7 Best Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners of 2023

Looking for a wet & dry vacuum? You’re in the right place! Here are our top seven picks for a tough vac that can handle both liquids and dry debris – while providing great value for money.

Budget

Draper 20514 Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

• Filter: Foam
• Dust Capacity: 15 litres
• Power: 1250W
• Price: £
• If you're on a tight budget, this is one of the best choices.

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Numatic CVC370 Charles

• Filter: HepaFlo Bags
• Dust Capacity: 15 litres
• Power: 1000W
• Price: ££
• Powerful suction and a large capacity - this is our #1 wet and dry vacuum.

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Nilfisk Multi ll 30T

• Filter: Standard
• Dust Capacity: 30 litres
• Power: 1400W
• Price: ££
• Powerful model with excellent all-round performance.

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Einhell TE-VC 1930 SA

• Filter: Standard
• Dust Capacity: 30 litres
• Power: 1500W
• Price: £
• Huge capacity and a powerful motor, this model can suck up almost anything.

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The best vacuums are great for dry debris, such as dust, dirt, cereal, hair and other types of everyday mess.

They can’t handle liquids though. For this, you’ll need a wet and dry vacuum.

As the name suggests, these models are able to handle liquids as well as dirt and dust. This means they can be used both outdoors and inside, which isn’t the case for most vacuums, while being suitable for clearing spills. They also tend to be highly durable and have powerful suction.

So, if you need a vac that’s more versatile than a traditional upright or cylinder, a wet and dry vacuum cleaner could be the best option – but which should you choose? And are there any vacs you should avoid? That’s what we’ll help you uncover in this article.

Which are the Best Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners?

Rank	Vacuum	Capacity	Why It's Great...
#1	Numatic CVC370 Charles	15 Litres	Great all-round vacuum with strong suction. #1 pick.
#2	Draper 20514	15 Litres	Cheaper alternative to the Charles that still has a durable design
#3	Nilfisk Multi ll 30T	30 Litres	Excellent value wet and dry vacuum with a huge capacity and blower function
#4	Einhell TE-VC 1930 SA	30 Litres	Big capacity and durable enough for work sites
#5	Karcher WD3 P Tough Vac	17 Litres	Simple design and can sync with power tools
#6	Draper 13785	20 Litres	Large capacity and good value for money
#7	Black + Decker Wet and Dry Dustbuster	0.175 Litres	Cheap handheld wet and dry vacuum for small wet spills

Why Buy a Wet Vac?

Wet and dry vacuums are more than just regular machines with the ability to deal with liquids. They also tend to be more durable and powerful, and will happily suck up everything from nails to snow.

Some also have a reverse mode which can be used for blowing. This is useful for moving debris into a smaller location for easier cleaning, or just to clear the hose.

Additionally, some models allow power tools to be connected via an outlet for sucking up wood chips or dust. This is called power take off (PTO.) These outlets allow the machine to turn on and off automatically as you use the tool. Not all vacuum models have this, but if you work with power tools it can be a very useful feature.

So, how do wet vacuums work? And when should they be used?

Thsee machines are built with a waterproof collector. This acts as a barrier between liquid and any electrical components, so you can use it to suck up water and other liquids (when in the correct mode). If you did this with a dry vacuum the model is likely to short circuit, as there is no protection for the sensitive circuits.

Some example uses for a wet and dry cleaner include:

• Sucking up spilled drinks.
• Keeping work sites clear.
• Getting rid of dust and wood chips from power tools.
• Thoroughly cleaning inside cars or vans.
• Vacuuming carpets that have just been cleaned.
• Drying a cleaned hard floor.
• Cleaning garages or other areas with larger debris.
• Unblocking sinks.

As an example, check out the Numatic Charles in action in this quick demonstration video:

There are some downsides to a wet dry vacuum though. Standard models, such as cylinder or upright, tend to have (but not always – as we’ll see later) more efficient filter systems. These filters stop allergens and other small particles escaping via exhaust fumes. While this is important for any vacuum user, it is of greater concern if you suffer from dust allergies or asthma.

It’s also important to point out that a wet vac is not the same as a carpet cleaner. Wet dry vacuums can pick up water, while a carpet cleaner actually cleans the carpet. There are, however, some models which can do both (we’ll give you an example later in the article). You also shouldn’t use a standard wet/dry model for ponds – instead use a pond vacuum.

In the first section, we’re going to list our top wet/dry cleaners along with why we think they are excellent models. The second section contains a complete guide to buying the best wet and dry vacuum for your home.

Note: wet/dry models are also known as shop vacs in some parts of the world.

Listed below are our top picks for a wet vacuum. Each model is durable, easy to use and powerful. They also provide great value for money. Keep in mind that the best option for you depends on your personal requirements, which is why we’ve included a range of budgets. To help you make the right decision, we also write in-depth wet and dry vacuum reviews.

How to Choose a Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner

While we don’t think you can go far wrong with any of the models listed above (as long as you research each model’s features compared to your requirements), we always recommend understanding what affects the performance of a vacuum before you buy. In this section, we’ll talk you through the primary considerations when choosing a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. You may also want to read our guide to what is a wet and dry vacuum.

Your Requirements and Budget

Before you start looking for a wet vacuum cleaner, you need to think about your requirements. Do you just need a home appliance that can handle the occasional spilled drink? Or do you want an industrial strength machine with a large capacity? The best wet vacuum for you depends largely on what you need it to do.

Your budget is also a big factor. While most wet vacuums can be bought for less than £200, some are available for considerably less than this – although there are always trade-offs. Cheap wet and dry vacuums, for example, usually sacrifice either suction power or capacity in return for a lower price.

Handheld or Full Size Model

Most of the models we’ve talked about so far have been “full size,” but you can also buy handheld wet vacuum cleaners. These have much less suction power and capacity, but can be useful for cleaning up small spillages. Handheld machines are also relatively cheap.

There are also compact models, such as the Dewalt DCV582-GB, that aren’t quite handheld but don’t have a full-size floor tool. They are great for quick clean ups in workshops or on-site.

Suction Power

If there’s one area where wet and dry vacuums excel, its suction power. Unlike regular upright or cylinder models, the new EU regulations limiting vacuum power don’t appear to apply to wet/dry models (probably because these are often used for industrial purposes). That means if you want a powerful vacuum, a wet and dry model is probably the best option.

Even so, there’s a lot of variation in suction power between wet and dry machines. A higher power usage also doesn’t always equal better suction, although the two are closely linked.

The best way to judge the suction power of a model is to read buyer reviews. These give you an idea of how the vacuum performs compared with competing models.

Keep in mind that there can be such a thing as too much suction power. If you want to clean dirt from carpets, for example, the most powerful vacuums have a tendency to lift the carpet and are difficult to push forward.

Hose Length and Diameter

The hose diameter sets a hard upper limit to how much debris can be sucked up by the appliance. While most wet and dry vacuums have hoses with relatively large diameters, this is something you might want to check before you buy.

The length of the hose is also important. While the cord length is probably the biggest factor affecting cleaning radius, a longer hose makes it easier to reach difficult areas. The trade-off is that longer hoses tend to reduce suction.

Capacity (Wet and Dry)

Having a large capacity can make cleaning a lot more efficient. This is especially important if the vacuum is going to be used on a work site where small models can fill up quickly.

Unlike regular cleaners, a wet and dry vacuum can sometimes have two listed capacities: one for dry and one for wet. Make sure you check both capacities before deciding which model to buy.

Tip: Remember that liquid is much heavier than dust and dirt, so a larger capacity isn’t always better for liquids when it comes to emptying.

Filtration

If possible, look for a vacuum with good filtration – especially if you have an allergy. If you’re looking for an industrial wet and dry vacuum for a site with potentially dangerous material, you’ll need a vacuum with filters specifically designed for this.

Other Considerations

• Power Tool Outlet. These outlets can be used to connect the vacuum to power tools.
• Attachments and Accessories. The majority of vacuums come with basic accessories, such as a crevice tool. For more specific jobs, check which attachments are included. Also try to get a model with on-board storage.
• Cord Length. Longer cords are much more convenient when cleaning large areas and have few downsides.
• Weight. The weight of a vacuum is often overlooked. Don’t make this mistake though – a heavy vacuum can turn cleaning into a workout rather than saving you time.
• Noise. Some wet and dry models can be very loud due to their powerful motors. If this is a problem, look for vacuums with a lower decibel level.
• Hose Connection. The connection between the hose and tank can be a weak point for some models. If you need extra durability, look for a lock or screw-on connection.
• Drainage Valve. This feature can be useful for emptying large amounts of liquid.
• Warranty. Many wet and dry models come with warranties or guarantees. Make sure you check whether this includes parts and labour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Wet and Dry Vacuums Clean Carpets?

Carpet cleaners heat a large reservoir of water before spraying it over a carpet. This, combined with a dissolved cleaning product, helps to loosen any dust and dirt. The machine then uses a vacuum to suck the dirt out, leaving a cleaner carpet in its wake. While different machines may have a variety of processes, this is generally how carpet cleaners work.

Wet & dry vacuums can’t do this. They don’t have a reservoir of water and they can’t spray water onto carpets or any other floors. They are great for vacuuming up wet spillages, but if you want to clean your carpet you’ll need to either spray on the water and cleaning product yourself, or hire a carpet cleaner.

What Makes Them Different?

As you might know, wet/dry vacuums are designed to handle more difficult jobs than a regular vacuum. That’s why they are often used for construction sites, gardens or car interiors. To achieve this, they need to be much more durable and powerful than other models.

The primary difference is how the electronics are housed. As you might imagine, it’s vital for a wet and dry vacuum to have properly insulated electronics. This prevents any risk to the user when vacuuming wet substances and also stops the machine becoming damaged.

Inside the vacuum, most wet and dry models have separate modes for wet and dry functions. To access these different modes you may need to change filters, although this depends on the make and model. Some machines also come with a blower.

Summary

Wet and dry vacuum cleaners really are the “workhorses” of the cleaning world. They can handle objects that would break or short-circuit regular machines, and their ability to suck up liquid can be very useful.

When choosing a vacuum, start by thinking about your requirements. Where are you going to use the appliance?  What types of jobs do you need it for? And what’s your budget?

After your requirements, the suction power is probably the most important consideration. Many wet/dry vacuums provide excellent suction, resulting in a more thorough clean.

We hope this article has helped you decide whether a wet and dry vacuum is the right choice. The next step is to read our reviews for wet and dry vacuums, which can also be found in this section. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to put them in the comments section below.

A-Z of In-Depth Wet and Dry Vacuum Reviews

Draper 06489 Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner Review
Einhell TE-VC 1930 SA Wet and Dry Vacuum Review
Karcher WD3 P Wet & Dry Vacuum Review
Numatic CVC370 Charles Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner Review
Numatic George GVE 370 Wet and Dry Vacuum Review