Top 5 Cordless Shop Vacs: Reviews & Buying Guide for Cleanups

Ever spilled a whole box of cereal? Or maybe you tried to clean up sawdust after a quick DIY project? Cleaning those messes can be a real pain! Traditional vacuums can be heavy and the cords always get in the way. That’s where a cordless shop vac comes in handy.

Choosing the right cordless shop vac can be tricky. There are so many brands and features. You might wonder about the battery life, suction power, and size. You need something strong enough for tough jobs but easy to carry around. Finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming.

In this post, we’ll make it easy! We’ll break down everything you need to know about cordless shop vacs. We’ll look at key features and help you find the best one for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in selecting the perfect cordless shop vac to tackle any mess. Let’s dive in and explore what makes these handy tools so great!

Our Top 5 Cordless Shop Vac Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Cordless Shop Vac Detailed Reviews

1. DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum

DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum, Cordless and Corded, Versatile Power Source, Portable Shop Vacuum, Tool Only (DCV581H)

Rating: 9.4/10

The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum (DCV581H) is a powerful tool. It can be used cordless or with a cord. This portable shop vacuum is great for cleaning up messes. It’s a versatile tool for any job. The vacuum is ready for tough jobs and easy clean-up.

What We Like:

  • You can use it cordless or with a cord. This gives you options.
  • It has a 2-gallon tank. This is great for cleaning up big messes.
  • The filter is easy to clean. You can wash and reuse it.
  • The hose is strong and flexible. It is 5 feet long.
  • It is easy to carry. It has storage for all the accessories.
  • It has a handle. You can easily move it.
  • It has storage for all the parts.

What Could Be Improved:

  • No cons found

The DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum is a solid choice. It’s a useful tool for many cleaning tasks. It should be a great addition to any tool collection.

2. Craftsman V20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Craftsman V20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Shop Vac Wet/Dry, 2 Gallon, 7ft Hose, Bare Tool Only (CMCV002B)

Rating: 9.2/10

The Craftsman V20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (CMCV002B) is a handy shop vac. It is a wet/dry vacuum that is cordless. This means it can clean up messes in many places. It has a 2-gallon tank. The vacuum also comes with a 7-foot hose. This vacuum is a “bare tool,” so the battery and charger are not included.

What We Like:

  • The motor is strong. It has 35 CFM of suction. This helps clean up quickly.
  • It can clean up wet and dry messes.
  • The HEPA filter is good for health. It traps many tiny particles.
  • The hose is long. This helps you reach far.
  • It has storage for the hose and tools. This keeps things neat.

What Could Be Improved:

  • You must buy the battery and charger separately. This adds to the cost.

This Craftsman V20 vacuum is a useful tool. It can help you clean up many kinds of messes.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Portable Shop Vac, 2 Gallon Tank Capacity, Tool Only (DCV580H)

Rating: 8.8/10

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum (DCV580H) is a portable cleaning machine. It’s a cordless shop vac that runs on a 20V MAX battery. It has a 2-gallon tank. This vacuum is great for cleaning up messes around your home or job site. It is a tool only, so the battery and charger are not included.

What We Like:

  • Cordless design for easy movement.
  • The filter is washable and reusable.
  • The hose is crush-resistant and flexible.
  • It has a place to store the hose and accessories.
  • The 2-gallon tank can hold a lot of liquid or debris.
  • The HEPA filter traps very small dust particles.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The battery and charger are not included.
  • The CFM (cubic feet per minute) is only 31, which is lower than some other vacuums.

This DEWALT vacuum is a handy tool for quick cleanups. It’s easy to use and store.

4. 20V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner-Wet/Dry Shop Vac

20V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner-Wet/Dry Shop Vac,2.6 Gallon Capacity,Compatible with DeWALT Batteries (Battery Not Included),Ideal for Cleaning Car,Home Spaces,and Workshops RCSV-20

Rating: 8.8/10

The 20V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner-Wet/Dry Shop Vac is a handy tool for cleaning. It’s perfect for your car, home, or workshop. This vacuum works with DeWALT 20V Max batteries, so you might not need to buy a new battery. It can handle wet spills and dry messes with ease. It has a good-sized dust collector and comes with many helpful tools.

What We Like:

  • Works with DeWALT batteries.
  • Strong suction power for wet and dry messes.
  • Large 2.6-gallon capacity means less emptying.
  • Comes with many useful cleaning tools.
  • Long hose and blowing feature for flexibility.
  • Easy to carry and clean.

What Could Be Improved:

  • (No Cons)

This cordless vacuum is a great choice for anyone needing a versatile and powerful cleaning tool. It’s easy to use and works well in many different places!

5. DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum

DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum, Cordless, for Wet or Dry Surfaces, 1/2-Gallon Tank, Washable Filter, Portable, Bare Tool Only (DCV517B)

Rating: 9.3/10

The DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum (DCV517B) is a cordless vacuum. It is made for wet or dry messes. This bare tool needs a 20V MAX DEWALT battery to work. It has a 1/2-gallon tank for holding dirt and water. You can use it at home or on a job site. The filter is washable, so you can clean it easily.

What We Like:

  • The Gore HEPA filter catches almost all dust. It traps 99.97% of dust at 0.3 microns.
  • You can clean up wet or dry messes. This vacuum has two ways to clean. Use the front nozzle or the hose.
  • The tank is easy to empty. It has a heavy-duty latch.
  • The filter is washable. You can tap or rinse it with water.
  • The rubber hose is strong and flexible.
  • The on/off switch is big and easy to use.
  • It uses DEWALT 20V Max batteries. This gives you long run-time.

What Could Be Improved:

  • This is a “bare tool”. You need to buy the battery and charger separately.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum is a great choice for quick cleanups. It is a handy tool for many different jobs.

Cordless Shop Vac: The Handy Helper Buying Guide

Are you tired of tripping over cords while cleaning? A cordless shop vac might be the answer! This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

You want a shop vac that works well. Here are things to consider:

1. Power and Suction
  • Voltage: This shows how much power the shop vac has. Higher voltage means more suction. Look for at least 18V. Some have 20V or higher.
  • Air Watts: This tells you how well it sucks up dirt. Higher air watts mean better cleaning.
  • CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This measures how much air the vac moves. More CFM means faster cleaning.
2. Run Time and Battery
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion batteries are the best. They last longer and charge faster.
  • Run Time: Check how long the battery lasts. This depends on the voltage and the type of cleaning.
  • Extra Batteries: Consider getting extra batteries. They help you keep working without stopping to charge.
3. Tank Size and Capacity
  • Tank Size: Think about how much you need to clean. A bigger tank holds more dirt. Smaller tanks are easier to carry.
  • Wet/Dry Capability: Does the shop vac clean both wet and dry messes? This is useful for spills.
4. Features and Attachments
  • Attachments: Look for different nozzles. These help you clean different surfaces.
  • Filters: Good filters trap dust and dirt.
  • Portability: A handle and wheels make it easier to move.

Important Materials

The materials used matter. They affect how long the shop vac lasts.

  • Plastic: Most shop vacs use plastic. Look for strong, durable plastic.
  • Metal: Some parts, like the motor housing, might be metal. Metal is often more durable.
  • Filters: Filters are usually made of paper or cloth. Look for washable filters.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality matters. Here’s what to look for:

  • Motor Quality: A good motor is important. It provides strong suction.
  • Battery Quality: A good battery lasts longer. It charges quickly.
  • Build Quality: Check how well the shop vac is made. Look for sturdy parts.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands make better shop vacs than others. Read reviews.

User Experience and Use Cases

A cordless shop vac should be easy to use.

  • Easy to Use: It should be simple to turn on and off. Attachments should be easy to change.
  • Comfortable: The handle should be comfortable to hold.
  • Use Cases:
    • Cleaning up spills in the garage.
    • Cleaning out your car.
    • Cleaning up sawdust after a project.
    • Cleaning up messes in your workshop.
    • Cleaning up around the house.

Cordless Shop Vac FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: How long does the battery last?

A: Battery life depends on the voltage and the job. Most batteries last from 15 to 45 minutes.

Q: Can I use it to clean up water?

A: Many cordless shop vacs can handle wet messes. Check the product description to be sure.

Q: What kind of filter should I use?

A: Get a filter that fits your shop vac. Some filters are washable and reusable.

Q: How do I clean the shop vac?

A: Empty the tank. Clean or replace the filter. Wipe down the outside.

Q: What attachments do I need?

A: Most shop vacs come with attachments. Look for a crevice tool and a brush.

Q: How much does a cordless shop vac weigh?

A: The weight varies. Smaller ones are easier to carry. Check the product specs for the weight.

Q: Are they noisy?

A: Yes, shop vacs can be noisy. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB). Check the product details.

Q: Can I use it outdoors?

A: Yes, you can. They are great for cleaning patios and decks.

Q: What is the best brand?

A: Many brands make good shop vacs. Read reviews to find the best one for your needs.

Q: How do I store the shop vac?

A: Store it in a dry place. Make sure the tank is empty.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.