CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vac
Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team
Why we picked it
16-gallon capacity covers full-garage / vehicle cleanup
Craftsman's CMXEVBE17595 is the 16-gallon shop vac that fits between consumer Shop-Vac and the commercial Festool / Fein wet/dry vacs — 6.5 peak HP, both wet and dry pickup, blower mode, and a HEPA filter option for fine drywall and concrete dust. The stainless steel tank survives water pickup without rusting (vs the painted steel tanks on cheaper vacs that pit), the casters lock to keep the tank from rolling, and the 7-foot hose is long enough for whole-car or whole-garage cleanup without dragging. r/HomeImprovement, r/Carpentry, and r/Woodworking all surface Craftsman wet/dry vacs as the BIFL pick at this price tier; the same vac model has been in production since the early 2000s with minor refinements. Replacement filters and hoses widely available at any Lowe's or Sears Hometown.
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Community & Review Summary
8,513 Amazon reviews
Reddit satisfaction score
Total mentions (0 positive)
Amazon sales rank
Price History
Current price: $139.99
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Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +16-gallon capacity covers full-garage / vehicle cleanup
- +Stainless tank — no rust from water pickup
- +Locking casters keep the vac stationary during use
- +7-foot hose + extension wand combo
- +Blower mode for clearing leaves / debris
- +Replacement filters / hoses widely available
Cons
- -Loud (~85 dB) — hearing protection recommended for long sessions
- -Heavy at 30 lbs empty — wheels are essential
- -Hose connector is 2.5" Craftsman proprietary (not standard 2.25")
- -Cord is 18 ft — extension cord required for garage / driveway use