Top 10 Best Small Shop Vacs Reviewed (2023 Reviews)

best small shop vacs

Best Small Shop Vacs: Top 10 best small shop wet dry vacuums you can buy in 2023

Are you utilizing the normal vacuum cleaner to remove stubborn dirt? If so, then reconsider your machine and choose a best small shop vacs!  

Not every vacuum cleaner possesses the power and performance to remove dirt and stubborn messes with ease. Nonetheless, you can fix this issue with the help of small shop vacs. These machines have a lot of power that helps them suck anything that comes in their way, including wet pieces of waste.

Vacuum Cleaner Advisor is presenting you with a list of the products that are performance-oriented and affordable. Our team of professional experts reviewed the products to reduce your stress and give you the easiest way to choose an ideal product according to the requirement.

Here are our top 10 best small shop vacuums reviewed briefly,

You may also interested in our best vacuum cleaners in 2023.
Table of Contents show

Small Shop Vacs Comparison Chart

As you must go through each review, understand, and then eliminate a few vacuums, we thought a better way will be portraying the essential factors as a comparison chart. It will ease the shopping stress and help you select the right one instantly.

SMALL SHOP VACS

TANK CAPACITY

BLOWER FUNCTION

MULTI-SURFACE

WEIGHT

BISSELL Multi-Clean Wet/Dry Garage and Auto Vacuum Cleaner, 2305M

6 Gallon

Yes

Yes

16.1 lbs

Armor All AA255 2.5 Gallon 2 HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum

2.5 Gallon

Yes

Yes

7 lbs

Stanley SL18910P-3 Wet/Dry 3 Gallon Shop Vac

3 Gallon

No

Yes

8.08 lbs

Shop-Vac 5989300 5 Gallon 4.5 HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum

5 Gallon

Yes

Yes

12 lbs

Stanley Wet/Dry Vacuum SL18115

5 Gallon

Yes

Yes

14.02 lbs

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

16 Gallon

Yes

Yes

29.3 lbs

FEIN Turbo II Vacuum Cleaner 8.4 Gallon Vacuum

8.4 Gallon

No

Yes

29.9 lbs

Vacmaster VBV1210 12 Gallon 5 HP Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum

12 Gallon

Yes

Yes

24.4 lbs

HOOVER Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum

1.6 Gallon

No

No

9.2 lbs

DEWALT DCV580H 20V MAX Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum

2 Gallon

Yes

Yes

8 lbs

Here is our top rated 10 best mini shop vacuum cleaners pros, cons and compact shop vacuum reviews,

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

BISSELL’s 2035M wet/dry shop vac helps you maintain a healthy environment with professional results. Considered one of the best small shop vacs, 2035M comes equipped with a 6-gallon tank and multi-surface floor tool.

The multi-surface floor tool is an attractive element, as you can switch from carpet to hardwood and vice-versa at the flip of a switch. Besides, it comes with several attachments that you can use to clean cars, garages, and other indoor areas. It even has three detailing tips that you can use to inflate air mattresses and pool toys.

The 11-amp motor quickly sucks all the wet messes with ease. Additionally, the blower function allows you to remove leaves and other debris in outdoor spaces. The large two-wheels help you role the heavy canister with ease from one surface to another.

The different accessories provided with the model allows you to reach tight spaces and clean. The unit features a two-stage filtration mechanism that extends the life of the filter and eases the cleaning procedure.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It comes with a powerful 11-amp motor.
  • It has a substantial 6-gallon tank.
  • It has seven different cleaning tools.
  • You can inflate air using three different tips.
  • You can switch from carpet to hardwood and vice-versa at the flip of a switch.

Take Away:

If functionality, performance, and durability are essential, then the 2035M model is the appropriate choice for cleaning both wet and dry messes.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface cleaning

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Stainless Steel Adjustable

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The AA255 from Armor All is an excellent machine for multi-surface cleaning. The portable structure makes it convenient to carry anywhere, while the provided tools allow in reaching and cleaning different areas with ease.

It is the best small shop vacuum, for it handles both wet and dry messes with ease. Besides, you can convert it into a blower when needed. The exciting feature is the automatic shut-off that prevents overflow. Therefore, even when you are using it continuously and the tank fills you do not have to worry because it shuts-off automatically preventing accidents.

It even has a noise diffuser for quiet and efficient functioning. The 2.5-gallon polypropylene tank can hold onto different messes with ease. The 2 HP motor gives ample suction and blower power, removing large, stubborn, and wet messes with ease. You can store all the accessories on-board to choose the one according to the need efficiently. It comes with built-in noise diffuser, making it noiseless when operating.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It is lightweight and portable.
  • You can arrange and organize the accessories on board.
  • It is suitable for both wet and dry messes.
  • It hosts a 2 HP powerful motor and a 2.5-gallon tank.
  • It has a 10 ft. cord with a cord-wrap feature.

Take Away:

If portability and cost-efficient shop vac is what you seek, then the Armor All AA255 answers all your cleaning needs with ease.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface cleaning

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Premium Hose

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The SL18910P-3 from Stanley is excellent for cleaning both wet and dry messes in and around the house. It is one of the best small shop vacs and comes equipped with a 3 HP motor for powerful suction.

The 3-gallon tank allows you to clean everything in a single session without the need to empty the tank frequently. The advantage of the product is the safe buoy technology. The technology prevents the breakdown of the product while cleaning wet spots and vacuuming water waste.

The use of the 3 HP powerful motor enables you to clean stubborn and rigid messes with ease. Additionally, you can use the 3-in-1 crevice nozzle provided as part of the accessory kit to clean your car.

The lightweight and yet durable construction allows you to carry it with ease while you can stack the accessories on-board for quick retrieval. After completing the work, you can wind the power cord around the handle. The 6 ft. cord length and 4 ft. hose length deliver 10 ft. cleaning reach eliminating the need for changing the power outlet each time you change to a different room.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It hosts a powerful 3 HP motor.
  • It has a substantial 3-gallon tank.
  • It uses safe buoy technology that prevents breakdown during water cleaning.
  • It comes with a reusable cloth filter.
  • You can arrange the accessories on-board the vac.

Take Away:

The SL181910P-3 is the right choice if your cleaning requirement asks attention to wet waste.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Carpet

Vacuum

Wet and Dry

Wand Type

Hose

You may interested in best pet hair vacuum cleaners in 2021.

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

If you want the best mini shop vac, then the 5989300 from Shop-Vac is an excellent pick. The 4.5 HP powerful motor gives you everything you need to suck and blow debris with ease. It features a durable and stain-resistant stainless-steel tank.

The powerful vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning and picking up stubborn messes and dry debris around the house, garages, and workshops. The sizeable 5-gallon tank allows you to complete the entire cleaning in a single session. You can attach the hose at the rear blower port to wind away leaves and large particles from different areas.

The accessories included with the product help you reach every corner and lift off dirt with ease. What makes it dependable is the use of reusable filters, which you can wash and use after each cleaning session.

The unit has a maximum airflow of 175 CFM, which allows it to clean even the toughest messes with ease. The 9.9-amp motor generates enough suction and blowing power to remove dirt from any surface. The 7-foot hose length gives you ample cleaning reach, giving you the ability to reach every corner and remove settled dirt particles.  

Why Do We Like It?

  • It hosts a powerful 4.5 HP motor for suction and blowing.
  • It has a vast 5-gallon tank.
  • It uses stainless steel tank.
  • It comes with a full circumference dolly, side, and top handles.
  • It comes with all the cleaning accessories.

Take Away:

The cleaning vac from Shop-Vac is an ideal pick if both wet and dry vacuum is the requirement with reusable filters and premium quality.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Hose

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The SL18115 is the best compact shop vac in its price range. Stanley ensured to provide a quality product at a takeaway price. The 5-gallon tank capacity gives you ample space to complete the entire cleaning in a single session.

The vacuum features a 4 HP powerful motor that helps you attend to both wet and dry messes. What is interesting is its ability to clean on any surface. You can use the provided attachments to clean debris from any surface, garage, workshop, etc.

The model comes with a blower port, which you can use to blow away leaves and other large debris around the sidewalks and other spaces. The buoy technology protects the system when you are using it for sucking water or wet waste.

The company opted for stainless-steel tank to ensure prolonged life of the vacuum cleaner. Besides, it does not get spoiled quickly when compared with other materials. The accessories provided with the unit ensure to give you complete freedom, as you can reach any corner of your garage, house, or workshop with ease.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It uses buoy technology, preventing the breakdown of the motor.
  • It has a 4 HP powerful motor for cleaning dry and wet waste.
  • It comes with a 5-gallon tank capacity.
  • You can use a foam filter, reusable filter, and dust collection bag.
  • It comes with a built-in power cord wrap.

Take Away:

Stanley’s SL18115 is an excellent product if you attend to heavy cleaning around the house, garage, workshop, and pet messes consistently.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Plastic and Hose

You may interested in our best portable carpet cleaner in 2021.

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The 16-gallon small shop vacuum from CRAFTSMAN is an excellent addition if you are a heavy user of cleaning. The 6.5 HP powerful motor functions efficiently in sucking large and stubborn debris with ease. You can additionally use the blower port at the back for powerful cleaning of leaves and other spaces.

The shop vacuum features an onboard hose storage system along with a cord organizer. The dual-flex technology gives you 180-degree flexibility at both ends of the hose, making it ideal for reaching quickly in tight spaces.

The model additionally has a POS-I-LOCK connection that secures the hose attachment with the drum. It comes equipped with an extra-large drain and helps you drain liquids quickly. The Qwik Lock fastening mechanism ensures secure placement of the filters.

The detachable blower unit allows you to separate it from the main unit and use it according to the need. Likewise, the cord wrap mechanism makes it easy to set the wire in place after the use. The unit comes with a large on/off switch for easy accessibility.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It comes with a massive 16-gallon tank capacity.
  • It has a cord length of 20 ft.
  • It comes equipped with a cartridge filter and dust bag.
  • It uses Dual-flex technology.
  • It has a POS-I-LOCK hose secure attachment mechanism.

Take Away:

If the cleaning requirement is heavy, choosing the 16-gallon CRAFTSMAN wet/dry shop vacuum is the correct answer.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Plastic and Hose

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The Turbo II is an excellent compact shop vac from FEIN. With 8.4-gallon tank capacity, it exceeds expectations in the price range. The product comes with Auto-start feature, which starts only after placing a power tool.

The Turbo vacuum will only start functioning when the tool starts to operate. The mechanism is an ideal procedure while extracting dust and other such applications. It ensures safety of the motor and spread of the dust to the surroundings.

With 151 CFM, the vacuum gives you adequate power to suck all the stubborn particles and wet particles with ease. The large tank allows you to collect everything in a single take, making it an ideal choice for workshops.

The 1100-watt by-pass motor is ideal for both wet and dry messes around the house, garage, and workshops. The static water lift of 98.4” lifts away every wet waste easily. By-pass motor never meets the dirty air, which prolongs the motor life.

It further features a filter guard, which is helpful while tapping the dirt out from filter cassette. Additionally, you can avoid replacing cellulose filter for wet suction because of protective filter cassette. The stainless-steel wand along with a host of accessories allow you to attend to your cleaning needs with ease.

 

Why Do We Like It?

  • It features an 8.4-gallon tank.
  • It hosts an Auto-start feature with integrated power tool.
  • It uses a by-pass 1100-watt motor that avoids dirty air.
  • It has a filter guard.
  • It comes with 18-ft. long power cord.

Take Away:

If you need a quiet suction with high performance motor, then the FEIN Turbo II with HEPA filter is the correct choice.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet and Dry

Wand Type

Stainless steel

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

Your search for the best compact shop vac ends with the VBC1210 12-gallon vacuum from Vacmaster. The wet and dry vacuum cleaner comes equipped with a detachable blower function, making it simple to clean every kind of a mess.

The polypropylene construction is rugged and yet lightweight, allowing you to carry it anywhere. Likewise, the 210 MPH blowing speed will enable you to clear large debris and leaves along the sidewalks and at different spaces with ease.

The model comes with an extra-large drain port, allowing you to drain liquids quickly. You can attend to different cleaning requirements using the crevice tools and other accessories provided with the product. The exciting feature is the product’s design, as you can store all the accessories onboard, which saves space and gives easy access when needed.

You will attain a total of 19-foot cleaning combined with the hose and the power cord. With other accessories provided, you can reach every corner of the garage, car, and house with ease.

Why Do We Like It?

  • You can easily convert to a detachable blower with 210 MPH blowing speed.
  • You will have a total of 19 ft. cleaning range.
  • It comes with a large drain port.
  • You can organize accessories onboard the unit.
  • It has an extra-large 12-gallon tank for maximum use.

Take Away:

The VBV1210 is an excellent pick if you wish to have an affordable, lightweight and performer for all the cleaning requirements.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Plastic Tube and Premium Hose

 

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

Say goodbye to cleaning nightmares with the small, powerful shop vac from HOOVER. The C2401 commercial backpack vacuum cleaner is an excellent product for you can wear and start cleaning.

The cleaner stores all the dust and debris are the backpack canister while you clean your way without any distractions. It is convenient and lightweight, allowing you to reach tight spaces with ease. It can carry 1.6-gallon of dust and debris, and you can monitor the collection through the transparent dome.

You can use the product with a shake-out cloth liner, disposable paper bag, or other choices. When you use the HEPA filter with the product, you eliminate 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles. It means that you leave no allergens behind after a cleaning session.

The cleaning vacuum comes equipped with a 48-feet power cord. It gives you a massive cleaning range, allowing you to switch between rooms without the need for changing the power outlets frequently. Besides, with the added accessories,  you can further add to the length and reach tight spaces to clean away dirt and hidden particles.

Why Do We Like It?

  • It hosts a backpack canister with a chiropractor design.
  • The lightweight construction allows you to wear it and move without stress.
  • It comes with a Hypercone filter using the HEPA media that captures 99.97% of allergens.
  • It features a positive lock hose.
  • It has an extra-long 48 ft 3-wire quick change cord.

Take Away:

If less cleaning is the requirement and you need something handy, then the C2401 is the best pick among all the commercial vacuum products.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Corded

Surface Recommendation

Upholstery

Vacuum

Dry

Wand Type

Plastic Tube

Best Small Shop Vacuum Review:

The DEWALT DCV580H is the best small wet dry vac in the cordless category. It uses a 20V MAX battery for robust and extended use, and it hosts an easily accessible washable filter. You can rinse and reuse after each use.

The sturdy polypropylene 2-gallon tank allows you to complete an entire cleaning session with ease.  The powerful suction from the unit will enable you to pick both wet and dry messes along with stubborn particles from multi-surfaces. Likewise, you can use the blower function to clear away the leaves and other large debris from different spaces.

The 20V MAX battery functions long enough and generates enough power to attend to both wet and dry requirements. Therefore, a single charge gives you a good running life to complete the task at hand.

It comes equipped with an integrated hose, making it durable and flexible while using the vacuum. You can carry the accessories onboard the unit, making it ideal for reaching and replacing a tool according to the requirement.

What makes it interesting is the use of the HEPA rated wet/dry filter. Each cleaning session captures 99.97% of allergens and particles of 0.3-micron size. It is an excellent way to maintain a hygienic environment inside the house and car.  

Why Do We Like It?

  • It is a cordless vacuum.
  • It features the DEWALT 20V MAX battery.
  • You can wash and reuse the filter.
  • It comes with a heavy-duty and fully integrated hose for maximum durability and flexibility.
  • It features a 2-gallon tank.

Take Away:

If cordless equipment is what you need for cleaning both wet and dry messes, then the DEWALT DCV580H is the right pick.

Product Specifications:

Power Source

Cordless

Surface Recommendation

Multi-surface

Vacuum

Wet, Dry, and Blow

Wand Type

Premium Hose

Best Small Shop Vacuum Cleaners Buying Guide

Best Compact Shop Vacuum
Best Compact Shop Vacuum

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Small Shop Vac?

As you have completed reading the reviews, you have understood the variations available in the model when it comes to vacs. However, if you are still finding it tedious to segregate the market and take a pick, follow the buying guide.

The buying guide emphasizes crucial features that help you narrow the search and decide on the product.

Cord or Cordless

You have the vacs available in both cord and cordless models. It is a personal preference in picking either of the models. However, opting for a corded variant is preferable if you clean frequently and are a heavy user.

Tank Capacity

If you are a professional, you would need a product with a large tank to complete the task without stopping or frequent cleanings. For home use, it changes according to the size and cleaning patterns. Take your pick!

Motor Power

The higher the motor power, the ease with which it picks wet particles. Ensure that the unit has a good HP along with protection to the motor.

Noise

Most of the vacuums do create noise while operating. However, companies have developed unique construction patterns and silencing materials wrapped around the motor to reduce the noise.

Build

You will find vacs in both stainless-steel and polypropylene materials. While stainless-steel material is heavy, it does have a prolonged life. However, choosing the polypropylene material is a good choice if you like to carry the vacuum in hand. The option is yours!

Best Small Shop Vacs FAQs

Is an expensive vac worth the money?

Consider the features, accessories, and the quality of the product rather than the price tag alone.

Are reusable filters available?

Yes, reusable filters are available in the market. You can buy OEM or a third-party product depending on how much you like to spend.

Will the hose pipes spoil?

Most of the units come equipped with premium hose pipes. However, careful handling is essential to prevent damages.

Will a model make a difference in cleaning?

The motor power, tank capacity, and accessories provided indeed change how you clean.

Conclusion

With every detail in hand, it is time to decide on picking the best vac. Consider the buying guide and the comparison table to ease things and choose ideal equipment that allows you to have professional cleaning results.

You may also take a look at our ultimate step-by-step vacuum cleaners buying guide.

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