Wet/Dry Vacuums

Whether you are a new homeowner or an avid woodworker with a busy shop, the right wet/dry vac can go a long way toward making your daily cleanup tasks easier. When making your selection, you'll want to seriously consider issues such as frequency of use, capacity requirements, existing storage space, typical cleaning duties and special features. Before you make your final choice, ask yourself these questions:

• How often will you use your wet/dry vac?
• What types of applications do you need it for?
• What size capacity best meets your current and future needs?
• Where will you store the unit when not in use?
• Are there special features or accessories you require?
  
  

Size, Capacity and Power

Wet/dry vacs are available in a wide range of types and sizes from portable and handheld units to large 18-gallon professional vacs. You'll want to look at both the capacity (measured in gallons) and the peak horsepower (hp). These two pieces of information can provide a good indication of just how suitable a match it is. Though it is often the case that higher capacity and higher hp go hand in hand, this is not always so. Small units with a high horsepower and low capacity often serve in demanding environments with restrictive space requirements.

Light-Duty Tasks: For small tasks and light household chores, look for a low-capacity unit in the 2-6 gallon range with a peak hp of 1 to 4.5. These vacs often feature a compact and lightweight design that is perfect for storing out of the way. Smaller, cordless units offer handheld convenience that is ideal for the car, boat or home. Others are mounted on casters for easy maneuvering around your kitchen or playroom.

• Used to clean wet and dry spills around the house
• Perfect for apartments, small work areas and other limited spaces
• Handles debris standard vacuum cleaners can't pick up
  
  

Medium-Duty Chores: Medium range wet/dry vacs run anywhere from 8-14 gallons and are useful around the house, workshop, garage and more. With anywhere from 5 to 6 hp of power, you can be assured of great suction coupled with versatile performance. Some units convert to blowers for easy handling of lawn and garden tasks such as leaf collection and clearing grass clippings or for inflating air mattresses and basketballs. Use the unit to take care of wet basements or clean up spills in the garage. This multipurpose tool is designed to tackle a wide range of tasks.

• Standard household cleanup from home to garden
• Perfect for your garage, workshop, basement and more
• Picks up everything from fine dust to larger debris
• Can convert to a leaf blower for more versatile use
  
  

Heavy-Duty Applications: Heavy-duty and commercial applications that need intense cleaning power should look for a peak hp of 6 or more. These units usually have an impressive 14-18 gallon capacity and are perfect for busy shops, industrial cleaning and more. These vacs feature a sturdy cart or are mounted on large casters for increased mobility. A wide array of included attachments enables you to tackle a variety of surfaces and substances.

• Commercial cleaning for offices, warehouses and more
• Perfect for busy mechanical workshops, garages and jobsites
• Collects large, heavy debris, dust and other materials
  
  

Type of Application	Capacity (Gallons)	Horsepower	Important Features to Consider	Commonly Used For
Light Duty	2-6	1-4.5	Capacity, power and weight Corded vs. cordless Handheld or caster mounted Quiet operation	Smaller tasks around the home, car or boat
Medium Duty	8-14	5-6	Capacity and power Blower conversion capability Versatility from fine dust to large debris Cord and hose length Included attachments Filtration type Quiet operation	Most indoor/outdoor cleaning tasks around the home or shop; wet basement cleanup to standard home and garden tasks
Heavy Duty	14-18	6+	Capacity and power Versatility from fine dust to large debris Cord and hose length Included attachments	Heavy-duty and commercial use where maximum horsepower is required

Features

Quiet Operation: Gone are the days when you needed ear protection just to run your wet/dry vac around the shop. New motor technologies have introduced quieter operation without sacrificing airflow, providing strong suction that won't disrupt your environment.

Filters: The filter on your wet/dry vac helps trap dirt, drywall dust and other debris and prevents it from recirculation. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies will appreciate the extra protection of HEPA filters, available on some units, which harness more than 99% of dust mites, pollen and other allergens to help ensure that the air around you is clean and irritant free. Many filters also feature antimicrobial treatments to help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and other harmful substances that can get into the air and create health risks. Pay close attention to the number of stages in the filtration system. The more stages available, the more control for maximizing performance with a wide range of debris types.

On-Board Tool Storage: Make sure you always have that needed attachment right at hand with built-in storage for all your nozzles and cleaning accessories.

Portability: Many units feature a high-end motor with smaller capacity to deliver the same quality cleaning power as your large wet/dry vac in a small, portable format.

Storage: When you have a small workspace, but you need powerful wet/dry cleaning capabilities, look to convenient wall-mounted units and other space-saving designs. These units often feature higher horsepower ratings with a small capacity for heavy-duty performance in more restricted spaces.

Cleanup: For larger capacity units, make sure that emptying liquid content is simple and easy with a built-in spout or drain for hassle-free cleanup.

Hoses, Nozzles and Attachments: To ensure continuous operation, consider the size of the hose and nozzle. With large, wide passageways, you greatly reduce the potential for clogs and blockages. If you plan to use your wet/dry vac on large substances like wood chips or other chunks of debris, make sure the hose and nozzle have a wide enough diameter to accommodate typical usage.