.

We checked how well the vacuums picked up dust that simulates wood flour, and how much of that dust they leaked into the air. Screws, wood pieces, and other heavier debris were a more demanding test of suction, and a one-gallon spill tested wet-cleaning ability. Finally, we judged ease of use of each vacuum's features and accessories.

Don't buy capacity claims

Most of the manufacturers overstated the fluid capacity of the vacuums we tested, some by as much as eight gallons. While those claims may correlate with the size of the vacuum's collection area, our measurements are based on actual vacuuming until each vacuum's internal float rose high enough to block further suction.

Do use hearing protectors

All of the wet/dry vacuums we tested were loud. Some reach 85 decibels, the level at which we recommend wearing earplugs to prevent hearing damage.

Types

Wet/dry vacuums are relatively basic. So choose one based on your cleaning needs, your storage--and how far you'll need to move it. Here are the types pf wet/dry vacuums to consider.

Large wet/dry vacuums

They clean the best and hold the most dust, but they're heavy and bulky.

Medium-sized wet/dry vacuums

These offer a good compromise in performance and compactness.

Small wet/dry vacuums

Consider these if you're willing to sacrifice performance and capacity for easier portability.

Mini-sized wet/dry vacuums

These sacrifice the most performance and capacity for the least weight and easiest storage.

Features

Some details help make wet/dry vacuums more versatile. Here are the wet-dry vacuum features to consider:

Cleanup tools

Most models come with a utility nozzle for bulky debris and a crevice nozzle for tight spots. Some also have a special nozzle for car interiors and an insert for a dusting brush.

Dual-swivel hose fittings

Most vacuums we tested have two swivel fittings, one at each end of the hose, to help prevent kinks. A few have only one, at the canister end.

Dust bag around the filter

This bag, about $3 to $8, keeps the inside of the vacuum cleaner, making the switch from dry to wet cleaning easier. It should also help the $10 to $20 cartridge filter last longer and maintain more suction. Some models include bags, while others make them an option. But think twice about pricey "high-performance" replacement bags. Our tests have shown that standard bags can securely hold a pile of bolts, nails, screws, and other debris while still allowing plenty of suction.

Extension wands

Long ones reduce the need for stooping and kneeling.

Filter

Look for a pleated cartridge filter, found on most models. It's easier to change and less prone to dust leaks than a two-piece paper-and-foam filter. Be warned: Some odd-sized filters are hard to find beyond the manufacturer's website. Check on filter availability before you buy a vacuum.

Hose lock

This secures the hose to the canister more securely than a simple press-on fitting.

Off-the-wall designs

Traditional wet/dry vacuums roll around and take up space on the floor. Some models can clip onto a wall bracket or slide onto a shelf. But you pay for that convenience. Larger models can typically hold more for about the same price.

Pump

Models with a drain spout let you attach a pump and a garden hose so that you can empty the vacuum without lifting it and carrying it upstairs. Some vacuums come with a pump; others will accept an aftermarket pump.