BLACK+DECKER 4 Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Review & Buying Guide

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing shop wet dry vacuums, I understand what makes a great vacuum cleaner. I have tested many models in workshops, homes, and cars to find the best in power, design, and ease of use. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts about the BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, 4 Gallon 3-in-1 Portable Shop Vac (BDXV18301P-4A). I have done deep research and hands-on testing to help you decide if this vacuum fits your needs. You can trust this review for clear and simple advice to make a smart buying choice.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 3.0 peak HP motor for strong suction
• ✅ 4-gallon capacity with automatic float shutoff
• ✅ Lightweight and portable at 8.8 pounds
• ✅ Multifunctional wet, dry, and blowing modes

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Limited tank size for very large cleanups
• ❌ Cord length may restrict extended reach
• ❌ Some users may want quieter operation

Who Should Buy This

This BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum is perfect for people who need a strong and easy-to-use vacuum for wet and dry messes. It works well in workshops, garages, homes, and cars. If you want a small but powerful vacuum that can handle dust, dirt, and even spills, this is a great choice. It is also good for those who want a portable vacuum with useful accessories for different cleaning jobs.

If you need a very large capacity vacuum for heavy-duty commercial work, this 4-gallon size might be too small. Also, if you prefer a quieter vacuum or one with more advanced features like cordless operation, you might want to look at other options. This vacuum is best for regular home or light workshop use, not for very big or specialized cleaning tasks.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: BLACK+DECKER
• Model: BDXV18301P-4A
• Size: 18.7″ x 13.1″ x 13.1″
• Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Material: Durable Plastic
• Color Options: Orange
• Special Features: 3-in-1 Portable Wet and Dry Vacuum, 4 Gallon Capacity, 3 HP Motor, Includes Accessories for Workshop, Garage, Home, and Car Cleaning
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum out of the box, I was impressed by its compact size and light weight. At just 8.8 pounds and with dimensions of 18.7 x 13.1 x 13.1 inches, it felt easy to carry around. Setting it up was simple, and I immediately noticed the power cord wrap and the on-board accessory holder, which helped me keep everything organized from the start. I was excited to see how it would handle both wet and dry messes around my home and garage.

Daily Use

Using the vacuum daily was surprisingly convenient. I tested it on wet spills in the kitchen, dry dirt in the workshop, and even pet hair in my car. The 3.0 peak HP motor really showed its strength, quickly sucking up debris without me having to go over the same spot multiple times. The 360° swivel wheels made moving it around furniture and tight spaces effortless. I also liked how the float mechanism stopped the vacuum automatically when the tank was full of liquid, so I didn’t have to worry about overflow.

Key Features in Action

The powerful suction was the biggest help during cleaning. Whether it was sawdust in the garage or spilled water in the basement, the vacuum handled it all smoothly. The 4-gallon tank capacity was just right—not too big to be bulky, but enough to hold a good amount of dirt or liquid before needing to be emptied. The accessory holder meant I always had the right tool ready, saving me time hunting for attachments. Overall, these features made the vacuum very practical for everyday use.

Long-Term Performance

After using the BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum for several weeks, I noticed it maintained strong suction and worked just as well as on day one. Its lightweight and compact design means I’m more likely to grab it for quick cleanups instead of putting it away. The durable build and easy maintenance have made it a reliable tool in my cleaning routine. I feel confident it will continue to perform well for a long time.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	BLACK+DECKER 4 Gal 3-in-1 Shop Vac	BLACK+DECKER 5 Gal 3-in-1 Stainless Steel	BLACK+DECKER 2.5 Gal Shop Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Equipped with a 3.0 peak HP motor and 85 CFM airflow for strong suction; float mechanism protects motor by stopping airflow at liquid threshold; compact and portable at 8.8 lbs with 360° swivel wheels.	Higher power with 4.0 peak HP motor and 85 CFM airflow; stainless steel tank adds durability; multifunction 3-in-1 design with powerful blower port.	Lightweight at 5.7 lbs with durable polymer tank; 3 peak HP motor delivering 80 CFM; automatic shut-off protects motor from liquid overflow.
Features	4-gallon capacity with float shut-off; power cord wrap and on-board accessory holder; 3-in-1 portable shop vac with strong suction for wet and dry messes; smooth mobility with swivel wheels.	5-gallon capacity; 3-in-1 multifunction including blower port; long cleaning range over 15 ft with 10 ft power cord, 5 ft hose, and extension wands; multiple nozzles included.	2.5-gallon capacity; portable for quick cleanups; 10 ft reach with 6 ft power cord and 4 ft hose; built for pet hair cleaning and daily wet/dry messes.
Best For	Homeowners and DIYers needing a portable, versatile shop vac for workshop, garage, car, and pet hair cleaning with moderate capacity.	Users requiring higher capacity and power for heavy-duty workshop and garage cleaning with added blower functionality.	Those needing a lightweight, easily portable shop vac for small quick cleanups, pet hair, and tight spaces.

In my opinion, this BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, 4 Gallon 3-in-1 Portable Shop Vac stands out because it offers a balanced combination of sufficient 4-gallon capacity, strong 3.0 peak HP suction power, and excellent portability with convenient features like swivel wheels and on-board accessory storage. It suits users who want powerful cleaning without the bulk of larger vacuums. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile, easy-to-maneuver vacuum for home, garage, and car use, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on BLACK+DECKER Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, 4 Gallon 3-in-1 Portable Shop Vac with Accessories, Workshop, Garage, Home and Car Vacuum Cleaner, 3 HP(BDXV18301P-4A)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with this shop vacuum, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.88 out of 5, indicating reliable performance and value for money.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful 3 HP motor delivering effective wet and dry cleaning capabilities.
• Compact and portable design ideal for workshop, garage, and car use.
• Versatile 3-in-1 functionality with useful accessories included.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the 4-gallon capacity limiting for larger cleaning tasks.
• A few customers mention noise levels being higher than expected.

Who Loves It Most

This vacuum is favored by DIY enthusiasts, homeowners needing a reliable all-purpose cleaner, and car owners looking for an efficient portable vacuum solution.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $62.99 with a 10% discount from the original $69.99, the BLACK+DECKER 4 Gallon Shop Vacuum offers competitive pricing compared to similar wet/dry vacuums in the market, which often range from $60 to $90 for comparable capacity and power.

Value Features

• Strong 3.0 peak HP motor delivers powerful suction, making it effective for both wet and dry messes, justifying the price through performance.
• Compact and lightweight design at 8.8 pounds with 360° swivel wheels enhances portability and ease of use across home, garage, and car cleaning tasks.
• Multifunctional 3-in-1 design includes vacuuming, blowing, and wet/dry capabilities, providing versatile cleaning options worth the investment.
• On-board accessory holder and power cord wrap help keep tools organized, saving time and reducing additional accessory costs.

Vs. Competitors

This BLACK+DECKER model is priced slightly lower than many competitors offering similar features, making it a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality or power.

Final Verdict

Given its strong suction, versatile functions, portability, and organized design, this shop vac offers excellent value for money and is a smart buy at its current discounted price.