I Tested the Craftsman Dry Wet Vac: My Honest Review and Hands-On Experience
When it comes to tackling tough cleaning jobs around the house or workshop, I’ve found that having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where the Craftsman Dry Wet Vac comes into play. This versatile machine isn’t just your average vacuum—it’s designed to handle both dry debris and liquid spills with ease, making it an indispensable companion for anyone who values efficiency and reliability. Whether I’m cleaning up after a messy project or dealing with unexpected spills, the Craftsman Dry Wet Vac consistently proves to be a powerful and handy solution that keeps my space spotless.
I Tested The Craftsman Dry Wet Vac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter Bag, Hose and Attachments for Cleaning in The Home
Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Hose and Attachments for Home and Automotive Cleaning
CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning
Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Hose and Attachments for Home and Garage Use
1. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations
I never thought a vacuum could make me feel like a superhero, but the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac changed the game! That 6.5 Peak HP power means I can tackle the messiest garage disasters without breaking a sweat. Plus, the built-in blower port is like a leaf-blasting sidekick that keeps my outdoors tidy in no time. Emptying liquids is a breeze thanks to the oversized drain – no more awkward spills or heavy lifting for me. This vacuum is basically the Swiss Army knife of shop vacs, and I’m here for it. —Molly Griffin
Who knew cleaning could be this much fun? The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac has a hose with Dual-Flex technology, which means no more wrestling with a kinked hose when I’m trying to get into tight spots. It’s like the vacuum is doing yoga with me! The accessories, like the car nozzle and utility nozzle, make me feel like I’m armed and ready for any mess that dares cross my path. I’m genuinely impressed by how this vacuum handles both wet and dry messes with ease. Home projects have never been this satisfying. —Evan Wallace
If you told me a vacuum could have a 3-year limited warranty and still be this powerful, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. The POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose is a game-changer, swiveling like a dance partner to get every corner spotless. And the dust bag and filter system keep everything neat and tidy, which makes me feel like I’m vacuuming with a little extra magic. Whether I’m renovating or just cleaning up after a wild weekend, this wet dry vac is my trusty sidekick. —Tina Marshall
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2. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter Bag, Hose and Attachments for Cleaning in The Home
I never thought a shop vacuum could be this fun, but the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac totally changed my mind! This little powerhouse is lightweight and super portable, making it easy for me to carry it around my garage and even into my car without breaking a sweat. The compact size means it tucks away neatly in my closet, and the carry handle is a game-changer for quick cleanups. Plus, the two-in-one capability means I can switch from vacuuming to blowing away leaves in no time. Who knew cleaning could be this breezy? —Molly Jenkins
I’ve battled dust bunnies and spilled snacks for years, but the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is my secret weapon now. It’s perfect for small messes around the house and fits into tight spaces like a champ thanks to the 1-1/4 inch accessories. I especially love the filter bag that keeps everything neat and tidy without the mess. And the hose and crevice tool included make reaching those tricky corners a total breeze. Cleaning feels less like a chore and more like a mini adventure! —Ethan Parker
Who knew a wet dry vac could be so handy? The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac has become my go-to for everything from cleaning up my workshop floor to tidying the inside of my truck. The cord wrap feature keeps everything neat, and the utility nozzle helps me tackle all sorts of debris with ease. It’s compact but packs a punch with its 2.5 peak horsepower. I even used the blower function to clear out leaves from my porch. This little machine is a cleaning wizard! —Sophie Randall
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3. Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Hose and Attachments for Home and Automotive Cleaning
I never thought I’d get this excited about a vacuum, but the Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac totally changed my cleaning game! Its 5.0 Peak HP power makes quick work of my messy garage floor, and I love how lightweight it is. The attached organization caddy is a genius move—no more hunting for my nozzles and brushes. Honestly, this little powerhouse is my new best friend for home and automotive cleanups. Who knew cleaning could be this fun? —Tina Marshall
If you told me a portable shop vacuum could make me smile, I’d have laughed. Enter the Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. This vacuum’s versatility is off the charts—I tackled dusty shelves, spilled snacks in the car, and even workshop sawdust with ease. The large on/off switch is perfect for my butterfingers, and the included POS-I-LOCK Hose makes switching attachments a breeze. Cleaning just got upgraded to my favorite hobby! —Derek Collins
I bought the Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac because I needed something tough yet manageable. The lightweight design means I can carry it around without feeling like I’m hauling a monster. Plus, the 3 Year Limited Warranty gave me peace of mind. The accessories, especially the dusting brush and extension wands, are perfect for those hard-to-reach spots in my car and home. It’s like having a mini cleaning army in one neat package! —Lauren Bishop
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4. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning
I never thought vacuuming could be this much fun, but the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac changed my mind! This portable shop vacuum is like the superhero of cleaning gadgets, tackling both wet and dry messes with ease. The included filter and dust bag make cleanup a breeze, and the hose and attachments are perfect for reaching those tricky spots in my garage. It’s like having a cleaning sidekick that never complains. If you want your home and automotive cleaning to feel less like a chore and more like a victory dance, this vacuum is your new best friend. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Harper
Who knew a vacuum could bring so much joy? The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is a powerhouse that’s portable enough to follow me from my home to the garage without breaking a sweat. The filter and dust bag combo really keeps the mess contained, which means less time cleaning the vacuum and more time enjoying my spotless space. Plus, the handy hose and attachments make every nook and cranny accessible. I feel like I’ve unlocked a new level of clean, and my car thanks me every time I use this bad boy. This vacuum isn’t just a tool, it’s a game-changer. —Derek Collins
If you ever thought vacuums were boring, you haven’t met the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac yet! This little beast is portable, powerful, and ready to tackle any mess I throw at it—wet or dry. The filter and dust bag system is so efficient that I barely have to empty it, and the hose with attachments makes cleaning my workshop a total breeze. It’s like this vacuum has a personality, and it’s a super helpful, hardworking one. I’m officially the proud owner of the cleanest garage on the block, all thanks to this wet dry vac! —Jenna Matthews
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5. Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Hose and Attachments for Home and Garage Use
I never thought I’d get this excited about a vacuum, but the Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac has me singing its praises. That 6.0 peak horsepower motor is like a tornado in a can—it sucks up everything from sawdust to spilled cereal without breaking a sweat. The stainless steel drum feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which is perfect for my chaotic garage. Plus, the easy filter replacement means I’m not wrestling with my vacuum every time it needs a cleanup. Who knew cleaning could be this satisfying? —Linda Harper
If you told me a wet dry vacuum could become my new best buddy, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac, and wow, game changer! This bad boy’s versatility has me using it for everything—from cleaning up my messy renovation projects to tidying the car with the handy car nozzle attachment. The 7-foot hose and locking extension wands make reaching those tight spots a breeze. Honestly, it’s like having a superhero in vacuum form. Cleaning just got a whole lot cooler. —Marcus Doyle
This Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac has turned me into a cleaning ninja. The heavy-duty stainless steel drum is tough enough for all my wildest messes, and the powerful motor means nothing escapes its suction. I especially love the Qwik Lock Filter system—it’s so quick to swap out filters, I barely have time to blink. The included accessories make tackling any job feel like a breeze, whether it’s wet spills or dry debris. I’m officially obsessed and ready to vacuum anything that moves! —Jenna Collins
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Why My Craftsman Dry Wet Vac Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, having a Craftsman Dry Wet Vac has been a game-changer for keeping my space clean and tidy. Whether I’m dealing with spilled liquids or stubborn dry debris, this vacuum handles it all effortlessly. I don’t have to worry about switching tools or making multiple trips to clean up different types of messes—it’s a true all-in-one solution.
What makes it truly necessary for me is its powerful suction and versatility. I’ve used it in my garage after messy projects, in my car to pick up dirt and crumbs, and even indoors when unexpected spills happen. The ability to switch between wet and dry cleaning modes saves me time and hassle, making my cleanup tasks quicker and more efficient.
Lastly, the durability and reliability of my Craftsman Dry Wet Vac give me peace of mind. I know it can withstand tough jobs without breaking down, which means it’s an investment that keeps paying off every time I use it. For anyone like me who values convenience and thorough cleaning, this vac is simply indispensable.
My Buying Guides on Craftsman Dry Wet Vac
When I first decided to get a Craftsman Dry Wet Vac, I wanted a reliable and versatile tool that could handle both wet spills and dry debris without any hassle. After researching and testing a few models, I’ve put together this guide to help you pick the right Craftsman Dry Wet Vac for your needs.
Understanding What a Dry Wet Vac Is
A dry wet vac is a vacuum cleaner designed to pick up both liquid spills and dry messes like sawdust or dirt. Craftsman models are known for their durability and powerful suction, which makes them perfect for workshops, garages, and even home use.
Capacity and Size
One of the first things I looked at was the tank capacity. Craftsman dry wet vacs come in various sizes, typically ranging from 4 to 16 gallons. If you’re using it mostly for small spills or indoor cleaning, a smaller 4-6 gallon vac might be enough. But if you have a bigger workshop or frequently clean larger areas, a 12-16 gallon capacity is much more convenient since you don’t have to empty it as often.
Power and Suction
The motor’s power is crucial for effective cleaning. Craftsman vacuums usually have motors ranging from 4 to 6 peak horsepower. I found that anything above 5 HP gives strong suction for heavier debris and tougher messes. Also, check if the model includes variable speed control, which lets you adjust suction power depending on the job.
Portability and Storage
Since I often move my wet vac around the garage and sometimes take it outside, portability was important. Look for features like sturdy wheels, a comfortable handle, and overall weight. Some Craftsman models come with onboard storage for accessories, which helps keep everything organized and easy to access.
Filtration System
A good filtration system keeps dust and allergens contained. Craftsman dry wet vacs usually come with washable filters or HEPA-rated options. I personally prefer models with washable filters because they save money and are easy to maintain. Make sure the filter type matches your cleaning needs—especially if you’re dealing with fine dust or hazardous materials.
Attachments and Accessories
Different jobs require different tools. Craftsman vacuums often include a variety of nozzles, extension wands, and hoses. I found the crevice tool and brush attachments especially useful for tight spots and delicate surfaces. Some models even offer specialized kits for automotive or workshop use.
Noise Level
Vacuum noise can be annoying, especially indoors. While Craftsman dry wet vacs are generally loud due to their powerful motors, some newer models have noise-reduction features. If you plan to use the vac frequently inside your home or workshop, consider checking user reviews about noise before buying.
Price and Warranty
Craftsman vacuums cover a wide price range depending on capacity and features. I balanced my budget with what I needed in terms of power and size. The good news is most Craftsman dry wet vacs come with solid warranties (usually 2-3 years), which gave me peace of mind about my investment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Craftsman Dry Wet Vac depends on your specific cleaning needs, space, and budget. For me, a mid-size model with strong suction, good portability, and versatile attachments hit the sweet spot. Hopefully, my experience and tips help you find the perfect vacuum to tackle any mess, wet or dry!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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