With a high-power motor and suction unit, shop vacs are useful for cleaning wet and dry messes such as liquid spills, flooding, dirt and debris in construction sites, workshops, and basements.
What are the different types of shop vacuum?
Shop vacuums are all built very similarly, with a large canister and motor on a wheeled chassis. They come in a range of sizes from 9 to 60 litres. Most shop vacs are wet/dry vacuums and can handle just about any mess. There are also upright, handheld, and cordless models that are easy to use.
How do I know which type of shop vacuum to buy?
The most important thing to consider is whether the vacuum you want has enough capacity for the messes you'll be cleaning. If you'll be cleaning dust, having a HEPA-certified shop vac is a good idea. A smaller cordless wet/dry vacuum may also be a good choice if you won't be cleaning big spills.
What else do I need when buying a shop vacuum?
You may want to consider extra hoses. Specialized nozzles, longer hoses, and extended wands can make it easy to clean nooks and crannies. Filters are important if you'll be cleaning lots of dust and light debris and want to maintain healthy air quality. Dust bags are also useful to prevent filters from clogging up and for easy disposal.
