Many woodworkers consider smaller shop vacs a godsend for workshops with little to no extra space. But a common concern is whether they have sufficient suction power and efficiency, given their small profile.
With the array of options, you might get a vacuum with weak suction that won’t pick up anything. So, I’ve tested the best small shop vacs to help you make the right purchase.
Reviews of the Top Small Shop Vacs
1. Vacmaster VHB 305M
The Vacmaster VHB 305M comes with a wall-mounting bracket to free up floor space, making it easier for storage. It’s also the only vac with four-wheel caddies, making wheeling around the shop more comfortable.
What I find versatile about this Vacmaster is that it’s not limited to just shop-related tasks. I’ve used it for sweeping the garage, cleaning the house, and even vacuuming the car seats, and it handled all these jobs quite well.
This Vacmaster shop vacuum has powerful suction that performs well during dust collection due to its nozzle options. I often work in tight spaces and the different nozzle options it offers have been extremely helpful.
What I Like
- The 6-foot hose has been incredibly versatile, allowing me to tackle a wide range of cleaning tasks with ease
- The caster design on the bottom is a significant advantage for mobility
- The wall-mounted design is a smart space-saving feature that's helped me keep my shop organized and the vacuum easily accessible
What i Don't Like
- One issue I've run into is the difficulty of emptying the bin
- Cleaning the cloth filter has also proven to be a challenge, requiring a bit more time and effort than I initially expected
2. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 Wet/Dry Vac
Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Vac is another great option if you’re looking for a powerful and heavy-duty vacuum. Apart from its 6.5 Peak HP, which provides extra power when working on large projects. And let’s be honest, if you’re dealing with liquids, the built-in oversized drain is a godsend for hassle-free emptying.
The dual-flex technology is another feature that I appreciate; it helps prevent the hose from kinking, which is always a plus. Also, the built-in blower port makes it easier to quickly clean sawdust, grass, and leaves clipping. This Craftsman model is a reliable cleaning tool after working in the shop or doing home renovations.
It’s also versatile enough as an outdoor power equipment due to its array of accessories to fit your vacuum needs.
What I Like
- This shop vacuum is powerful and heavy-duty, capable of handling even the most challenging messes in my workspace
- The extensive suction quality picks up everything from dust to heavier debris with ease
- Having a blower option has proven to be very handy
- In my experience, it's one of the best wet/dry vacuums I've used
What I Don't Like
- Unfortunately, I've noticed it can produce an unpleasant stench, which can be a bit off-putting
- It's a little bulkier than other models
3. Ridgid WD4070 4 Gallon Portable Vacuum
If you can overlook the fact that this is a heavyweight compared to other models, you’ll find that its suction capability more than compensates for the bulk. There are compartments for the parts, and the portability is excellent enough to hold its massive power. So, it’s a small vac that you can use even for huge construction projects.
The Ridgid WD4070 also has a large carry handle providing impeccable mobility when sliding on carpets and rough floors. Also, this Ridgid Vacuum has a 3-layer fine dust filter that can easily absorb sawdust and drywall dust.
Sure, the Ridgid WD4070 might be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but considering its features and versatility, I personally think it’s a worthy investment.
What I Like
- The patented scroll noise reduction has been fantastic for quiet operations, allowing me to work without the usual roaring background noise
- The 3-layer dust filter made my workspace significantly cleaner
- The Tug A locking hose ensures a secure connection
- A parts compartment has made organization simpler
What I Don't Like
- On the downside, it is heavier than other models I've used, so moving it around requires a bit more muscle
- The accessories that come with the vac are stiff and could benefit from a more flexible design
4. Armor All AA255 Mini Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
Another cheap and powerful option is this Armor All Mini Wet/Dry Vacuum. Although it’s designed for garage and car cleaning, I’ve found that it does a commendable job in workshops and around the house as well.
The 2-peak HP motor makes it decent enough for sucking on small particles, so you can clear out even the tiniest and clumpest debris. One feature I find quite useful is the auto shut-off function, which prevents overflow—definitely a plus if you’re multitasking in the workshop.
Moreover, it’s cost-effective since the bags are reusable and washable too. This machine’s 10ft cord length is also long enough for this compact shop vacuum, allowing you to move around your space easily.
What I Like
- Its lightweight and portable design makes it effortless to move around
- It has a deluxe car nozzle that comes in handy
- Onboard accessory and hose storage is a nice touch
What I Don't Like
- The vacuum's limitations become apparent when tackling large cleaning jobs
- While convenient, it has less suction power compared to other models
5. Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B Wet/Dry Vacuum
If compatibility matters the most, I recommend this Porter-Cable PCX18301-4B Wet/Dry Vacuum cleaner. With its compact design, this tool easily fits anywhere around the shop. It’s equipped with a swiveling caster allowing easy movement, and a ten-foot power cord wrap for a wider clean range.
This high-performance machine has strong suction capabilities and a quick-lock hose for ease of use. With its 4-gallon capacity, you won’t have to worry about cleaning out medium-wide spaces and emptying the bin after or venting your dust collection outside.
However, the hose is slightly short, and this model contains fewer attachments. But if you don’t mind, and can work around this, then this Porter Cable Vac is worth considering.
What I Like
- The widespread stainless base adds to the vacuum's stability, preventing any accidental tip-overs
- Despite its stout and compact size, it doesn't skimp on performance
- The large gallon capacity lets me complete bigger jobs without emptying the tank constantly.
- As far as suction goes, this vacuum provides maximum power
What I Don't Like
- It has a short hose, so reaching certain spots is a bit of a challenge
- The vacuum comes with fewer attachments than I'd like
6. DEWALT DXV04T Portable Small Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you’re looking for the best small shop vacuums that are relatively small and lightweight, then this portable wet-dry vacuum from DEWALT is the standard.
It’s portable and very handy, with a toolbox shape design that allows easy handling. This DEWALT DXV04T comes with a dust cartridge filter–designed for cleaning wet materials and dry debris.
It’s water-resistant, with a huge switch button for quicker and safer access to the machine. This vac model also has an ultra-flexible hose to cater to almost any cleanup needed, plus a 20-inch power cord adding up to its mobility. The vac accessory storage is worth mentioning as well, as it ensures all attachments included won’t be easily lost.
What I Like
- The 5-peak horsepower offers a robust performance that tackles most shop messes with ease
- Its hose is both flexible and expandable, adapting well to various cleaning tasks around the shop
- Convenient accessory storage on the vac itself has simplified my cleaning routine
- Being water-resistant, it can handle wet messes without any issues
- It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store
What I Don't Like
- It only comes with one disposable bag
- It needs Bette convention attachments
7. Stanley SL18910P-3 Small Wet/Dry Vacuum
Cleaning tasks around the shop or house are made easy with Stanley SL18910P-3‘s 11-liter large dust canister. With its cleaning capacity, you won’t have to worry about emptying the bin, especially if you use it for large cleaning tasks.
This multi-surface wet-dry vacuum is equipped with a hose of overall diameter, making it ideal for industrial work. I liked the elegant-build quality, which makes it more comfortable to use.
The one drawback is its foam filter. While effective, it does require a bit more maintenance, particularly when it comes to cleaning the exhaustion port to prevent the absorption of liquids. That said, considering its overall efficiency and capacity, I think it’s a small trade-off for a machine that can handle both wet and dry vacuuming needs effectively.
What I Like
- The 3-HP motor has been a reliable source of consistent power
- I appreciate its 2-in-1 function for both wet and dry cleaning, which adds a level of versatility to my cleaning routine
- The vacuum's lightweight nature makes it less cumbersome to move around
- A large dust capacity means I can go longer between emptying the tank
- Its performance has been robust enough to consider it good for industrial use
What I Don't Like
- One drawback is that it's high-maintenance, requiring more frequent upkeep than other models I've tried
- It has a smaller hose compared to other models
8. RYOBI 18V ONE+ Small Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum
As common small shop vac models are corded, Ryobi 18V One+ is different – it’s a cordless vacuum unit. It has built-in onboard accessory storage, which holds the floor nozzle, an extension wand, and the crevice tool.
What I also appreciate about this vac is its mobility features. It has a collapsible handle and four 360-degree caster wheels. You can wheel this unit around effortlessly, whether you’re in the shop, garage, or even doing a quick clean-up around the house.
Basically, this RYOBI 18V is a holy grail for space-saving storage, and although it’s a small cordless shop vac, you’ll be surprised with its 80 CFM feature. So, you can expect a good cleaning performance, and you can bring it anywhere you work.
(But are Ryobi products really worth it? Know more about Ryobi and where their products are made!)
What I Like
- The collapsible carrying handle has made transport and storage much simpler for me
- The easy emptying feature allows for a quicker disposal of waste
- It's lightweight and easy to carry around
- Portability is one of its strong suits, and it's been easy to move from place to place as needed
- Built-in accessory storage keeps all the nozzles and other tools neatly organized, so I don't have to go looking for them
What I Don't Like
- The downside is that batteries have to be purchased separately
- It's a bit hard to find fitting attachments
Small Shop Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
Before deciding the best small shop vac to purchase, you must understand the important metrics to consider.
Size
When looking for a mini shop vacuum, it’s probably because you want to save costs or you don’t want to occupy a lot of space, especially for storage. Compact models are cheaper than larger shop vacs, and it’s one factor that you need to consider.
Hence, small models are still diversified, and depending on the size you need, you should always consider the extent of use and where it will be used.
Whether you need to clean up a small mess or tackle a larger project, the size of your small shop vacuum is an important consideration for a hassle-free cleaning experience.
Portability
Shop vacs typically have wheels. In cases where they do not have wheels, the best shop vacs are usually handy and can be carried easily, so you won’t have problems moving them around.
If it’s heavy and has no wheels, moving it may be troublesome. So, you should check the weight of the machine before purchasing.
Durability
The durability of your small shop vac depends on where you use it and the maintenance or storage procedures you make with your machine. In my experience, a durable shop vac is absolutely essential, especially if you’re like me and don’t want to have to replace it anytime soon. So, just follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance, and you should be good to go.
Power
The last thing you want is a shop vac that struggles with heavy debris or spills. Been there, done that. It’s a headache. A good measure of how powerful a shop vac can be is its horsepower.
If you’re only thinking of using it to suction small pieces, then a one or 2-HP mini shop vac can be good enough. But if you’re dealing with something more intense, I’d highly recommend opting for a shop vac with 4-5 HP. It’s better to have a bit of extra power than to find yourself short in the middle of a big cleanup
You can also check for a shop vac model’s CFM or airflow. The higher CFM, the better the suction power [1].
Cleaning Duration/Range
How long you can take your small shop vac varies depending on the hose’s length. However, the longer the power cord and the hose are, the more expensive they will be.
Don’t expect a small shop vac to have extensive cord length; instead, invest in extensions if you have limited power sockets. Look for a shop vac model that has the features of power and hose that you need.
Storage
Smaller shop vacs are more compact, making them easier to keep. Despite the size, mini shop vacs come with a storage feature, serving as a compartment for cords, wraps, and accessories.
Many shop vacs offer different tank sizes, so choose one depending on your needs. An average shop vac model caters to one to six gallons, so if you’re expecting more than that, I suggest going for larger vacuums.
Also, if you’re after durability, opt for vacuums with a stainless steel tank.
Battery-Powered or Corded?
Ah, the age-old debate of cordless vs. corded. I’ve toyed with both, and while the freedom of a battery-powered shop vac can be enticing, it’s not without its limitations. You’re often restricted by battery life and the strength of the motor.
Honestly, there have been times I’ve wished I had a corded model on hand for its continuous power and higher efficiency. So weigh your options carefully before jumping on the cordless bandwagon.
Dry or Wet Cleaning
A vacuum cleaner can usually perform wet and dry cleaning. However, there are models made for dry cleaning only.
If you need both features, then opt for a wet/dry shop vacuum. But if you think you’ll never need the wet feature, go for a dry vacuum.
That said, I recommend purchasing wet and dry vacuums because they’re versatile and don’t differ much in price. Just remember to remove the dry filter when switching to wet mode; trust me, it’s a lesson you only want to learn once.
Attachments/Accessories
The best small shop vacs come with different accessories and attachments depending on your model. But here are some of the accessories that you need to consider when purchasing your small shop vac:
- Utility Nozzle
- Crevice tool and crevice nozzle
- Wet and Floor Nozzle
- Accessory storage
- Dual surface nozzle for floors and carpets
- Gulper nozzle
- Extension cords
Price
Since shop vacs have bigger capabilities, they are pricier than normal vacuums. The price difference varies depending on the model and horsepower.
The bigger your unit is, the more powerful and expensive it becomes. But my general advice is this: don’t cut corners on quality just to save a few bucks. It’s about finding the sweet spot between price and performance that you can comfortably afford.
How Does a Small Shop Vacuum Work + Essential Components
Shop vacs are purposefully designed to do specific cleanings. It’s meant to clean larger areas than those of the regular vacuum. They’re capable of picking up larger dirt sizes and wet particles that are difficult for normal vacuums to clean.
Large factory or workshop areas find small shop vacs ideal as they can penetrate through stubborn debris, even wet dirt.
The best small shop vacuums have essential components, such as power, a dirt storage system, and a fan. You’ll want to find these common components when deciding on the cleaning tool to purchase.
What Small Shop Vacuums Do?
The best small shop vacuums can perform tough cleaning jobs like heavy debris, wood chips, dry defuse, sawdust, and drywall dust. A variety of small shop vacs differ mostly in size, but it doesn’t make such any less powerful.
The general idea with vacuums is to create suction through the motor spins. Compact shop vacuums are the same but only mounted on a bucket-style canister.
Upon reaching the canister, the air slows down, diminishing the vacuum effect, so the debris falls to the canister and not onto the motor. Here are the tasks a small shop vacuum can perform:
- Pump out flooded areas like the basement
- Suck-up kitchen spills
- Cleaning barbecue pits
- Fix clogged drains and skinks
- Retrieve items dropped in unreachable spaces
- Clean fireplace and aquariums
Differences Between Small Shop and Traditional Vacuums
Shop vacuums are almost the same as traditional vacuums. It’s used for sucking up messes around your home, workshop, or car.
What sets these two apart is the suction capabilities. When people ask me what sets a shop vac apart from a regular vacuum, I tell them it’s like comparing a pickup truck to a compact car. They both get you from point A to point B, but one can haul a lot more.
Shop vacs have more powerful motors and can handle heavier messes than traditional vacuums. Their deplete power is enough to whip dry messes and debris that are difficult to clean for a traditional vacuum.
The best small vacuum cleaners are more compact, making them more portable and versatile.
Do You Need A Small Shop Vacuum?
If you’re looking for a vacuum that can fit a small space, then procuring a small shop vac may be the best option. Before purchasing anything, know where you will use it and review its features accordingly to assess whether it’s best suited for your cleaning needs.
Reasons Why You Don't Need a Small Shop VAC
Avoid a small shop vac if you need to clean big messes frequently. It may be powerful, but with this cleaning need, you’ll want to take it a little easy because the small shop vac still has limited capacity. You’ll be required to empty it regularly, and the cleanup process will be longer.
Also, sticking with a standard vacuum cleaner is ideal if you think you won’t be cleaning heavy debris.
Is it Worth Buying? And How Long Does it Last?
I’ve had my shop vac for years, and it’s still going strong. On average, a well-made small shop vac should give you around 500 to 700 usage hours. Hence, it’s best to consider how much you are using your compact shop vac in a week to know how long it will last. [1]
Generally, the best small shop vacs can last up to eight years. A corded shop vac can last long, too, provided that you operate it appropriately to prevent damage.
FAQ
How can I make my small shop vacuum stronger? Are they strong enough?
To improve the performance of your shop vac and make it powerful, change filters as often as needed. Dirty filters can hamper shop vacs from performing well. Thus it’s best to always check on your filter and the exhaust port when it starts to degrade in power.
Are small shop vacuums noisy or quiet?
Small shop vacuums produce less noise than the larger versions. Since they have smaller motors, they’re quieter. Even a high-performance motor can be very quiet. However, there are versions typically louder than others, so you should evaluate them meticulously.
Can I use my shop vacuum for liquids?
Yes. A small shop vac is best for cleaning wet messes and liquid spills. It has substantial power enough to clean dry and wet debris. Still, you should also check the water lift capacity since every unit varies, and it can only consume as much as the tank capacity is concerned.
Can I use my shop vacuum at home as a regular vacuum?
A portable shop vac can be used instead of a regular vacuum. It can cater to a great amount of dust and water but ensure that you install a filter to prevent dust from spreading and littering throughout your house. The best mini shop vac should include washable or replaceable filters.
Will I use a small shop vac for wet and dry cleaning?
Yes. The perfect small shop vac should be able to double as a wet-dry vac. Small shop vacs have dust cartridge filters and large dust canisters to accommodate wet and dry cleaning for any job site. You should get all the accessories you will need to maximize its efficiency.
Our Top Pick For a Small Shop Vac: Vacmaster VHB 305M
In my view, the Vacmaster VHB 305M stands out as the best small shop vac for its cost-efficient price and the maximized features it delivers. Its portability and appropriately powered motor make it a top choice, and I find the dust storage space particularly convenient. The cord length is also generous, providing greater mobility around the shop.
And after collecting sawdust, don’t throw it right away. Did you know that sawdust has uses in your garden, house, and various crafts? Learn more here!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
