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10 Best High Suction Shop Vac 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a solid choice for anyone in need of a high-suction shop vacuum. With a robust 6.5 Peak HP motor, it delivers impressive suction power, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks in garages, shops, or on job sites. The 16-gallon tank capacity allows for extended use without frequent emptying, which is great for larger clean-up jobs. Additionally, the built-in blower port is a handy feature for outdoor cleaning, like clearing leaves and grass clippings.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,328
Suction Power
Tank Capacity
Portability and Maneuverability

Most important from
11543 reviews

Suction Power
The suction power is phenomenal, effortlessly picking up everything from dust to concrete chunks.
Tank Capacity
Despite its weight, the vacuum rolls easily and the large tank ensures you don't have to empty it frequently.
Portability and Maneuverability
Despite its weight, the vacuum rolls easily and the large tank ensures you don't have to empty it frequently.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are versatile and perfect for various needs, from cleaning a garage to detailing a car.
#2
9.6 score

Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac 2.5 Gallon, 2.5-Gallon,120 Volts (AC), Orange/Black

The Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac is a compact and portable vacuum designed for tackling small wet and dry messes effectively. With a suction power of 2 peak HP, it delivers decent performance for light to moderate cleaning tasks, making it a good fit for homeowners or those looking for a handy tool for quick clean-ups. Its 2.5-gallon tank capacity is well-suited for small jobs, though it may require frequent emptying for larger messes.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Motor Power
Filtration System

Most important from
28636 reviews

Suction Power
Powerful suction, not so powerful blower. It's easy to dump and clean, with a super-long electric cord that helps a lot.
Motor Power
This thing is POWERFUL for its size. Easily maneuverable, not too heavy, and very high quality.
Filtration System
The suction is surprisingly strong, and the filter is easy to clean. Lightweight and easy to lift up onto a shelf for storage.
Portability and Maneuverability
This thing is POWERFUL for its size. Easily maneuverable, not too heavy, and very high quality.
Attachments and Accessories
This little shop vac is a powerhouse! The compact size is perfect for cleaning out a car, and the attachments seem specifically designed for that purpose.
#3
9.5 score

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 is a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable and versatile wet/dry shop vacuum for home, garage, or light professional use. It offers a strong 4.25 peak horsepower motor which means it has good suction power to handle a variety of messes, from dust and debris to liquid spills. The 9-gallon tank is roomy enough for medium-sized tasks without constant emptying, and the built-in oversized drain makes getting rid of liquids easier. It uses a cartridge filter that is simple to change thanks to the Qwik Lock system, which is handy for keeping maintenance straightforward and efficient.

Rating
9.5
Suction Power
Tank Capacity
Filtration System

Most important from
5520 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers surprisingly powerful suction, easily handling debris of various sizes and even insulation cleanup.
Tank Capacity
The 7-foot cord length is adequate for most tasks, and the 9-gallon tank size fits medium jobs without frequent emptying.
Filtration System
The inclusion of two filters, including one for fine dust particles, adds versatility and effective filtration.
Portability and Maneuverability
Assembly is straightforward and quick, with clear instructions and secure wheel attachment that enhances maneuverability.
Attachments and Accessories
The hose and extension wands provide good reach, though connections can be a bit loose and might benefit from a locking mechanism.

Top 10 Best High Suction Shop Vac 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations

Suction Power: 60 Inches
Tank Capacity: 16 Gallons
Motor Power: 6.5 Peak HP
Filtration System: Cartridge
Portability and Maneuverability: 26 pounds, 2 wheels, 7-foot hose
Attachments and Accessories: Hose, Wet Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Filter

Chosen by 1328 this week

Armor All AA255W Wet/Dry Utility Vac 2.5 Gallon, 2.5-Gallon,120 Volts (AC), Orange/Black

Suction Power: 2 peak HP
Tank Capacity: 2.5 gallons
Motor Power: 720 watts
Filtration System: Cloth
Portability and Maneuverability: lightweight with wheel-base
Attachments and Accessories: 13 accessories, nozzles, brushes

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning

Suction Power: 4.25 peak horsepower
Tank Capacity: 9 gallons
Motor Power: 4.25 HP, 8.3 Amps, 996W
Filtration System: Cartridge filter with Qwik Lock
Portability and Maneuverability: Portable, 15.5 lbs, 7-ft hose
Attachments and Accessories: Wet/Dry Vac, hose, 4 nozzles

Vacmaster 5-Gallon* 4 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum – VOC508S 1101

Suction Power: 4 Peak HP
Tank Capacity: 5 Gallons
Motor Power: 960 watts
Filtration System: Cartridge and Foam Filter
Portability and Maneuverability: 360-degree swivel casters
Attachments and Accessories: Vac Assembly, Handle, Hose, Cartridge Filter

Armor All VO405P 0901 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac 2.0 Peak HP Shop Vacuum with Nozzles & Brush,Black/Orange

Suction Power: 2 HP
Tank Capacity: 4 gallon
Motor Power: 2 HP
Filtration System: Cloth filter
Portability and Maneuverability: Lightweight, wheel-base, top handle
Attachments and Accessories: Crevice Tool, nozzles, brush

Vacmaster Professional VDK811PW 0201 8 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac with Self-Cleaning Filter System, 8 Gal, Black

Suction Power: 84 Inches
Tank Capacity: 8 Gallons
Motor Power: 4.5 Horsepower
Filtration System: Captures fine dust down to 1 micron
Portability and Maneuverability: Large wheels, 19.4 pounds, 17-foot reach
Attachments and Accessories: 11 accessories including extension wands

DEWALT DXV16PA 16 Gallon Poly Wet/Dry Vac/Acc, 6.5HP Shop Vacuum Wet/Dry for Jobsite/Workshop, Yellow

Suction Power: 6.5 peak horsepower
Tank Capacity: 16 Gallons
Motor Power: 6.5 peak horsepower
Portability and Maneuverability: Wheels, 20-ft cord
Attachments and Accessories: wet dry vacuum, hose, wands, filter, bag, nozzles

Vacmaster VJE1412SW0201 Beast Professional Series 14 Gal. 6.5 HP Steel Tank Wet/Dry Vac with Cart

Suction Power: 380 air watts
Tank Capacity: 14 Gallons
Motor Power: 6.5 horsepower
Filtration System: HEPA
Portability and Maneuverability: Integrated cart design
Attachments and Accessories: Floor Nozzle, Extension Wand, Floor Brush

DEWALT Portable 6 Gallon 5 Horsepower Wall-Mounted Garage Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner DXV06G

Suction Power: 5 Horsepower
Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
Motor Power: 5 Horsepower
Filtration System: Cartridge filter
Portability and Maneuverability: 21-pound weight, top carry handle
Attachments and Accessories: Wet dry vacuum, Floor nozzle, Muffler
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Buying Guide for the Best High Suction Shop Vac

Choosing the right shop vac can make a big difference in how efficiently you can clean up your workspace, garage, or any other area. Shop vacs, also known as wet/dry vacuums, are versatile tools that can handle a variety of messes, from sawdust to spilled liquids. When selecting a shop vac, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and choose a model that will serve you well for years to come.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively the shop vac can pick up debris and liquids. It is usually measured in air watts or by the vacuum's sealed pressure (inches of water lift). Higher suction power means the vac can handle heavier and more stubborn debris. For light-duty tasks like cleaning up sawdust or small spills, a lower suction power (around 50-100 air watts) may suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as picking up larger debris or heavy liquids, look for a vac with higher suction power (150 air watts or more). Consider the types of messes you typically deal with to determine the right level of suction power for you.
Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to the volume of debris or liquid the shop vac can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is usually measured in gallons. Smaller tanks (2-6 gallons) are more portable and easier to store, making them ideal for quick cleanups and smaller spaces. Medium tanks (7-14 gallons) offer a good balance between capacity and portability, suitable for most home and workshop tasks. Larger tanks (15 gallons and up) are best for heavy-duty use and large cleanups, but they can be bulky and harder to maneuver. Think about how often you want to empty the tank and the size of the areas you will be cleaning.
Motor PowerMotor power is typically measured in horsepower (HP) and indicates the strength of the shop vac's motor. Higher horsepower generally means better performance and the ability to handle tougher jobs. Light-duty vacs may have motors around 1-2 HP, which are sufficient for small tasks and occasional use. Medium-duty vacs with 3-4 HP are versatile and can handle a wider range of cleaning tasks. Heavy-duty vacs with 5 HP or more are designed for professional use and can tackle the most demanding jobs. Consider the intensity and frequency of your cleaning tasks to choose the right motor power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a shop vac is crucial for trapping dust, allergens, and fine particles, preventing them from being released back into the air. Basic models may have a single-stage filtration system, which is adequate for larger debris but less effective for fine dust. More advanced models feature multi-stage filtration, including HEPA filters, which can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you are dealing with fine dust, allergens, or hazardous materials, a shop vac with a high-quality filtration system is essential. Consider your sensitivity to dust and the types of debris you will be cleaning.
Portability and ManeuverabilityPortability and maneuverability refer to how easy it is to move and handle the shop vac. This can be influenced by the vac's weight, size, and design features like wheels and handles. Lightweight and compact models are easier to carry and store, making them ideal for quick jobs and small spaces. Larger models with sturdy wheels and ergonomic handles are better for heavy-duty tasks and larger areas but may be harder to transport. Think about where you will be using the vac and how often you will need to move it around to determine the right balance of portability and maneuverability.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can greatly enhance the versatility and functionality of your shop vac. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush nozzles, extension wands, and specialized filters. These tools can help you clean hard-to-reach areas, delicate surfaces, and specific types of debris more effectively. Some shop vacs come with a variety of attachments, while others may require you to purchase them separately. Consider the types of cleaning tasks you will be performing and choose a shop vac that either includes the necessary attachments or is compatible with the ones you need.

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