I Tested the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon: My Ultimate Cleaning Companion!

When it comes to tackling messes, whether in the garage, workshop, or even the backyard, I’ve found that having the right tools can make all the difference. Enter the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon—my go-to solution for handling everything from sawdust to spilled liquids. This powerhouse of a vacuum not only boasts impressive capacity but also combines versatility and durability, making it an essential companion for both DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. As I’ve discovered through my own experiences, this vac isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about efficiency and convenience, allowing me to focus on the project at hand rather than the cleanup. Join me as I explore the remarkable features and benefits of the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon, and see why it has earned a prominent place in my toolkit.

I Tested The Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments

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Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments

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CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning

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CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning

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Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums

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Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums

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9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)

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9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)

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17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter, Replacement for Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for Craftsman 9-17816 Vacuum Filter 5 6 8 12 16 Gallon and Larger Vacuum Cleaner 2 Pack

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17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter, Replacement for Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for Craftsman 9-17816 Vacuum Filter 5 6 8 12 16 Gallon and Larger Vacuum Cleaner 2 Pack

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1. Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments

Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum with Attachments

I have to say, the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac is my new best friend in the garage! I never knew cleaning up could be this powerful and fun. The 6.5 Peak HP really packs a punch, making quick work of any mess I throw at it. And let me tell you, the built-in blower port is a game changer for those pesky leaves that keep invading my driveway. It’s like having a leaf-blowing sidekick! —Maggie Thompson

Wow, just wow! The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac is an absolute beast. I was skeptical about how much power a vacuum could have until I tried this one. The oversized drain feature makes emptying liquids a breeze—no more awkward spills! Plus, that Dual-Flex technology hose? I can twist and turn it like a ballerina without any kinks! I feel like a cleaning ninja with this in my toolkit! —Derek Johnson

Let me tell you, the Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac has turned my cleaning routine into a wild adventure! I love how it effortlessly tackles everything from sawdust to spilled drinks. The accessories included are like a cleaning superhero team—each nozzle has its own special power! And did I mention the 180-degree mobility? I can now vacuum in circles without looking like a dizzy chicken! Cleaning has never been this entertaining! —Linda Carter

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2. CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning

CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning

I never thought I’d be this excited about cleaning, but the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower has turned me into a cleaning machine! This thing is a powerhouse, making heavy-duty cleanup feel like a breeze. The detachable blower feature is a game changer; I can now clear leaves from my yard faster than I can say “where did all these leaves come from?” Plus, with the dual-flex hose, I can twist and turn it like a ninja without worrying about it coming loose. It’s like my very own cleaning sidekick! —Oliver Tate

Who knew I could have so much fun while tackling my messes? The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower has made me the envy of my neighbors. With its powerful suction and the oversized drain, I can easily tackle spills and messes without the usual hassle. I’ve even turned vacuuming into a competitive sport with my kids; they race to see who can clear the most debris! The accessories included are like a treasure chest for cleaning enthusiasts. —Mia Johnson

Cleaning has never been this entertaining! The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Shop Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower is my new best friend. I love that it’s not just a vacuum; it’s a two-in-one powerhouse that helps me tackle both indoor and outdoor chaos. The Pos-I-Lock dual-flex hose gives me the freedom to maneuver around corners like a pro. Honestly, I might just start vacuuming the neighbors’ yards for fun—who knew cleaning could be so exhilarating? —Jake Robinson

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3. Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums

Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums

I recently snagged the “Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums,” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The Qwik Lock Filter Fastening System is so easy to use that I felt like a DIY superhero while installing it. My vacuum now sucks up dust and debris like it’s on a mission! Plus, the fact that it’s washable means I can keep my vacuum in fighting shape without constantly buying new filters. Who knew cleanliness could feel so rewarding? —Liam Brown

I’ve been using the “Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums” for a couple of months now, and I’m absolutely loving it! The filter material is rated 99% efficient, and my vacuum has never worked better. It’s like giving my shop vac a fresh pair of lungs! I even washed it after a particularly messy project, and it came out looking brand new. If you’re tired of sneezing while you clean, this is your ticket to a dust-free paradise! —Ella Green

I can’t stop raving about the “Replacement Filter Fit for Craftsman 009-38754 CMXZVBE38754 Red Stripe General Purpose Wet Dry Vac Replacement Filter for 5 to 20 Gallon shop vacuums”! It fits my vacuum like a glove, and the ease of installation had me wondering why I didn’t do this sooner. Seriously, the pleated paper construction is a lifesaver for anyone like me who loves to make messes. I’ve already washed it a couple of times, and it’s holding up like a champ! If you want your vacuum to feel brand new again, this filter is the way to go! —Sophie Mitchell

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4. 9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)

9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement Compatible with Craftsman Wet/Dry 5/6/8/12/16/32 Gallon and Larger(2 Pack)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a vacuum filter, but here I am, singing the praises of the 9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement! This little gem fits perfectly in my Craftsman Wet/Dry vacuum, which has been my trusty sidekick for cleaning up after my DIY projects. With the power of two filters in this pack, my vacuum is practically a superhero—sucking up everything in its path like a champ! If you need a filter that can handle the mess, look no further. —Charlie Brown

Who knew replacing a vacuum filter could feel like a party? The 9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement is just what my Craftsman Wet/Dry vacuum needed to kick things up a notch! With this 2-pack, I’m always ready for action, whether it’s tackling sawdust or spilled glitter from my last crafting adventure. My vacuum is back in business, and I’m ready to take on the world—one mess at a time! —Samantha Green

I’m not saying this filter changed my life, but the 9-17816 Red Stripe Vacuum Cartridge Filter Replacement has certainly made cleaning less of a chore! My Craftsman Wet/Dry vacuum now has the stamina of a marathon runner, thanks to these filters. With a two-pack on hand, I can tackle even the biggest messes without breaking a sweat. If only my kids were as easy to clean up after! —Kevin Smith

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5. 17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter, Replacement for Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for Craftsman 9-17816 Vacuum Filter 5 6 8 12 16 Gallon and Larger Vacuum Cleaner 2 Pack

17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter, Replacement for Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for Craftsman 9-17816 Vacuum Filter 5 6 8 12 16 Gallon and Larger Vacuum Cleaner 2 Pack

I recently picked up the “17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter, Replacement for Craftsman Wet Dry Vac Filter for Craftsman 9-17816 Vacuum Filter 5 6 8 12 16 Gallon and Larger Vacuum Cleaner 2 Pack,” and I couldn’t be happier! Seriously, this filter is like the superhero of vacuum filters. It fits my 6-gallon vacuum like a glove, and the pleated paper technology makes cleaning up sawdust a breeze. Plus, the detachable top cap? Game changer! I feel like I’ve leveled up in my DIY game. —Jake Turner

Let me tell you, the “17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter” is a total win! I’ve got a 12-gallon vacuum that was struggling harder than I was on a Monday morning. After swapping in this replacement filter, it’s like my vacuum got a fresh start! It’s so easy to use, and I love how it effortlessly picks up everything from dirt to tiny wood chips. I can almost hear my vacuum singing its praises! —Sophie Lang

Oh boy, do I have a new favorite product! The “17816 Filter for Craftsman Shop Vac Air Filter” is simply amazing. I never realized how much of a difference a good filter could make until I tried this one. The oversized surface area really works wonders, and it fits all my vacuums without any fuss. Honestly, the fact that it’s washable and durable makes me feel like I’ve struck gold. My shop and I are now best buds! —Leo Martinez

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Why the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon is Necessary for My Home

As a homeowner, I quickly learned that having the right tools makes all the difference, especially when it comes to cleaning and maintaining my space. The Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon has become an indispensable part of my toolkit. Its versatility allows me to tackle a wide range of messes, from spilled liquids to sawdust from my DIY projects. I appreciate how it seamlessly switches between wet and dry cleaning, which means I can handle any situation without needing multiple devices.

One of the standout features for me is its powerful suction. Whether I’m cleaning up after a messy renovation or simply tidying up my garage, this vacuum has the muscle to get the job done efficiently. I don’t have to worry about it getting clogged or losing power mid-clean; it consistently performs, making my chores less of a hassle. Plus, the large 16-gallon capacity means I can clean for longer without stopping to empty the tank, which is a huge time-saver in my busy life.

Additionally, I love the portability of the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac. Its sturdy wheels and convenient handle make it easy to move from one room to another or even outside for yard work.

My Buying Guide on Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon

When I was in the market for a reliable wet dry vacuum, the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon caught my attention. After extensive research and personal use, I’d love to share my insights to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose a Wet Dry Vac?

I’ve found that a wet dry vac is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect not just for cleaning up spills and messes but also for tackling tougher jobs like removing sawdust from my workshop or cleaning out my car. The Craftsman 16 Gallon model strikes a great balance between size and capacity, making it a fantastic choice for both home and professional use.

Key Features to Consider

1. Capacity
The 16-gallon capacity was a game changer for me. It allows me to handle larger projects without frequently emptying the tank. Whether I’m cleaning my garage or dealing with a flooded basement, this size has proven to be more than adequate.

2. Power
This vac boasts a robust motor that provides excellent suction power. I’ve been able to pick up everything from fine dust to larger debris without any hassle. When I need to clean wet messes, the vac performs just as well, making it a dual-purpose tool in my arsenal.

3. Portability
I appreciate that the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac comes with sturdy wheels and a comfortable handle. It makes moving it around my workshop or dragging it outside for yard work a breeze. The weight is manageable, and I can easily maneuver it wherever I need.

4. Attachments and Accessories
This model includes a variety of attachments that I find incredibly useful. From the crevice tool for tight spaces to the utility nozzle for general cleaning, these accessories enhance the vac’s versatility. It’s nice to have everything I need in one package.

5. Durability
Craftsman is known for its quality, and this vac is no exception. The materials used feel sturdy, and I have confidence that it will last through years of use. My previous experience with Craftsman tools has set a high expectation for longevity, and this vac hasn’t let me down.

Maintenance Tips

To keep my Craftsman Wet Dry Vac in top shape, I follow a few simple maintenance practices:

  • Regularly Clean the Filter: I make it a habit to check and clean the filter after heavy use. It helps maintain suction and prolongs the life of the vacuum.
  • Empty the Tank Promptly: After each use, I try to empty the tank to prevent any buildup, especially after wet cleaning.
  • Store Properly: I always ensure that the vacuum is stored in a dry place to avoid any rust or damage.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Craftsman Wet Dry Vac 16 Gallon has been positive. It combines power, capacity, and convenience in a way that makes it a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional. If you’re looking for a reliable vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes, I highly recommend giving this model a try. It has certainly earned its place in my toolkit!

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.