Wet/dry and industrial vacuum cleaners in our range are built for workshops, garages, building sites and heavy household jobs where both dust and liquids need clearing. Corded tank vacuums and cordless battery models are available from brands such as Kärcher, Nilfisk, Bosch and DeWalt. There are over 100 models to compare.
How to choose a wet/dry or industrial vacuum cleaner
Corded or battery. Mains-powered (AC) models suit long jobs in one place, because they run for as long as you need without recharging. Battery models are available in our range and make sense for car interiors, small repairs and sites without easy access to a socket. If you already own cordless tools, check whether the vacuum uses the same battery platform.
Tank size and liquid handling. A larger tank means fewer trips to empty it, but it also makes the machine heavier and harder to store. For occasional spills and workshop clean-ups, a smaller tank is usually enough. Heavy flooding or regular pump-out work calls for a model designed for liquids in bulk.
Dust container and filtration. Our range includes bagless, dust bag and combi designs. Bagless models are quick to empty and cheaper to run, while bags keep fine dust contained and are tidier to dispose of. If you will be vacuuming plaster, cement or sanding dust, look for a fine-dust filter or a dust class rating (such as L, M or H) suited to the material.
Suction, hose and accessories. Look at the airflow and suction figures rather than motor wattage alone, since wattage only shows how much electricity the motor draws. A long hose, a wide floor nozzle with a squeegee for water, and a crevice tool cover most jobs. Check that the filter, hose and nozzle are easy to replace, because these parts wear first.
Brands we carry
- Kärcher: best known for pressure washers and cleaning equipment, and the largest brand in this category in our range, with multi-purpose wet/dry vacuums for home and workshop.
- Nilfisk: a Danish manufacturer focused on professional cleaning machines, so its vacuums are aimed at frequent, demanding use.
- Bosch: sells vacuums under both its blue professional line and its green home and garden line, which helps if you want to match an existing tool range.
- DeWalt and Makita: cordless tool specialists whose vacuums run on the same batteries as their drills and saws, a practical choice on building sites.
- Ryobi: known for its ONE+ battery system, which powers many tools from a single battery type.
- Roborock: primarily known for robot vacuums and smart cleaning devices for the home.
Also in our range: Einhell, Dedra, Taurus, Rowenta and Neo Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wet/dry vacuum cleaner be used for normal dry dust?
Yes, wet/dry vacuums are designed to pick up dry debris as well as liquids. For dry use, make sure the correct filter is fitted, usually a cartridge or fleece filter. For wet pick-up, a foam filter or filter-free setup is normally used, so check the manual before switching.
What is the difference between a wet/dry vacuum and a household vacuum?
A wet/dry vacuum has a sealed, moisture-resistant tank and can safely collect water, while a household vacuum must never be used on liquids. These machines also tolerate coarse debris such as sawdust, screws and gravel better. They are usually bulkier and noisier than a standard home vacuum.
Is a cordless wet/dry vacuum strong enough for a workshop?
A cordless model copes well with light to medium workshop tidying, car cleaning and small spills. Runtime depends on the battery size and the suction setting, so it is shorter than a corded machine under continuous load. For all-day site cleaning, a mains-powered model is the safer option.
Which filter do I need for fine dust such as plaster or cement?
Choose a vacuum with a fine-dust filter, ideally one with a dust class rating of M or higher for building dust. Pair it with a dust bag where the model allows, as this keeps fine particles contained when emptying. Regular dust from sawdust or garage floors is less demanding, so a standard filter is usually enough.
