Which is better for a flooded basement?

The Craftsman. Its 16-gallon tank holds far more water before you stop to empty it, and it is built for flood cleanup. The Vacmaster's 5-gallon tank means more trips to the drain.

Which has stronger suction?

Both rate 6.5 peak HP. The Vacmaster lists 320 air watts and 82 inches of water lift, so it holds up well despite the smaller tank. The Craftsman's edge is capacity and the blower, not raw power.

Is the Craftsman worth $39 more?

Yes if you need the 16-gallon tank, HEPA filtration or the 265 MPH blower. If you mostly clean cars, stairs and tight spots, the lighter Vacmaster at $109.99 is the better buy.

Which is easier to carry around?

The Vacmaster at 15.4 lb. The Craftsman weighs 26.68 lb, so it stays put in a garage or on a jobsite more than it gets carried.

Does either filter fine dust well?

The Craftsman is HEPA certified, which matters for drywall dust and allergens. The Vacmaster's cartridge filters down to 1 micron but is not HEPA certified.

Both use polypropylene tanks and similar motors. Owner complaints about the Craftsman center on its tub latches, so treat those gently. The Vacmaster's main wear item is its cartridge filter.

Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast vs Craftsman 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

Buy the Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast if you want the most suction and reach for the lowest price: $109.99 at eBay as of November 3, 2026, versus $149.00 at Wilco for the Craftsman. Buy the Craftsman 16-Gallon if you need a big 16-gallon tank, a detachable leaf blower, or HEPA-certified filtration. The Vacmaster is a compact 5-gallon canister that weighs 15.4 lb; the Craftsman is a 26.68 lb shop vacuum with a 265 MPH blower mode.

Today the Craftsman 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum costs $1.99 less at its best price.

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