Shop vacs are incredibly handy to have around, especially since they come in sizes that range from small handheld models to a 20 gallon behemoth with 6.5 horsepower. The smaller wet/dry vacuums make a great housewarming gift, or send-off gift for a college student. They can be used to clean up small spills, whether in the house, workshop, or even the car. Larger shop vac models are traditionally used in the garage or basement. Their ability to vacuum up anything that will fit through the nozzle, wet or dry, makes them ideal for construction projects, garages, or for cleaning out campers and RVs after a trip.
When comparing shop vacs, capacity is an obvious choice, but there are other considerations as well. Most larger companies, such as Craftsman, will have a variety of shop vacuums available with a variety of horsepower. Check all of the numbers carefully. Do not assume that just because you are getting the largest shop vac in terms of capacity, you're also getting the most powerful vac.
There are many attachments available for shop vacs that make them a very flexible piece of equipment. Filters and nozzles are just the beginning of the selection. If you are in the middle of a construction project, you can buy a special shop vac filter bag that can suck up the fine particles and drywall dust that would escape a normal shop vac and destroy your regular vacuum cleaner. Water drainage kits enable to use your vacuum as a pump.