Best Cordless Shop Vac to Clean with Less Fuss
Are you looking for a shop vac that can help make your cleaning tasks easier and more efficient?
Cordless shop vacs are quickly becoming the preferred choice of both DIYers and professionals alike, as they provide powerful suction and reliable performance without the fuss of cords.
With so many models to choose from, it can be hard to find the best cordless shop vac for your needs.
We’ve done some digging and have come up with our top picks – each one is sure to make any tough cleaning job faster and simpler!
How We Choose the Best Cordless Shop Vacs
Cordless shop vacs are a great option for small spaces and tight corners, but it can be hard to know which one is the best option for your needs.
With so many different brands and models of cordless shop vacs available, how do you choose?
We read through thousands of reviews on Amazon and compared specs from the top brands to narrow it down to these cordless shop vacs.
They offer the perfect balance of power and portability, making them a great choice for any workshop or garage.
Overall Winner – Best Cordless Shop Vac
Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum (0880-20)
Key Features
- Works with all Milwaukee 18V Slide batteries
- 1-1/4″ hose
- 45 CFM flow rate
- Bare tool
Why It’s a Great Choice
The Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum is the perfect tool to tackle any and all messes.
With its powerful 18V motor, it can handle even the toughest jobs with ease.
The toolbox design provides easy transport and storage, making it incredibly convenient for a variety of applications.
On-board accessory and hose storage keeps everything organized, so you can get right to work with minimal fuss.
It features a built-in blower port to clear workplaces or outdoor spaces quickly, while its reusable HEPA-rated high-efficiency filter can easily switch between wet and dry vacuum applications without a change.
Invest in the reliable Milwaukee 18-Volt Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum today – because when you’re dealing with messes, anything less just won’t do.
Best Cordless Shop Vac with an Integrated Hose
DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum (DCV581H)
Key Features
- Works with 18V or 20V Max Dewalt batteries – or via AC outlet
- 1-1/4″ crush-resistant, heavy-duty hose
- 31 CFM flow rate
- Bare tool
Why It’s a Great Choice
Get powerful suction with the DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum! With its large 2-Gallon tank capacity and advanced filtration system, this vacuum will pick up all kinds of debris, no matter how small.
The HEPA-rated wet/dry filter traps particles down to 0.3 microns, with an impressive 99.97% efficiency rating. No mess is too much for the DEWALT Wet/Dry Vacuum!
The onboard hose, cord, and accessory storage make it easy to transport around different worksites so you can always get your job done efficiently.
You also have the added convenience of having both battery and AC outlet power options to choose from – a great way to maintain high performance without worrying about a battery dying.
Don’t take chances by using inferior vacuums that don’t give you enough power – equip yourself with the reliable power of the DEWALT 20V MAX Wet/Dry Vacuum for all of your toughest cleaning jobs!
Best Cordless Shop Vac on a Budget
CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 2-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Key Features
- Works with 20V Craftsman batteries
- 7 ft 8-inch hose
- 35 CFM flow rate
- Bare tool
Why It’s a Great Choice
If you’re looking for an affordable, powerful, and reliable monster to take on your toughest clean-up jobs, then the CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 2-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is the right tool for you.
This vac has you covered with plenty of capacity in its 2-gallon tank and features HEPA-rated wet/dry filtration—trapping dust with an efficiency rating of 99.7%.
And who doesn’t appreciate onboard hose, cord, and accessory storage?
The 7 ft 8-inch hose ensures that you can reach even hard-to-get places.
With the CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 2-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, it’s all about ease and functionality.
So don’t mess around with subpar vacuum cleaners anymore; get the job done with CRAFTSMAN’s top-of-the-line product.
Best 3-Gallon Cordless Shop Vac
RIDGID 3-Gallon 18V Cordless Handheld Wet/Dry Vac
Key Features
- Works with 18V Ridgid batteries
- 1-7/8″ diameter hose
- Bare tool
Why It’s a Great Choice
Experience the ultimate power and convenience of the RIDGID 3-Gallon 18V Cordless Handheld Wet/Dry Vac!
With its robust capacity, you can take on large or small messes without worrying about cables or an outlet.
The 1-7/8 in. locking hose and expandable design enable you to reach even hard to clean areas with ease and reliability.
This vac also features a variable suction valve to adjust the cleaning power for your individual needs and an on/off switch located under the handle that helps prevent accidental activation.
With built-in accessory storage, as well as a dusting brush, cartridge filter and car nozzle included – you’ll have everything you need for a thorough clean at home or on the go!
Don’t settle for less – fight messes with confidence and get the power of a RIDGID cordless handheld wet/dry vac now!
Best Cordless Shop Vacuum for Suction Power
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum (XCV11Z)
Key Features
- Works with 18V Makita batteries
- Up to 60 minutes of battery life
- 57 CFM flow rate and 27 inches of water lift suction
Why It’s a Great Choice
The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum is the perfect tool for tackling wet and dry messes.
Its advanced BL Brushless motor delivers an impressive 57 CFM and 27 inches water lift of suction, helping you get the job done quickly and effectively.
The filter cleaning system ensures optimum suction efficiency and longer filter life, saving you time and effort when emptying the vac.
It’s also incredibly lightweight, at only 10.1 pounds with the 18V LXT 5.0 Ah battery, so no matter how big or small the job is, it’s designed to be easy to maneuver around tight spots.
Additionally, its LED battery indicator shows you when it needs to be charged while its two-speed push button power selection provides high and low options for a variety of applications.
With the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon Portable Wet/Dry Vacuum, you’ll have your mess taken care of in no time!
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Cordless Shop Vacs
Cordless shop vacuums are becoming more and more popular, but there are still a lot of questions about them.
A lot of people are still unsure about what to look for when shopping for a cordless shop vacuum.
They may not know if a cordless model can keep up with their mess or which features are most important.
We’ve put together this list of the most commonly asked questions about cordless shop vacuums to help you make the best purchase possible.
What are the benefits of a cordless shop vac?
Vacuuming can be a hassle, but with a cordless vacuum, you can make it easy and efficient! A cordless shop vac is a great tool for any household or workspace. Here are some of the top benefits of having one:
- Mobility – The main benefit of a cordless shop vac is that it offers portability. With no cords to worry about, you can take your vacuum anywhere in your home or workplace without having to worry about plugging it into an electrical outlet. This makes it much easier to clean hard-to-reach areas and even makes cleaning outdoors possible when using an exterior battery pack.
- Flexibility – With most cordless shop vacs, you have the flexibility to choose between different cleaning operations depending on your needs. For instance, you can use suction only, suction/blowing or wet/dry cleaning options. This allows you to easily adjust the power level required for different tasks and reduces the time spent doing chores around the house.
- Convenience – Cordless vacuums are designed with convenience in mind — most models weigh just a few pounds and come with adjustable carrying handles so that they’re easy to carry and store away when not in use. Additionally, these vacuums require minimal maintenance with fewer moving parts than traditional plug-in models which means less downtime for repairs or replacements if needed.
- Cost Savings – Depending on how often you use your cordless shop vac, buying one may end up being more economical than renting larger plug-in models from professional cleaners or retail outlets every few months or so. Most cordless models come with rechargeable batteries that will last for several hours at least before needing to be recharged again – providing plenty of time for small messes during regular daily life tasks such as spills after dinner, pet hair removal from furniture or light mattress cleaning without needing to pay rental fees every time!
In short, owning a cordless shop vac provides many benefits including mobility, flexibility, convenience, and cost savings – all reasons why this type of vacuum cleaner should be considered when shopping around for an efficient and effective way of keeping your home free from dust and dirt!
How powerful is a cordless shop vac?
The power of a cordless vacuum varies between models but is generally quite powerful for its size. Cordless wet/dry vacuums are typically powered by rechargeable batteries that provide suction in the range of 6 to 8 amps – roughly equivalent to an upright vacuum cleaner, or even more depending on the model and battery type being used. The advantage of a cordless shop vac is that it provides portability and freedom of movement which can be especially useful for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
When determining the power of your cordless shop vac, it’s important to consider the motor capacity as well as the amperage rating and wattage. The higher these specs are, the more powerful your machine will be. You can also look at air flow output – this helps determine how much suction power your vacuum will have when picking up dirt and debris.
Furthermore, some models come with extra attachments that help increase their power – such as a brush attachment for tackling tough carpets. Lastly, if you are looking for a powerful cordless model, make sure it has wet/dry options so you can use it on both dry and wet surfaces around the house!
Are battery-powered shop vacs easier to use than corded versions?
Cordless shop vacs offer a lot of conveniences, ease of use, and portability that corded models do not have. When it comes to usability, cordless vacuums are much easier to maneuver around tight spaces, move up and down stairs, or simply take from room to room for quick clean-ups. Their lack of wires also means you don’t have to worry about potential tripping hazards and won’t be stuck in one spot for an extended amount of time doing your cleaning tasks.
The majority of cordless shop vacs come with rechargeable batteries that provide sufficient suction power to handle light messes such as pet hair on furniture or spills after dinner without needing to lug around a heavyweight machine. These machines are often lightweight enough (some weighing as little as 3lbs) so that they can be easily taken outdoors for outdoor cleaning jobs – making them ideal for small yards or patios where cords wouldn’t reach anyways. Plus, with the right attachments, they can even be used in cars!
In short, cordless models tend to provide convenience and portability that makes it easier than ever to get your cleaning done quickly and efficiently – no matter the task at hand!
How often should I empty my cordless vacuum?
How often you need to empty your cordless shop vac depends on the type of job you’re doing and the size of the vacuum’s dust bin. Smaller dust bins will require more frequent emptying, while larger ones can generally wait a bit longer between emptying sessions.
For more frequent jobs like pet hair or vacuuming out cars, it’s important to empty the dust bin after each use. This helps keep the filter and motor clean and ensures that it continues to perform optimally. For everyday tasks like vacuuming floors, emptying every two weeks or so should be sufficient – depending on how quickly the dustbin fills up.
In terms of overall maintenance, it is also important to regularly inspect and clean out your filter at least every few months – depending on usage – as this is essential for keeping your shop vac performing at its best in the long run.
Is it necessary to replace the filters in a cordless shop vac?
Yes, it is necessary to replace the filters in a cordless shop vac regularly – typically every few months depending on usage. Disposable filters should be thrown away and replaced with a new one each time, while washable/reusable filters should be cleaned and inspected after each use and completely replaced when they become too clogged up or worn out.
Keeping your filter clean and free of debris is essential for keeping your shop vac performing optimally since if the filter becomes too clogged up, the suction power will be significantly decreased. This can not only reduce the effectiveness of the suction but also put unnecessary strain on the motor, increasing its chances of overheating or failing.
Replacing your filter ensures that your shop vac functions properly and can do its job effectively for as long as you need it!
Can I use my cordless shop vac outdoors as well as indoors?
Yes, you can use your cordless shop vac indoors and outdoors! However, it’s important to note that the vacuum is not waterproof – so if you plan on using it outdoors make sure to avoid any cleaning in areas where water could get inside.
When using the vacuum for outdoor purposes, it’s important to take into account the type of surfaces you will be working with. Hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt won’t cause any issues, but dirt or grassy surfaces may require more frequent filter changes due to the finer dust particles they can generate.
It’s also essential to keep an eye out for any wet leaves or debris that may enter the dust bin while cleaning, as this could damage the motor over time. All in all, using a cordless shop vac outdoors should be no problem as long as proper caution is taken!
Can I use any type of cleaning solution in my cordless shop vac?
Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use any kind of cleaning solution in a cordless shop vac. This type of vacuum is designed specifically for dry vacuuming and using a solution could damage the motor or filter.
If you need to clean surfaces that require a liquid or foam-based cleaner for optimal results, it’s best to do so separately from the shop vac. You can then use the vacuum to gather any dust particles or debris left behind after cleaning with your preferred solution.
Also, keep in mind that many cordless vacuums come with specialized tools for wet/dry applications – these should be used instead if necessary. Using the correct tool and following instructions provided by the manufacturer will ensure that you get the most out of your shop vac!
Is it safe to use a cordless shop vac on hardwood floors or tile floors?
Yes, it is safe to use a cordless shop vac on hardwood floors or tile floors! For optimal results, make sure you are using the correct tool for the job. Most cordless vacuums come with specialized tools for hardwood and tile surfaces which will help protect your floor from any scratches or damage.
It’s important to note that some more powerful models of cordless shop vacs can be too strong for certain wood floor finishes – if you experience any dulling of the wood after using the vacuum, consider switching to a less powerful model. Similarly, avoid using any cleaning solutions in your shop vac when working with these types of surfaces as this could cause discoloration or other damage.
In general, if used correctly and with the right settings, a cordless shop vac should not pose any danger when used on hardwood and tile floors.
Can I submerge my corded shop vacuum in water for cleaning purposes, or will it damage the motor and other parts of the unit?
No, it is not recommended to submerge a corded shop vac in water for cleaning. Doing so can damage the motor and other parts of the unit, as well as create a safety hazard due to potential electrical shock.
If you need to clean your shop vac and any residue from liquids or substances stuck inside, it’s best to use an appropriate cleaning solution and a damp cloth. Depending on how dirty or clogged the nozzle is, you may also want to consider using a pipe cleaner or other small tool for more effective cleaning.
Ensure that all surfaces are dry before reconnecting the power cord and operating your vacuum again – this will help prevent potential electrical hazards and increase the life of your equipment.
Choosing the Best Cordless Shop Vac for You
In conclusion, shopping for a cordless shop vac has never been easier!
We have done the hard work for you and narrowed it down to our five favorite choices.
Selecting any of these models will ensure that you can clean up quickly without tripping over ill-placed extension cords.
On top of their convenience, all of these models boast outstanding power ratings and more than enough suction power to handle the most challenging tasks.
So what are you waiting for?
Click the links to check prices on Amazon, purchase one today, and get ready to tackle your next mess with ease!
