CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Powerful

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing wet-dry vacuums, I understand what makes a good shop vacuum stand out. I have used and tested many models in real home and work situations. This helps me give honest and clear advice. In this review, I focus on the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. I have studied its features carefully and tested its power, cleaning ability, and ease of use. My goal is to help you make a smart choice by sharing detailed and simple information. You can trust this review to guide you in finding the best vacuum for your projects and renovations.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor
• ✅ Built-in blower port for outdoor cleaning
• ✅ Oversized drain for easy liquid disposal
• ✅ Dual-Flex hose resists kinking

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Can be heavy to move when full
• ❌ Hose length may limit reach
• ❌ Filter replacement cost not included

Who Should Buy This

This wet-dry vacuum is perfect for homeowners who need a strong and reliable tool for cleaning up after home projects and renovations. If you often work with wood, drywall, or other materials that create a lot of dust and debris, this vacuum will help keep your workspace clean. It is also great for those who want a heavy-duty vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes easily. The included filter, dust bags, and attachments make it a good choice for people who want a complete cleaning solution right out of the box.

If you only need a vacuum for light cleaning or small spills, this might be too large and powerful for your needs. Also, if you want a quiet vacuum or a very compact one for small spaces, this model may not be the best fit. It is designed for heavy use, so casual users might find it more than they need.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE18595
• Size: 26.7″ x 23.8″ x 21.03″
• Weight: 26.0 Pounds
• Material: Heavy-Duty Plastic
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 16 Gallon Capacity, 6.5 Peak HP Motor, Wet and Dry Vacuum, Includes Filter, 4 Dust Bags, Hose and Attachments
• Warranty: Limited Warranty (Check Manufacturer for Details)

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 out of the box, I was surprised by its solid build and size. It’s a bit bulky at 26.7 x 23.8 x 21.03 inches, but that made me feel confident it could handle big jobs. Setting it up was easy, and I was eager to try it out on some messy home projects I had planned. The heavy-duty look and the powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor promised a lot, so I was curious to see if it would live up to the hype.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum for various tasks around the garage and the yard. Cleaning up sawdust from a woodworking project was a breeze. I also tried the built-in blower port to clear leaves and grass clippings, and it worked surprisingly well. The vacuum handled both wet and dry messes without any trouble, which made it very versatile for my renovation work. Switching between using the filter and the dust bags was straightforward, which saved time.

Key Features in Action

The oversized drain was a real lifesaver when I had to empty liquids after cleaning up a spilled bucket of paint thinner. It made the process quick and mess-free. The blower port on the back allowed me to clear out the garage floor of debris easily, which I didn’t expect to be so effective. The powerful motor really showed its strength on tougher jobs, like sucking up heavy dust and small debris from the renovation site. Having the 4 dust bags and various attachments included meant I had everything I needed right away.

Long-Term Performance

After several weeks of regular use, the vacuum still runs strong with no loss in suction power. The filter holds up well and cleaning it is simple. The hose and attachments have proven durable, and the vacuum’s size, while large, is manageable with its wheels. I feel confident using it for both small and large projects without worrying about it overheating or clogging. Overall, it’s been a reliable and powerful tool that’s made my home projects much easier.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595	DEWALT DXV16P 16 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	Shop-Vac 5989300 16 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Heavy-duty build with a powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor designed for tough cleaning tasks in garages, shops, and jobsites	Durable construction with a slightly less powerful 6.0 Peak HP motor, suitable for general wet/dry cleanup	Reliable and compact design featuring a 5.5 Peak HP motor, ideal for smaller jobs and occasional use
Features	6.5 Peak HP motor, built-in blower port for outdoor debris, oversized drain for easy liquid disposal, includes filter, 4 dust bags, hose, and attachments	6.0 Peak HP motor, standard drain port, includes blower function but no oversized drain, comes with basic hose and attachments	5.5 Peak HP motor, standard drain, no blower port, equipped with basic filter and hose attachments
Best For	Homeowners and professionals needing a versatile, powerful vacuum for large home projects and renovations	DIY enthusiasts and contractors who require a solid wet/dry vac for medium-duty tasks around the home and workshop	Casual users and homeowners with light cleanup needs or smaller workshop areas

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it combines extra motor power with practical features like the built-in blower port and oversized drain, making it more versatile and efficient for large-scale home projects and renovations. If you’re like me and prefer a heavy-duty, all-in-one wet/dry vacuum that handles both indoor and outdoor tasks with ease, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, 4 Dust Bags, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations

Overall Satisfaction

Most customers rate this shop vacuum highly, praising its power and versatility for both wet and dry cleanup tasks.

Most Praised Features

• Strong suction and powerful 6.5 peak horsepower motor for efficient cleaning.
• Large 16-gallon capacity suitable for heavy-duty projects and extended use.
• Comes with multiple attachments and dust bags, providing great value and convenience.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the vacuum heavier and less portable for frequent moving around.
• A few mention that the hose connection could be more secure to prevent leaks.

Who Loves It Most

DIY enthusiasts, contractors, and homeowners working on renovations or large projects appreciate this vacuum for its durability and multi-functionality.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 is competitively priced compared to other heavy-duty 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums with similar horsepower. Its price reflects solid build quality and powerful performance, making it a fair investment for serious home projects and renovations.

Value Features

• 6.5 Peak HP Motor – Delivers strong suction power ideal for large cleanup tasks, justifying its cost for heavy-duty use.
• Built-in Blower Port – Adds versatility by allowing quick outdoor cleaning, enhancing overall functionality without extra purchases.
• Oversized Drain – Simplifies liquid disposal, saving time and effort during wet cleanups.
• Dual-Flex Hose Technology – Prevents kinking and improves maneuverability, reducing wear and replacement costs over time.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other wet/dry vacuums in this category, the CRAFTSMAN model offers more features and higher horsepower for a similar or slightly lower price, providing better value for users who need a reliable, multi-functional vacuum.

Final Verdict

This wet/dry vac is worth buying if you need a powerful, versatile, and durable vacuum for extensive home projects. Its features and build quality justify the price, making it a smart choice for both DIYers and professionals.