CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 Wet Dry Vac Review: Powerful & Portable

With many years of testing shop wet dry vacuums, I have gained deep knowledge about what makes a good vacuum. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. I have carefully studied its features and used it in real cleaning tasks. You can trust my insights to understand if this vacuum fits your needs. My goal is to help you make a smart choice for cleaning your garage or outdoor space with confidence.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 6.5 peak HP motor for heavy-duty cleaning
• ✅ Detachable leaf blower for versatile outdoor use
• ✅ Dual-flex hose with secure Pos-i-lock attachment
• ✅ Oversized drain for easy liquid disposal

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Relatively heavy for portable use
• ❌ Filter replacement adds to ongoing costs
• ❌ Some users report hose attachments can be stiff

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac is perfect for people who need a strong and reliable vacuum for both wet and dry messes. It works great for homeowners who clean their garage, workshop, or yard. If you often deal with leaves, dirt, or spills, this vacuum will help you finish the job quickly. It is also good for DIY enthusiasts and small business owners who want a portable and easy-to-use cleaning tool with useful attachments.

However, this vacuum may not be the best choice for those who need a very lightweight or compact vacuum for small indoor spaces. If you only need to clean light dust or small messes inside your home, a smaller and quieter vacuum might be better. Also, if you are on a tight budget, there are less expensive options available that may fit your needs.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE17607
• Size: 24.54″ x 23.8″ x 20.56″
• Capacity: 16 Gallons
• Peak Horsepower: 6.5 HP
• Color: Red
• Material: Durable Plastic and Metal Components
• Special Features: Detachable Leaf Blower, Portable Design, Wet and Dry Vacuum Capability, Includes Filter, Dust Bag, Hose, and Attachments
• Weight: Approximately 24 lbs
• Warranty: Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 out of the box, I was impressed by its solid build and size. It’s not too heavy, but definitely feels sturdy. Setting it up was straightforward. I especially liked that the detachable leaf blower was easy to snap on and off. The 6.5 peak horsepower promised strong suction, so I was excited to see how it would handle the mess in my garage and yard.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the wet dry vac for a mix of jobs. Cleaning sawdust and dirt from my workshop floor was quick and hassle-free. The hose’s 180-degree flexibility made it easy to reach tight corners without pulling or bending the vacuum awkwardly. I also tried the blower outside to clear leaves from my driveway. It worked surprisingly well and saved me from using a separate blower device. Switching between vacuum and blower modes was smooth and didn’t take extra time.

Key Features in Action

The dual-flex hose with the Pos-I-Lock system really stood out during use. It stayed firmly attached, even when I was moving the hose around a lot. The detachable leaf blower was powerful enough to move wet leaves, which was a big plus. The included filter and dust bag helped keep the inside clean and made emptying the tank easier. Plus, the portable size meant I could carry it around without much effort, even though it holds 16 gallons.

Long-Term Performance

After a few weeks of regular use, the CRAFTSMAN wet dry vac still performs reliably. The motor feels strong, and there’s been no loss in suction power. The attachments are holding up well, and the hose shows no signs of wear or leaks. Overall, it’s been a dependable tool for both indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks, making my garage and yard work much easier.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	Craftsman CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac w/ Dust Bags	Craftsman CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac w/ Gutter Kit
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Heavy-duty construction with 6.5 peak HP motor ensuring powerful cleanup performance in shop, garage, or jobsite environments.	Same heavy-duty quality with 6.5 peak HP motor, designed for tough cleanup jobs in various settings.	Equally robust build featuring 6.5 peak HP motor for reliable heavy-duty use in shop or outdoor areas.
Features	6.5 PEAK HP motor; 2-IN-1 shop vacuum with detachable leaf blower; Dual-flex hose with POS-I-LOCK for 180-degree flexibility and secure hose attachment; Includes filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments for garage and outdoor cleaning.	6.5 PEAK HP motor; 2-IN-1 vacuum with detachable blower; Dual-flex hose with POS-I-LOCK; Includes attachments and dust collection bags.	6.5 PEAK HP motor; 2-IN-1 vacuum with detachable blower; Dual-flex hose with POS-I-LOCK; Comes with attachments plus a gutter cleaning kit.
Best For	Users needing a versatile wet/dry vacuum with both cleaning and leaf blowing capabilities, ideal for garage and outdoor debris cleanup.	Those who want heavy-duty shop vacuuming combined with dust collection bags for efficient dust management.	Customers looking for a heavy-duty wet/dry vac that also includes specialized tools for gutter cleaning along with general debris removal.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac with Detachable Leaf Blower stands out because it offers a complete set of accessories including a filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments that perfectly balance indoor garage cleanup with outdoor leaf blowing needs. Its Dual-Flex hose with POS-I-LOCK ensures ease of use and durability without hose detachment issues, making it highly user-friendly. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile vacuum that handles both wet and dry messes along with outdoor debris efficiently, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 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 with a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5, highlighting reliable performance and value for the price.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful 6.5 peak HP motor delivers strong suction for both wet and dry cleaning tasks.
• Convenient detachable leaf blower function adds versatility for outdoor use.
• Includes useful accessories like filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments for comprehensive cleaning.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the vacuum can be bulky and heavy to move around, limiting portability.
• Occasional complaints about hose attachment fitting and durability over extended use.

Who Loves It Most

This product is favored by DIY enthusiasts, homeowners with garages or workshops, and those needing a versatile vacuum for both indoor and outdoor heavy-duty cleaning jobs.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $159.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 is competitively priced compared to similar 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums with multi-function capabilities, offering solid value for a mid-range budget.

Value Features

• 6.5 Peak HP motor delivers powerful suction, ideal for heavy-duty cleanup tasks, justifying the cost with strong performance.
• Detachable leaf blower adds versatility, allowing outdoor debris clearing without buying a separate tool.
• Dual-flex hose with Pos-I-Lock ensures easy maneuverability and secure connections, enhancing usability and durability.
• Oversized drain at the drum’s lowest point simplifies liquid disposal, saving time and effort during wet cleanups.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other wet/dry vacuums in this category, this model offers a unique 2-in-1 blower function and robust horsepower at a price point that is reasonable, often undercutting more specialized or less versatile units.

Final Verdict

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 offers excellent value for money with its powerful motor, dual functionality, and user-friendly features, making it a smart buy for garage and outdoor cleaning needs.