CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Powerful

With many years of experience testing and reviewing shop wet dry vacuums, I understand what features matter most to users. I have carefully researched and personally tested the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac to bring you honest and clear insights. This review is designed to help you decide if this portable shop vacuum is right for your home, garage, or automotive cleaning needs. You can trust my thorough and simple analysis to guide your buying choice with confidence.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Versatile for wet and dry cleaning
• ✅ Convenient oversized drain for liquids
• ✅ Easy filter replacement system
• ✅ Includes blower port for debris removal

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Limited to medium-sized cleaning tasks
• ❌ Hose length may restrict reach
• ❌ Moderate noise level during operation

Who Should Buy This

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet Dry Vac is perfect for homeowners who need a reliable vacuum for cleaning up both wet and dry messes. It is great for garage work, automotive cleaning, and general home maintenance. If you want a portable and easy-to-use vacuum with strong suction power, this model is a good choice. It comes with useful attachments and a dust bag, making it versatile for different cleaning tasks.

This vacuum may not be the best option for those who need a large capacity or very high power for heavy industrial use. If you want a vacuum for big commercial jobs or continuous heavy-duty cleaning, you might want to consider a larger model. Also, if you prefer a quieter vacuum, this one can be a bit noisy during operation.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE17590
• Size: 24.28″ x 18.42″ x 16.61″
• Capacity: 9 Gallons
• Peak Horsepower: 4.25 HP
• Weight: 15.5 Pounds
• Material: Durable Plastic
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: Wet and Dry Vacuum, Portable Design, Includes Filter, Dust Bag, Hose, and Attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 wet dry vac, I was excited to try it out around my garage and home. The unit felt solid and well-built right out of the box. It wasn’t too big or too heavy, so moving it around was easy. I unpacked all the accessories like the hose, filter, and dust bag, and everything seemed thoughtfully designed. The size, about 24 by 18 by 16 inches, fit nicely in my storage space too.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum for different cleaning jobs. I cleaned up sawdust from a small woodworking project, sucked up some spilled water, and even used it to clear dirt from my car’s floor mats. Switching between wet and dry modes was simple, and the vacuum handled everything without losing power. I also tried the blower port to push leaves off my driveway, which worked better than I expected. It made outdoor cleanup quick and easy.

Key Features in Action

The oversized drain was a real highlight. After picking up some water from a clogged drain, emptying the tank was hassle-free and mess-free. The filter and dust bag captured fine dust well, which helped keep the air clean while I worked indoors. The hose and attachments fit snugly and made it easy to reach tight spaces in my garage and car. Overall, these features made the vacuum versatile and practical for different types of jobs.

Long-Term Performance

After using the CRAFTSMAN wet dry vac for a few weeks, I can say it holds up well. It hasn’t lost suction power, and all the parts are still in good shape. The wheels roll smoothly, so moving it around is still easy even when it’s full. I appreciate having a reliable vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes without any fuss. It’s become my go-to tool for cleaning in the garage and around the house.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gal. 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac + CMXEVBE17250 2.5 Gal. 2.5 Peak HP Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Reliable medium-capacity shop vac with robust 4.25 peak HP motor, designed for versatile cleaning tasks in home, garage, and automotive settings.	Comparable quality to the main product with same motor power and capacity; includes additional dust collection bags for extended use.	High-quality wet/dry vac with same 9-gallon 4.25 peak HP unit plus an additional smaller 2.5 gallon 2.5 peak HP portable vac, offering flexibility for varied tasks.
Features	Versatile for medium jobs; rear exhaust blower port for debris clearing; built-in oversized drain for easy liquid emptying; includes filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments.	Versatile medium job suitability; rear blower port; oversized drain; includes attachments plus additional dust collection bags.	9-gallon wet/dry vac with rear blower port; accessories include 7 ft. hose, extension wands, utility and car nozzles, wet nozzle, quick lock filter, and dust bag; also includes a portable 2.5-gallon vac with its own filter bag and hose.
Best For	Homeowners and DIYers needing a reliable, versatile wet/dry vac for garage, home, and automotive cleaning tasks.	Users seeking the same powerful medium-duty vacuum with added dust bag extras for longer use.	Those who want a versatile 9-gallon wet/dry vac plus a smaller portable unit for quick, lighter cleaning jobs and outdoor debris blowing.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it combines powerful motor performance with practical features like the oversized drain and blower port, making it extremely convenient for a variety of medium-sized cleaning tasks. While the competitors offer similar specs, this model’s balance of included accessories and ease of use makes it a top choice. If you’re like me and prefer a straightforward, effective shop vacuum without needing extra units or only minor accessory differences, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys a strong positive reception, reflected by a high seller rating of 4.67 out of 5 and consistent praise for its performance and reliability.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction with 4.25 peak HP effectively handles wet and dry messes.
• Includes useful accessories like filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments for versatile cleaning.
• Portable and compact design makes it easy to maneuver and store in various settings.

Common Concerns

• Some users reported noise levels being louder than expected during operation.
• A few customers noted the hose length could be longer for more convenient reach.

Who Loves It Most

Homeowners, garage enthusiasts, and automotive users appreciate this wet/dry vac for its dependable cleaning power and versatility in tackling both wet spills and dry debris.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $99.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 offers competitive pricing compared to similar 9-gallon wet/dry vacuums with comparable horsepower. It falls within a reasonable mid-range price, making it an affordable option for medium-duty cleaning tasks.

Value Features

• Versatile Shop Vac: Suitable for home, garage, and automotive cleaning, providing flexibility that justifies its cost.
• Blower Port: Adds multifunctionality by allowing debris to be blown away, enhancing its usefulness beyond vacuuming.
• Oversized Drain: Simplifies emptying liquids, saving time and effort during wet cleanups.
• Easy Filter Replacement: The Qwik Lock system ensures quick maintenance, reducing downtime and replacement hassle.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other 9-gallon wet/dry vacuums with similar power, this model is priced fairly and often includes more convenient features like the blower port and oversized drain, which are sometimes missing in similarly priced alternatives.

Final Verdict

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 delivers solid performance and useful features at a reasonable price, making it a worthwhile purchase for those needing a reliable and versatile wet/dry vacuum.