CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Powerful

With many years of experience testing shop wet dry vacuums, I have gained deep knowledge about what makes a good vacuum for home and garage use. I have carefully researched and personally tested the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac to bring you an honest and detailed review. This vacuum is known for its versatility, perfect for medium-sized cleaning jobs in your garage, home, or worksite. It also features a blower port to help remove debris and an oversized drain for easy liquid emptying. In this review, I will share clear and simple insights to help you decide if this vacuum is right for your cleaning needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Versatile for wet and dry cleaning
• ✅ Convenient oversized drain for easy liquid emptying
• ✅ Qwik Lock Filter system for quick filter changes
• ✅ Includes useful attachments and blower port

What Could Be Better

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

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 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 strong and portable vacuum with useful attachments like a dusting brush and hose, this is a good choice. It is also ideal for people who want a vacuum that is easy to move around and store.

If you only need a vacuum for light indoor cleaning or carpet-only use, this product might be too powerful and bulky. Also, if you want a very large capacity vacuum for industrial use, this 9-gallon size might be too small. In that case, look for a bigger shop vacuum with more horsepower and tank size.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE18690
• Size: 24.28″ x 18.42″ x 16.61″
• Weight: 15.69 pounds
• Material: Durable plastic and metal components
• Color Options: Red
• Special Features: 9 Gallon capacity, 4.25 Peak HP motor, includes filter, dust bag, dusting brush, hose, and multiple attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty included

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 wet dry vac, I was excited to try it out right away. The vacuum arrived in a compact box, and once I took it out, I noticed it was sturdy but still easy to carry around. Its size, about 24 by 18 by 16 inches, made it feel just right—not too big to store and not too small to handle tougher jobs. I set it up quickly and was impressed by how simple the attachments were to connect.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum for cleaning up sawdust from a small woodworking project in my garage and for cleaning the car interior. It handled both dry dust and small wet spills without any trouble. Switching between wet and dry modes was smooth, and the hose felt long enough to reach tight spots. I especially liked using the blower port to clear leaves from the driveway, which saved me a lot of time.

Key Features in Action

The oversized drain was a real lifesaver when emptying liquids after cleaning a small spill in the garage. It made the process quick and mess-free. The included dust bag and filter worked well to keep the vacuum from getting clogged, which made cleanup easier. The dusting brush attachment was perfect for delicate surfaces, like car dashboards, where I didn’t want to scratch anything. Overall, these features made the vacuum very versatile for different tasks around the home and garage.

Long-Term Performance

After using the vacuum for a few weeks, I noticed it still worked like new. The motor stayed strong, and the suction power didn’t weaken. The build quality seems solid, and the vacuum didn’t get noisy or overheat during longer cleaning sessions. I feel confident that this wet dry vac will be a reliable tool for many future projects and everyday cleaning tasks.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18590 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17040 4 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Reliable and versatile quality suitable for medium-sized cleaning tasks with a balanced 4.25 Peak HP motor and 9-gallon capacity.	Comparable quality to the main product with the same motor power and capacity, designed for similar medium-duty use.	High performance with a more powerful 5.0 Peak HP motor but smaller 4-gallon capacity, offering strong suction in a compact size.
Features	Versatile for medium jobs, includes blower port for debris clearing, oversized drain for easy liquid emptying, plus filter, dust bag, dusting brush, hose, and attachments.	Similar features including blower port and oversized drain, comes with filter, 3 dust bags, hose, and attachments for medium-sized cleaning.	Powerful 5.0 Peak HP motor, lightweight design for small jobs, includes filter, hose, attachments, and an organization caddy for accessory storage.
Best For	Ideal for homeowners, garage and automotive cleaning, and renovation tasks needing medium capacity and versatile features.	Suitable for users needing a similar medium-sized wet/dry vacuum with extra dust bags included for extended use.	Best for users requiring powerful suction in a compact, lightweight vac ideal for smaller jobs and easy accessory management.

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it offers a great balance of capacity and power, with convenient features like the blower port and oversized drain, plus useful accessories such as the dusting brush and dust bag included. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile wet/dry vacuum that can handle medium-sized tasks around home, garage, and automotive cleaning with ease, 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

Customers generally express high satisfaction with a strong seller rating of 4.67/5, reflecting reliable performance and good value for the price.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction with 4.25 peak HP effectively handles both wet and dry messes.
• Versatile attachments including dust bag and brush enhance cleaning flexibility.
• Compact and portable design makes it easy to maneuver around home, garage, and automotive spaces.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the hose length could be longer for larger spaces.
• A few reviews note that the filter requires frequent cleaning to maintain peak suction.

Who Loves It Most

This wet/dry vacuum is especially favored by homeowners and automotive enthusiasts looking for a reliable, multi-purpose cleaning tool that combines power and portability for varied cleaning tasks.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $121.99, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18690 is competitively priced for a 9-gallon, 4.25 peak HP wet/dry vacuum. Comparable models with similar power and capacity often cost more, making this a fair and budget-friendly option.

Value Features

• Versatile Use – Suitable for home, garage, and automotive cleaning, maximizing its utility for various tasks.
• Blower Port – Adds functionality by allowing debris blowing, reducing the need for extra tools.
• Oversized Drain – Simplifies liquid disposal, saving time and effort during wet cleanups.
• Easy Filter Replacement – The Qwik Lock system makes maintenance quick and hassle-free, extending the vacuum’s lifespan.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other wet/dry vacuums in the same category, this Craftsman model offers a solid balance of power and features at a lower or similar price point, providing better overall value without compromising quality.

Final Verdict

This wet/dry vac delivers excellent performance and versatility for its price. For homeowners and DIYers looking for a reliable, multi-purpose vacuum, it’s definitely worth purchasing at $121.99.