The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is a powerhouse shop vacuum perfect for heavy-duty home projects and renovations. Boasting a robust 6.5 Peak HP motor, it quickly handles both wet and dry messes, while features like the built-in blower port and oversized drain add extra convenience. With included accessories and dual-flex hose technology, this CRAFTSMAN vacuum ensures versatility and easy maneuverability. Backed by a 3-year limited warranty, it’s a top choice for anyone seeking reliability and performance in their cleanup tools.
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shop vacuum – Complete Review 2025
The shop vacuum known as the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17595 delivers on powerful suction and versatility for home and jobsite cleanup. Right from the start, it distinguishes itself by offering robust features designed to tackle the toughest messes, from dust collection in your workshop to heavy-duty garage cleaning and renovation debris.
This product stands out in the crowded wet dry vac market thanks to its 16-gallon capacity and powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor. Users frequently mention the oversized drain for fast liquid disposal, and the dual flex hose, which makes maneuvering around workspaces effortless and kink-free.
Convenient accessory storage, a built-in blower port, and an included dust bag extend its value even further. The three-year limited warranty reflects a strong commitment to durability and consumer confidence, making this tool a reliable choice for demanding projects.

Key Features of the shop vacuum
- Heavy-duty cleaning: Delivers extraordinary performance with a 6.5 Peak HP motor—ideal for both fine dust collection and large debris.
- Dual Flex Hose Technology: Provides 180-degree mobility, helping prevent hose kinks while keeping your workspace flexible.
- Oversized Drain: Makes emptying wet messes simple and efficient, a game-changer for frequent liquid cleanup tasks.
- Onboard Storage: Attachments and the power cord are organized for quick access, ensuring the workshop vacuum remains clutter-free between uses.
- Accessory Kit: The kit includes multiple specialty nozzles and a dust bag, covering a wide range of scenarios from car interiors to garage floors.
If you’re also interested in tackling different cleaning challenges, check out our complete furniture cleaning guide.
Real-World Performance Testing
During hands-on trials, the shop vacuum performed exceptionally well for workshop dust collection and messy jobsite debris. According to Vacuum Wars, this device was ranked the best overall 6.5 HP model—demonstrating nearly top water pickup and above-average debris removal using both its standard and squeegee nozzles.
The tool’s powerful suction made quick work of everything from sawdust and fine drywall to heavy items like pebbles and wood chips. In wet tests, draining the full 16-gallon vac only took minutes thanks to the oversized drain port, which users found easy to operate even in the middle of large renovation projects.
It remains quieter than many rivals, and offers impressive mobility for its size—though when filled, it can be heavy to maneuver for some users. The craftsman vacuum’s onboard hose storage is very convenient, but storing all of the accessory nozzles may take some arranging.
If deep cleaning is part of your regular routine, you might like our tile and grout cleaning tips for maintaining spotless surfaces.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Compared to similar heavy duty vacuum models like the RIDGID WD1851 and Vacmaster VQ607SFD, this 16 gallon vac offers stronger suction performance and a superior filter system. Price-wise, it strikes an excellent balance between premium and affordability, especially given the included warranty and broad accessory kit.
Where the CRAFTSMAN excels is in its dual flex hose and oversized drain, while competitors may offer slightly lighter bodies or different onboard storage designs. According to CRAFTSMAN, easy filter changes and the built-in blower port also give this workshop vacuum a unique edge.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This tool is perfect for home improvement enthusiasts, DIY pros, or anyone with a large workshop that regularly faces challenging messes. Those looking for a reliable wet dry vac for frequent garage cleaning or renovation cleanup will find it particularly useful.
If you mostly need compact or lighter vacuums, or if portability is critical (like for multi-story buildings), this model may feel bulky when full. Users who need only light, occasional cleaning could find smaller models easier to manage.
For more inspiration on maximizing your workspace, explore our garage apartment conversion tips.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this workshop vacuum handle both wet and dry messes?
Yes, its filter system lets it switch between wet and dry applications with ease. The oversized drain also simplifies emptying large amounts of liquid. - How loud does it run compared to other heavy duty vacuum models?
Despite its powerful suction, this model is quieter than many similar-sized competitors, making it reasonable for indoor or garage environments. - Are replacement dust bags and filters easy to find?
Absolutely. The craftsman vacuum accepts genuine filters and dust bags available at major retailers and directly from CRAFTSMAN’s online store. - Does the shop vacuum come with a warranty?
Yes, the shop vacuum includes a 3-year limited warranty, which is longer than most brands in this category for peace of mind over heavy use. - Is this 16 gallon vac difficult to move when full?
It can be heavy for some users, but the sturdy wheels and ergonomic handle make transportation manageable for most. The dual flex hose also helps keep movement kink-free.
In summary, the shop vacuum is a top choice for demanding garage cleaning, wet dry vac jobs, and heavy-duty projects—offering durability, suction, and versatility that outshine much of the competition.









