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6 Best Makita Wet/Dry Vacuums 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita XCV17PG 18V X2 LXT® Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless 1.6 Gallon HEPA Filter Backpack Dry Vacuum (6.0Ah)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,391
Power
Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
57 reviews

Power
This has at least as much suction as my 3 HP shop vac. Expensive, but worth it as it’s cut the time in half it takes me to vacuum our 10 pool table cloths.
Portability
Spare batteries and chargers are available to help reduce downtime when utilizing the vacuum. The unit is powerful and the way to go when you do not have power readily available.
Attachments and Accessories
Too bad it doesn’t come with a few hose adapters so the unit could be used with accessories from other vacuums that this unit is lacking.

The Makita XCV17PG is a cordless wet-dry vacuum that offers a blend of power and portability. It features a powerful BL Brushless Motor that generates 78 CFM of suction power and up to 44 inches of water lift, making it effective for both wet and dry cleaning tasks. The vacuum runs on two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, providing up to 139 minutes of run time on normal settings and 40 minutes on max settings. The dual-port rapid charger is a useful addition, as it charges the batteries in just 55 minutes, minimizing downtime.

The filtration system is top-notch with an efficient two-stage HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particulates, ensuring clean exhaust air and extending the life of the main filter. This makes it suitable for users who are sensitive to dust and allergens. Portability is a key strength, as the vacuum is designed to be worn as a backpack, weighing only 15 pounds. This makes it easy to maneuver, especially in tight spaces or for extended use.

The included attachments, such as the crevice nozzle, floor nozzle, and telescoping wand, add versatility to the vacuum, allowing it to handle a variety of cleaning tasks. However, the 1.6-gallon capacity might be a limitation for larger cleaning jobs, requiring more frequent emptying. Some users might also find the noise level to be on the higher side, especially when operated at maximum power. The Makita XCV17PG is well-suited for those needing a portable, powerful, and efficient vacuum for both wet and dry cleaning, while being particularly beneficial for environments where dust and allergens are a concern.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,391
Power
Portability
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
57 reviews

Power
This has at least as much suction as my 3 HP shop vac. Expensive, but worth it as it’s cut the time in half it takes me to vacuum our 10 pool table cloths.
Portability
Spare batteries and chargers are available to help reduce downtime when utilizing the vacuum. The unit is powerful and the way to go when you do not have power readily available.
Attachments and Accessories
Too bad it doesn’t come with a few hose adapters so the unit could be used with accessories from other vacuums that this unit is lacking.
#2

Makita VC4210L 11 Gallon Wet/Dry HEPA Filter Dust Extractor/Vacuum

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Power
Filtration System

Most important from
228 reviews

Capacity
The substantial 11-gallon capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, making it ideal for extended use.
Power
Users appreciate the ability to adjust the suction power, which is particularly useful for delicate tasks like using orbital sanders.
Filtration System
The automatic filter cleaning mechanism, despite its periodic 'thump thump' noise, is highly effective in preventing clogs and maintaining consistent suction.
Portability
Despite its powerful performance, the Makita VC4210L remains relatively lightweight and portable, thanks to its oversized wheels.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum's versatility is evident as it works seamlessly with various tools including Bosch Miter Saw, Dewalt Table Saw, and Ryobi tools.
Noise Level
The Makita VC4210L is impressively quieter than traditional shop vacs, with a notable reduction in noise levels.

The Makita VC4210L is a robust wet/dry vacuum designed to handle both household and professional cleaning tasks efficiently. Its powerful 12 AMP motor delivers strong suction power, ensuring thorough cleaning with 148 CFM of suction and 92 inches of water lift. This makes it quite effective in handling both wet and dry debris. The vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is excellent for maintaining clean air, especially in environments sensitive to dust and allergens. Additionally, the two-stage filtration system extends the filter's lifespan and improves efficiency by capturing larger particles separately.

Portability is supported by the inclusion of wheels and a relatively lightweight design, making it easier to move around. The vacuum also comes with a range of useful attachments such as different hose adapters, a crevice nozzle, and various filters which enhance its versatility. However, it is not cordless, which might limit mobility to some extent and require access to power outlets.

The on-board tool-activated outlet is a convenient feature, allowing you to synchronize the vacuum with other tools, though the 10-second delay might take some getting used to. The capacity of 11 gallons is quite substantial, reducing the frequency of emptying. In conclusion, the Makita VC4210L is a powerful and versatile vacuum ideal for those needing a high-performance, high-capacity cleaner with excellent filtration capabilities, though it may be less suited for those needing a quieter, more mobile option.

Rating
10.0
Capacity
Power
Filtration System

Most important from
228 reviews

Capacity
The substantial 11-gallon capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, making it ideal for extended use.
Power
Users appreciate the ability to adjust the suction power, which is particularly useful for delicate tasks like using orbital sanders.
Filtration System
The automatic filter cleaning mechanism, despite its periodic 'thump thump' noise, is highly effective in preventing clogs and maintaining consistent suction.
Portability
Despite its powerful performance, the Makita VC4210L remains relatively lightweight and portable, thanks to its oversized wheels.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum's versatility is evident as it works seamlessly with various tools including Bosch Miter Saw, Dewalt Table Saw, and Ryobi tools.
Noise Level
The Makita VC4210L is impressively quieter than traditional shop vacs, with a notable reduction in noise levels.
#3

Makita XCV11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2 Gallon HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum, Tool Only

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Power
Portability

Most important from
2880 reviews

Capacity
The vacuum's build quality is excellent, and its large debris bin is a notable advantage for handling bigger cleaning tasks.
Power
The Makita XCV11Z shines with its strong suction, making it perfect for cleaning both homes and vehicles, despite not matching the power of a wired shop vac.
Portability
The vacuum's portability and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to handle, even for those who can't manage larger vacuums anymore.
Attachments and Accessories
For those needing to connect the vacuum to various tools, creating custom adapters (like 3D printing) can solve fit issues with different dust port sizes.

The Makita XCV11Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum stands out for its powerful suction and portability. With a brushless motor delivering 57 CFM and 27 inches of water lift, this vacuum is capable of handling both wet and dry debris efficiently. Its HEPA filter is a significant advantage as it captures 99.97% of particulates, ensuring clean air during operation.

This model offers up to 60 minutes of run time with a 5.0 Ah battery (sold separately), making it suitable for extended use without needing frequent recharges. The LED battery indicator is a helpful feature for monitoring battery life. Weighing just 10.1 pounds (including the battery), it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with its compact design. The vacuum is also relatively quiet, operating at a noise level of 76 dB, which is not too disruptive.

It includes useful accessories like a flexible hose, wide nozzle, and crevice nozzle, enhancing its versatility for various cleaning tasks. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is sold as a 'tool only,' meaning the battery and charger are not included, which adds to the overall cost. Additionally, while the 2-gallon capacity is decent for small to medium jobs, it may require frequent emptying for larger tasks. Despite these cons, the Makita XCV11Z is a solid choice for those needing a portable, efficient, and versatile wet-dry vacuum for home, garage, or vehicle cleaning. Its strengths in power, filtration, and portability make it a dependable tool for various cleaning needs.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Power
Portability

Most important from
2880 reviews

Capacity
The vacuum's build quality is excellent, and its large debris bin is a notable advantage for handling bigger cleaning tasks.
Power
The Makita XCV11Z shines with its strong suction, making it perfect for cleaning both homes and vehicles, despite not matching the power of a wired shop vac.
Portability
The vacuum's portability and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to handle, even for those who can't manage larger vacuums anymore.
Attachments and Accessories
For those needing to connect the vacuum to various tools, creating custom adapters (like 3D printing) can solve fit issues with different dust port sizes.

Buying Guide for the Best Makita Wet/Dry Vacuums

When choosing a Makita wet-dry vacuum, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environments in which you'll be using the vacuum. Wet-dry vacuums are versatile tools that can handle both liquid spills and dry debris, making them ideal for a variety of cleaning tasks. To ensure you select the best model for your requirements, you'll need to evaluate several key specifications. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and get the most out of your purchase.
CapacityCapacity refers to the volume of debris or liquid the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is important because a larger capacity means you can clean for longer periods without interruption. Capacities can range from small (2-6 gallons) for light, occasional use, to medium (7-14 gallons) for regular household or workshop tasks, and large (15+ gallons) for heavy-duty, professional use. Choose a capacity based on the frequency and scale of your cleaning tasks.
PowerPower is typically measured in horsepower (HP) or watts and indicates the suction strength of the vacuum. Higher power means better suction and the ability to handle tougher messes. For light cleaning tasks, a vacuum with 1-2 HP is sufficient. For more demanding jobs, such as cleaning up a workshop or construction site, look for models with 3-5 HP or more. Consider the types of debris and the surfaces you'll be cleaning to determine the right power level for your needs.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing dust and allergens from being released back into the environment. Basic models may have a single-stage filtration system, which is suitable for general use. More advanced models feature multi-stage or HEPA filtration, which is ideal for capturing fine dust and allergens, making them a better choice for those with allergies or for use in sensitive environments. Choose a filtration system based on the level of air quality you need to maintain.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the vacuum around. This can be influenced by the vacuum's weight, size, and the presence of wheels or handles. For home use or small workshops, a compact and lightweight model is often sufficient. For larger areas or professional use, a model with sturdy wheels and a long power cord or hose will be more convenient. Consider where and how often you'll need to move the vacuum to determine the right level of portability.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can greatly enhance the versatility of your wet-dry vacuum. Common attachments include crevice tools, extension wands, and specialized nozzles for different surfaces. Some models also come with blower functions or additional filters. Think about the specific tasks you'll be performing and choose a vacuum that includes the necessary attachments, or ensure that compatible accessories are available for purchase separately.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if you'll be using the vacuum in a residential area or for extended periods. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. Models with noise levels around 60-70 dB are relatively quiet, while those above 80 dB can be quite loud. If noise is a concern, look for models that advertise quieter operation or have built-in noise reduction features.

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