Whether you’re tackling sawdust in the garage, clearing debris from a jobsite, or cleaning up a flooded basement, a Craftsman Shop Vac is one of the most essential tools you can own. Craftsman wet dry vacs are versatile cleaning solutions designed to handle both wet and dry messes with ease. Known for power, durability, and versatility, most Craftsman wet/dry vacuums are corded, providing consistent, high suction power that is ideal for demanding cleanup tasks. Craftsman wet/dry vacuums are built to handle everything from fine dust to large spills.
In this guide, we’ll cover what makes Craftsman shop vacs a top choice, highlight the best models, and show you how to choose the right vacuum for your needs. Craftsman is recognized for the high quality of its products and a reputation for durability. The brand offers a wide range of products, including wet dry vacs, tools, and lawn equipment, making it a trusted name for various applications.
Why Choose a Craftsman Shop Vac?
Strong Suction Power
Craftsman vacuums deliver powerful performance, featuring high horsepower motors ranging from 3 to 6.5 HP, giving you the power to suck up wet messes, heavy debris, and stubborn dust in seconds.
Built for Tough Jobs
Craftsman shop vacs are designed with durable stainless steel or rugged polypropylene tanks, making them suitable for job sites, garages, workshops, and commercial spaces.
Wet/Dry Versatility
Use this wet dry vacuum to clean up everything from drywall dust to standing water. Switch between wet and dry modes effortlessly with drain ports and washable filters.
Wide Range of Accessories
Most models come with a variety of nozzles, hoses, and extension wands, and they’re compatible with Craftsman’s VersaTrack™ and hose attachments, enhancing your reach and control.
Many units also feature on-board storage for accessories and hoses, making it easy to keep everything organized and accessible.
Overall storage space is optimized with features like power cord organizers, which help keep cords neatly stored and out of the way.
These on-board storage solutions help reduce clutter and improve storage space efficiency, making your workspace more organized and functional.
Blower Functionality
Many Craftsman shop vacs double as powerful blowers, perfect for clearing leaves or garage floors.
Best Craftsman Shop Vac Models
1. Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 – 16 Gallon, 6.5 HP
- Capacity: 16-gallon tank
- Power: 6.5 peak HP
- Best For: Large cleanups, construction debris, basement flooding
- Bonus: Converts to a blower
2. Craftsman CMXEVBE17607 – 12 Gallon, 6 HP
- Capacity: Medium-size tank
- Power: 6.0 HP
- Best For: Garage, shop, and vehicle detailing
- Includes: 3-piece extension wand, utility nozzle, car nozzle
3. Craftsman CMXEVBE17250 – 2.5 Gallon, 1.75 HP Portable
- Capacity: Compact for quick jobs
- Power: 1.75 HP
- Best For: Car interiors, quick spills, apartment or small garage
- Lightweight: Easy to carry and store
Key Features to Look For
- Qwik Lock® Filter System for easy filter changes
- Built-in drain for wet vacs
- Top carry handle or wheels for portability
- Accessory storage built into the base or top
- Noise reduction technology on select models
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
- HEAVY-DUTY: Powerful 6.5 Peak HP provides extra power for large projects in the garage, shop, and on the jobsite
- BUILT-IN BLOWER PORT: Rear blowing port on this wet-dry vac allows for quick cleaning of leaves and grass clippings in your garage and outdoors
- OVERSIZED DRAIN: Built-in oversized drain on the wet/dry vac allows for convenient emptying of liquids
- DUAL-FLEX TECHNOLOGY: 2-1/2 in. diameter shop vacuum hose features Dual-Flex technology for 180-degree mobility at each end to resist kinking
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Utility Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Wet Nozzle, Qwik Lock Filter, and Dust Collection Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTERS: CMXZVBE38751, CMXZVBE38753, CMXZVBE38754, CMXZVBE38773, CMXZVBE38755, CMXZVBE38776, CMXZVBE38777, CMXZVBE38778, and CMXZVBE38779 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Vac Filters
- COMPATIBLE DUST BAGS: CMXZVBE38749 and CMXZVBE38750 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Dust Bags
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
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
- 2-IN-1 VAC: Powerful shop vacuum that features a detachable blower for clearing leaves and debris from your garage and outdoors
- DUAL-FLEX HOSE WITH POS-I-LOCK: Provides 180-degree flexibility at both hose ends for maneuverability and secure attachment of hose to vac drum that won't pull loose during use
- ACCESSORY STORAGE: Convenient lid-mounted accessory caddy with hose management keeps all accessories organized and ready for quick access
- OVERSIZED DRAIN: Built-in drain for convenient emptying of liquids
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Utility Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Crevice Tool, Locking Blower Wand, Qwik Lock Filter, and Dust Collection Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTERS: CMXZVBE38751, CMXZVBE38753, CMXZVBE38754, CMXZVBE38773, CMXZVBE38755, CMXZVBE38776, CMXZVBE38777, CMXZVBE38778, and CMXZVBE38779 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Vac Filters
- COMPATIBLE DUST BAGS: CMXZVBE38735 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Dust Bags
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
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
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet-dry vac offers unparalleled mobility
- IDEAL FOR SMALL MESSES: Perfect for the home, garage, cars, trucks, and vans
- EASY TO STORE: Compact size, carry handle, and cord wrap feature allow for easy storage
- TWO-IN-ONE CAPABILITY: Shop vacuum can be used as a blower for added versatility
- DESIGNED FOR TIGHT SPACES: 1-1/4 in. shop vacuum accessories allow for maneuverability in tight areas
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1-1/4 in. x 5 ft. Friction Fit Hose, Crevice Tool, Utility Nozzle, Filter Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTER: CMXZVBE38737 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Filter Bag
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: CMXZVBE38662 Car Cleaning Kit
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
Craftsman V20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Shop Vac Wet/Dry, 2 Gallon, 7ft Hose, Bare Tool Only (CMCV002B)
- POWERFUL MOTOR: Cordless vacuum provides 35 CFM of suction power for picking up debris
- A portable 2-gallon tank of the DEWALT 20V vacuum allows for wet and dry debris cleanup
- HEALTH SAFETY: HEPA-rated filter of the cordless shop vacuum traps 99.7% of filth and irritants for efficiency and health safety
- EXTENDED REACH: 7 ft. 8-inch hose allows for extended reach and flexibility in application
- EASY STORAGE: On board hose and accessory storage allows for easy storage and helps prevent losing attachments
- Battery and charger sold separately
Craftsman CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning
Craftsman
CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower
- 2-IN-1 VAC: Powerful shop vacuum that features a detachable blower for clearing leaves and debris from your garage and outdoors
- DUAL-FLEX HOSE WITH POS-I-LOCK: Provides 180-degree flexibility at both hose ends for maneuverability and secure attachment of hose to vac drum that won't pull loose during use
- ACCESSORY STORAGE: Convenient lid-mounted accessory caddy with hose management keeps all accessories organized and ready for quick access
- OVERSIZED DRAIN: Built-in drain for convenient emptying of liquids
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 2-1/2 in. x 7 ft. POS-I-LOCK Dual-Flex Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Utility Nozzle, Car Nozzle, Crevice Tool, Locking Blower Wand, Qwik Lock Filter, and Dust Collection Bag
- COMPATIBLE FILTERS: CMXZVBE38751, CMXZVBE38753, CMXZVBE38754, CMXZVBE38773, CMXZVBE38755, CMXZVBE38776, CMXZVBE38777, CMXZVBE38778, and CMXZVBE38779 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Vac Filters
- COMPATIBLE DUST BAGS: CMXZVBE38735 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Dust Bags
- VAC WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
Craftsman CMXEVBE17678 1.75 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac Powerhead, Portable Shop Vacuum Compatible with a 5 Gallon Bucket (Sold Separately) with Filter Bag and Hose for Jobsite, Outdoor Cleaning
- EASY TO USE: Quickly attaches to the top of a multi-purpose 5-gallon bucket (not included), turning it into a powerful wet-dry vac for debris collection
- COMPACT SIZE: Lightweight, portable vac that's great for smaller jobsite messes that need instant wet-dry disposal - ideal for the jobsite or garage
- 6 ft. POWER CORD: Provides extra reach to tackle tough messes
- BLOWER PORT: Adds versatility to this bucket vacuum for blowing debris out of your garage or from your driveway and sidewalk
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 1-1/4 in. x 4 ft. Beveled-End Hose and Filter with Retainer Band
- WARRANTY: 3 Year Limited Warranty
- COMPATIBLE FILTER: CMXZVBE38737 Genuine CRAFTSMAN Filter Bag
- NOT COMPATIBLE WITH: CMXZVBE38662 Car Cleaning Kit
FAQs
Can I use a Craftsman shop vac to pick up water?
Yes! All Craftsman wet/dry vacs are designed to handle liquids. Just make sure to remove the dry filter before using it for wet cleanup.
Do Craftsman shop vacs come with accessories?
A: Most models include a set of attachments like extension wands, crevice tools, utility nozzles, and hoses.
How loud are Craftsman vacuums?
Larger models are louder, but some offer quiet technology for reduced noise. Wearing ear protection is recommended for extended use.
Where can I buy Craftsman shop vac replacement filters?
Filters and bags are widely available; look for Qwik Lock® compatible replacements.
Final Thoughts
A Craftsman Shop Vac is a smart investment for anyone who needs reliable, heavy-duty cleanup power. Whether you're a contractor managing jobsite debris or a DIYer tidying up your garage, Craftsman’s line of wet/dry vacuums offers the performance, capacity, and versatility to get the job done right.
With features like strong suction, large-capacity tanks, wet/dry functionality, and accessory compatibility, Craftsman shop vacs are built to handle everything from fine dust to water spills. Choose the right size and model for your space—and enjoy powerful, mess-free results every time. Order today!
