Keeping a workshop or garage clean is a constant battle. I was tired of fine sawdust settling on every surface, small puddles from leaky projects creating hazards, and leaves blowing in every time the door opened. A standard broom just kicks dust into the air, and my household vacuum would choke on a single woodchip. This persistent mess wasn’t just an eyesore; it was a safety issue and a major drag on my productivity, demanding a serious solution.
A wet/dry shop vacuum is an essential tool for anyone who deals with messes beyond typical household dust and dirt. They are designed to tackle everything from sawdust and drywall debris to liquid spills and even flooded basements. These powerful machines are built for heavy-duty work, making them indispensable for workshops, garages, and construction sites.
The ideal customer for a large-capacity shop vacuum is the serious DIYer, woodworker, mechanic, or homeowner with a substantial workspace and a need for versatile cleaning power. If you regularly generate a lot of debris or face the possibility of large liquid spills, a robust unit is a wise investment. However, this type of vacuum is not for everyone. If you live in an apartment or have limited storage space, a large 16-gallon unit would be overkill and cumbersome. In that case, a smaller, more compact shop vac or a powerful stick vacuum might be a more practical choice for smaller messes and easier storage. Before you buy, consider the key factors: motor power (peak horsepower and airflow in CFM), tank capacity in gallons, the versatility of included attachments, hose length and diameter, and the overall portability and onboard storage options.
- 6.5 PEAK HP: Max power provides heavy-duty cleanup for tasks in the shop, garage, or on the jobsite
- 2-IN-1 VAC: Powerful shop vacuum that features a detachable blower for clearing leaves and debris from your garage and outdoors
- DUAL-FLEX HOSE WITH POS-I-LOCK: Provides 180-degree flexibility at both hose ends for maneuverability and secure attachment of hose to vac drum that won't pull loose during use
Introducing the CRAFTSMAN 2-in-1 Powerhouse
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is more than just a vacuum; it’s a complete cleanup system. Its core promise is to deliver maximum power for the toughest jobs, seamlessly transitioning between sucking up wet and dry debris to becoming a powerful, handheld leaf blower. When you purchase this unit, you get the main vacuum body, a large 16-gallon drum, a full set of accessories including a flexible 7-foot hose, extension wands, and various nozzles for different tasks. This model is specifically designed for users who need a no-compromise solution for their garage, workshop, or outdoor spaces. It’s not intended for those who need a quiet, lightweight vacuum for indoor cleaning.
Pros:
* Exceptional 6.5 Peak HP suction power
* Integrated detachable blower offers incredible 2-in-1 value
* Massive 16-gallon capacity minimizes downtime on big jobs
* Smart onboard storage for hose, cord, and all accessories
* Convenient oversized drain for easy liquid disposal
Cons:
* The plastic construction can feel less durable than some competitors
* It is quite loud during operation, even with the muffler
* The large footprint requires a dedicated storage spot
* The fit of some components, like the lid, could be tighter
- 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 years of putting this machine through its paces, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for its thoughtful design and raw power. It’s one of those tools that you come to rely on, and it has consistently performed, making cleanup the easiest part of any project.
6.5 Peak HP Motor – The Heart of the Beast
The first thing you notice when you flip the switch is the sheer power. The 6.5 peak horsepower motor creates a level of suction that is truly impressive. I’ve used it to clean up everything from fine sanding dust and spilled paint to chunks of wood, metal shavings, and even a disastrous bucket of drywall mud. It doesn’t hesitate or clog. I once had a minor plumbing leak in my laundry room, and this powerful shop vacuum sucked up gallons of water in minutes, saving my flooring from damage.
This raw power is the most significant benefit. It drastically cuts down on cleaning time. Instead of sweeping debris into a pile and then trying to get it all into a dustpan, you make one or two passes with the vacuum, and the floor is spotless. This efficiency means you spend less time cleaning and more time on your actual projects. A cleaner workspace is also a safer one, free from tripping hazards and slippery spots.
The Genius 2-in-1 Detachable Blower
This is, without a doubt, the standout feature of the CMXEVBE17607. With a simple release of two latches, the entire motor assembly lifts off the drum, transforming into a high-powered handheld blower. You attach the dedicated blower wand, and you’re ready to go. I use this feature constantly. It’s perfect for clearing leaves and grass clippings off my driveway and patio, blowing sawdust out from under my workbench and heavy machinery, and even drying off my car after a wash. The power is comparable to many dedicated leaf blowers on the market.
The benefit here is immense value and convenience. You are essentially getting two high-performance tools for the price and storage footprint of one. You don’t need to buy and store a separate leaf blower. When you’re done with a project, you can use the vacuum to clean the interior of your workspace and then immediately switch to the blower to clear off the porch or driveway, all with the same tool.
Massive 16-Gallon Capacity & Easy Draining
The 16-gallon drum is huge. For most of my woodworking projects, I can go weeks without having to empty the dry debris. This large capacity is a massive time-saver, as there’s nothing more frustrating than having to stop mid-cleanup to empty a small vacuum canister. When it comes to wet pickup, this capacity is a true lifesaver. It can handle significant spills or flooding without needing to be constantly emptied.
Furthermore, CRAFTSMAN included an oversized drain port at the bottom of the drum. This is a game-changer. Instead of having to awkwardly lift a heavy, sloshing tank filled with dozens of pounds of water to dump it out, you simply roll the vacuum to a suitable drainage spot, unscrew the cap, and let gravity do the work. This makes disposing of liquids safe, easy, and clean, a feature you’ll be thankful for every time you use this heavy duty shop vac for a wet mess.
Smart Design & Onboard Storage
It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the user experience. The vacuum features a large carrying handle that doubles as a cord wrap for the generous 20-foot power cord. The casters provide smooth 360-degree mobility, and their wide stance makes the unit very stable and unlikely to tip over. Best of all is the onboard accessory storage caddy. Every nozzle, wand, and attachment has a designated spot, ensuring they are always with the machine and easy to find. The 7-foot hose can also be neatly wrapped around the top and secured, preventing it from being a tripping hazard during storage.
This excellent organization provides a massive benefit in efficiency. You never have to waste time hunting for the crevice tool or an extension wand because it’s always right there. This self-contained design makes the unit easy to store and ready for action at a moment’s notice.
Dual-Flex Hose and Comprehensive Attachments
The vacuum comes with a 2-1/2 inch diameter hose, which is wide enough to resist clogging from larger debris like wood chips or leaves. The Dual-Flex design provides flexibility at both ends, and the POS-I-LOCK connection system creates a secure, twist-on attachment to the vacuum that simply won’t pull out by accident during use. The included attachments cover nearly any scenario: a wide utility nozzle for floors, a car nozzle for upholstery, a crevice tool for tight spaces, and a wet nozzle with a squeegee for liquid pickup. The muffler attachment is also a nice touch, as it noticeably reduces the high-pitched whine of the motor and prevents the exhaust from blowing dust around your workspace. The versatility provided by these tools means you can use this 2-in-1 tool for everything from a detailed car cleaning to a major post-construction cleanup.
What Real Users Are Saying
After scouring the internet to see if my positive experience was shared by others, I found that the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently celebrate the incredible suction power and the game-changing convenience of the detachable blower. Many reviews describe it as a workhorse that handles the toughest garage and shop messes with ease. However, it’s not without its critics. A few users have noted that the plastic construction feels a bit less robust than some competitors and have pointed out that the lid and other components can feel slightly loose, raising concerns about long-term durability.
The Final Verdict on This Cleaning Beast
The challenge of keeping a functional workspace clean and safe from debris and spills is a real one, requiring a tool that is both powerful and versatile. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 rises to this challenge and exceeds expectations. It is a fantastic choice for any serious hobbyist or homeowner for two primary reasons: its unstoppable suction power handles any mess you can throw at it, and its brilliant 2-in-1 design provides the value of a high-powered leaf blower at no extra cost. When you add in the massive capacity and smart, user-friendly features, you have a truly exceptional cleanup system. If you’re ready to conquer the mess in your workshop or garage for good, Click here to check out the price and full details.
Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API