8 Best Craftsman Wet Dry Vac of 2026

This pocket-sized powerhouse redefines what a small shop vac can do. With 2.5 peak HP and a nimble 2.5-gallon capacity, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 punches above its weight when tackling spills, sawdust, or garage clutter. Its friction-fit hose system and compact footprint make it a dream for tight storage areas, while the included filter bag enhances dry pickup efficiency—perfect for homeowners who need a no-fuss, go-anywhere cleanup tool without sacrificing core functionality.

In real-world use, it excels at small to medium messes—spilled cereal, workshop dust, or car interior cleanups—with enough suction to handle wet and dry debris. However, its 1-1/4 in. hose diameter limits airflow compared to larger models, so it struggles with heavy sludge or thick sawdust piles. The 5-foot hose feels a bit short for larger spaces, and while the blower function adds versatility, it’s more suited for light debris than serious yard cleanup. Still, for quick jobs where maneuverability and storage matter most, it delivers.

Compared to the 16-gallon beasts in the lineup, this model trades capacity and brute force for unmatched portability. It’s not meant for contractors or big renovations, but for apartment dwellers, DIYers with limited space, or car detailers, it’s a smart pick. While the CMXEVBE17607 offers far more power, this compact vac justifies its role as the best budget-friendly option with solid performance, essential accessories, and true grab-and-go convenience.

Meet the undisputed workhorse of the Craftsman wet dry vac lineup—the CMXEVBE17607 doesn’t just clean, it conquers. Boasting 6.5 peak HP and a cavernous 16-gallon drum, this vac delivers industrial-grade suction that powers through sawdust, flooded basements, and post-renovation chaos. The detachable blower isn’t a gimmick—it’s a full-strength companion for blowing leaves off driveways or clearing debris from gutters, making it a true 2-in-1 powerhouse for serious users.

During testing, it handled wet pickups with ease, thanks to the oversized drain that lets you empty liquids without tipping. The POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose is a game-changer—its 180-degree swivel ends prevent kinking and maintain a secure seal, even during aggressive use. Whether vacuuming wet concrete slurry or drywall dust, it maintained consistent suction. The only hiccup? Its size and weight make it less ideal for tight corners or overhead cleaning, and the blower wand requires firm assembly to avoid air leaks.

Pitted against the CMXEVBE17595, both share the same motor and capacity, but the 17607 wins with its detachable blower unit, offering greater flexibility. It’s overkill for small homes but perfect for garages, workshops, and contractors who need one tool for multiple jobs. While pricier than compact models, its feature-rich design, durability, and unmatched versatility make it the best overall choice for those who demand performance without compromise.

This sweet-spot performer balances size, power, and price like no other in the Craftsman range. The CMXEVBE17584 packs 3.5 peak HP into a 6-gallon drum, making it strong enough for most home and auto jobs, yet compact enough to store in a closet or car trunk. Its swivel casters glide over gravel, carpet, and tile, and the Qwik Lock filter system allows tool-free changes—ideal for users who hate wrestling with clamps or dirty filters.

In practice, it shines on medium-duty tasks like post-project cleanup, garage spills, or car detailing. The 7-foot POS-I-LOCK hose offers excellent reach, and the dual extension wands let you clean under furniture or along ceilings. It handles wet messes confidently, though the lack of an oversized drain means you’ll need to tip the unit to empty—less convenient than models with built-in spouts. While it can’t match the 6.5 HP giants, it outperforms smaller vacs with noticeably stronger suction and better airflow.

When compared to the 2.5-gallon CMXEVBE17250, this model offers significantly more capacity and power without bloating in size. It’s not as rugged as stainless steel models, but for homeowners, weekend warriors, and auto enthusiasts, it hits the sweet spot. With broad compatibility, easy maintenance, and reliable performance, it stands as the best value—delivering pro-level features in a practical, mid-tier package.

Built for heavy-hitters and job-site warriors, the CMXEVBE17595 is a no-nonsense brute designed to endure tough conditions. With 6.5 peak HP and a 16-gallon drum, it delivers relentless suction for large drywall jobs, woodshop cleanups, or flood recovery. The Dual-Flex hose resists kinking and twists freely, while the built-in blower port lets you switch to debris-clearing mode without extra hardware—though you’ll need to buy the blower nozzle separately.

Real-world use confirms its high-efficiency workflow: the oversized drain makes liquid disposal quick and clean, and the Qwik Lock filter system ensures minimal downtime between jobs. It handled wet pickups with thick sludge and fine dust with equal ease, maintaining strong suction throughout. However, the lack of swivel casters makes it harder to maneuver on rough garage floors, and the hose storage is less organized than on newer models. It’s a workhorse, but not the most agile one.

Stacked against the CMXEVBE17607, both share the same motor and capacity, but the 17595 falls short on blower convenience—no detachable unit, just a port. That said, it’s often priced lower, making it the best pick for large jobs where raw power matters more than extras. Ideal for contractors, renovators, and serious DIYers, it offers industrial performance with Craftsman reliability—just expect fewer creature comforts.

This tank-like titan is built to last a lifetime. The CMXEVBE17155 features a stainless steel drum—a rare and welcome upgrade in its class—that resists dents, rust, and chemical damage, making it ideal for harsh environments. With 6.0 peak HP, it delivers near-top-tier suction, effortlessly pulling in wet concrete mix, metal shavings, and oily residues. The Qwik Lock filter system ensures fast changes, and the 7-foot hose with locking wands gives you control in tight or elevated spaces.

In testing, its durability stood out immediately—no dents after drops, no corrosion from wet drywall mud. It handled continuous use during a basement renovation with zero overheating. The stainless drum also makes cleaning easier—just hose it out. However, it’s heavier than plastic counterparts, and the lack of an oversized drain means manual tipping for liquid disposal, which can be messy. The hose doesn’t have Dual-Flex tech, so it kinks more easily on tight turns.

Compared to the CMXEVBE17584, this model trades portability for unmatched longevity and resilience. It doesn’t have the largest capacity, but its rugged build and professional-grade motor make it the best choice for users who prioritize durability over convenience. For mechanics, industrial users, and long-term owners, it’s a smart investment—offering superior build quality and performance that outlasts cheaper plastic tanks.

Say goodbye to cords and hello to true mobility with the CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless vac. This battery-powered dynamo delivers 35 CFM of suction—impressive for a 2-gallon unit—and runs entirely wire-free, making it perfect for cleaning cars, ladders, or remote job sites. The HEPA-rated filter traps 99.7% of dust and allergens, a rare win for cordless shop vacs, adding a layer of health-conscious cleaning often missing in this category.

In real use, the 7 ft. 8 in. hose provides excellent reach, and onboard storage keeps attachments secure. It handled drywall dust, pet hair, and wet spills competently, though runtime depends heavily on battery size (sold separately). On a 4.0Ah battery, it lasts about 15–20 minutes under load—fine for spot jobs, but not for marathon cleanups. It struggles with thick liquids or heavy debris, and the small tank fills fast. Still, for quick, cord-free cleanups, it’s unmatched.

Versus corded models like the CMXEVBE17250, it sacrifices runtime and power for freedom of movement. It’s not a full replacement for a shop vac, but as a supplemental tool, it’s brilliant. For car detailers, roofers, or anyone tired of dragging cords, it offers unparalleled convenience and smart design—making it the best cordless option despite its limitations.

Don’t let the size fool you—this compact beast packs 5.0 peak HP into a 4-gallon body, making it one of the most power-dense vacs in the Craftsman lineup. The CMXEVBE17040 delivers suction rivaling larger models, effortlessly handling wet spills, fine dust, and automotive grime. Its accessory caddy keeps nozzles and wands organized, and the large power switch is glove-friendly—ideal for workshop use.

In testing, it outperformed expectations on dense debris and liquid pickups, maintaining strong suction without bogging down. The 7-foot POS-I-LOCK hose stays secure, and the cartridge filter is easy to clean. However, the small drum fills quickly during big jobs, requiring frequent emptying. It lacks an oversized drain, so liquid disposal is messy, and the plastic tank, while durable, can’t match stainless steel for longevity.

Compared to the 6-gallon CMXEVBE17584, it offers more power in a smaller body, making it ideal for users who want maximum suction without bulk. It’s perfect for small workshops, car interiors, and quick cleanups where power and portability are both critical. With its best-in-class HP-to-size ratio, it earns its title as the best mid-size performance model—offering pro-level punch in a compact frame.

This space-savvy marvel reimagines shop vac storage with its wall-mountable design—a game-changer for cluttered garages. The CMXEVBE17925 combines 5.0 peak HP with a 5-gallon capacity, delivering serious suction while staying out of the way when not in use. Its dual-hose setup (7 ft. and 14 ft.) gives you a massive 21 feet of reach, perfect for cleaning RVs, trailers, or large vehicles without moving the unit.

During use, the POS-I-LOCK system kept hoses firmly attached, and onboard storage meant no lost attachments. It handled wet and dry messes with ease, though the lack of an oversized drain made liquid disposal a bit messy. The wall-mount bracket is sturdy, but installation requires drilling—fine for permanent setups, less so for renters. It’s not as portable as roll-based models, but for fixed-location users, it’s ideal.

Compared to the CMXEVBE17040, both offer 5.0 HP, but the 17925 wins on storage innovation and reach. It’s not for everyone—those who move their vac often may prefer wheels—but for garage-based users who value organization and accessibility, it’s unmatched. As the best space-saving design, it combines power and smart engineering to maximize utility in tight environments.