9 Best Craftsman Shop Vacs (October 2026)
The best Craftsman wet/dry shop vacs include the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac for large garage cleanups, the Craftsman CMXEVBE17594 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac for medium to large projects, and the Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac for mid-size home projects.
On this page (3 sections)
The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is the best Craftsman shop vac for large garage cleanups. Its 6.5 peak HP motor, built-in blower port and oversized drain suit wet and dry cleanup, while the CMXEVBE17594 offers a 12-gallon drum.
For a smaller vehicle or workbench cleanup, consider the 4-gallon CMXEVBE17040. If you need a cordless option for quick spot jobs, the V20 2-gallon model runs on a separate battery and charger.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for large garage cleanupsCraftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for medium to large projectsCraftsman CMXEVBE17594 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for mid-size home projectsCraftsman CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCraftsman CMXEVBE17040 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Best for car detailing - 5
Check itCraftsman CMXEVBE17155 10-Gallon Stainless Wet/Dry Vac
Best for a stainless steel drum - 6
Check itCraftsman CMXEVBE17607 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Best for a detachable blower - 7
Check itCraftsman CMXEVBE17596 20-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Best for extra-large messes - 8
Check itCraftsman CMXEVBE17584 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
Best for compact wet and dry cleanup - 9
Check itCraftsman CMCV002B V20 2-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vac
Best for cordless spot cleaning
Craftsman shop vac picks by cleanup job
The CMXEVBE17595 is the best fit for large garage cleanups, with a 16-gallon drum, 6.5 peak HP motor, blower port and oversized drain. We compared capacities, hose details, included tools and power features to match each Craftsman model to a practical job.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Motor | Hose | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | large garage cleanups | 16 gallons | 6.5 peak HP | 2-1/2 in x 7 ft | 9.0 |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17594 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | medium to large projects | 12 gallons | 6.0 peak HP | 8.9 | |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | mid-size home projects | 9 gallons | 4.25 peak HP | 1-7/8 in x 7 ft | 8.3 |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | car detailing | 4 gallons | 5.0 peak HP | 8.3 | |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10-Gallon Stainless Wet/Dry Vac | a stainless steel drum | 10 gallons | 2-1/2 in x 7 ft | 8.2 | |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17607 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | a detachable blower | 16 gallons | 6.5 peak HP | 2-1/2 in x 7 ft | 8.1 |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17596 20-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | extra-large messes | 20 gallons | 6.5 peak HP | 2-1/2 in x 7 ft | 8.0 |
| Craftsman CMXEVBE17584 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac | compact wet and dry cleanup | 6 gallons | 3.5 peak HP | 1-7/8 in x 7 ft | 7.9 |
| Craftsman CMCV002B V20 2-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vac | cordless spot cleaning | 2 gallons | 7 ft 8 in | 8.4 |
Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for large garage cleanups
- 16-gallon drum
- 6.5 peak HP
- Built-in blower port
- Oversized drain
- 7 ft Dual-Flex hose
A large tank, blower port and oversized drain make this a versatile choice for garage, shop and jobsite messes.
Pros
- Blower port
- Oversized liquid drain
- Dual-Flex hose
Cons
- Large drum takes more storage space
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17595 is a strong choice for a home garage with renovation debris, wet messes and outdoor cleanup. Its 16-gallon drum and 6.5 peak HP motor pair with a 2-1/2 in hose for large projects.
A rear blower port directs exhaust through the hose to move leaves and grass clippings. The oversized drain helps empty liquids, and the included wet, car and utility nozzles cover different surfaces.
The 7 ft Dual-Flex hose moves 180 degrees at each end to help resist kinking as you reposition the vac. Two extension wands add reach for floor cleanup.
Choose this model when you want a large corded tank with a built-in blower port. If your garage mostly needs car-interior touchups, the smaller Craftsman 4-gallon shop vac may suit that routine.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17594 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for medium to large projects
- 12-gallon drum
- 6.0 peak HP
- Built-in blower port
- 20 ft power cord
- 7 ft Dual-Flex hose
It keeps a blower port and broad accessory set in a somewhat smaller drum than the 16-gallon models.
Pros
- 20 ft cord
- Blower port
- Wet and car nozzles included
Cons
- Still a sizable shop vac
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17594 puts key cleanup features in a 12-gallon drum. Its 6.0 peak HP motor, blower port and 20 ft power cord suit medium to large home, shop and jobsite messes.
The 2-1/2 in by 7 ft hose has Dual-Flex movement at both ends. The set includes wet, car and utility nozzles, two extension wands and a dust collection bag.
The 20 ft cord gives you more reach than the 7 ft hose alone, though you'll still need a nearby outlet. On-board storage helps keep the hose and accessories together between jobs.
Pick it if you want a substantial tank without stepping up to 16 or 20 gallons. Our Craftsman CMXEVBE17594 review has a closer look at this model.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for mid-size home projects
- 9-gallon drum
- 4.25 peak HP
- Blower port
- Oversized drain
- 7 ft hose
A middle-size drum and blower port suit general garage cleaning and home renovation messes.
Pros
- Blower port
- Oversized drain
- On-board storage
Cons
- Smaller hose diameter than large models
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17590 balances a 9-gallon drum with a 4.25 peak HP motor for home renovations and medium-size garage jobs. Its rear blower port can move debris from a driveway or shop floor.
The 1-7/8 in by 7 ft hose is narrower than the 2-1/2 in hoses on Craftsman's larger models. It includes two locking extension wands and wet, car and utility nozzles.
An oversized drain helps with liquid emptying, and the Qwik Lock system supports filter changes. On-board hose, accessory and power cord storage can keep loose parts organized.
This pick suits buyers who want more room than a compact tank but don't need a 12-gallon or larger drum. For a smaller model focused on vehicle and home chores, see our 6-gallon shop vac guide.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17040 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for car detailing
- 4-gallon drum
- 5.0 peak HP
- 15 ft power cord
- 7 ft hose
- Dusting brush included
A compact tank, car nozzle and dusting brush suit vehicle interiors and smaller household cleanup.
Pros
- Car nozzle and dusting brush
- Accessory caddy
- 15 ft power cord
Cons
- Less capacity for large jobs
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17040 is a compact corded choice for car detailing and small household jobs. Its 4-gallon drum and 5.0 peak HP motor come with a car nozzle, utility nozzle and dusting brush.
The 7 ft hose and two extension wands help reach under seats, into corners and along a workbench. An accessory caddy keeps the tools together, and the 15 ft power cord gives you room to move around a vehicle.
This model's smaller drum suits focused cleanups better than large jobs. It does not include a blower feature.
Pick it if storage space is tight and you mostly clean vehicles or smaller areas. See our best small shop vacs for tight spaces for other compact-size options.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17155 10-Gallon Stainless Wet/Dry Vac: Best for a stainless steel drum
- 10-gallon stainless steel drum
- 6.0 peak HP
- 2-1/2 in hose
- 7 ft hose
- 3-year limited warranty
The stainless steel drum and 6.0 peak HP motor make this a distinct option among Craftsman's plastic-drum models.
Pros
- Stainless steel drum
- 2-1/2 in hose
- Car and utility nozzles included
Cons
- No blower feature specified
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17155 stands out with a 10-gallon stainless steel drum and a 6.0 peak HP motor. Choose it if drum material matters and you want capacity for garage, home renovation and jobsite chores.
Its 2-1/2 in by 7 ft hose comes with two locking extension wands, a car nozzle and a utility nozzle. The filter fastening system allows quick filter changes.
This model has no blower feature among its functions, so choose another pick if moving leaves is part of the job. Its stainless steel drum differs from the red drums on several other models here.
For more on drum material, read our stainless steel vs plastic shop vac comparison. The vac is 25.13 in tall, so measure your storage space first.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17607 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for a detachable blower
- 16-gallon drum
- 6.5 peak HP
- Detachable blower
- Locking blower wand
- Crevice tool
This 16-gallon model includes a detachable blower and blower wand, adding a second cleanup option.
Pros
- Detachable blower
- Blower wand and diffuser included
- POS-I-LOCK hose connection
Cons
- Large footprint
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17607 is the Craftsman choice if you want a detachable blower as well as a wet/dry vac. Its 16-gallon drum and 6.5 peak HP motor suit larger cleanup tasks in a garage, shop or on a jobsite.
The detachable blower adds another way to move leaves and debris. The kit includes a locking blower wand and diffuser, along with a crevice tool, wet nozzle, car nozzle and utility nozzle.
Its 2-1/2 in Dual-Flex hose has a POS-I-LOCK connection that holds to the drum during use. This may help if you often pull the hose across a busy workspace.
Choose it for the detachable blower and accessory kit. If you need a blower port on a wet/dry vac, compare the shop vacs with blower ports.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17596 20-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for extra-large messes
- 20-gallon drum
- 6.5 peak HP
- Built-in blower port
- Oversized drain
- 2-1/2 in hose
The largest drum here is aimed at extra-large garage, shop and jobsite cleanups.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this roundup
- Blower port
- Crevice tool and wet nozzle included
Cons
- Takes the most storage room
- Corded
The CMXEVBE17596 is the high-capacity option, with a 20-gallon drum and 6.5 peak HP motor. It suits a workshop or garage that regularly handles large messes and has room to store a full-size vac.
A built-in blower port, oversized drain and 2-1/2 in Dual-Flex hose support dry debris and liquid cleanup. Its accessory set includes a crevice tool, wet nozzle, car nozzle, utility nozzle and diffuser.
The 7 ft hose is flexible at both ends, and the included dust collection bag works with compatible Craftsman dust bags. The large drum may mean fewer stops to empty it during a major cleanup.
Choose it when capacity is the priority. For a smaller tank, the 12-gallon Craftsman review covers the CMXEVBE17594.
Craftsman CMXEVBE17584 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac: Best for compact wet and dry cleanup
- 6-gallon drum
- 3.5 peak HP
- Swivel casters
- 7 ft hose
- 3-year limited warranty
This smaller corded model is aimed at small to medium chores at home, in the shop or around a vehicle.
Pros
- Swivel casters
- Car nozzle included
- Compact drum
Cons
- Lower peak HP than larger picks
- Smaller hose diameter
The CMXEVBE17584 suits small to medium cleanup projects around a home, shop or vehicle. Its 6-gallon drum, 3.5 peak HP motor and swivel casters make it easier to move than the larger tank picks.
The included 1-7/8 in by 7 ft hose connects to two locking extension wands. A car nozzle and utility nozzle support interior and floor cleanup, and the Qwik Lock system allows quick filter changes.
On-board hose, accessory and cord storage helps keep the vac organized. Rear wheels help it stay upright on rough surfaces.
Choose it if you want a small corded Craftsman with wheels for household jobs. Our 6-gallon shop vac guide compares more options in that size range.
Craftsman CMCV002B V20 2-Gallon Cordless Wet/Dry Vac: Best for cordless spot cleaning
- 2-gallon tank
- Cordless V20 platform
- 35 CFM
- 7 ft 8 in hose
- Battery and charger sold separately
The cordless V20 model is the portable pick for small wet or dry messes. Battery and charger are sold separately.
Pros
- Cordless operation
- HEPA filter
- Wide nozzle and crevice tool included
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Smallest tank here
The CMCV002B is the cordless pick for quick cleanup in a car, workshop or other spot away from an outlet. Its 2-gallon tank and 35 CFM of suction airflow suit small wet or dry messes.
The 7 ft 8 in hose, wide nozzle and crevice tool are included, along with a HEPA filter. Battery and charger are sold separately, so factor in a compatible V20 battery if you don't already own one.
On-board hose and accessory storage help keep the small tool ready to carry. Its 2-gallon capacity suits spot cleanup where portability matters.
Pick it for cordless spot cleanup. If you're weighing cordless models against corded options, our wet/dry vac buyer's guide explains the main tradeoffs.
How should you choose a Craftsman shop vac?
Choose a Craftsman shop vac by matching tank size to your usual cleanup and checking hose diameter, power source and storage space. Drum gallons measure volume, not the amount of every type of debris the vac can collect.
A 16- or 20-gallon drum suits large renovation and shop messes. A 4- or 6-gallon model takes less room for car cleanup and household chores, while 9 to 12 gallons can be a middle ground.
Hose diameter also matters: the 2-1/2 in hoses on larger picks are wider than the 1-7/8 in hoses on compact models. Match the hose and included nozzles to the debris and surfaces you clean.
For a wider look across brands and sizes, use our wet/dry vacuum picks for garage and home. If capacity is your main concern, compare the best 5-gallon shop vacs.
Which Craftsman shop vac should you choose?
Choose the CMXEVBE17595 for a large-tank garage vac with a blower port and oversized drain. Pick the 12-gallon CMXEVBE17594 for a smaller drum with a blower port and 20 ft cord, or the 4-gallon CMXEVBE17040 for vehicle and small-area chores.
For cordless spot cleaning, the V20 CMCV002B is the only cordless pick here, but its battery and charger are sold separately. Match the tank, hose and power setup to the messes you handle.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for large garage cleanups
Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
9.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for medium to large projects
Craftsman CMXEVBE17594 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for mid-size home projects
Craftsman CMXEVBE17590 9-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Which Craftsman shop vac is best for most garages?
The CMXEVBE17595 16-gallon model is a strong fit for a garage that handles mixed cleanup jobs. It has a 6.5 peak HP motor, a blower port, a 2-1/2 in hose and an oversized drain.
For routine car and bench cleanup, a 4- or 6-gallon model may take less space.
Is a bigger Craftsman shop vac always better?
No. A larger drum means fewer stops during big cleanups, but it also takes more room to store and move.
A 20-gallon model suits extra-large messes, while a 4- or 6-gallon vac may be easier to keep near a car or workbench.
Gallons describe drum volume, not guaranteed usable pickup capacity.
Which Craftsman shop vac is cordless?
The CMCV002B V20 is the cordless pick in this group. Its tank holds 2 gallons, and it provides 35 CFM of suction airflow.
The battery and charger are sold separately, so include those in your decision if you don't already have a compatible V20 battery.
What should I compare when choosing a Craftsman wet/dry vac?
Compare tank volume, hose diameter and length, power source, included nozzles and whether you need a blower feature. A wide 2-1/2 in hose may suit larger debris, while a smaller tank can be easier to store.
Check your storage space and usual messes before focusing on peak HP.
