When it comes to the cleaning tools, you would say the market is full of them. You can find from futuristic equipment for cleaning the glass to simple machines for brushing the couch. But people should start doing smart purchasing and invest in smart devices, that can adapt to all kinds of mess. Sounds good, isn’t it?
Well, one of these smart purchases is the wet-dry vacuum cleaner. This versatile machine is one of the best options when it comes to cleaning the house. And this vacuum cleaner is the subject of today’s article because it deserves everyone’s attention due to its advantages.
These vacuums can be used on different kinds of floors, as most of these machines are easy to maneuver around the corners of the house. They can clean up dry debris, as well as spills and other types of common dirt.
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Also known as DIY vacs, the wet vacuum cleaners are ideal when it comes to cleaning most of the types of messes in the house, in a very quick time and with a lot of ease.
Now that I have given you some spoilers, let’s see what are these vacuums, which are their advantages, and cons, as well as the best wet vacuum cleaners on the market.
What is The Best Wet Vacuum Cleaners?
Before closing this article, I want to be sure that you have all the information you need, so let’s recap the most important wet vacuum cleaners you can find on the market:
- Best Overall – Nilfisk Aero 26 Professional Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
- Runner Up – Vacmaster Beast VJE1412SW0201
- Best Budget – Vacmaster VF408
- Best Handheld Wet Vacuum Cleaner – Horeki 6KPA Handheld Vacuum
- Best Wet Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets – Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner FH52000
10 Best Wet Vacuum Cleaner Comparison Chart 2021
I created the next comparison charts so you can see the main differences between the products before reading the full reviews. I hope that you will find it helpful.
Best Wet Vacuum Cleaners Reviews 2021
This is the most important part. Here I will talk about each of the vacuum cleaners that I consider to be the best from their niche. So, take a sit in a comfy place and start taking notes.
1. Nilfisk Aero 26 Professional Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Overall)
Produced by Nilfisk, the AERO 26 vacuum cleaner is an amazing model that offers a great number of features that will satisfy every user’s needs.
It has 25 liters, an effective suction power and also is available with an optional cable rewind mode. The good part about it is that is not a noisy vacuum cleaner. That and the fact that it is lightweight and compact makes the AERO 26 model a portable one that can be transported and used for commercial purposes.
The container can is very easy to empty. You can choose to take out the standard fleece filter bag or to tip the container with the help of the lifting handle.
This vacuum cleaner model is also available with L-class certification, but also with extra suction power, practical tool compartment safety features, and variable speed control.
Pros
- Very silent – 64 dB;
- Washable PET fleece filter;
- Auto start/stop feature.
Cons
- It can be considered pricey.
Personal opinion:
I absolutely love the ergonomic design of the AERO 26 model. Other things that I truly appreciate at this vacuum cleaner is that it is very lightweight and can be moved around easily, but also the fact that it offers a great suction power.
All these combined make me believe that it is the perfect choice for both small commercial uses and cleaning personal workshops.
Watch the video below and see more details about the AERO 26 vacuum cleaner:
2. Vacmaster Beast VJE1412SW0201 Vacuum Cleaner
(Runner Up)
Another amazing wet vacuum cleaner is this model from Vacmaster. The Professional Beast Series 14 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Stainless steel tank is a high-performance vacuum cleaner meant to take in the most difficult cleanup necessities, even the ones in garages or workshops.
It has an onboard hose and a power cord storage that eliminates unnecessary trouble and reduces the total storage area.
This model also has a cart designed to allows the best possible control and stability when dealing with more substantial messes. It also offers a storage place for accessories and tools in a container that connects to the foam-cushioned handle.
This vacuum cleaner has a 20 feet power cord that allows you to freely maneuver the unit without unplugging it.
Pros
- Very easy to use;
- Very good warranty;
- Portable.
Cons
- The suction is not very powerful;
- The nozzle set is not very soft.
Personal experience:
I think that this model from Vacmaster is a very nice and qualitative one. I won’t repeat what I just said in the presentation so I will tell you what I really like about it. I really, really like that the cart has a locking front wheel that keeps the machine in place and increases mobility on most surfaces.
To understand more about this Vacmaster product, please click on the link below:
3. Vacmaster VF408 Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Budget)
Even if you are on a budget, you will still want a good quality wet vacuum cleaner. So there are no other better options than the Vacmaster VF408 model.
This product has a strong 2-stage industrial motor that provides a powerful suction, lasts longer and also it is not very noisy. Due to the fact that it is lightweight, the VF408 vacuum cleaner is also portable and easy to use.
The tank is made from polypropylene and it has a size of 4 gallons. Its cord length is 18 feet and the hose diameter is of 7 Ft. x 1-1/4 In.
Pros
- Very good price;
- Powerful suction;
- It doesn’t make too much noise.
Cons
- It can overheat;
- Not the best design.
Personal experience:
I really like how easy it is to work with this vacuum cleaner. Also, I like that it can be used for both indoors and outdoors. Another plus for me is given by its HEPA filter.
Yes, it also has some minuses, such as some wheel related problems, but it is an incredible value for money. However, if you want to learn more about this Vacmaster model, just play the following presentation:
4. Karcher WD4 Vacuum Cleaner
(Most Lightweight)
This model from Karcher is a very lightweight wet vacuum cleaner. Regardless of its weight it has a very powerful suction and consumes 1800 watts. It has a 5.3 gallons container made from plastic.
Also, it has a flat folded filter that can be extracted in seconds by just curling it out, without having any contact with the dirt. This filter is perfect for both wet and dry vacuuming and it doesn’t require any filter replacement.
The suction hose and the clips floor nozzle with two rubber and also two brush strips make an excellent team and ensure a consistently high-quality cleaning results.
The detachable handle permits straight attachment of accessories right in the suction hose. Its parking position for the floor nozzle and suction hose does an excellent service while working breaks.
Pros
- Portable;
- Very easy to handle;
- Variable speed;
- Good suction.
Cons
- Replacement parts are expensive.
Personal experience:
I think that this vacuum cleaner from Karcher is amazing for a product so lightweight and portable. It is quick, it is compact and it is very powerful so what more can you want?
You can purchase it at a more than decent price. However, if something breaks and you need to change it, you will find that the replacement parts are not as cheap.
For more information, watch the video below:
5. BISSELL 2306A Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Stick Wet Vacuum Cleaner)
If you have a pet and need a wet vacuum cleaner that will make your life easier, then the BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is exactly what you should buy. It helps you with the everyday pet messes that might appear on hard floors and rugs.
This product not just wet vacuums your surfaces but also washes the floors. It has a Tangle-Free Brush Roll that scrubs the grime and pulls debris inside the Dirty Water Tank. This process is amazing because it also minimizes hair wrap.
It is possible due to the Pet Hair Strainer that separates debris from the dirty water.
This model has a Two-Tank Technology that keeps the dirty water in one tank and the freshwater in another one. This guarantees that you are only cleaning with fresh water.
Pros
- You can use a cleaning formula that refreshes the odor;
- Can be used on multiple surfaces;
- Great for pet owners.
Cons
- It is expensive;
- It doesn’t offer the best results for long-haired pets.
Personal opinion:
I am a dog owner and I must confess that I never believed that cleaning my house could be that easy. It really is very useful and cuts the cleaning time in half.
Also, if you are a pet lover you must know that Bissell actually has a foundation for pets and a part of the purchase money is donated to them.
For more details just play the video below:
6. Horeki 6KPA Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Handheld Wet Vacuum Cleaner)
Sometimes you need a handheld wet vacuum cleaner and for the moments there is no better one than this Horeki one. It has a very powerful motor – 1000W and is extremely good for taking out food residues, pet hair or paper scraps. It can be used for both your home and your car.
Due to its 2200mAh lithium-ion batteries, this wet vacuum cleaner fully charges in 3-4 hours and works up to 25 minutes. To indicate the level of the battery, it is designed with a LED light.
It is very lightweight and portable, making it very comfortable to use, even when you have only one available hand to work with.
Pros
- Lightweight;
- Very powerful for a handheld model;
- It has washable filters.
Cons
- It is pricey for a handheld model;
- When it is running low on battery, the suction is not as powerful.
Personal opinion:
I always keep a handheld vacuum cleaner around me, but this is one is in a different league. It is powerful and complex and I love it.
Also, it comes packed with helpful accessories such as a brush nozzle, a hose, and a slot pointed nozzle. Another great aspect regarding it is that its filter is made of stainless steel, meaning that it can be cleaned many times.
7. DEWALT DCV581H Wet Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Wet Vacuum Cleaner with Batteries)
When picking a wet vacuum cleaner that is cordless, you might want to look at the DCV581H model from DeWalt. This product can be used either corded using an AC outlet or cordless using an 18V or 20V battery.
It operates using HEPA filters that can be washed and reused.
The DCV581H wet vacuum cleaner has a 3-LED fuel gauge system that provides real-time feedback regarding the state of the battery. Also, it has no memory and practically no self-discharge. This is good because it offers maximum productivity and also less downtime.
It comes with accessories such as a crevice tool or a wide nozzle tool.
Pros
- Very portable;
- Easy to use;
- It has HEPA filters.
Cons
- It doesn’t offer the best suction.
Personal opinion:
I can’t say that this wet vacuum cleaner is my favorite in the world. However, it is a great pick for people who are in need of a portable, cordless model.
If you want to see how this vacuum cleaner works and also learn more about it, just check out the next video:
8. Bissell Garage Pro 18P03 Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Wet Vacuum Cleaner for Cars)
If you want a wet vacuum cleaner especially for your car, there is no better one than the Garage Pro from Bissell. What makes it stand out is that it has the possibility to be installed on the wall, giving you extra space to maneuver it. It has a 32-foot hose so you don’t have to worry about this aspect.
It has a big dirt tank that is semi-translucent (4-gallon) and that also has an LED Full Water Tank Indicator. This way, you will know when you need to empty it.
The Garage Pro wet vacuum cleaner comes with a 12-amp motor that offers a great suction power making it perfect for cleaning your garage, car or workshop.
The last thing I want to talk about is its canister, which is very lightweight and easy to maneuver. This means that you can also take it with you around the house if needed.
Pros
- Extremely practical;
- Comes with multiple accessories;
- Great suction.
Cons
- The replacement filters are expensive;
- Its hose is too narrow.
Personal opinion:
I have mixed feelings about this wet vacuum cleaner. Parts of me love how it works and how handy it is to have one in a garage, but the other parts are screaming every time I need to buy a new filter.
This being said, I think it is a great model that you should consider when browsing for a wet vacuum cleaner. For more details, just click on the presentation below:
9. Powr-Flite PF54 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Heavy-Duty Vacuum Cleaner)
When discussing wet vacuum cleaners for heavy-duty tasks, there is no better one than the Powr-Flite PF54. It has a polyethylene tank for strong dependability, but also a 1.6 commercial motor that has 114 CFM and 100″ water lift for the most difficult jobs.
It comes with an insulated vacuum head unit that guarantees a quiet operation. Last but not least, it has a rear-mounted pipe for draining that will make it very easy to clean the device.
Pros
- Great for heavy-duty jobs;
- Very powerful.
Cons
- It is expensive.
Personal opinion:
I don’t do heavy-duty cleaning jobs, but if I were to do this, there is no better wet vacuum cleaner that would like to have by my side. When you buy it, you also receive a 10′ hose, a two-piece want, a 14” carped and other accessories.
I can’t find any bad things to say about the Powr-Flite PF54. Yes, it is expensive, but it delivers great results.
10. Hoover FH52000 Automatic Carpet Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Wet Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets)
The last product that I want to talk about today is the FH52000 from Hoover. This wet vacuum cleaner is the best there is when it comes to carpets and I will tell you exactly why I think this.
This model makes the process of washing the carpets just as easy as the vacuuming one. To wash it, you just have to push forward the device. If you also want to dry the carpet, then all you have to do is to pull it back. It actually can’t get easier than this.
It also has a Low Profile Foot that will help you reach and remove the stains very easily.
Pros
- Makes wonders with carpet stains;
- Very easy to use;
- Great warranty.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best rollers;
- Not the best for furniture or stairs.
Personal opinion:
I love any device that makes my life easier and the Hoover FH52000 is exactly a correct example. It works very well on carpets and the amount of work that I have to put on is minimal.
However, if you want a wet vacuum cleaner for multiple surfaces, I don’t recommend it.
Please check the video presentation before taking any decision:
What is a Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner?
For everyone to understand today’s topic, it is important to somehow explain, in a few words, what is a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. Well, also named a shop vac, the wet vacuum cleaner looks similar to its normal siblings, despite the fact that it comes with a larger upright stash container.
The wet vacuum cleaner was designed to make your cleaning work lighter and also do some dirty work that the ordinary vacuums couldn’t do or they would break.
The wet vacuum cleaner has a stronger motor, which means a powerful suction and has more heavy-duty hoses. This machine can perform on almost any type of cleaning job. Here are some that might interest you:
- It can vacuum pet hair off furniture;
- Vacuuming dirt, dust or other debris from lots of types of surface or floor;
- Removing any kind of stubborn stains from the coach or from the carpet;
- Sucking up any water that has overflowed on the floor;
- Vacuuming ashes from the fireplace;
- Sucking the sawdust that has remained after a renovation;
- Unblock the kitchen sink from scraps;
- Vacuuming the inside of the car, the boat or the RV;
- Blowing the leaves in the garden or the debris on the patio;
- Inflating balloons or other children’s toys;
- Draining flooded dishwashers or any other clothes washers.
The Models of Wet Vacuum Cleaners
Most of the models of wet-dry vacuum cleaners are made of the same parts and the same design. So you have a cleaning head, then a hose and last but not least, the main compartment that stores the motor, the filters, the dirt and also the water compartment.
The differences are not that big, it mainly counts the size of the wet vacuum cleaner. So let’s see the most important types of wet vacuum cleaner:
- The Mini wet dry vacuum cleaner – these smallest in size machines are also the most compact ones. This way, they are very easy to carry around, they are portable, and very easy to store wherever in the house.
However, due to the small size, people should be aware that these mini wet vacuum cleaners may lose their power and their performance.
Here is an explicit video:
- The small wet vacuum cleaner – these models are slightly larger than the previous ones. What is interesting in this case is that the main compartments come with some wheels or casters that will make portability a lot easier.
When it comes to the amount of dirt this vacuum cleaner can clean, well, you should know that you can only moderate the small amounts of debris or liquid spills.
- Medium wet dry vacuum cleaner – in my opinion, these medium-sized vacuum cleaners are the perfect balance between performance and size. So they have enough tough motor to clean all kinds of dirt, liquids or solid ones.
And their size is perfect for handy jobs, such as cleaning the pet’s hair or the mess the children are doing. Most of the medium-sized wet vacuum cleaners come with a handheld design, which makes them portable.
- Large wet vacuum cleaners – their large dimension makes them also really performant, this way, they can handle even the messiest and challenging clean-up jobs.
Their dimension allows them to have a bigger tank for storing water and debris. Of course, as you might expect, they are the heaviest, not even telling when it is full.
Wet Vacuum Cleaners – Advantages
The wet and dry vacuum cleaners bring a lot of advantages to the ones that are cleaning their houses or their cars. If you are not sure about the purchase of a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, here are their benefits which might change your opinion:
- Great versatility: one of the greatest advantages of the wet and dry vacuum cleaners is their versatility. Imagine that you can replace all those mops and buckets you used to clean up the mess with this modern, easy to carry wet vacuum cleaner.
With just a pass-through, you can get rid of the small puddles and floods. Many of these machines can be used in reverse, this way, you can blow the leaves in the backyard or any dirt that you want to gather in one place.
- Performance and power: the wet vacuum cleaners are way more powerful than the regular ones. Especially when it comes to the solid and liquid particles that need to be sucked.
So, due to their performance, the wet vacuum cleaners will help you save time and effort. Whether you will be vacuuming the sands from your cat’s lectica or the coffee you spilled on the carpet, these vacuum cleaners will do their best.
- Offer better hygiene: the design of the wet and dry vacuum cleaners is meant to hassle-free, and have hygienic waste disposal. This way, you won’t have to deal directly with the solid or liquid particles, which may cause you so many allergies.
Many of these types of vacuum cleaners come with valves and spouts that you just need to open and then remove the drain water with a simple touch.
- Removal of larger debris: despite the very small vacuum cleaners and the usual ones, the wet-dry ones will suck much bigger parts of solid and liquid debris, such as big parts of chips, leaves or staples.
These vacuum cleaners have also sturdy bags that won’t break or fall apart when sucking bigger parts of the mess.
Buying Guide – How to Look for the Features of the Wet Vacuum Cleaner
So far so good, you have understood what is a wet vacuum cleaner, how it is more special than the regular ones and that you will get a lot more mobility ones you choose this model.
But there are so many models on the market and so many brands, that the decision of purchasing one gets a little frustrating if you don’t pay attention to some aspects. So here is what you should consider before buying a wet vacuum cleaner:
The Storage Space
First of all, it’s time to check how much space you have for proper storage. You might think that you can use the space from the previous vacuum cleaner, but in practice, you shouldn’t.
The point of a wet vacuum cleaner is to get dirty, even the small ones can sometimes become chunky and full of dust. This is why you need a special space to store them, for instance, a store-room or the garage.
For those who are going to use the wet vacuum cleaner mostly every day, they should pick a model that will fit a corner in the house, and that comes with lots of tools.
This way, they will make sure the model will have enough power and attachments to do the best work, under all the circumstances.
Here is how you can store the wet vacuum cleaner better:
Price
How much should someone spend on a wet vacuum cleaner? This question is very subjective, as it depends from person to person. You can have a powerful wet vacuum cleaner for as little as a 2 digit price. While the premium ones can easily go around 4 digits price.
As you may think, these prices are different depending on the power of the motor, as well as the higher capacities.
Size and Tank Capacities
I have already talked about the types of wet and dry vacuum cleaners. So, depending on the work you will have to do, you can choose from a small vacuum cleaner, which is very compact and easy to carry around, to a high-performance vacuum cleaner, which is more powerful and occupies a lot more space.
The size of the vacuum cleaner will also dictate the capacity of the tank. If you are doing normal cleaning, in a house, I would recommend the small to a medium wet vacuum cleaner with 2 to 13 gallons as capacity.
Reach
This has to do with the type of mess you are going to clean. Check the length of the cord, the tube, and the hose, in case you are going to clean the dirt in a hard-to-reach place. Or if you are going to vacuum in a place you don’t have a power socket.
So always check the cable’s length, this way you will know if you can use the vacuum cleaner in the garden or in the basement.
Motor Power
Most of the wet vacuum cleaners have powerful motors, which will provide strong and steady picking up. So you need to know that most of the models come with a motor between 1 horsepower to 4,5 hp.
These are ok for light cleaning. Now, for those who need more power, and have lots of work with vacuuming, they can choose a more powerful wet vacuum cleaner, with motors between 5 to 6 hp.
One important feature to look for is the dimension of the vacuum cleaner’s hose. The length will be the hose, the more it will determine the ability to suck up the debris in various sizes.
Filtration
When buying a wet vacuum cleaner, it’s important to think about the filters that will come with this system. This is why because the vacuum cleaner is going to suck different types. So, look for pleated filters, as they are easier to replace and less prone to leak.
If there are some members of the family who have allergies, you can choose those wet vacuum cleaners which come with HEPA filters.
Attachments
The wet vacuum cleaners can come with lots of attachments, and cleaning tools, that can be very helpful. Nozzles and dusting brushes are some of them.
And the best part? You can plug the power tool directly into the vacuum. These tools will not only prevent the tangles but also set the vac to switch on automatically.
The blower is one of the features some are looking for. The wet and dry vacuum cleaner can come with an inlet on the cylinder for vacuuming, so the people can use it as a powerful blower.
Easy to Use Design
The wet vacuum cleaners may come with lots of features, that will make possible the hassle-free use. For instance, many of the wet vacuum cleaners come with wheels, that help you transport the vacuum cleaner easier, from room to room.
Moreover, try to look for wet vacuum cleaners that come with a drain spout or valve. This way, you will know that you can blank the vacuum’s storage space without having to move it or to lift it.
Now, there are many wet vacuum cleaners that can be clipped on the wall, if you have a special support.
Noise Level
When you are living in a block of apartments, you want to make sure you won’t disturb the neighbors while vacuuming. The same happens in the case of the wet vacuum cleaners, so you don’t want the noise level to stop you.
So, you should look for manufacturers that use the latest technologies, in order to reduce the noise. Look for the reviews and analyze which brands suit your expectations.
FAQ
Conclusion and Personal Experience
Let me tell you, there is nothing more helpful in your house than a wet vacuum cleaner that can do all the work plus some more than a regular vacuum machine. You can vacuum from liquids to dust, big pieces of dirt, as well as cleaning the floors a lot easier and faster than you used to do.
The benefits of using a wet vacuum cleaner are numerous, but the most important one is that you can both clean and wash the floors, even the rugs, with just a pass-through.
I know that choosing the perfect model can be a really hard decision, but the guidelines above will surely help you make the best decision.
If you already have a wet vacuum cleaner, and you are enjoying its job, please let me know in the comments below. I would like to get to know about your experience. I am sure that the other readers feel me.
Good luck with cleaning!