CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Portable

As an expert who has tested many shop wet dry vacuums, I understand what makes a good vacuum stand out. With years of experience, I carefully review each product to help you choose the best one. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts on the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac. This vacuum is known for its versatility, blower port feature, and easy-to-use oversized drain. My goal is to provide clear and simple information so you can make a smart buying decision for cleaning your home, garage, or car.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Versatile for home, garage, and jobsite use
• ✅ Includes blower port for easy debris removal
• ✅ Oversized drain for quick liquid emptying
• ✅ Qwik Lock system for fast filter changes

What Could Be Better

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

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 Wet Dry Vac is perfect for homeowners who need a strong and reliable vacuum for cleaning up both wet and dry messes. It works great in the garage, workshop, or even inside your car. If you want a portable vacuum with useful attachments like a dusting brush and hose, this is a good choice. It’s also a smart pick for anyone who wants a vacuum that is easy to move around and can handle tough jobs without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, this vacuum may not be the best fit for people who need a large capacity or very high power for heavy industrial cleaning. If you have very large spaces or commercial needs, you might want a bigger or more powerful model. Also, if you prefer a vacuum with cordless convenience, this one is corded and requires a power outlet to work.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE18690
• Size: 24.28″ x 18.42″ x 16.61″
• Weight: 15.69 pounds
• Material: Durable Plastic
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 9 Gallon Capacity, 4.25 Peak HP Motor, Wet and Dry Vacuum, Includes Filter, Dust Bag, Dusting Brush, Hose, and Attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690, I was surprised by how solid and well-built it felt. The size was just right—not too big or bulky, measuring about 24 by 18 by 16 inches, which made it easy to carry around the garage. Setting it up was simple, and I immediately noticed the sturdy hose and attachments included. I was eager to try it out on some leftover sawdust and small debris after a weekend project.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum for different jobs around the house. It was great for cleaning up dust in my workshop and even worked well to suck up water spills without any fuss. The portability meant I could move it easily from the garage to the car when cleaning the interior. Using the blower port was a nice surprise—it helped me clear leaves and dust off my driveway quickly, which saved me a lot of time.

Key Features in Action

The oversized drain made emptying liquids super easy and mess-free, especially after cleaning up wet messes. I also liked the filter and dust bag because they kept the vacuum running smoothly without clogging. The dusting brush attachment was perfect for delicate surfaces inside the car and around the house, making it a really versatile tool. It felt like it was designed to handle medium-sized jobs, just as advertised.

Long-Term Performance

After using the vacuum for a few weeks, I found it to be very reliable. The motor stayed strong, and the suction power didn’t drop even after multiple uses. The filter was easy to clean and seemed durable. I didn’t experience any leaks or issues with the hose. Overall, it proved to be a dependable helper for both wet and dry cleaning tasks, and I felt it was a good investment for my home and garage needs.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gal 4.25 Peak HP	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gal 4.25 Peak HP	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17040 4 Gal 5.0 Peak HP
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Durable and reliable for medium-sized jobs with versatile attachments including filter, dust bag, and dusting brush.	Similar durable build and versatility with included 3 dust bags for extended use and convenience.	Compact yet powerful build with a higher peak horsepower, designed for smaller jobs but optimized for easy storage.
Features	9 Gallon capacity, 4.25 Peak HP, blower port for debris clearing, oversized drain for easy liquid emptying, includes filter, dust bag, dusting brush, hose, and attachments.	9 Gallon capacity, 4.25 Peak HP, blower port, oversized drain, includes filter, 3 dust bags, hose, and attachments.	4 Gallon capacity, 5.0 Peak HP for powerful suction, lightweight design, attached organization caddy for accessories, includes filter, hose, and attachments.
Best For	Ideal for medium-sized cleaning tasks in home, garage, renovations, and automotive environments needing versatility and liquid handling.	Also suited for medium-sized jobs with a focus on extended dust collection via additional dust bags.	Perfect for small-sized jobs and users needing higher suction power in a compact, easily stored vacuum.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it balances a generous 9-gallon capacity with versatile features like a blower port and oversized drain, making it highly suitable for medium-sized jobs involving both wet and dry debris. Compared to its closest competitor with similar specs, it includes a dusting brush for more detailed cleaning, while the smaller 4-gallon model offers more power but lacks the capacity and features for larger tasks. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile, well-equipped vacuum that handles a variety of cleaning scenarios around the home and garage, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Portable Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Dust Bag, Dusting Brush, Hose and Attachments for Home, Garage and Automotive Cleaning

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys a strong positive reception with a seller rating of 4.67/5, indicating high customer satisfaction and reliability.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction performance for both wet and dry cleaning tasks.
• Convenient portability and compact design for easy handling and storage.
• Includes useful accessories like filter, dust bag, dusting brush, and hose that enhance versatility.

Common Concerns

• Some users report noise levels being higher than expected during operation.
• Minor complaints about hose attachment fitting and durability over extended use.

Who Loves It Most

This wet/dry vacuum is especially popular among homeowners, automotive enthusiasts, and garage users looking for a versatile, powerful cleaning tool that handles various debris types efficiently.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $121.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 Wet Dry Vac is competitively priced for a 9-gallon, 4.25 peak HP shop vacuum. It falls within the mid-range of similar portable wet/dry vacuums, offering solid performance without a premium price tag.

Value Features

• Versatile Use: Suitable for home, garage, and automotive cleaning, making it a multi-purpose tool that justifies the investment.
• Blower Port: Adds extra functionality to blow debris, saving the cost of a separate blower tool.
• Oversized Drain: Simplifies liquid disposal, enhancing convenience and reducing cleanup time.
• Qwik Lock Filter System: Enables quick filter changes, saving time and maintenance costs.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other shop vacs with similar capacity and power, this model offers more attachments and features at a slightly lower or comparable price, making it a better value option.

Final Verdict

Considering its versatility, useful features, and competitive price, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 offers excellent value for money for medium-sized cleaning tasks.