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Deal.ai › Compare

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

Buy the Shop-Vac if you want a lighter, stainless-steel tank vac for garage and basement cleanup and you value a cartridge filter plus a disposable bag option. Buy the Vacmaster Beast if you need more airflow, a longer cord and a blower port for big messes and yard work. Reviewers rate the Shop-Vac around 4.2 out of 5; the Beast's stronger 102 CFM and 22-foot cord are its main edges, but it weighs about 6 lb more and its listed filtration is a foam wet filter only.

  • Choose the Shop-Vac if you want a lighter stainless-steel canister with cartridge and bag filtration for dry dust as well as wet pickup.
  • Choose the Vacmaster Beast if you want maximum airflow, a 22-foot cord and a blower function for heavy shop and yard cleanup.

Prices

  • Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum: $64.97 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac: $97.64 at Amazon (checked today)
  • Difference: the Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum is $32.67 cheaper than the Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac today
Shop-Vac
Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5.0 Peak HP, Stainless Steel Tank

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5.0 Peak HP, Stainless Steel Tank

4.2(534 ratings)
$64.97at WalmartChecked 10 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Stainless steel tank resists dents and rust better than plastic
  • Cartridge and bag filtration handle fine dry dust
  • About 6 lb lighter, easier to carry up stairs
  • 6-gallon tank holds more before emptying
Cons
  • Lower airflow at 85 CFM
  • Shorter 12-foot cord needs an extension cord in big spaces
  • No blower port listed
  • Not HEPA rated
Vacmaster
Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

4.8(71 ratings)
$97.64at AmazonChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • 102 CFM airflow and 82-inch water lift for tough pickup
  • 22-foot cord reaches most of a garage or driveway
  • Blower function clears leaves and sawdust
  • On-board storage for hose, cord and accessories
Cons
  • Foam-only filtration is weak for fine dry dust
  • Heavier at 24.7 lb
  • Plastic tank can crack under hard knocks
  • Louder operation at a rated 69 dB

What separates them

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry VacuumVacmaster Beast Shop Vac
Tank capacity6 gallons5 gallons
Airflow85 CFM102 CFM
Water liftNot listed82 inches
Tank materialStainless steelPolypropylene
FiltrationCartridge, foam sleeve and disposable bagFoam wet filter
Cord length12 feet22 feet
Weight18.79 lb24.7 lb
Blower functionNot listedYes

Price history

$97.64$64.97
Nov 3Nov 10
  • Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum: lowest $64.97 on Nov 9 at Walmart; $64.97 on Nov 10.
  • Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac: lowest $80.98 on Nov 10 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $64.97Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $116.99Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 2 stores and price history →

Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $97.64Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • MG Building MaterialsNew

    Availability unknown

    $99.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit MG Building Materials
  • Zoro.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $104.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Zoro.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by karlindeman-0 (99.1% positive, 418 ratings)Ships from Peru · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $107.98Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecShop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry VacuumVacmaster Beast Shop Vac
colorSilverGray/Yellow
Wet / DryYesYes
Suction Power85 CFM (Max Airflow)5.5 Peak HP
Cleaning Width10-inch (Wet/Dry Floor Nozzle)27 ft
Water Tank Capacity6 gal12 Gallon
Filtration TypeNanofiber Cartridge Filter, Foam Sleeve, High E…Foam wet filter
Power SourceCordedCorded
Cord Length12 feet22 ft
Hose Length7-foot7 ft
Voltage120V 60Hz120V~60Hz
Weight18.79 lb24.7 lbs (Tool Weight)
Depth16.5 in21 in
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecShop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry VacuumVacmaster Beast Shop Vac
Height16.5 in18 in
Width16.5 in18 in
Vacuum TypeWet/DryWet/Dry
Construction MaterialPlastic (tank material)Polypropylene (Tank)
Max Wattage150 W (air wattage)1416 W
Motor Type3.5 peak hpHigh Performance Motor
Noise LevelNot Rated69 dB
Typical UsersContractor, Contractor SeriesAdults
Storage TypeDolly Tool StorageOn-Board Hose, Cord and Accessory Storage

What reviewers say

Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum

  • 4.2 / 5534 ratings

Owners rate it around 4.2 out of 5 and generally praise the stainless tank and suction for garage and wet cleanup. Complaints center on noise, weight and fine dust passing through the standard filter.

What people mention
  • SuctionPraisedOwners say it pulls up sawdust, gravel and standing water without clogging.
  • BuildPraisedThe stainless steel tank is described as tougher and less prone to cracking than plastic tanks.
  • NoiseCriticisedReviewers call it loud and say hearing protection is sensible for long jobs.
  • WeightCriticisedAt nearly 19 pounds, it is awkward to carry up stairs or across a yard.

Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

  • 4.8 / 571 ratings

Owners praise the Vacmaster Beast for its strong suction and large capacity, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. Common complaints include the noise level and the weight, which make it less convenient for quick cleanups.

What people mention
  • SuctionPraisedUsers consistently note the strong suction power, even compared to larger shop vacs.
  • NoiseCriticisedMany reviewers mention that it is louder than expected, requiring hearing protection.
  • WeightCriticisedAt nearly 25 lbs, it is cumbersome to carry up stairs or across a jobsite.
  • CapacityPraised
Reviews
  • The Vacmaster Beast Is Nothing More or Less Than a Damn Good Shop Vac

Questions and answers

Which is better for wet pickup?
Both handle water. The Shop-Vac's 6-gallon stainless tank gives more capacity, while the Beast's 82-inch water lift pulls harder from deep puddles. For a flooded basement, the Beast's lift helps; for routine spills, either works.
Which is better for dry dust and fine debris?
The Shop-Vac. Its cartridge filter, foam sleeve and disposable bag trap fine dust that a foam-only wet filter lets through. The Beast is built around wet pickup and blowing, so dry dust escapes more easily.
Which lasts longer?
The Shop-Vac's stainless steel tank holds up better to knocks and moisture than the Beast's polypropylene tank. The Beast's motor is strong but the plastic tank is the weaker point over years of job-site use.
Is the Vacmaster Beast worth stepping up to?
Yes if you need airflow, a long cord and a blower for leaves, sawdust and heavy debris. No if most of your work is dry dust in a garage, where the Shop-Vac's filtration and lighter weight win.
Can either vacuum clean car interiors?
Both can with the 1-7/8-inch hose and crevice tools. The Shop-Vac is easier to lug to the car and its bag filtration keeps dust contained; the Beast's extra suction helps with ground-in dirt and sand.
Which is easier to store and move?
The Shop-Vac is smaller and about 6 lb lighter, so it moves and stores more easily. The Beast has on-board hose, cord and accessory storage but takes up more floor space.

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More comparisons

  • Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac vs WEN VC4710 5 Gallon 0.3-Micron HEPA
  • Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Shop-Vac 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5.0 Peak HP, Stainless Steel Tank
  • Shop-Vac 8 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Vacmaster Beast Shop Vac

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best wet/dry shop vacuums
  • Best wet/dry vacuums for home and garage
volume_capacity
6 gal
—
size6 gal—
HEPA CertifiedNot HEPA Rated—
FeaturesWet Suction—
Capacity—5 gallons
Peak HP—6.0 HP
Airflow—102 CFM
Water Lift—82 inches
Hose Diameter—1 7/8 inches
Surface Type—Floor
Handle Type—Balanced top handle design
Actual Color—Gray/Yellow
The 5-gallon tank is seen as a good size for most household and garage tasks.