Reading this sure sounds like the writer never used a robot vac. Really looks like most of the tests were setup for failure Answer from No-Structure-2800 on reddit.com
NYTimes
nytimes.com › home › garage › the best shop vacs (or wet dry vacs)
The Best 5 Shop Vacs (or Wet Dry Vacs) of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
July 16, 2025 - The nozzles are stored inside the Greenworks vac, next to the battery compartment. Doug Mahoney/NYT Wirecutter · As a vacuum, the Greenworks model is really functional and can handle medium-size messes—like small nails, little bits of wood, shavings, dust, and general debris—without much issue.
Shop vac Recommendations for new homeowner
Rigid, from Depot are pretty good and priced fairly. If you work with dusty stuff frequently, get one with a HEPA filter. If not, one with bags will be easier to deal with (pull out the bag and throw it away). If you will be working with liquids, the bags and filters get all wet and gross. The HP ratings are a complete joke. You cannot get 3.5hp out of a 120v 15 amp circuit; that rating is made as the vacuum is catching on fire. Spend a few extra dollars to get a "quiet" vac, or wear hearing protection. If you're in a basement, you don't need a gigantic dust bin, because you have to carry all that crap back upstairs, and it's heavy. A smaller vac may be your friend if you use it in the basement and dump it elsewhere. More on reddit.com
Agree or disagree with wirecutter?
Reading this sure sounds like the writer never used a robot vac. Really looks like most of the tests were setup for failure More on reddit.com
Wirecutter now recommends SEBO for best upright and canister
Very exciting! I know how popular Wirecutter is, and hope this brings Sebo some well-deserved popularity with Americans. More on reddit.com
[deleted by user]
Dewalt stealthsonic, threw my ridgid in a dumpster when I got mine, Been using the same loud ass motor since 89 and the new ones are built outta shit Edit: also the new craftsman and ridgid vacs are identical internally and use the same filters and attachments More on reddit.com
Videos
00:49
Clever Uses for A Wet/Dry Vac - YouTube
05:22
✅Top 5 Best Shop Vacs in 2025 - YouTube
10:15
TOP 5 Best Shop Vacs | Best Shop Vac Review (2025) - YouTube
06:43
Best Shop Vacs 2025 [don’t buy one before watching this] - YouTube
You don’t need a workshop full of sawdust to appreciate the ...
You don't need a workshop full of sawdust to appreciate the ...
NYTimes
nytimes.com › appliances › vacuum cleaners › the best vacuum cleaners
The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
November 5, 2025 - This nimble, high-tech model is light, powerful, and easy to maneuver. But it doesn’t stand up on its own, and its dustbin is small. ... This model performs about as well as the Dyson V12, and it comes with a station that automatically empties the dustbin when the vacuum is docked.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/tools › shop vac recommendations for new homeowner
r/Tools on Reddit: Shop vac Recommendations for new homeowner
February 9, 2022 -
I am looking to get my first shop vac to use for general stuff around the house. I have an unfinished basement in a new house that needs some cleaning (nothing crazy).
I have been eyeing 6 hp ones at Home Depot, but then I saw a Craftsman 3.5 hp vacuum on sale at Lowe's. What hp of vacuum do I really need for cleaning around the basement, garage and cars?
Top answer 1 of 4
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Rigid, from Depot are pretty good and priced fairly. If you work with dusty stuff frequently, get one with a HEPA filter. If not, one with bags will be easier to deal with (pull out the bag and throw it away). If you will be working with liquids, the bags and filters get all wet and gross. The HP ratings are a complete joke. You cannot get 3.5hp out of a 120v 15 amp circuit; that rating is made as the vacuum is catching on fire. Spend a few extra dollars to get a "quiet" vac, or wear hearing protection. If you're in a basement, you don't need a gigantic dust bin, because you have to carry all that crap back upstairs, and it's heavy. A smaller vac may be your friend if you use it in the basement and dump it elsewhere.
2 of 4
6
Rigid hands down for the price and reliability. The one of my shop is 15 years old it was a daily user until five years ago. It now just has tablesaw duty.
VacuumLand
vacuumland.org › vacuum discussion › vintage
Wirecutter (aka NY Times) article about vacuum enthusiasts. | VacuumLand – Vintage & Modern Vacuum Enthusiasts
August 8, 2025 - They also posted one about their recommendations on vacuums they liked. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-upright-canister-vacuums/
Reddit
reddit.com › r/robotvacuums › agree or disagree with wirecutter?
r/RobotVacuums on Reddit: Agree or disagree with wirecutter?
October 15, 2024 -
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/testing-robot-vacuum-mop-combos/
Wirecutter says to avoid vacuum mop combination robots for now, highlighting that they require too much user intervention and don’t work very well.
I find this surprising but wonder what you all think about it.
Top answer 1 of 14
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Reading this sure sounds like the writer never used a robot vac. Really looks like most of the tests were setup for failure
2 of 14
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I don't think I've ever agreed with Wirecutter. There no pure mopping robot that cleans better than the newest hybrids. My Dreame, which is about 8 models behind the newest tech, does everything well and is pretty self-sufficient. My lazy ass wants a newer model with a larger tank, hair-cutting brush, and extended mops and brushes so the bot can be even more self-sufficient, but the desire to upgrade comes from the appreciation of the machine I have and its immense utility. Greatest purchase I've ever made and that was under 600 bucks. One of the reasons the writer might be getting poor results is unfamiliarity with each machine and not knowing how to adapt it to specific goals and the environment. The default settings are never optimal.
Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › category directories › appliances directory › handheld vacuums directory
Wirecutter Vacuum - Best Buy
The LED headlights enable illumination of dark areas to easily spot dust & small debris, while the flexible wand makes under-furniture cleaning easy. If you need to clean furniture, countertops, or other hard-to-reach places, it converts easily into a hand vacuum.
Dhgate
smart.dhgate.com › wirecutter-best-vacuum-cleaners-with-an-expert-buying-guide
Wirecutter Best Vacuum Cleaners with an Expert Buying ...
November 8, 2025 - Find expert-backed shopping guides and top product picks from DHgate. Make smarter decisions with curated insights tailored for international buyers.
NYTimes
nytimes.com › appliances › vacuum cleaners › the best cordless stick vacuum
The 4 Best Cordless Stick Vacuums of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
11 hours ago - A Wirecutter staffer, who has used the Ryobi for several months, loves the dustbin, and reports that she can go through a week of light vacuuming without needing to empty it. It has an okay run time, and it charges especially quickly. This model runs for about 32 minutes in eco (low) mode, which is enough time to vacuum a small or medium-size apartment and for a quick workshop cleanup.