I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve faced a mess that was too much for a broom but not quite right for my expensive household vacuum. Spilled potting soil in the entryway, sawdust from hanging a picture, or the collection of dirt and leaves in the car—these small but annoying cleanups always felt like a chore. Dragging out a huge, cumbersome shop vac from the back of the garage seemed like overkill. I needed a grab-and-go solution, and the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is the exact tool I wish I’d had years ago.
Before you purchase any wet/dry shop vacuum, it’s important to understand what they do and who they are for. These incredibly versatile machines are designed to handle the messes that would destroy a standard indoor vacuum, from liquid spills and basement floods to coarse debris like wood chips and drywall dust. They are the ultimate utility tool for homeowners and DIYers.
The ideal customer for a compact model like this one is someone who needs a powerful, portable solution for everyday messes. This includes homeowners who need to clean up after small projects, car enthusiasts who want to keep their vehicle interiors pristine, or even apartment dwellers with limited storage space. However, a small-capacity vacuum isn’t for everyone. A professional contractor cleaning up a large job site or someone dealing with a major basement flood would be better served by a larger, high-capacity model (12-20 gallons) that doesn’t require constant emptying.
Before making a decision, consider these key factors:
- Capacity: How much debris or liquid can the tank hold? A 2.5-gallon tank is perfect for quick jobs but will fill up fast on larger tasks.
- Power: Measured in Peak Horsepower (HP), this indicates the motor’s output and suction strength.
- Portability: Consider the unit’s weight, size, and features like a carry handle. A lightweight model is easier to move around the house or to a car.
- Hose and Cord Length: Your effective reach is determined by these two lengths combined. A shorter cord may necessitate an extension cord.
- Attachments: Ensure the included nozzles and tools fit your most common cleaning needs.
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet dry vac offers unparalleled mobility
- IDEAL FOR SMALL MESSES: Perfect for the home, garage, cars, trucks and vans
A Closer Look at the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 presents itself as the answer to the bulky shop vac problem. It’s a lightweight, compact, and highly portable wet/dry vacuum that promises serious cleaning power without the hassle. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to quickly tackle messes in the home, garage, or your car without a second thought. When you open the box, you get the main vacuum unit, a 5-foot friction-fit hose, a versatile utility nozzle, a narrow crevice tool for tight spaces, and a disposable filter bag for dry debris. This product is specifically for the homeowner or hobbyist who values convenience and easy storage over massive capacity.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry with one hand
- Surprisingly powerful suction for its compact size
- Versatile two-in-one capability with a useful blower port
- Small footprint makes it incredibly easy to store
- Ready to use right out of the box with no assembly required
Cons:
- The 10-foot power cord is short and often requires an extension cord
- The 2.5-gallon tank can fill up quickly on wet jobs
- Some older models had a hose that could slip out of the port
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet dry vac offers unparalleled mobility
- HEAVY-DUTY: Powerful 6.5 Peak HP provides extra power for large projects in the garage, shop and on the jobsite
- Beast Series High-Performance Motor with 320 Air Watts of Power
A Deep Dive into Features and Performance
After using this vacuum for countless jobs over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how its features translate into real-world benefits. It’s more than just a small vacuum; it’s a well-designed tool that simplifies cleanup.
Unmatched Portability and Compact Design
The single greatest advantage of this machine is its portability. Weighing in at just 6.7 pounds and equipped with a large, sturdy top handle, you can carry it around as easily as a bucket. This is a game-changer. I’ve taken it up ladders to clean gutters, used it on staircases without it tumbling over, and maneuvered it effortlessly inside my car. Unlike large, wheeled shop vacs that are a pain to drag around corners and up stairs, this portable shop vacuum goes wherever the mess is without any struggle. When the job is done, it doesn’t demand a huge chunk of garage real estate. It fits perfectly on a shelf, in a closet, or tucked under a workbench, making it ideal for those with limited space.
The Heart of the Machine: 2.5 Peak HP Motor
Don’t let the small size fool you. The 2.5 Peak HP motor in this unit provides impressive suction. While “Peak Horsepower” can be a nebulous marketing term, the practical performance is what matters, and this vacuum delivers. It has no trouble picking up sawdust, drywall dust, spilled pet food, or clumps of dirt from car floor mats. The suction is strong enough to pull debris from crevices and lift heavier items like small screws or pebbles that a weaker vacuum would leave behind. For 95% of the quick cleanups around my home and garage, the power is more than sufficient. It’s the perfect balance of strength and size, providing enough muscle for tough jobs without the deafening roar of a massive industrial motor.
True Wet/Dry Versatility
This is where this wet dry vac truly shines and proves its worth. Its ability to handle both wet and dry messes makes it an indispensable emergency tool. I once had a dishwasher hose come loose, creating a rapidly spreading puddle on the kitchen floor. Instead of panicking and using every towel in the house, I grabbed the Craftsman, removed the dry filter bag, and had the water sucked up in under a minute. It has also saved me from a clogged A/C drain line, effortlessly clearing the blockage and preventing a costly service call. To switch from dry to wet use, you simply remove the paper filter bag. This simple, two-in-one capability means you’re prepared for almost any spill, leak, or mess imaginable.
A Surprisingly Useful Blower Port
A feature many people forget about is the built-in blower. By moving the hose from the vacuum port on the front to the exhaust port on the back, you instantly have a powerful blower. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s genuinely useful. I use it constantly to clear sawdust off my workbench, blow leaves and debris out of my garage, and clean dust from hard-to-reach areas where a vacuum nozzle won’t fit. It’s also handy for inflating pool floats or air mattresses in a pinch. This extra functionality adds tremendous value and turns one tool into two.
Attachments and Usability
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 comes with the essential attachments for most cleaning tasks. The wide utility nozzle is the workhorse for open floor areas and larger debris. The crevice tool is invaluable for cleaning between car seats, along baseboards, and in any tight corner. The 1-1/4-inch diameter hose is flexible and easy to maneuver. It’s worth noting that some early user reviews mentioned the “friction fit” hose had a tendency to pop out during use. However, it seems Craftsman has since addressed this, as many recent buyers (myself included) have found the connection to be snug and secure, with some even reporting a new locking mechanism. The 5-foot hose offers decent reach when you can carry the vacuum right up to the mess, though a longer hose would always be a welcome addition.
What Other Users Are Saying
I spent some time looking at feedback online, and it’s clear that my positive experience is widely shared. Users consistently praise the vacuum for its powerful suction, which many find surprising given its small stature. Its convenience and light weight are major selling points, with many people calling it the perfect “quick cleanup” tool. Several reviewers shared stories of its durability, noting it has survived falls from workbenches or down stairs and continued to work perfectly. The most common critique, which I agree with, is the short 10-foot power cord that almost always requires an extension cord for any significant reach.
The Final Verdict on This Compact Cleaner
Small, everyday messes—both wet and dry—are an unavoidable part of life, but cleaning them up doesn’t have to be a major production. The core problem this product solves is the inconvenience of using the wrong tool for the job. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gallon 2.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is the perfect solution because it combines robust power with ultimate portability and simple operation. It’s strong enough for tough jobs but small enough to live in a kitchen pantry or hall closet. For its performance and affordability, it is an essential and highly recommended tool for any home. Don’t let another spill or mess slow you down. Click here to check the price and get yours today!
Last update on 2025-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API