If you’re dealing with a massive mess, a regular shop vacuum won’t quite cut it. That’s when you need a reliable and robust vacuum with a high capacity. Today, we’ll be reviewing some large shop vacuums that offer professional-level performance. Among them, the Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner stands out for its exceptional value and impressive features, all at an affordable price.
Notable Features
Generous 16-Gallon Tank
The Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum boasts a spacious tank that falls on the higher end of the portable shop vacuum range. With this capacity, it can handle most jobs, offering a level of portability and maneuverability.
Built-in Blower
As expected from a professional-grade shop vac, the Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is equipped with a blower function. While it may not match the performance of a dedicated jobsite blower, it comes in handy when you need a quick solution.
Four 360° Swivel Casters
The four swivel casters of the Vacmaster Beast vacuum allow for easy movement on flat surfaces. However, they may struggle a bit with larger debris and power cords. Nevertheless, these casters strike a balance by providing tight turns and convenient access to narrow spaces.
Efficient Hose Management
With its sturdy hose management system, the Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum ensures convenient storage. The metal rungs on the motor housing allow the hose to wrap around and hang securely. Although the rungs could be a bit tighter, they have proven to be reliable so far.
Convenient Cord Storage
This model features hooks for storing cords. This design effectively keeps the power cord organized and out of the way. However, a rope wrap might have been a more preferable option, especially for users who don’t wrap their cords as neatly.
Handy Drain Plug
Not every shop vac includes a drain plug, but the Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum does. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with large amounts of liquid, as it reduces the strain on your back and your overall attitude.
Smart Accessory Storage
The Vacmaster Beast excels at accessory storage, offering designated locations for all extensions and nozzles. Whether it’s on the wheelbase or the motor housing, you can easily keep track of your attachments.
What’s Included in the Kit
- 2 extension rods
- Fine Dust Cartridge Filter
- Foam wet filter
- Efficient dust bag
- 14″ floor nozzle
- 8″ utility nozzle
- Air/Noise Diffusers
Impressive Performance
High-capacity shop vacuums typically come equipped with a 6.5-horsepower motor. However, the power distribution can vary among different brands. In the case of the Vacmaster Beast, it boasts a 12-amp rating and can pull 150 CFM (cubic feet per minute) with 64 inches of water lift through its 7-foot, 2-1/2-inch hose.
A CFM rating of 150 is solid, placing it in the league of professional-grade vacuums. The 64-inch water lift adequately handles most workshop needs, such as sawdust, dirt, wood chips, and smaller screws or nails. Nonetheless, there’s still room for improvement in this regard.
In our pull test, the Vacmaster Beast demonstrated its strength by pulling 5 pounds and 7 ounces. While this falls short of top-notch models from DeWalt, it outperforms most other vacuum options by 4-5 pounds.
Pricing and Value
With its exceptional performance and features, the Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum offers incredible value for money. Priced at around $117, it boasts the best value among larger-capacity shop vacuums in terms of performance and reliability.
Final Thoughts
The Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is an impressive cleaning solution. Its steerable design ensures optimum performance, while its attention to detail sets it apart from the competition. If you’re looking for a bulk vacuum that offers excellent value for your money, give Vacmaster a try.
Want more shop vacs? Check out our buying guide!
“Best Shop Vac Reviews of 2020”
- 15 Gallon Polypropylene Jar
- 6.5 Peak HP Ultimate Performance Motor
- Integrated hose storage
- 20′ power cord with cord winder
- Easily Converts to a Blower
- Extra-large drain
- Stores on casters and power head
- Large On/Off Dust Sealed Switches
- Balanced top handle design
Vacmaster Beast 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner Specifications
- Model: Vacmaster VJH1612PF 0201
- Motor: 6.5 HP
- Tank Size: 16 Gallon
- Hose Diameter: 2-1/2″
- Hose Length: 7′
- Cubic feet: 150
- Riser: 64″
- Warranty: 5-year limited
- Price: $99.00
Amazon Shopping