Having the best wet/dry vacuum cleaner on hand will prove invaluable for tackling all sorts of messes around your home. While a standard vacuum handles only dry debris, wet/dry vacuums are designed to suck up large volumes of liquid or wet materials, as well as dry dust and debris. They're versatile tools that even the best vacuum cleaners can't match. With their powerful suction and large tank capacities, these multi-purpose vacuums are a must-have for busy households.
Of course, with such a variety of cordless, corded, robot, self-emptying and self-cleaning options, it can be bewildering when it comes to making a choice. Wet/dry vacs vary widely in size, power, filtration systems and included accessories, too.
That's where our expert buyer's guide comes in. Myself and one other review have hands-on tested all the top wet/dry vacuums featured here. We spent weeks running each model through a rigorous battery of tests on all types of wet and dry messes. Evaluations covered suction strength, ease of use, maneuverability, noise levels and more. From hands-free vacuums that do all the work for you, to handheld cordless vacuum cleaners that can be whipped out for small messes, plus everything in between, we've got the best wet/dry vacuum cleaner for you.
Joanne Lewsley is a freelance health and lifestyle writer. She's also a Top Ten Reviews Customer Advisor for vacuums, air purifiers, and cleaning devices. She evaluates the quality of home gadgets in these areas, putting them through their paces in a natural home environment for reviews, updating buying guides, and speaking to industry experts on the latest product advances. She reviewed all but one of these wet/dry vacuums for weeks at home, testing each out in her busy family home with a golden retriever, cat, keen gardener, and an 11-year-old kid.
The quick list
Here’s your at-a-glance intro to our top-rated wet/dry vacuum cleaners of 2024. Scroll further down to read our findings from testing each product hands-on. You can also use the links on the left to jump to the wet/dry vacuums that interest you the most.
The best wet/dry vacuum overall
The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is loaded with Dyson accessories designed to make it an all-in-one choice for cleaning, plus it's now got a wet roller head and a drip tray for mopping too. Perfect for those who don't want to swap from Dyson when choosing a wet/dry vac.
The best robot vacuum and mop
At around half the price of premium robot vacuum cleaners, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni excels at mapping, vacuuming and mopping your home. It's a great choice for busy, tech-loving households who don't have time to vacuum or mop themselves.
The best wet/dry vacuum for battery life
Combining an upright wet/dry vacuum and a handheld vacuum cleaner, plus attachments for crevice cleaning, beds and upholstery, this 5-in-1 combination wet/dry vacuum can take care of pretty much any household cleaning task. Perfect for busy households with pets.
The best for big cleans
The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum is an affordable all-in-one solution for vacuuming, upholstery, and carpet cleaning — it can even unblock sinks and valet your car! Perfect if you're spring cleaning or looking for a wet/dry vacuum to use inside and out.
The best for pet owners
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum is an easy-to-use yet effective floor steam cleaner, vacuum and mop. It tackles sticky messes and debris on hard floors with ease and even cleans itself. It's perfect for households with pets.
The best for small cleans
The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum is fantastic at powering through dry and wet messes in the home and car. Plus it's compact enough to store away when not in use. Ideal if you're in a hurry or want something small and portable for on-the-go jobs.
The best wet/dry vacuums we recommend in 2024
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The best wet/dry vacuum overall
✅ You like a lot of attachments: The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has a fluffy roller head, illuminated cleaner head, digital motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, long tool, and small cleaner head. These tools provide more functionality and help justify the price.
✅ You hate stopping to recharge and refill: The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has a 60-minute runtime, so you won’t have to stop to recharge the battery. And if you’re only mopping a few areas (for me, it’s the kitchen, bathroom, and landing), you won’t have to stop and refill/empty the water tanks, either.
❌ You’re on a budget: The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine isn’t a budget-friendly option. Considering what it can do, the price may be justified, but I'm not trying to tempt you to get a loan to purchase it.
❌ You don’t have the storage space: This isn’t a self-standing vacuum cleaner that you can stand in the corner (yes, it can sit on the dock temporarily, but the roller and the dock need to be thoroughly dried). You’ll need space to mount the vacuum cleaner on the wall and space for all of the accessories.
🔎 Product Name Dyson’s V15 Detect Submarine is one of the most perfect vacuums on the market. The addition of a mopping function allows it to compete in the vacuum/mop sector as well. While the mopping function works and is easy to use and clean, mopping isn’t its strongest feature and it can leave streaks, spots, and leaks.
While I personally haven't had hands-on experience with the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine, one of our US-based freelancers, Terri Williams, took it for a spin around her home in Alabama instead.
What you need to know: The Submarine is the company's newest cordless vacuum cleaner and the first to offer both vacuum and mopping capabilities in one machine. Building on the success of the previous V15 Detect model, the V15s Detect Submarine adds a wet mopping roller head and drip tray to its impressive array of vacuum accessories and tools. As is typical for Dyson, the V15s Detect Submarine arrives with a full suite of tools and accessories packaged neatly and protected to prevent scratches. The main vacuum body appears larger than expected but attaches to the various heads to create a surprisingly lightweight 7-9 lb unit. Accessories include the illuminated cleaner head, digital motorbar for carpets, crevice tool, combination tool and more
Design: The Dyson cordless vacuums have a consistent design with a main unit featuring a battery, trigger handle, and dust bin. Interchangeable cleaner heads include an illuminated soft brush bar for hard floors, a digital motorbar for hard floors and carpets, and a wet roller head for mopping (V15 Detect Submarine model). The vacuum can be used as a handheld with tools for upholstery, dusting, and crevice cleaning. Accessories include a wand clip for tool storage and a docking station for wall mounting.
Performance: Terri found operation pretty straightforward with an auto mode to optimize suction power, battery that lasts up to 60 minutes, and an LED screen displaying remaining runtime, power mode and particle sizes detected. She praised the vacuum for excelling at edge cleaning, navigating furniture, and lying nearly flat to clean under low surfaces. The laser illuminator on the cleaner head reveals hidden dust and debris. In her testing, Terri found the V15s transitioned seamlessly from carpets to hard floors, with useful attachments for vents, appliances and tight spaces. The mopping performance, while imperfect, worked reasonably well using just water rather than proprietary cleaning solutions. Overall, she reckons the Submarine makes a compelling option for those wanting a high-powered stick vac that can also handle light mopping duty.
Versatility: While Terri found that the mopping function doesn't quite reach the level of a dedicated mop, she thinks Dyson deserves credit for making it a self-contained, easily swappable component. Unlike some wet/dry vacs that require the entire vacuum to be cleaned after mopping, the Submarine's wet roller head can simply be removed, allowing you to continue dry vacuuming with the other tool heads. Terri reckons this versatility helps offset the roller's somewhat streaky and occasionally leaky mopping performance in our at-home tests.
Price: The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is priced at $947.00 on Amazon and $949.99 on the Dyson website.
Read our full Dyson V15s Detect Submarine review
Best robot vacuum and mop
✅ You value function and performance above style: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni features advanced technology, including an advanced algorithm for real-time obstacle avoidance, LiDAR navigation sensors and powerful 8,000 Pa suction.
✅ You want easy, hands-free cleaning and mopping: With a self-emptying dust bin and self-cleaning mops, all you have to do is set up and turn on the Eufy X10 Pro Omni.
✅ You want a robot vacuum that can handle multiple rooms and surfaces: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni can handle multiple room maps in the app. You can also set custom cleaning scenarios and no-go zones, while Smart mode identifies carpets and rugs and lifts the mops clear.
❌ You have a small home: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni requires plenty of space, not only for the base unit but for the clearance space you'll need on either side and in front of the robot itself.
❌ You want something more stylish, or a different color: It won't win any style awards and it doesn't come in any other colors than black at the moment.
🔎 The Eufy X10 Pro Omni retails at around half the price of premium robot vacuum cleaners and excels at mapping, vacuuming and mopping your home - but it's a beast of a unit, so make sure you have space available.
What you need to know: This self-emptying, self-cleaning vacuum offers hands-free cleaning. The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is an advanced wet-dry vacuum pairing powerful 8000Pa suction with a rotating mop system for thorough floor cleaning. It features intelligent navigation technology like AI obstacle detection and LiDAR mapping to avoid getting stuck, while pentagonal mop heads scrub floors and reach edges while automatically lifting over carpets.
Design: The Eufy's large base station holds tanks for dirty water and clean water, and the large dustbin captures up to two months of debris. Encased in matte black/charcoal plastic, both the robot and the base station are robust and well-designed. A detachable ramp allows the robot to slide into the base station. While the base unit is bulky and has quite a large footprint, the robot’s rounded shape and angled mops mean it reaches edges and corners better than circular-shaped models. The low profile helps it get under furniture too.
Performance: During my testing, I focused on pickup of debris like pet hair and the unit’s mopping capabilities across different spill types and flooring. It earned strong scores for completely removing all traces of flour, crumbs, and oats from hard and carpeted surfaces. The dual mops made easy work of liquids like water and milk but struggled with stickier liquids such as honey and ketchup.
Versatility: The app is also super easy to use, with an intuitive interface. We liked the Eufy Lab, where you can try out the latest features in testing, such as the Smart Track Cleaning, which has the robot follow and clean the floor after you, perfect if you’ve just walked in from a muddy afternoon in the garden! You can also look back at your cleaning history, boost your carpet cleaning suction power, set voice control and manually control the wet/dry vac from your phone, among other things.
Price: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni retails at $799.99 (£599.99) on the Eufy website and Amazon. While it’s not as expensive as a Dyson Viz Nav or a Samsung JetBot, it's still an expensive piece of kit for many. However, with advanced smart features like customizable voice control and powerful pickup packed in, the Eufy X10 Pro OmniVac is excellent value, especially compared to premium brands .
Read our full Eufy X10 Pro Omni review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Very resonably priced for the technology and functionality, especially compared to premium robot vacuum and mop combos. | ★★★★½ |
| Design | The base unit is quite bulky and plain but the robot unit features attractive curved edge and a sleek, low profile. | ★★★½ |
| Performance | Packed with features that work, this is the best robot vacuum and mop combo I've tested so far. | ★★★★★ |
The best wet/dry vacuum for battery life
✅ You want a total cleaning solution for your home: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo mops to perfection and vacuums a treat. The powerful suction and impressive mopping functions impressed me during testing and the app is great for customizing your clean.
✅ You'd like a wet/dry vacuum that's a talking point: With its cool retro style and futuristic voice alerts, as well as its multi-functional uses and attachments, you'll be the envy of your friends.
✅ You value edge-to-edge cleaning: With just 1mm of space between the rollers and your baseboards, you'd be hard-pressed to find a wet/dry vacuum that can get closer.
❌ You want a premium feel to your vacuum: While it looks gorgeous, I found some of the connections and mechanisms on the Roborock just didn't feel like enough was invested in user testing.
❌ You spend a lot of time vacuuming carpets: I found the handheld unit uncomfortable to use for long periods, because of the placing of the handle at the top.
❌ You haven't got a lot of room: With a footprint of 15 inches x 22 inches you'll need to ensure you have enough space for the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo. It could be too large for small apartments or homes and it's not a simple matter of storing it away when it's not in use.
🔎 I loved the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo's performance in my at-home testing - it leaves a sparklingly clean floor and has great suction. I'm not as keen on the handheld unit's ergonomics and think the connections across the unit could be better designed.
What you need to know: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo is a versatile 5-in-1 wet/dry vacuum cleaner that promises to tackle any household mess. It combines an upright wet/dry vacuum, a handheld vacuum, and attachments for crevices, beds, and upholstery cleaning. The app provides extensive control and customization options for the Roborock Dyad Pro vacuum. With it, you can adjust cleaning settings like suction power, water flow, brush speed, and detergent levels. You can configure the self-cleaning and drying cycles, scheduling them for specific times or having them run after each cleaning. Additional features include do-not-disturb mode, voice options, maintenance alerts for filters and brushes, troubleshooting tips, firmware updates, and more - allowing you to fully utilize the capabilities of this robotic vacuum cleaner.
Design: While I loved the retro-futuristic design aesthetic, I found some aspects of how the vacuum components connected could be improved through better user testing. The handheld unit's handle placement was also uncomfortable for prolonged use.
Performance: I found the Dyad Pro Combo to be impressive. It effortlessly picked up spills, sauces, dry debris like cereal and flour, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The powerful 17000Pa suction and the mopping function with auto-adjusting cleaning solution dispenser left floors sparklingly clean. The edge-to-edge cleaning capability and the self-cleaning and self-drying features were also highlights during testing.
Overall, I recommend the Roborock Dyad Pro Combo for those seeking a total cleaning solution with impressive performance. However, it might not be right for you if you prioritize a premium feel, have limited space, or vacuum carpets extensively due to the handheld unit's design.
Versatility: While it might seem like a large outlay at first, the reality is you're getting a wet/dry vacuum and a handheld cordless vacuum in one. That, combined with the accessories such as the multi-surface brush, motorized mini brush, 2-in-1 cleaning tool, and wand/baton, makes the price much more reasonable.
If you'd rather have a totally hands-free experience, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni will do everything for you, including vacuuming, mopping and self-emptying. But you'd better have a much bigger budget as it retails for hundreds of dollars more!
Price: The Roborock Dyad Pro Combo retails for around $659.00/ £575 with resellers such as Amazon and Lowe's, and will soon be available to buy direct from the Roborock store.
Read our full Roborock Dyad Pro Combo review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Sensibly priced for a self-cleaning, self-drying vacuum. | ★★★★ |
| Design | Love the design, but could do with more user testing. | ★★★ |
| Performance | A great performer in my at-home tests, both in mopping and vacuuming. | ★★★★★ |
Best for big cleans
✅ You want a total cleaning solution for your home: The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum does everything, from vacuuming to valeting your car, spot cleaning, carpet washing, and even unblocking your sink!
✅ You have storage for all those accessories: There's a lot to store away when not in use, so make sure you have enough room for all those wands, accessories, and hoses, as well as the hefty unit.
✅ You value reliability and sturdiness: The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum has a great reputation for reliability and longevity, and the excellent 2-year warranty provides extra peace of mind. All the hose connections have a professional finish, and the accessories and tools are sturdy and well-made.
❌ You want to switch functionality quickly: It takes a while to switch out from dry extraction to wet - you'll need to change hoses, tools, and the tank inside the vacuum. If you want something that switches at the touch of a button, you may be disappointed with the George.
❌ You want a cordless model or at least a cord rewind function: Unfortunately, the George doesn't feature a cord rewind and storage feature; that 42-foot cord can get in the way during cleaning.
❌ You have limited mobility or strength: At 30 lbs and with a lot of hose and wand length to contend with, plus a powerful suction that requires strength to move over carpets, the George needs an owner with muscle to move it around. If you have limited mobility or lack upper body strength, you will probably find it too heavy and cumbersome.
🔎 The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum gets a thumbs-up from me as an all-in-one solution for vacuuming, upholstery, and carpet cleaning — it can even unblock sinks and valet your car! However, George is bulky and heavy to move around, and switching from dry to wet pick-up is laborious, so it won't suit everyone.
What you need to know: The NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning machine that can handle dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, hard floor washing, and even unclogging drains. Henry's big brother packs a punch in suction power with its 1.6 HP motor, 110" water lift, and 95 cfm airflow.
Henry's sturdy big brother George is all set to tackle any cleaning job you throw its way. Whether dealing with carpets, upholstery, or hard floors, George's special turboflo vacuum turbine and power flo pump system promise professional-level cleaning. It comes with detergent, a wide selection of accessories for every household job, and two nozzle/extractors - one for carpet cleaning and one for your car, stairs, or upholstery. Setup is quite involved though and you’ll need to switch several components when switching from wet to dry vacuuming. While heavy and bulky to maneuver, George is very sturdy and well-built with quality components. Suction power is strong but also quite loud at 61 decibels. You’ll also need to empty the dirty water tank frequently during bigger jobs.
Design: Everything feels super sturdy and well-designed. Valve and connection points are made of brass for a professional finish, and all connections click easily into place. Each accessory pushes smoothly into the hose for use. The accessories are also sturdy and well-made, and the dust brush is super soft, so you can feel comfortable dusting all the surfaces in your home without worrying about damage or scratches.
Performance: In my at-home testing, George excelled at dry vacuuming debris, pet hair, and spills on carpets and hard floors. It did well with water-based messes for wet cleaning but struggled with stickier spills like sauces. The hard floor washing tool was impressive, scrubbing and extracting dirty water to leave floors nearly bone dry. The upholstery and carpet cleaning tools also worked well to revive soiled furniture and carpets.
Versatility: Over the course of testing, my sofa was given a new lease of life with old food stains removed and no more doggy smells; the hallway runner was spot-cleaned and came up brighter; a desk chair was finally rid of an old coffee ring, and the car's carpets and seats were given a mini valet. George can even unblock a drain! This new household buddy seems to be able to turn himself to any task.
If you'd prefer an upright wet/dry vacuum, the Ultenic AC1 Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum promises to vacuum and mop your hard floors or sealed wooden floors simultaneously, taking care of two chores in half the time. While it won't vacuum carpets, it was impressive at picking up dirt and debris on hard floors in our testing
Price: George may be an investment price-wise, but I reckon it’s one that could pay off by combining the functionality of several cleaning appliances into one heavy-duty machine. With a 2-year warranty and Nace Care's reputation for reliability, it's a compelling option for deep cleaning floors, carpets, upholstery and more around the home.
Read our full NaceCare GVE 370 George Wet/Dry Vacuum review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Good value as a carpet cleaner, upholstery cleaner and vacuum all in one, but cheaper brands are available. | ★★★★ |
| Design | It's adorable yet sturdy, with all fittings and accessories well-crafted and durable. | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | A great performer in my at-home tests but it won't replace a professional carpet clean for me. | ★★★★ |
Best wet/dry vacuum for pet owners
✅ You want a vacuum and steam cleaner: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum can hygienically clean your floors while vacuuming away dirt and debris in just one pass. This makes it perfect for pet lovers and people who want a deeper every day clean.
✅ You're not interested in lots of accessories or WiFi connectivity: If you're not bothered about stair or upholstery tools, crevice attachments or dust brushes, the simplicity of the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum will suit you down to the ground. Plus you can store it out of site, as it doesn't need to be continuously charged or connect to your WiFi.
✅ You value reliability and sturdiness with a brand you trust: Bissell appliances consistently rank highly on our site and other consumer review sites, plus the brand has over 170 years experience in creating cleaning products. The excellent 2-year warranty provides extra peace of mind too.
❌ You want a wet/dry vac that can tackle carpets: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum isn't designed for carpets sadly, which is a shame. However, it can refresh area rugs.
❌You want a cordless model: The Bissell is corded, which may put off some potential buyers. However, it does mean it's always ready to perform at the flick of a switch with no need to charge.
❌ You want a wet/dry vacuum that's quiet: If you value a quiet household or someone in your home is sensitive to noise, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum isn't for you. It roars along at around 75dB during operation and can reach a powerful 92dB when self-cleaning. That's about as loud as a power tool!
🔎 The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum scored highly as an easy-to-use yet effective floor steam cleaner, vacuum and mop. It tackles sticky messes and debris on hard floors with ease and even cleans itself. However, if you're looking for a wet/dry vacuum to tackle carpets too, give this a swerve. It's only suitable for refreshing area rugs.
What you need to know: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum is an innovative 3-in-1 appliance that vacuums, mops, and steams hard floors all at once. Designed specifically for homes with pets, it uses steam to powerfully clean up stuck-on messes and pet stains. Special features include LED lights to illuminate pet hair, a tangle-free brush roll, and an odor-eliminating self-cleaning function. In addition to using the Clean Out Cycle and the cleaning solution after every use, Bissell recommends regularly removing and cleaning the roller brush in warm water and detergent, then leaving it to air dry for 24 hours. This may frustrate users who want to use it every day, though, so it's a shame Bissell doesn't include an extra brush roller in the box.
Design: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum is quite traditional in design, and has a similar look and feel to many of Bissell's other upright vacuum cleaners. Mine came in a grey and black colorway. Key features, such as the trigger on the handle for wetting the rollerbrush and operating the steam function and the release switch for the dirty water tank, are picked out in a bright lime green.
Performance: In my testing of the Crosswave Hydrosteam it excelled at tackling a variety of spills and dried messes on hard floors. It easily powered through sticky substances like honey and thick sauces, as well as dry debris such as cereal and flour. The steam function provides an impressive deep clean. However, the dirty water tank requires frequent emptying, around every 6 minutes during use. The vacuum is also quite loud at 75 decibels during operation, around the same as a noisy restaurant. If you have people in your home who are sensitive to noise, you may want to give it a miss.
Versatility: While it's not designed for carpets, you can use this wet/dry vacuum to refresh your area rugs. This includes picking up dry debris, which I tested using flour and oats. It coped very well on my carpet but it does leave behind a slightly damp finish, which is something to be aware of. One standout use was around litter boxes - the vacuum thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the surrounding areas.
Price: The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum provides good value by combining a vacuum, mop and steam cleaner into one unit. But the lack of extra accessories feels like a missed opportunity given the premium price point. Overall, it's an effective hard floor cleaner that pet owners will appreciate.
Read our full Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet/Dry Vacuum review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | It's a good mid-range price but we would have liked to have an accessory or extra brush roll included. | ★★★ |
| Design | It's sturdy and reliable and everything clicks together.The traditional design won't set your world on fire though. | ★★★½ |
| Performance | A consistently reliable performer when it comes to tackling pet hair, debris, muddy floors and spills, but it's not designed for use on carpets. | ★★★½ |
Best for quick and small cleans
✅ You regularly have liquid spills at home: The Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is fabulous at sucking up liquids quickly, leaving very little behind, although it struggles with thicker liquids, such as sauces.
✅ You need a powerful handheld vacuum for quick touch-ups: The Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum makes quick work of scattered dry debris and can save valuable time lugging out your regular vacuum.
✅ You don't have much storage space: The Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum can be stored in a drawer or cupboard when not in use, making it super convenient for smaller homes.
❌ You want it to tackle pet hair: Don't expect the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum to suck away pet hair, as there's no brush roller.
❌ You want something with a longer battery life: With a battery life of ten minutes, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum can tackle most small jobs under ten minutes, but anything longer and you'll be trooping back for a recharge, mid-task.
🔎 The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum is fantastic at powering through dry and wet messes in the home and car. Plus it's compact enough to store away when not in use. However, the 10-minute battery runtime could disappoint users and it struggles to pick up pet hair.
What you need to know: The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Wet & Dry vacuum is a handy, affordable portable vacuum cleaner designed for quick cleanups around the home. Retailing for $39.99, it offers 14,000Pa of suction power and includes a squeegee, crevice tool, and brush in a compact, easy-to-store 2.4 lb design. While conveniently sized for storage in tight spaces, battery life is just 10 minutes per charge, so it's best for quick cleanups, not prolonged use. The loud 75 dB operating volume is another downside for sensitive users.
Design: Overall, the design of the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum is no-nonsense and very practical. It's made of plastic so it's light and easy to handle, and it comes in a black and blue colorway, with the power button and the dustbin release button picked out in gray.
Performance: My testing focused on the vacuum's ability to effectively clean up wet and dry spills on floors, furniture, and in the car. It performed well on liquids like water and milk, but struggled with thicker sauces that it tended to smear around, such as ketchup and honey. It was impressive scooping up dry crumbs and debris like flour and oats from hard and carpeted surfaces. However, lacking a roller brush, it wasn't well suited for pet hair clean up beyond surface clumps.
Versatility: Whereas most handheld units like this are designed with cars in mind, the Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum can be used practically anywhere, from the kitchen to the bathroom. It makes quick work of dry, liquid and combination spillages. While it won't replace your regular vacuum, it's a handy tool to have around the home.
Price: For its reasonable $40 price tag, the Black+Decker Dustbuster delivers good value as an on-hand cleaner for minor liquid spills and dry debris. It can't replace a full-size vacuum but makes an excellent supplementary tool for quick daily home messes, especially in the kitchen. More pet-friendly vacuums may suit homes with heavy shedding.
Read our full Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean Cordless Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | Cheaper handheld wet/dry vacuums are available but it's reasonably priced. | ★★★★ |
| Design | Nothing to write home about, but it's comfortable to hold for short periods. | ★★★ |
| Performance | A robust and reliable performance during all my at-home tests. | ★★★★ |
How to choose the best wet/dry vacuum for your home
Choosing the right wet/dry vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in tackling cleaning tasks around your home. Here are some essential tips to factor in when considering how to choose a wet dry vacuum:
- Capacity: Determine the tank size that suits your cleaning needs. Larger tanks mean fewer interruptions for emptying during big jobs but also make the vacuum heavier and more cumbersome to move around.
- Power and suction: Look for wet/dry vacuums with powerful motors and high suction capabilities. This ensures efficient pickup of both dry debris and liquids. Higher airflow and greater suction power translate to better performance.
- Accessories: Consider the range of attachments and accessories included with the vacuum. Extension wands, crevice tools, floor nozzles, and specialized attachments like car cleaning nozzles or upholstery tools can make your vacuum much more versatile.
- Mobility: Have a think about the vacuum's weight and portability. Wheeled bases or casters can significantly improve maneuverability, especially when dealing with heavy loads. Top-mounted handles and cord storage options are also a good idea.
- Brand: Reputable brands like Dyson and Bissell are known for their durability and reliability. While they may be more expensive, these models are usually built to last longer.
- Warranty: Look for wet/dry vacuums with decent warranty coverage, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years, to ensure protection against any manufacturing defects or premature failures.
How we tested these wet/dry vacuum cleaners
How we test the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners
Our expert reviewers are experienced and knowledgeable about the product categories they operate in. They know exactly how to put a product through its phases to ensure it’s built to the highest quality standards and will last you as long as possible.
All of our products are tested using in-depth and repeatable testing methods. As much as possible, we try to have the same person reviewing every product in a category in the same environment. We favor the home environment over a lab as we believe it brings authenticity to the testing. We use the products we test just as you would at home, ensuring our testing is reflective of real-life usage.
Our testing protocols are comprehensive and include everything from unboxing and assembly to care, maintenance and durability. For example, when reviewing these wet/dry vacuum cleaners we would ask our reviewer to examine the following:
- Unboxing: Make a note of the packaging (recyclable, quantity, etc). Look at the instructions - are they detailed enough, clear enough?
- Assembly: How long does assembly take from start to finish? Does it require more than one person? Does it require heavy lifting?
- Sound test: With a decibel counter, measure how loud the wet/dry vacuum cleaner is on its different settings. Compare with other objects/scenarios for clarity (eg “the same as a quiet office” “the same as a carn horn”, etc).
- Performance: Use the wet/dry vacuum cleaner on a different floorsings such as carpets, wood floors, laminate floors, etc. Run through the cleaning modes (if applicable). How easy is the wet/dry vacuum cleaner to operate? Make a note of the performance using a series of tests, for example, how easy is it to mop up spilt cereal, thick and sticky liquids like honey and sauces, and how good is it at vacuuming dry debris?
- Cleaning, storage and maintenance: Where should the vacuum be stored? Can it fold up into smaller dimensions? How should it be cleaned, and how often? Is it easy to do? What is the recommended maintenance?
Read more about how we test.
Best wet/dry vacuum cleaners: FAQs
Can you use a wet/dry vacuum on carpet?
Yes; you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner on carpet. These household appliances essential double up as being a carpet cleaner, as well as a vacuum cleaner. Most will do a great job at deep-cleaning the carpet, removing dust, pet hair and debris for a fresher cleaning (and odor-free) living environment.
