CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Portable

As an experienced reviewer specializing in shop wet dry vacuums, I have tested many models to find the best tools for home, garage, and automotive cleaning. With years of hands-on research and practical use, I understand what features matter most to users. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed analysis of the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. This vacuum is known for its versatility, powerful blower port, and easy-to-empty oversized drain. My goal is to help you make a smart buying decision by highlighting the strengths and any drawbacks of this popular shop vacuum. You can trust my insights because they come from careful testing and real-world experience.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Versatile for home, garage, and jobsite use
• ✅ Built-in blower port for easy debris clearing
• ✅ Oversized drain for convenient liquid emptying
• ✅ Quick and easy filter replacement system

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Moderate tank size may require frequent emptying
• ❌ Hose length could be longer for extended reach
• ❌ Slightly heavier compared to some portable vacuums

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 Wet Dry Vac is perfect for homeowners who need a reliable vacuum for cleaning up both wet and dry messes. It works great in garages, workshops, and for automotive cleaning. If you want a portable vacuum that is easy to carry and comes with useful accessories like filters, dust bags, and a hose, this is a good choice. The 9-gallon size and 4.25 peak HP motor give enough power for most home and small shop jobs.

If you need a vacuum for very large or heavy-duty industrial cleaning, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you want a quieter or cordless model, you should look elsewhere. This vacuum is designed for general home and garage use, not for professional or commercial cleaning on a big scale.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE18590
• Size: 24.28″ x 18.42″ x 16.61″
• Weight: 15.925 Pounds
• Material: Durable Plastic
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 9 Gallon Capacity, 4.25 Peak HP Motor, Wet and Dry Vacuum, Includes Filter, 3 Dust Bags, Hose and Attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 Wet Dry Vac, I was impressed by its solid build and size. At 24.28 x 18.42 x 16.61 inches, it felt compact enough to move around easily but still looked powerful. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was eager to try it out in my garage where I often have dust and debris from various projects. The vacuum felt sturdy and the included attachments made it clear this was meant for serious cleaning jobs.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum on different tasks around the house and garage. It worked great on both wet spills and dry messes like sawdust and dirt. Moving it from one spot to another was simple because it’s portable and not too heavy. I especially liked using the blower port to clear out leaves and dust from my driveway and sidewalk—it saved me a lot of time compared to sweeping. The hose and attachments made cleaning corners and tight spaces much easier than I expected.

Key Features in Action

The oversized drain was a real game-changer when I had to empty liquids after cleaning up a spill in the garage. Instead of lifting the whole vacuum, I just opened the drain and let the water out without any mess. The 4.25 peak horsepower gave it enough power to handle medium-sized jobs easily, and the filter plus dust bags helped keep the vacuum running smoothly while catching fine dust. These features made it clear this vacuum was designed to be versatile and efficient.

Long-Term Performance

After using the CRAFTSMAN wet dry vac for a few weeks, it still performed like new. The motor stayed strong without losing suction power, and the attachments held up well with no signs of wear. I appreciated how easy it was to maintain by simply changing the filter and emptying the bags. Overall, it became my go-to tool for keeping my garage and home clean, proving to be reliable and durable for regular use.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	Smilefil 9 Pack Wet Dry Vacuum Filter Bags	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17925 5 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Durable and versatile shop vacuum suitable for medium-sized jobs with a 9-gallon capacity and 4.25 peak HP motor ensuring solid suction power.	High-quality replacement filter bags compatible with various small wet/dry vacuums, designed for effective dust containment and easy replacement.	Powerful 5.0 peak HP motor in a compact 5-gallon unit, with wall-mountable design enhancing storage and convenience.
Features	Versatile for home, garage, renovations, and jobsite use; includes blower port for clearing debris; oversized drain for easy liquid emptying; comes with filter, 3 dust bags, hose, and attachments.	Includes 9 wet dry vacuum filter bags with 3 retaining bands; compatible with multiple 2.5 to 5-gallon shop vacuums; easy to install and replace.	5.0 peak HP for strong suction; wall-mounted cleaning system for space saving; on-board accessory storage; includes 2 hoses and attachments.
Best For	Users needing a portable, medium-sized wet/dry vacuum for versatile cleaning tasks in home, garage, and automotive settings.	Owners of smaller 2.5 to 5-gallon wet/dry vacuums looking for replacement filter bags to maintain vacuum efficiency.	Those requiring powerful suction in a compact, wall-mountable vacuum for garage and automotive cleaning with convenient storage.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it balances power and capacity ideal for medium-sized cleaning jobs, plus it offers added convenience with features like the blower port and oversized drain. Unlike the Smilefil filter bags, which only serve as accessories, or the smaller 5-gallon CRAFTSMAN model which prioritizes compactness and wall mounting, this vacuum provides versatility for various environments including home, garage, and jobsite. If you’re like me and prefer a portable vacuum that can handle diverse tasks with practical features, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, 3 Dust Bags, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected in a strong seller rating of 4.67 out of 5 and positive feedback highlighting reliability and performance.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction suitable for both wet and dry cleaning tasks
• Portability and ease of maneuvering around home, garage, and automotive spaces
• Inclusion of useful accessories like filter, dust bags, hose, and attachments

Common Concerns

• Some users report the vacuum being a bit noisy during operation
• A few mention the hose attachment could be more durable or flexible

Who Loves It Most

This wet/dry vac is favored by homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and automotive users who need a versatile and portable cleaning solution for various surfaces and debris types.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $130.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 offers a competitive price point for a 9-gallon wet/dry vac with 4.25 peak HP. It is reasonably priced compared to similar mid-range shop vacuums, providing solid power and capacity without premium cost.

Value Features

• Versatile Use – Suitable for home, garage, and automotive cleaning, making it a multi-purpose tool that maximizes value.
• Blower Port – Adds functionality by allowing debris to be blown away, reducing the need for additional tools.
• Oversized Drain – Simplifies liquid disposal, saving time and effort during wet cleanups.
• Qwik Lock Filter System – Enables quick filter changes, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

Vs. Competitors

This model stands out with its combination of power, capacity, and added features like the blower port and oversized drain. Competitors with similar specs often come at higher prices or lack some of these convenient features.

Final Verdict

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 offers excellent value for money, delivering versatility, power, and practical features at a fair price point. It is a smart buy for medium-duty cleaning tasks.