The Best Wet Dry Shop Vacs

UPDATED: Mar 07, 2020.

Are you searching for the best wet dry shop vacs? As a homeowner, you might require more vacuuming power that can only be found in a shop-vac.  

Broken pipes, wet basements, cleaning up the truck or RV, and dust from your home chores are all tiring cleanup tasks that can be easier with a wet/dry vacuum. Finding the right model can be a complicated process, but here we have the leading models on the market today. 

At a Glance: Our 12 Choices for Best Wet Dry Shop Vacs to Feature in This Article:

• Shop-Vac 5989300 Wet Dry Vacuum (Top Pick)
• Shop-Vac 2036000 Wet Dry Vacuum (Top Rated)
• Shop-Vac 5895200 Wet Dry Vacuum (Editor Choice)
• Shop-Vac SVX2 Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 2021000 Wet/Dry Vacuum 
• Shop-Vac 5895400 Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 3940100 Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 5979403 Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 3942300 Wet/Dry Vacuum 
• Shop-Vac 4041300 Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 9625110 Wet/Dry Vacuum
• Shop-Vac 5872810 Wet/Dry Vacuum

Wet/Dry Shop Vacs – Top 12 Pick Reviews

Let’s review the 12 picks by giving you their detailed review of features, pros, and cons.

1. Shop-Vac 5989300 Wet Dry Vacuum

The vacuum comes with a 5-gallon tank that is made of a stainless steel tank to ensure that it lasts for years. It also boasts of a 4½ peak horsepower motor that collects debris no matter the condition. 

The unit’s full circumference dolly design makes it easy to maneuver around, and side carry handles make it easy to carry. It also has onboard accessory and storage that improves its portability.   

Another feature of the vac is the rear blower port and lid latch that add to its usability. That makes it an all-in-one house cleaning solution that can do all the heavy-duty and light-tasks at home. 

The unit is made to be super quality, offer power, convenience, and efficiency. 

Pros 

• Highly durable 
• Effective in cleaning
• Great price 

Cons

• Wheels get off easily

2. Shop-Vac 2036000 Wet Dry Vacuum

The Shop-Vac 203600 is a portable and lightweight model that offers 2½ peak horsepower motor. It also comes with a 2½-gallon tank that can hold water when drying your home. 

Besides, the model has a 6 feet power cord that allows the user to vacuum every corner of the house effectively. The model also comes with attachments such as a crevice tool, foam sleeve, tool holder, reusable disc filter, gulper nozzle, and 4-foot hose.

Its rear blower port enables you to turn your cleaner into a powerful blower. The model was made to clean messes at home, workshop, car, and other places.

Moreover, the unit can handle every work and is a durable model. It is also quite affordable. 

Pros 

• Comes with great attachments 
• Has a long power cord
• Easily turns to a blower

Cons

• A small tank 

3. Shop-Vac 5895200 Wet Dry Vacuum

One of the smallest shop-vac you can get out there is the Shop-Vac 5895200. It is an easy-to-handle model that will provide you with an easy time when cleaning your floors.

Also, the unit comes with great wheels that enable you to roll it around when vacuuming your house. Although it comes with a small 2½-gallon tank, the vacuum can tackle all messes on the laundry room, garage, household, car interiors, and workshop. 

The model comes with additional accessories such as wall-mounting bracket that make it easier to store. It is also an excellent unit for vacuuming tight spaces, where other vacuum cleaners cannot reach.

Other features include a carpeted floor nozzle, round brush, filter bag, foam sleeve, crevice tool, and gulper nozzle.

Pros 

• Can be wall-mounted
• Compact and versatile
• A lot of accessories 

Cons

• Low horsepower 

4. Shop-Vac SVX2 Wet/Dry Vacuum

The vacuum cleaner provides the SVX2 motor tech for longer life, better performance, and quieter operation. What that means is you get a more powerful motor than that of a 5½ peak HP motors.  

Onboard cord wraps ensure that you keep your machine organized and every accessory is kept in the vicinity. The vacuum also features a rear blower that quickly turns into a powerful blower when you attach a hose. 

One thing you will find to be great with this unit is the ability to clean floors, patios, sidewalks, and workbenches. It also comes with a dual surface nozzle, 2 extension wands, 10 inches wet/dry nozzle, gulper nozzle, crevice tool, and other accessories.

Pros 

• High-efficiency filter
• Easy to carry
• Rear wheels for movement

Cons

• Uses more energy 

5. Shop-Vac 2021000 Wet/Dry Vacuum 

The Shop-Vac 2021000 is a micro vacuum which is compact and can be mounted on the wall.  Therefore, it is perfect for small areas because of its small size.

It comes with a 1 HP motor that is decent for cleaning most messes around your home and other places. The model can collect large dirt and debris but not so useful in small particles.  

Another thing, the unit can collect liquid to ensure that you stay in a dry area. It has a tank capacity of 1-gallon, which might not be the biggest out there but it’s still effective.

The unit also comes with a 4-foot hose length that offers you sufficient reach. It also features other accessories like a crevice tool, gulper nozzle, tool bag, and wall bracket. 

Pros 

• High performance 
• Lightweight and durable
• Ideal for small spaces

Cons

• Limited motor power

6. Shop-Vac 5895400 Wet/Dry Vacuum

Shop-Vac 5895400 provides a space-saving design that is ideal for boats, carpets, upholstery, workshop, kitchen, and vehicles. It comes with a 4½ peak horsepower motor and can hold up to 4-gallons of water.

Besides, it is straightforward to move the unit around, thanks to its wheel.  As a multi-surface model, the machine can provide convenience and efficiency when cleaning your home. 

Also, it comes with extras that make it even more useful for landscapers, car detailers, and pet groomers. It is highly portable because of its lightweight nature and ergonomic design. 

You might also be excited to learn that the model comes with gulper nozzle, carpeted floor nozzles, 7 feet hose, and 2 extension wands. 

Pros 

• A lightweight model
• Cleans different surfaces
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• Not quite effective 

7. Shop-Vac 3940100 Wet/Dry Vacuum

If you want a mid-sized vacuum cleaner for wet/dry surface, then you should get the Shop-Vac 3940100. It is a great model for collecting small and medium-sized dust from job site and garage. 

Besides, it is a compact model that features a 3½-gallon tank that will collect water and other material. It is also a wall-mount model that is easy to assemble – that means you get more time to clean and less for assembling. 

The unit has a long 18 feet hose that enables you to move around with maximum freedom. Its motor offers high power of 3 HP to clean every mess on your floor.

There are also a lot of accessories that make it a great product, such as a crevice nozzle, a wet/dry nozzle, and others.

Pros

• Comes when assembled
• True budget option
• Easy to handle 

Cons

• It leaks after a while  

8. Shop-Vac 5979403 Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Shop-Vac 5979403 is a great model that you can easily convert into a rear blower thanks to the powerful blower. It also comes with a lid and a latch system tank that are held together to offer stability.

Another feature is the tool storage onboard that enables you to keep all the accessories in one area. Besides, there is a side and top carry handle that makes it easier to move your machine with ease. 

One unique feature is the tank drain that makes it easier to drain the content without lifting the tank. It is a sufficient vacuum that will collect dirt from your home and any other liquid.

Pros 

• Easy to empty the tank
• Onboard storage 
• Easily turns into a blower

Cons

• Quite pricy 

9. Shop-Vac 3942300 Wet/Dry Vacuum 

The model comes with a large dirt tank that can allow you to clean for hours without taking a break. It is a unit that you can mount on the wall to save your space, and move it around with ease.

Its lightweight plastic design makes it more convenient to use and resist rust that can occur due to moisture. Also, it is corrosion-free and dent-free.

There is a cartridge filter that keeps the dirt inside the vacuum cleaner to ensure that the air is clean. Besides, the model is installed with a top handle that makes it easier to carry.

One unique thing of the vacuum is the storage bag that you can use to move the unit around. It also has a 3-year warranty.

Pros 

• Easy-to-clean the filters
• Excellent suction power
• Easy to carry 

Cons

• Extremely loud

10. Shop-Vac 4041300 Vacuum

Shop-Vac 4041300 is an upgraded version of Shop-Vac 4041200, which is a great model. Thus, you should expect it to provide excellent service when cleaning your house. 

It comes with super-strong suction power that removes even the toughest of messes from your floor. The tank is constructed of a long-lasting stainless steel material that prevents corrosion and rust. 

You can also easily carry your unit around since it comes with a comfortable and great design. The model is recommended for an individual suffering from asthma and allergies.  

That is possible due to the HEPA filter. There are other extras such as a crevice tool, intake nozzle, and others.

Pros 

• HEPA filtration ability
• Two-year warranty
• Convenient to use and store

Cons

• Short power cord 

11. Shop-Vac 9625110 Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Shop-vac 9625110 is a wet/dry vacuum cleaner for cleaning all your messes, including dirt, liquid, debris, and other pet hair. It comes with a large tank that collects sufficient dust before you need to empty it.

The model comes with a rear blow port that you can use to convert into a blower. There is also onboard accessory storage where you can keep all the additions.

The model is made in the USA, and you can count on it to offer exceptional service.

Pros 

• Shown to be effective
• Cleans all messes
• Easy to move around

Cons

• Weak wheels 

12. Shop-Vac 5872810 Wet/Dry Vacuum

Last on our list is the Shop-Vac 5872810 – a 5-gallon vacuum cleaner that comes with a powerful 6 horsepower motor. It also features an onboard accessory and cord storage that makes it portable.

 Also, the unit has a rear blower that enables you to change it into a strong blower.  Besides, there is a top handle that you can use to carry it.

The model is quality enough to last for years.

Pros 

• Easy to move 
• A 5-gallon tank
• Has a top handle

Cons

• Not effective for small particles

Wet/Dry Vacuum Key Considerations

Here are three things that you should consider when buying your wet/dry vacuum cleaner.

Ease of Use

You should consider:

• Tank size
• Bulkiness and maneuverability 
• Power cord and hose length 

Benefits and Features 

Consider the following things:

• Maximum horsepower 
• Easy to draining the tank
• Quality of materials and construction
• Whether the vacuum has a blower 
• The accessories and attachments that come with the machine

Price 

In terms of price, look at:

• The budget you want to spend 
• Price of similar products and brands 
• If the cost is worth the performance of the machine

There is no wrong or right shop-vac. Of important, ensure that you get a model that will meet your needs.

How to Use a Wet/Dry Vac Properly 

Using the wet/dry shop-vacs is not as hard as you might have thought. However, it can be a challenge if you don’t know how to use it and ensure it cleans effectively. 

You can do the following things to prevent unpleasant cleaning:

• Clear the hose to remove stagnant water.
• Select a filter that will suit your needs. 
• Choose the right accessory for cleaning the messes.
• Use the blower to make cleaning easier.
• Empty the tub to prevent smell.

Not that every wet/dry vacuum cleaner might come with its unique way which you should follow when cleaning your surface. Always follow the manufacturer manual before you begin to clean your surfaces.

Final Analysis 

It is not easy to get the best wet dry shop vacs on the market today since there are dozens of vacuum cleaners out there today. However, you can always ensure that you get the right unit if you follow the guide above.

Choose one of the models we have reviewed above to ensure that you get a unit that will clean all the messes from your home.