CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Vac - Portable Shop Vacuum

Our review of the CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac finds it best suited for homeowners and DIYers who need a lightweight, portable cleaner for small messes. The single biggest reason to buy is its blend of compact size and two-in-one function: this shop vac is easy to carry and stores away yet doubles as a blower for added versatility, making it a practical choice for quick garage, car, and workshop cleanups.

Key Features

• Portable and lightweight: The 2.5-gallon tank and carry handle make it simple to move around the house, garage, or vehicle without strain.
• Two-in-one capability: Switching from vacuum to blower mode adds cleaning flexibility for jobs like clearing leaves or loosening debris.
• Compact storage: A cord wrap and small footprint let it tuck into a closet or shelf when not in use, saving space for small workshops.
• Accessories included: The friction fit 1-1/4 in. x 5 ft. hose, crevice tool, and utility nozzle cover common cleanup tasks without needing extra purchases.
• Designed for tight spaces: Narrow 1-1/4 in. accessories help reach between seats, under shelves, and into corners for detailed cleaning.
• Compatible filter option: Uses a genuine CRAFTSMAN filter bag (CMXZVBE38737) for simple maintenance and consistent filtration.

Who It's For

This vacuum is ideal for someone who needs a convenient, no-fuss cleaner for light duty work: homeowners who tidy up quick spills, car owners who want a compact detail vacuum, and hobbyists who need a shop vac that does not dominate storage space. Its portability and included attachments make it a solid everyday tool for those tasks.

Those with heavy-duty wet or large volume cleanup needs should look elsewhere for a larger tank and continuous heavy-suction performance. If you require a specialized car cleaning kit, note that this model is not compatible with the CMXZVBE38662 kit and buyers wanting that accessory should consider a different model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact and easy to carry, making it simple to move between cars, garage and home.
• Good suction and power relative to its size, providing effective debris pickup for small jobs.
• Includes useful accessories like a crevice tool and utility nozzle so it is ready to use out of the box.
• Blower function adds versatility for outdoor light-duty tasks.

Cons

• Small 2.5-gallon drum limits capacity for larger jobs and frequent emptying may be required.
• Some users report that fine dust can be disturbed rather than fully contained, so careful technique or added filtration may be needed.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac is a smart value for anyone needing a portable, easy-to-store cleaner for small to moderate tasks. It delivers solid suction, useful accessories, and the convenience of blower mode, making it a practical pick for home, garage, and car maintenance where size and mobility matter more than large capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this vac handle wet spills?
Yes, it is a wet/dry vac designed to pick up small liquid spills, though its small tank means emptying more often for larger amounts.

What accessories are included?
The unit ships with a 1-1/4 in. x 5 ft. friction fit hose, a crevice tool, a utility nozzle, and a filter bag.

Is it compatible with the car cleaning kit?
No, this model is not compatible with the CMXZVBE38662 car cleaning kit, but it does accept the CMXZVBE38737 genuine CRAFTSMAN filter bag.