CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Portable

As an expert with years of experience testing many shop wet dry vacuums, I understand what makes a good vacuum stand out. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. I have carefully researched and personally tested this model to see how it performs in real life. My goal is to give you clear and simple information so you can decide if this vacuum is right for your garage and outdoor cleaning needs. You can trust my insights because I focus on practical features like its powerful 2-in-1 vacuum and blower, flexible hose design, and smart accessory storage. Let’s explore what makes this CRAFTSMAN vacuum special and if it fits your cleaning tasks well.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 2-in-1 vacuum and leaf blower
• ✅ Dual-flex hose with secure Pos-i-Lock attachment
• ✅ Convenient lid-mounted accessory storage
• ✅ Built-in oversized drain for easy liquid emptying

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Slightly bulky for tight spaces
• ❌ Blower function may be less powerful than standalone blowers
• ❌ Filter replacement cost not included

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon Wet Dry Vac is perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. If you need a powerful vacuum for cleaning your garage, workshop, or outdoor spaces, this is a great choice. It works well on wet and dry messes, making it handy for many tasks. The detachable leaf blower adds extra value, helping you clear leaves and debris quickly. It is also good for those who want a portable and easy-to-use vacuum with useful attachments included.

If you only need a small vacuum for light indoor cleaning, this might be too big and heavy. Also, if you prefer a quieter or less powerful vacuum, this one could be louder and stronger than needed. For simple house cleaning, a smaller vacuum might be better. This product is best suited for tougher cleaning jobs and outdoor use.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE17606
• Size: 21.3″ x 23.8″ x 21.25″
• Weight: 26.4 pounds
• Material: Durable plastic and metal components
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 12 Gallon capacity, 6.0 Peak HP motor, Detachable leaf blower, Wet and dry vacuum functionality, Includes filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty included (check product details)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 out of the box, I was impressed by its solid build and manageable size. Setting it up was simple, and the detachable blower caught my eye right away. I decided to test it on a messy garage floor covered with dust and small debris. The vacuum felt sturdy, and the dual-flex hose made it easy to reach tight spots without the hose pulling loose. Right from the start, it felt like a tool made for practical, everyday use.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the shop vac both inside the garage and outside on the patio. Switching between vacuuming and blowing leaves was quick and hassle-free. The blower was powerful enough to clear leaves and dirt without much effort. I appreciated how the hose stayed flexible, letting me move around without awkward bends. The accessory storage on the lid was a handy touch—I never had to search for the right attachment because everything stayed organized and within reach.

Key Features in Action

The 2-in-1 feature really stood out during my testing. Having a vacuum and leaf blower in one saved me from grabbing multiple tools. The Pos-I-Lock system on the hose ends kept the hose firmly connected to the vacuum drum, which made me feel confident that it wouldn’t disconnect mid-cleaning. The dual-flex hose gave me excellent maneuverability, especially when cleaning corners or under shelves. The included dust bag and filter also worked well, keeping the inside clean and the air less dusty.

Long-Term Performance

After using the CRAFTSMAN vac for a few weeks, I found it to be reliable and durable. It didn’t lose suction power, and the blower continued to perform strongly. The size was just right—not too bulky to move around but large enough to handle big messes. The hose and attachments held up well with no signs of wear. Overall, it proved to be a dependable tool for both garage and outdoor cleaning tasks, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone needing a versatile shop vacuum.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	Craftsman CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower	Craftsman CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower & Wet Filter
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	High-quality, durable wet/dry vacuum with a powerful 6.0 peak HP motor and reliable dual-flex hose design ensuring secure use and flexibility.	Same high quality as main product with durable construction and powerful 6 peak HP motor; includes detachable leaf blower for versatile cleaning.	Comparable durable build quality with added wet filter and wet nozzle for enhanced wet cleaning performance.
Features	2-IN-1 shop vacuum with detachable blower; dual-flex hose with pos-i-lock; accessory storage with lid-mounted caddy; includes filter, dust bag, hose, and multiple attachments.	2-IN-1 vacuum and detachable blower; dual-flex hose with pos-i-lock; accessory storage caddy; dust collection bags included.	2-IN-1 vacuum and detachable blower; dual-flex hose with pos-i-lock; accessory storage caddy; includes wet filter and wet nozzle for wet cleaning.
Best For	Users needing a versatile wet/dry vac for garage and outdoor cleaning with convenient accessory storage and powerful suction.	Ideal for users wanting reliable wet/dry vacuuming plus leaf blowing with dust collection bags for cleanup.	Best suited for users focused on wet cleaning tasks due to included wet filter and nozzle, alongside leaf blowing capabilities.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower stands out because it combines powerful suction with flexible hose design and convenient accessory storage, making it highly versatile for both garage and outdoor cleaning tasks. If you’re like me and prefer a well-rounded wet/dry vac that also offers easy organization of attachments, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 12 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Garage, Outdoor Cleaning

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5, indicating reliable performance and good value.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful 6.0 peak HP motor delivers strong suction for both wet and dry cleaning tasks.
• Versatility with detachable leaf blower function appreciated for outdoor use.
• Comes with useful accessories including filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments enhancing usability.

Common Concerns

• Some users note the vacuum can be bulky and less convenient to store or carry.
• A few reviews mention occasional issues with blower attachment fitting securely.

Who Loves It Most

This product is favored by homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who require a versatile, powerful vacuum for garage cleaning, yard work, and general wet/dry cleanup tasks.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $179.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 is competitively priced for a 12-gallon wet/dry vacuum with a powerful 6.0 peak HP motor and added blower functionality. Similar models with comparable features often cost more, making this a fair and reasonable investment.

Value Features

• 2-IN-1 Shop Vac with Detachable Blower – Offers versatile cleaning for both wet/dry messes and outdoor leaf clearing, adding multifunctional value.
• Dual-Flex Hose with Pos-i-Lock – Enhances maneuverability and ensures secure hose attachment, improving user convenience and preventing interruptions.
• Accessory Storage Caddy – Keeps all attachments organized and accessible, saving time and reducing clutter during use.
• Oversized Drain – Simplifies liquid disposal, minimizing mess and effort, which is especially valuable for wet cleaning tasks.

Vs. Competitors

This model stands out by combining a large 12-gallon capacity and a detachable leaf blower at a price point lower than many competitors that either lack the blower feature or have smaller tanks. It offers better versatility without a significant price premium.

Final Verdict

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17606 offers excellent value for money, delivering powerful suction, multi-functionality, and thoughtful design features that justify its price. It’s a smart buy for garage and outdoor cleaning tasks.