What is the Best Shop Vac?
A Survey of Shop Vacs
As with nearly anything today, there are choices. In the case of the Shop Vac, there are a ton of choices. Each one has its pros and its cons. Here’s a rundown list, each with a brief description.
- Vac-n-Vac—this is portable and a bit sizeable, but has some cool features.
- Hang Up Mini—little bitty vacs with a whole lot of power: Shop Vac durability in a smaller size.
- AllAround—the AllAround is light and portable, and has a surprising amount of power, considering its size.
- BullDog—the name says it. This is not for inside jobs; it’s designed for cars, trucks, and RVs.
- Floormaster—not just for floors, this vac is similar to the AllAround.
- Quiet Series—these vacs have the power of the conventional Shop Vac—with far less sound volume.
- Ultra Pro—Shop Vac on steroids. The Big Boy shop vac.
- Ultra Pro Pump—takes the Ultra Pro to the next level; attaches to garden hoses for ultimate water removal.
- Blower Vac—want to turn your vacuum into a yard tool? This vacuum will help you do just that.
- Hang Up—narrow and cylindrical, designed for easy storage
- Heavy Duty Portable—ideal for use by constructions workers or heavy-duty shops.
- Industrial—it’s not pretty, but this upright push vac does the job. Available in back pack form, too.
- Drywall Vac—engineered to take in drywall dust safely and effectively
- Professional—the biggest of the Shop Vacs, these are loaded with features and power
- Automotive—specifically designed for cleaning up your vehicle
So Many Uses: So Many Options.
The best way to make a decision on which vac to buy is to consider the features.
- How much power do you want?
Shop vacs are available in four power levels. 1 HP (horsepower) is a lot of power, but maybe not enough for the really tough jobs. Go up to the next level: 1.5 to 3 HP, 4 to 5.5 HP, or 6 and up. Once you’re in to the six horse range, you’re talking some serious power---almost enough to pick up a 16 pound bowling ball!
- How much tank size do you need?
Tank size is the next major consideration. The smallest Shop Vacs have a capacity of 1 gallon. That may not be enough for your job, so you can select a tank size up to 55 gallons.
Beyond just the power level and tank size, there are a variety of other features worth your consideration.
- Portability—will you be taking your Shop Vac around? Go for a portable variety—the AllAround, Vac-n-Vac, and Hang Up Minis are perfect for portability.
- Sound Level—sensitive to loud noises, or have children or pets that might be? Try a quieter vac; the Industrial series offers noise reduction features, as do any of the Quiet Series and Contractor varieties.
- Blower Feature—do you want a vacuum that doubles as a leaf, water, or snow blower? The AllAround, Blower, Floormaster, and Contractor Varieties all provide this handy feature.
Select the Best Vac for the Job.
The final feature to keep in mind is price. How much can you spend? Shop Vacs aren’t cheap, but you’ll probably find they will be worth every penny you spend. One standout feature—common to all Shop Vacs—is exceptional power and amazing durability.
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