Crumbs and Spills Are No Match for Our Favorite, Tested Wet-Dry Vacuums (2024)

Our Top Picks

The Bissell CrossWave has been known to be one of the first mainstream wet-dry vacuums, and to date, we think it’s still one of the best available. The 3515 model, a recent release, topped the charts during our recent lab testing, impressing us with its performance, versatility, and overall ease of use—we even included it on our list of the best vacuum cleaners.

The 3515 is designed to vacuum, wash, and steam your floors simultaneously. In other words, the future is here, and it comes in the form of this mop and vacuum combo machine. Switching between vacuuming and washing, or vacuuming and steam cleaning, is as simple as pressing a button on the handle. And, unlike many other similar products, it can be used on area rugs and floor mats, as well as sealed hardwood floors and pressed wood floors.

The vacuum weighs just 12.5 pounds and is designed with two tanks, so dirty water never contaminates your clean water. We found that the CrossWave is powered by a 25-foot cord for unlimited runtime—although, you may need to pause to refill and empty your water tanks, depending on the type of cleaning you're doing.

When we tried it on carpeting in our lab, it handled a mess of coffee grounds and cereal in a jaw-dropping 21 seconds. We were also impressed by how it only took a few minutes for hard floors to dry after use—although a few subtle streaks were visible.

The other potential hiccups we noted (its noisy operation, and how the cord could get in the way) felt especially minor compared to the overall powerful performance. This is an easy-to-use machine that lives up to its ambitious promise of smoothly handling multiple types of cleaning.

_{Dimensions:44 x 10.7 x 10 inches | Weight:12.5 pounds | Cord Length:25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable| Bin Volume:17 ounces | Cleaning Path Width:10 inches | Compatible Floor Type:Area rugs, carpet, sealed hardwood floors | Best for: Cleaning, washing, steaming hard floors and rugs}

Out of the 16 mop-vacuum combo machines we tested, the Ecowell LULU Quick Clean P05 was one of the highest performing and lowest priced. It impressed us from the get-go, fully clearing heavy debris from hard flooring in seconds—without leaving visible smears.

We found that carpet cleaning was also very smooth. During testing, the mess of coffee grounds was quickly and efficiently cleared away. The carpet was just a bit damp afterward. While we did notice that this model was a little more resistant over the carpet than the hard floor, this also made it feel as if it were cleaning deeper.

We found that the maneuverability of this model was quite good, and the small related maintenance tasks, like emptying the water reservoir and cleaning the brush were simple, too. We encountered some egg shell debris lodged behind the roller brush, but it was easy to wipe away with a rag. Speaking of the brush, we appreciated the drying feature.

Buyers should know that we did notice a slight high-pitched whirring noise when it was running, and we found that our testing process depleted nearly half the battery, which was higher than most that we tested. Still, all in all, this vacuum/mop combo compares very well to the big brand names in both effectiveness and ease of use. Additional features like a self-cleaning mode and a HEPA filter, which captures and traps ultra-tiny dust particles (0.3 microns to be exact), are the icing on the cake.

_{Dimensions:43.4 x 9.06 x 9 inches | Weight:10.03 pounds | Cord Length:Not applicable | Battery Life: 25 minutes| Bin Volume:0.31 gallons/39.7 ounces | Cleaning Path Width:11.7 inches | Compatible Floor Type:Sealed hard floors, rugs| Best for: Cleaning, washing hard floors and rugs}

We think the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro is worth a close look. It wowed us during testing, when its proprietary iLoop Smart Sensor Technology seemingly performed magic, automatically adjusting to each type of mess without any input from us. What's more, it handled most deep cleaning tasks in under a minute apiece, We opted to give some messes multiple passes for good measure and if we're being nitty-gritty, it's worth a mention that some egg residue did remain in between wood planks. But, overall, it cleaned like a champ—a very well-programmed champ.

We found that this cordless vacuum can run for up to 40 minutes per charge, and you’ll be able to see exactly how much battery power you have left on its large LED display (with other details like cleaning mode and water level). Along with separate tanks for clean and dirty water, it even cleans the brush roll as its in use, so you're not spreading grime back to your floors with a dirty vacuum.

We did find that the tanks required pretty constant attention, with frequent refills for the clean water and regular emptying of the dirty basin necessary. Once you're all done, there's also a self-cleaning mode that cuts down your hands-on time with cleaning and preparing it for its next use.

If you intend to regularly clean hard floors, and you'd like the machine to automatically pick its cleaning mode. this is the wet-dry vacuum for you.

_{Dimensions:43.7 x 10.43 x 10.24 inches | Weight:21.5pounds | Cord Length:Not applicable | Battery Life: 40minutes | Bin Volume:0.7 liters | Cleaning Path Width:Approximately 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type:Any sealed hard floors | Best for: Cleaning hard floors}

If you're after a vacuum with good value that can handle wet messes, your best option is a compact shop vac like this one from Craftsman. Our in-home testing confirmed that it can easily handle regular household messes like dust, pebbles, hair, sand, food debris, and even water spills.

While it doesn't have wheels, this lightweight vacuum can be carried around your home using the top handle, and can hold up to 2.5 gallons of debris in its body. It's technically smaller than lots of shop vacs, but definitely still more robust than a regular wet/dry vacuum.

We discovered that it is sturdy, and when it was accidentally knocked over during testing, the lid stayed in place and nothing spilled out. The tool includes a 5-foot hose with a 1.25-inch diameter, as well as a crevice tool and utility nozzle, and on-board accessory storage makes it easy to keep all the pieces in one place.

This shop vac has a 10-foot power cord, and it operates at 1.75 peak HP. The debris you suck up will be captured inside a filter bag, and the unit can also be used as a blower, making it versatile for use around the house, your garage, or even a workspace. If you want the versatility and capacity of a shop vac without committing to a larger size, it's a great option to consider.

_{Dimensions:14.74 x 12.57 x 13.1 inches | Weight:6.7 pounds | Cord Length:10 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume:2.5 gallons | Cleaning Path Width:Not listed | Compatible Floor Type:Any floors | Best for: Spot-cleaning wet and dry messes}

The Roborock Dyad Pro is a new wet-dry vacuum on the market, and it offers a variety of useful features that help it stand out from other upright models. For instance, it has not one, but two brush rolls that help it pick up more dirt, dust, and liquid from your floors, and one of the brushes offers edge-to-edge cleaning that allows you to get closer to baseboards.

When we tested it in the lab, we were especially impressed with effective it proved to be at picking up both wet and dry messes. It had no issue going from coffee grounds to mayo to soggy cereal, even pulling residue from between grooves.

In addition to its efficient cleaning, we found that it has a digital display that shows how much battery life is remaining. During our testing, we used roughly 30 percent of the battery power, which gives us confidence that it would comfortably last for most home clean-up tasks. There's also an app that allows for some control of the machine, but we were not able to connect with it during the lab testing because of 5G limitations.

The vacuum features separate tanks for clean and dirty water, and you can mix the brand’s floor cleaning solution into the clean water tank for a more thorough clean (we didn't acquire this for testing). This high-end model even has a self-cleaning button that removes dirt and grime from the brush roll, sucking it up into the dirty water tank, and it tells you when the brush rolls have fully dried, too (which took roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes).

We found that the brush rolls were a bit tricky to remove (which needed to be done to check an obstruction), but overall, we were very impressed with the Robotrock Dyad Pro. If you're looking to invest in a wet dry vac with lots of bells and whistles, this a great option.

_{Dimensions:12.2 x 10.6 x 43.7inches | Weight:10 pounds | Cord Length:Not applicable | Battery Life: 43 minutes| Bin Volume:0.77 liters | Cleaning Path Width:Not listed | Compatible Floor Type:Hard floors | Best for: Cleaning hard floors}

The Tineco Floor One S5 is another example of a high-quality machine that handled our testing tasks well—especially the grout flooring, which appeared so clean that it was as if someone had run a wash cloth over the grout lines. These results were easy for us to come by, too, because the machine has what the brand has dubbed iLoop Smart Sensor Technology that automatically manages suction, water flow, and brush roll speed to handle various messes.

After all of our testing, the battery life appeared to deplete by roughly 20 percent, which was less than many other battery-powered vacs that we considered. A sensor indicator gives a read of battery status, along with other key details like whether or not the machine has detected debris, and the flow of water it's using.

Like most machines, the hardwood floor, which we dirtied with egg and granola, posed a bit more of a challenge than the grout. We were still satisfied with the S5's performance though, since the floor had only a bit of residual mess in the tiny hardwood floor cracks.

We did find that going more slowly over messes helped its performance, too. We were also pleased with how easily this vacuum handled around chair and table legs.

Another feature we appreciated was the self-cleaning process. We utilized it in between each test, and it really seemed to make a difference, in a good way, for how the machine performed overall. The squeegee strip on the vacuum was still visibly messy after the self-cleaning mechanism, and a separate wipe with a wash cloth was necessary. This felt like a minor concession for an otherwise impressive machine though, and we still heartily recommend it.

_{Dimensions: 26 x 12.6 x 11.4 inches Weight: 9.9 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 35 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.72 liters | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors | Best for: Cleaning hard floors}

Looking for a hands-off, wet-dry cleaning solution? Then the Ecovacs Deebot N8+ Robot Vacuum and Mop combo is the pick for you. This model excelled in our lab and at-home testing, because it was incredibly easy to use and effective at both vacuuming and mopping (and if you're familiar with robot mops, you know that's saying a lot).

This Ecovacs machine can run for 110 minutes before docking itself to recharge, and it boasts a 14.5-inch wide cleaning path, so it can suck up pet hair, crumbs, and other debris before wiping the floor clean with its mopping pad.

During testing, we thought this robot vacuum and mop combo ran pretty much perfectly. It docked and emptied itself after every cleaning, basically rendering it self-sufficient. When in cleaning mode, this device can detect what kind of surface it's on and adjust accordingly. It "knows" to mop when it's on hard flooring, and when it crosses onto an area rug, it will stop mopping and switch to its vacuuming function. You can even start it up from your smartphone so that you can come home to a clean space.

The only downside (besides a rather loud self-emptying suction noise) is that the mopping water reservoir only holds water. The manufacturer warns against putting a floor cleaner in the reservoir. To work around this, we soaked the mopping pad in our favorite floor cleaner before attaching it to the device. This ensures floors will not just be clean, they'll be squeaky clean.

_{Dimensions:16.6 x 16.16 x 11.9 inches | Weight:26.4 pounds | Cord Length:Not applicable | Battery Life: 110minutes | Bin Volume:15.4 ounces | Cleaning Path Width:14.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type:All floors | Best for: Regular wet and dry floor cleaning and maintenance}

We would never wish a burst pipe on any household, but in case of such an emergency we do wish a speedy and easy clean-up—like what we experienced with this Dewalt model, which came to the rescue in one of our tester's homes. Its 12-gallon capacity, flexible 7-foot hose, and easy, intuitive functionality, handled a burst pipe in a crawl space with ease. Even better, it's also a durable, sturdy machine that feels like it would last for years to come.

With several attachments suited for different surfaces and functions, like a floor brush, two extension wands, and a crevice nozzle, you'll be well-equipped for wet and dry clean-up throughout your home. The large canister is easy to empty, and it's on wheels so you can roll it from job to job.

Given it's durability and functionality, we thought it would be an especially good tool to have on hand in a garage or shop, or for anyone who does lots of of DIY projects around the home. It also has a blower for dust and debris, too. Really, there's not much we'd change about this machine, although we did note that a longer cord could be helpful.

_{Dimensions: 25.4 x 18 x 17.5 inches | Weight:23.15 pounds | Cord Length:20 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume:12 gallons | Cleaning Path Width:Not listed | Compatible Floor Type:Hard floor, cement, carpet| Best for: Heavy duty messes and clean-up}

The Black+Decker Wet/Dry Handheld Vacuum can be used to quickly suck up spills and other wet and dry messes around your home. It’s extremely lightweight—just 2 pounds—and it offers a modest 15 minutes of runtime per charge.

The design is slightly smaller than other handheld vacuums from this brand and others, but it still has room for a washable filter and squeegee attachment that allow it to be used on liquids.We especially appreciated the squeegee during testing and found its handling of a water spill was especially satisfying. Despite an overall strong performance, it didn't perform equally across all tests—corners and crevices were more challenging given the different angles and position required.

This handheld vacuum comes with a wall mount that makes it easy to store, and its see-through dust bin can hold up to 8 ounces of liquid. The dust bowl and filter can be rinsed right in your sink after use, which we liked. We did find that it was loud while in operation, and its performance noticeably lagged a bit when the dust can would be full, but a quick empty of the canister did the trick. Still, for such a versatile machine and such a reasonable price, we're okay with a few compromises.

_{Dimensions:14.13 x 5.75 x 7.5 inches | Weight:2.01 pounds | Cord Length:Not applicable | Battery Life: 15minutes | Bin Volume:8 ounces | Cleaning Path Width:1.75 inches | Compatible Floor Type:Any floors | Best for: Spot cleaning small messes, wet and dry}

This impressive machine earned some high praise from our team, with its powerful suction described as "a beast." It definitely packs a punch, and we saw it easily tackle messy mudrooms, standing puddles in a yard, and even wet leaves and branches.

Even better, it manages to be efficient without being overwhelming, thanks to the wheels and handle. There are also smart design features that we appreciated, including separate openings for vacuuming and blowing (which make it harder to accidentally pick the wrong function). we found that the 7-foot hose also went everywhere we needed it to, and the selection of attachments and accessories made it easy to get into corners and crevices.

Its large size means it can be awkward to maneuver, but that's to be expected for the capacity. On a similar note, it is a noisy machine, but we thought the noise level was reasonable given its power. We think the 16-gallon size is perfect for households with regular indoor and outdoor clean-up needs, and it's also available in 12- and 20-gallon models, too.

_{Dimensions:‎21.03 x 23.8 x 26.7 inches | Weight:26 pounds | Cord Length:20 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume:16 gallons | Cleaning Path Width:Not listed | Compatible Floor Type:Hard floor | Best for: Indoor and outdoor clean-up}

If the automatic modes of other wet-dry vacs sound a bit too automatic for you, then you'll be glad to hear that the Bissell CrossWave X7 lets users fully manage when liquid is dispensed. An easy trigger mechanism is built into the handle, and water is only released when the operator pulls it, so you get the final say of when and where to spray. We imagine that some will love this control, while others would rather leave it to the machine to manage—we appreciated it, and found it to be a satisfying part of the process. We even used this vac to handle messes left behind by some of the other tested products.

We were pleased with the overall performance of CrossWave X7, and its handling of the various messes we made. It's worth mentioning that we did need to go over some areas a few times to pick up debris, and we erred toward slower passes.

There was small visible streaks of milk in the deep wood grooves, but that was common among the tested vacs. It seems to be less of a reflection of this particular model and more on this style of cleaning in general. Once we were done, emptying the debris and cleaning the machine itself were smooth and easy.

One reality of this machine is that, if you have a completely dry mess on your floor, then you'll want to start out with a completely dry roller brush. Otherwise, you risk spreading grime or residue onto your carpet. Another potential downside is that the instruction manual doesn't list possible errors, so if you the machine tells you there is one (in our case, we hadn't snapped the brush roll guard, so it was loose), you might have to scratch your head a bit to figure out what's going on.

For the most part though, we think the Bissell CrossWave X7 offers a thoughtful and useful blend of technology and manual features to suit users who prefer to be a bit more hands-on.

_{Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.5 x 25 inches | Weight: 10.5 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 30 minutes | Bin Volume: 12-15 ounces | Cleaning Path Width: 9.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hard floors, carpets | Best for: Cleaning hard floors, vacuuming carpets}

For a vacuum that can handle more rugged tasks, such as cleaning up your workshop, the Vacmaster Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is the way to go. It has a large, 12-gallon capacity and 5 peak HP (or horsepower rating). We were pleased with its performance during our shop vac testing, and saw firsthand that it cleaned up a plant repotting incident with ease.

The vacuum itself is mounted on caster wheels, making it easy to tow around your home, and it’s equipped with a 7-foot hose made from durable polypropylene. It can be used to suck up water—and just about anything else—and there’s a large port at the bottom of the unit that allows you to easily drain out liquids you’ve collected.

"With both a suction and a blow setting, the wet-dry vacuum can be a life-saver in multiple scenarios,which is why they're often trusted in all sorts of places such as constructionsites," notes Stapf of The Cleaning Authority.

This shop vac comes with a variety of attachments, including a utility nozzle, crevice tool, and concentrator nozzle, and can also be converted into a detachable blower that offers speeds up to 210 mph. There are storage ports on the casters and power head, allowing you to store all the accessories right on the base, and there’s even a noise diffuser that makes the vacuum quieter during operation. The vacuum only has a 12-foot power cord, so you might need to employ an extension cord if you don’t have an outlet nearby.

_{Dimensions:18.44 x 20.52 x 24.49 inches | Weight:20.5 pounds | Cord Length:12 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume:12 gallons | Cleaning Path Width:Not listed | Compatible Floor Type:Any floors | Best for: Heavy duty messes and clean-up}

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a wet-dry vacuum that's effective and can handle multiple surfaces around your home, the Bissell CrossWave Hydrosteam Plus Steam Cleaner is our best overall pick. It’s able to clean sealed hard floors and carpets, and it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. Our best value pick is the Ecowell LULU Quick Clean P05 Cordless Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vacuum. It managed all flooring surfaces easily, and features a built-in brush dryer and HEPA filter.

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