You have to give it to technology for making everything convenient, and of course, portable. It was not long ago that shop vacs were big and noisy, but that is now in the past. The current machines are compact, quiet, and efficient. Even better, they are affordable, and a small workshop owner can have a shop vacuum cleaner.
Thanks to advanced technology, better internet connectivity, and globalization, the volume of products on the market is enormous. You will find well-made equipment as well as the cheap knock-offs competing for the same market. Regrettably, it is not always simple to tell them apart, but worry not. We are here for you.
The best portable shop vacuum cleaner comes with particular features that elevate them above the rest. They are quite functional, and they are great to have around your workshop.
We did our homework to make your choice of the portable shop vacuum cleaner easier. In that regard, the top spot goes to Dewalt DCV581H 2-Gallon Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum. Milwaukee M18 Lithium-ion 2-Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum is not far behind, and it would have quickly taken the top spot.
The top two devices have one of the best motors that especially demonstrate efficiency. They are relatively small, and, therefore, easy to move around.
Well, portability is a crucial factor in shop vacuum cleaners. And most importantly, the vacuum cleaners are quite efficient.
Table could not be displayed.Dewalt DCV581H 2-Gallon Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
It is an industrial grade wet Dry shop vacuum that you can constantly use without worrying about durability. You can choose to use the shop-vac with a cord or cordless depending on where you will be using it.
The HEPA eliminates up to 99% of allergens, and you can breathe easy. At 9.1 pounds, this may not be the lightest wet Dry shop vacuum, but you can use it with one hand. As the best portable wet dry vac, it is powerful and has a robust body that can easily handle different environments.
Most people like the fact that they can save a few bucks since the filter is washable and reusable. Be careful when you are washing the filter as you could easily damage it.
The wide nozzle and crevice tool are quite efficient when cleaning. As a result, you will complete the task within the shortest time possible.
What we like
- The wet-dry shop vacuum is industrial-grade
- You can choose to use it with a cord or cordless
- Durable and robust body
- It can operate as a blower
What we don't like
- The vacuum cleaner is not lightweight
- Replacing the HEPA filter can be expensive
Milwaukee M18 Lithium-ion 2-Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
The reputation of Milwaukee tools in making industrial equipment is indisputable. They have been in the market for almost nine decades, and their expertise is quite apparent in this wet Dry shop vacuum. The wet-dry vacuum is ideal for commercial as well as domestic applications. It is quite versatile.
And even though it has a large capacity of 2 gallons, it is sufficiently compact to fit inside your boat. It does not take a lot of space. Even better, the capacity is enough to handle the mess from inside the shop for a whole day.
What we like
- It is a heavy duty wet dry shop vacuum
- Ideal for commercial and domestic applications
- A powerful DC motor
- It has a capacity of 2 gallons
What we don't like
- It does not have transportation wheels like the others
Porter-Cable PCC795B 2-Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
The 2-gallon tank wet-dry vacuum comes with powerful suction to clean up all the mess in the living space or vehicle. But apart from the power, the shop vacuum is quite portable, and you can easily carry it from one place to the other. That is one thing highlighted in most porter cable shop vac reviews.
The 7 foot 8 inches hose is sufficiently long to cover the distance that you need to clean the space. And after cleaning, the hose conveniently wraps around the top of the handle.
What we like
- Has a 2-gallon tank to hold enough mess for a day
- It is easy to transport from one place to the other
- A long hose that covers the distance
What we don't like
- The suction may not be powerful enough
Shop-Vac 5895200 EZ Series 2-5-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
With a peak of 2.5 horsepower engine and a 2.5-gallon tank, you can fathom why this is one of the best wet-dry vacuums on the market. The side tank handles, top carry handle and roller coasters, make this wet-dry vacuum to be quite portable. It is easy to move around.
What we like
- A 2.5-gallon tank that is bigger than most
- It has a powerful 2.5 horsepower engine
- The wet-dry vacuum is easy to move around
What we don't like
- The suction is not very powerful
Shop-Vac 2030100 Small 1.5-Gallon Wet Dry Vacuum
The best small shop vac is what most of us want, especially if there is not much storage space in our shed or garage. But apart from the compact size, the 1.5-gallon vacuum comes with a reusable disc filter, and you don't have to spend on new filters regularly.
What we like
- The shop vac has a small size and is quite convenient
- A 1.5-gallon tank for holding the mess
- It is easy to carry around
What we don't like
- The power cord is too short
- The tank fills up quickly
Benefits of Portable Shop Vacuum
Why do shops and commercial spaces require specially built vacuum cleaners? Because they have some distinctive conditions that a regular vacuum cleaner can not always address. Portable shop vacs are, therefore, preferred for the shops, construction sites, DIY sessions, and other working environments.
Shop vacs are quite portable and can clean liquid spills so efficiently. They can also clean dust and other solid dirt. For this multi-angle cleaning feature, they are familiar as Wet/Dry Vacs. You can use them for shops and working spaces, while it is similarly functional for day-to-day home uses like other regular vacuums.
Top Brands for Portable Shop Vac
Only a few among the pioneers and reliable vacuum cleaner brands manufacture shop vacuums, and the name Shop-Vac comes first in this list. It mostly produces wet/dry vacuum cleaners, having different power, size, and features. Although we did not place any of its vacuums at top of the list, it is still the pioneer at the wet/dry cleaner industry.
The other names include Dewalt (one of the most prominent in tools, machinery, and cleaning appliance industry), Milwaukee (another tools and machinery giant), and Porter-Cable (known for world-class home and industry tools). You can pick any wet/dry model from those brands, which meet your requirements most.
What Should You Consider to Buy the Best Portable Shop Vacuum?
Good power in a small size is the first feature that you should be looking out for. Most of us do not have a significant amount of space for big machines, and the smaller the device is, the better. But one factor that determines the size of the shop vacuum cleaner is the tank, and of course, your needs.
If you're after the right amount of storage space in the shop vac, then there is no other way around it. You will have to opt for the taller or broader machines. Another vital Factor is power. In the majority of the cases, the more powerful the machine, the bigger it is.
The idea is to have a powerful shop vac that is efficient when it comes to cleaning. But that does not mean you should leverage on the size. Ideally, find the middle ground.
Horsepower and CFM of Shop Vacuums
Horsepower is a power measurement unit, which indicates the amount of work that can be done by a machine - more particularly, the working capacity or output of any engine or motor. So, the horsepower of a shop vac indicates its ability to do the cleaning task.
Shop vacs may come up with a horsepower ranging from 1-hp to 16-hp or even more. But don’t buy a wet/dry model only based on HP, because a quality unit from a reliable brand with 1-hp or 2-hp capacity may even perform better than some other inexpensive 10-hp models.
On the other hand, CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It is a measurement unit for the air velocity - how much air (in cubic feet) flows into or out in a vacuum that measures the suction strength. The higher the CFM, the greater the suction strength.
Shop Vac vs Regular Vacuum Cleaner
Normal vacuum cleaners have some features that are mostly available in a shop vac, but shop vacs contain some distinctive features non-familiar to normal vacuum cleaners. On the other hand, normal vacs facilitate users with some systematic and technical convenience that your shop vac might not provide you. Some of their differences include:
- Vacuum cleaners are quieter than shop vacs, and shop vacs don’t care about sound insulation.
- Shop vacs don’t usually include small tools to clean areas like bookshelves, cabinet tops, drapes, etc.
- Normal vacs are more maneuverable in most cases, but shop vacs have thicker hoses and cannot fit well under beds, sofas, and crannies.
- Shop vacs have specialties on drywall dust and liquid spills cleanup, while normal vacs have more quality filters for fine dust removal and other dry dirt and debris cleanup.
- Shop vacs are great for working environments like renovations, shops, or garage, while regular vacuums are appropriate for home uses.
Cordless or Corded Shop Vacuum Cleaner - Which One is Wise to Use?
The choice between cordless and corded is down to your needs. The cordless is easy to move around, and use anywhere, but it cannot match the consistency and power of the corded shop vacuum cleaner.
What is the Best Portable Shop Vac with Hepa Filter?
A HEPA filter Is especially useful in cases where some people are allergic to a variety of substances. good options with an efficient filter include
1. Vacmaster VK811PH HEPA Shop Vac
It is portable with transportation wheels, and crash proof tank. The two-stage industrial motor is powerful and quite efficient.
2. FEIN Turbo II HEPA Shop Vac
The shop vac is another popular option to deal with a variety of allergen in the living space. It is powerful, portable, and has a long hose.
What is the Best Portable Shop Vac for Car Detailing?
A portable vac for car detailing needs to be easy to move around with and comes with a variety of accessories.
1. WORKSHOP WS0301VA Portable Wet Dry Vac
WORKSHOP WS0301VA is a top choice in that regard as it boasts a powerful motor and excellent portability. The same case applies to
2. Vacmaster Professional VFB511B0201 Wet/Dry Vac
What is the Most Portale and Best Cordless Shop Vac?
Several cordless shop vac reviews from customers are quick to point out Milwaukee M18 Lithium-ion 2-Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum wet dry vacuum has the most portable cordless shop vacuum cleaner. Another good option is Makita XCV11Z Wet/Dust Extractor Shop Vac with efficient transportation wheels and efficient motor.
1. Milwaukee M18 Lithium-ion 2-Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
2. Makita XCV11Z Wet/Dust Extractor Shop Vac
What is the Best Mini/Small Shop Vac?
The main appeal in a small shop vac is its size. Quite often, mini shop vacs are not powerful. In contrast, Shop-Vac 2021000 1-Gallon Micro Wet/Dry Vac is a different breed.
It is a blend of both power and portability.
The same case applies to Shop-Vac 5895100 All-in-One Wet Dry Vac.
However, this shop-vac is wall mountable and comes with a rust-resistant tank.
Can a Shop Vac Pick Up Glass?
Going straight- yes, most of the shop vacs can pick broken glass. But you should not leave all glass to get by your shop vac, especially the large pieces. Carefully use your hand and pull the large pieces, leaving small parts and dust of glass for a shop vac. Before you clean, ensure there is a tear-resistant bag to store the broken glasses.
Can You Use Shop Vac without a Filter/Bag?
You can use your shop vacuum without a bag in it. But that might cause some other complications, for instance, the dry debris will make mess gathering inside the canister. You may experience clogged filters, and even the dirt may leak out of that vac. So we suggest using filters or bags while using a shop bag.
Concluding Remarks
The best portable shop vac is what every workshop should have. Such a machine boasts an efficient motor, portability, and a compact size among others. Finding a device that incorporates all these qualities is not easy. However, several shop vac reviews agree that Dewalt DCV581H 2-Gallon Portable Wet Dry Shop Vacuum is one of the best. The combination of features makes it an efficient machine to have around in your workshop.
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