Tools & DIY · Head-to-head
RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac vs CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums for Garages: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The RIDGID NXT is the vac we would put in our own garage: strong suction, a fine-dust filter included and a lifetime service agreement. The CRAFTSMAN 16-gallon is the value alternative when you want more capacity and easy-to-find parts and don't mind more noise.
RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac
Buy itThe all-rounder that gets suction, filtration, durability and warranty right without overcharging.
- Strong, steady airflow that owners say holds up as the drum fills
- Wide 2-1/2 in. locking hose clears bolts, wood scraps and drywall chunks without jamming
- Fine-dust filter and optional upgrade filtration handle sanding dust better than most rivals
- Rugged drum, sturdy casters and a well-regarded lifetime service agreement with registration
- Not the biggest tank here, so heavy wet pickup means more trips to empty
- Onboard tool storage is only average
CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Buy itA big, widely available tank that undercuts the top pick on capacity and price.
- Larger 16-gallon drum means fewer stops during big wet or dry jobs
- 2-1/2 in. hose and a full accessory kit included in the box
- Sold nearly everywhere, so filters and parts are easy to find
- Strong pickup that owners rate as competitive with pricier vacs
- Owners describe it as louder than the top pick under load
- Fine-dust control is best with a filter upgrade or dust bags
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac Our pick | CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vac | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Anyone who wants one do-everything garage vac and plans to keep it for years. | Shoppers who want maximum capacity and easy parts availability at a fair price. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
| Suction & airflow | Strong and consistent | Strong |
| Tank capacity | 14 gallons | 16 gallons |
| Fine-dust filtration | Very good; HEPA-grade upgrade available | Good; better with a filter upgrade |
| Hose & accessories | 2-1/2 in. locking hose, generous kit | 2-1/2 in. hose, full kit |
| Build & durability | Rugged drum and casters | Solid, everyday-tough |
| Noise level | Moderate | Loud under load |
| Power & portability | Corded, rolling drum | Corded, rolling drum |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac if
anyone who wants one do-everything garage vac and plans to keep it for years.
Know before buying: not the biggest tank here, so heavy wet pickup means more trips to empty.
Pick the CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vac if
shoppers who want maximum capacity and easy parts availability at a fair price.
Know before buying: owners describe it as louder than the top pick under load.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac - The all-rounder that gets suction, filtration, durability and warranty right without overcharging. Choose the CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Corded Wet/Dry Shop Vac instead if shoppers who want maximum capacity and easy parts availability at a fair price.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums for Garages: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).