10 Best Construction Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 is a heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum designed for tackling tough cleaning jobs in construction, renovation, and large home projects. Its 6.5 peak horsepower motor provides solid suction power, making it capable of handling debris, dust, and liquids effectively. With a 16-gallon tank capacity, it can manage substantial amounts of waste before needing to be emptied, which is handy for bigger tasks.

The vacuum includes a cartridge filter system paired with a dust collection bag, supporting good filtration to keep fine dust contained, although cartridge filters may require occasional replacement to maintain peak performance. Durability is a strong point here, with a sturdy polypropylene build and features like an oversized drain for easy emptying of liquids. Portability is decent but somewhat limited by its weight (26 pounds) and size; it comes with two wheels and dual handles to help move it around, but it’s not cordless, so you'll need access to power outlets.

A handy built-in blower port adds versatility for outdoor cleanups like leaves or grass clippings. The included 7-foot dual-flex hose resists kinks, enhancing maneuverability during use. This vacuum handles both wet and dry messes efficiently, making it versatile for various cleanup needs. If you want a robust, reliable vacuum for demanding shop or jobsite work and don't mind a wired setup, this model fits well. However, if you need something lighter or cordless for easy transport, this might feel a bit bulky.

The Makita XCV17PG is a cordless backpack vacuum designed mainly for dry vacuuming with a compact 1.6-gallon capacity, suitable for construction sites or workshops where mobility and ease of use matter. Powered by two 18V batteries combined to deliver 36V, its brushless motor creates strong suction (78 CFM and 44 inches of water lift), enough to pick up typical construction debris and dust efficiently. Its cordless design and lightweight 15-pound frame enhance portability, allowing users to move freely without being tied to a power outlet.

The HEPA filtration system is a standout feature, capturing 99.97% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns, which helps maintain cleaner air and prolongs filter life. This makes it ideal for environments where dust control is critical. Runtime is impressive, offering up to 139 minutes on normal mode, but it reduces to about 40 minutes on maximum suction, which might require battery swaps for longer jobs. Durability is supported by the brushless motor, known for longer life and cooler operation.

It is designed only for dry vacuuming, lacking wet vacuum capability that some construction vacuums offer for handling spills or wet debris. The 1.6-gallon tank is relatively small, so it may need frequent emptying during bigger tasks. The Makita XCV17PG fits well for users needing a portable, powerful, and clean filtration dry vacuum on the jobsite, but if wet vacuuming or larger capacity is a priority, other models might be better.

The DEWALT DXV16PA wet/dry vacuum is a solid choice for construction or workshop cleanup thanks to its powerful 6.5 peak horsepower motor and strong airflow of 116 CFM, which means it can handle heavy debris and spills efficiently. Its 16-gallon capacity offers ample space for both wet and dry messes, reducing the frequency of emptying during larger jobs. The included cartridge filter helps trap dust effectively, which is important on construction sites to keep the air cleaner, though cartridge filters might need regular maintenance compared to HEPA filters.

This vacuum is designed with durability in mind, featuring a sturdy poly tank and solid wheels for mobility across job sites. It also benefits from a built-in silencing muffler, making it quieter than many other shop vacs, which is a nice touch when working in noise-sensitive environments. Portability is decent with a 20-foot power cord and hose attachments that help reach tight spots, but at 30.6 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy to carry for long distances. It’s corded, so you’ll need access to power, but the long cord lessens the need for extension cables.

The vacuum’s wet/dry capability is strong, including a tank drain and hose adaptor that simplify liquid removal. This vacuum is a dependable, versatile machine suited for professional or serious DIY users who want a powerful, large-capacity vacuum that performs well across a range of cleaning tasks on construction sites or workshops. For those needing a very lightweight or cordless model, this may not be the ideal choice.