The Ridgid WD1450 is a 14-gallon wet-dry vacuum with powerful suction, the largest-capacity tank we tested, and sturdy construction. The motor reaches a peak of 6 horsepower. It includes a unique dust filter for fine powders and a drain port for quick disposal. The accessories fit neatly on the tank, and the hose can convert to a blower if you need to clean leaves around the yard. For all these reasons, this large, versatile shop vacuum earned high marks in our comparison of the best shop vacuums you can buy.
Ridgid WD1450: Performance
Of the shop vacs we reviewed, the Ridgid WD1450 is the most powerful and quickest at thorough cleanup. The 6-horsepower motor picked up large pieces of mulch in one pass, and the wet vacuum was able to suck up 2 gallons of water in 3.8 seconds, the best time for all shop vacuums. Though the tank can hold up to 14 gallons, the appliance was designed compactly and isn't too cumbersome to move around on the casters. The thick hose was able to pick up heavy chunks of mulch easily in my tests. The Ridgid WD1450 can handle your dirtiest tasks around the yard and garage. If you prefer something a little less expensive, try the PowerSmith PAVC101.
I appreciated how well this shop vacuum moved around. The 360-degree wheels allow you to walk it around by the hose, though the hose did come unattached once or twice. The hose is dual-flex, meaning it can move in any direction without collapsing. With the flip of a switch, the hose can also switch over to a blower, though there isn't a way to remove the motor to carry the blower around the yard, which is a drawback for that capability. The power cord reaches 20 feet, and the 7-foot hose is long enough to reach your ceiling.
The tank is neatly constructed in two pieces. When the time comes to empty the contents, you can unlatch the top for easy cleaning. For liquids, the tank has a large drain hole, which you can simply open by twisting the cap. The accessory holder has quick-release mechanisms for the five attachments. The best part of the design of the Ridgid WD1450 is what the manufacturer calls scroll noise reduction. The flow of air is controlled on the vacuum in a precise way. Shop vacuums are generally loud, but at 90 dB, the Ridgid WD1450 is the quietest of those we tested.
The Ridgid WD1450 has separate filters for wet and dry operation. For dry materials, the vacuum comes with a cartridge filter that you can remove and clean. It's also not hard to replace. The dual tank flips over, revealing the cartridge without you having to deal with screws or clamps. It's a three-layer dust filter that captures fine dust particles such as drywall or ashes, dangerous materials that can corrupt your motor. This is an important feature, as very few of the shop vacuums we tested come with a standard dust filter. For wet jobs, the durable foam sleeve sucks up materials in the water, and it remains clean in tests.
This shop vacuum comes with five accessories that fit on the cap of the tank. There are two extension wands that you can connect for extra reach. A utility nozzle helps with general vacuuming applications. The wet nozzle has a squeegee connected for smooth surfaces for liquid pickup. Lastly, there is a separate car nozzle, which is smaller than the utility nozzle, for cleanup in tighter areas. It's perfect for cleaning upholstery, rugs, or curtains. I would have liked an extra blower nozzle for a wider range when clearing away leaves or sawdust, but other tasks you'll need the shop vac for are fully covered.
Should you buy the Ridgid WD1450?
The Ridgid WD1450 is a reliable shop vacuum that combines powerful cleanup with a functional base. It lacks the attachments that come with the Vacmaster VBV1210 and doesn't have the same detachable blower, but that's only a small disadvantage. As a shop vacuum, it has the biggest tank, the fastest liquid suction, and the quietest motor. This is a great, high-capacity vacuum with a compact design and remarkable reach. It's by far the best shop vacuum available.
