Vacmaster Professional Wet/Dry Beast vs Ridgid 12-Gallon NXT Wet/Dry Vac

The Ridgid HD1200 is the better all-round shop vac for most people: a 12-gallon drum, a built-in drain, casters and the tool-free Qwik Lock filter make it easier to live with for cleanup and water jobs. The Vacmaster Beast is the pick when you want maximum suction in a smaller, lighter canister, with a 20-foot cord and 27-foot reach that cut down on outlet hunting. Owners of both praise strong suction and rugged tanks; the Ridgid's larger drum and drain win on capacity and emptying, while the Vacmaster wins on portability and reach.

• Choose the Vacmaster Beast if you want the strongest suction in a compact, lighter canister and need long cord and hose reach more than a big drum.
• Choose the Ridgid HD1200 if you want a large-drum wet/dry vac with a drain, casters and tool-free filter changes for garage, shop and job-site work.