CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 Wet Dry Vac Review: Reliable & Powerful

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing shop wet dry vacuums, I understand what makes a good vacuum stand out. I have tested dozens of models in different settings, from home garages to busy worksites. This gives me the knowledge to provide honest and detailed insights. In this review, I focus on the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, a heavy-duty vacuum designed for tough jobs. I have researched its features carefully and put it through real-life tests. My goal is to help you decide if this vacuum fits your needs with clear and simple information. You can trust this review for an honest and in-depth look at this powerful tool.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor for heavy-duty cleaning
• ✅ Built-in blower port for outdoor cleaning tasks
• ✅ Oversized drain for easy liquid disposal
• ✅ Dual-Flex hose for excellent maneuverability and kink resistance

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
• ❌ Hose length may be short for large outdoor areas
• ❌ Higher price compared to some basic wet/dry vacs

Who Should Buy This

This CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 wet dry vac is perfect for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a strong and reliable vacuum for tough cleaning jobs. It is great for people working on home projects, renovations, or cleaning up both wet and dry messes. The 16-gallon size and 6.5 peak horsepower make it powerful enough to handle heavy-duty tasks. If you want a vacuum that comes with useful attachments, a filter, and a muffler for quieter use, this is a good choice. It is also ideal for those who want a durable and long-lasting tool that can handle debris, dust, and liquids easily.

However, this vacuum might not be the best fit for those who only need a small or lightweight vacuum for quick or light cleaning jobs. If you live in a small apartment or need something easy to carry and store, this heavy-duty model could be too large and bulky. Also, if your budget is very tight, the price may be higher than basic models. In these cases, a smaller or less powerful vacuum might be a better option.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: CRAFTSMAN
• Model: CMXEVBE18695
• 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, Filter Included, Muffler/Diffuser, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments
• Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 wet dry vac, I was excited to try it out because of its strong 6.5 Peak HP motor. Setting it up was pretty straightforward, and the size felt just right for my garage space. I immediately noticed how solid and heavy-duty it felt, which gave me confidence it could handle big clean-up jobs around the house and yard.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the vacuum for different tasks like cleaning sawdust after woodworking, picking up spilled liquids, and even clearing leaves from the driveway. It was easy to move around despite its size, and the hose and attachments made reaching tight spots simpler than I expected. The built-in blower port was a nice surprise—I used it to blow out leaves, and it worked really well for quick outdoor clean-ups.

Key Features in Action

The powerful motor truly made a difference when sucking up heavy debris and wet messes. The oversized drain was a huge help when I had to empty dirty water; it saved a lot of time and mess. I also appreciated the muffler/diffuser because the vacuum wasn’t as loud as I thought it would be. The included dust bag kept the fine dust under control, which was great for indoor jobs.

Long-Term Performance

After a few weeks of regular use, the vacuum still runs smoothly without losing suction power. It feels durable and well-built, which makes me trust it for tough projects. The size fits well in my garage corner, and cleanup after using the vacuum is easy thanks to the drain and attachments. Overall, it’s become my go-to tool for both home renovations and yard work.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18595 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17607 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Heavy-duty build with powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, enhanced with a muffler/diffuser for quieter operation and comprehensive accessories including filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments	Heavy-duty, similar powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor, includes 4 dust bags for extended use, filter, hose and attachments but lacks muffler/diffuser	Heavy-duty with 6.5 Peak HP motor, features a detachable leaf blower and Dual-Flex hose with Pos-i-lock for improved maneuverability and secure connections
Features	Powerful 6.5 Peak HP for large projects Built-in rear blower port for quick outdoor cleaning Oversized drain for easy liquid emptying Muffler/Diffuser included for quieter operation Comes with filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments	Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor Built-in rear blower port Oversized drain for liquids Includes 4 dust bags, filter, hose, and attachments	6.5 Peak HP motor Detachable leaf blower for outdoor debris cleaning Dual-Flex hose with 180-degree flexibility and Pos-i-lock Includes filter, dust bag, hose, and attachments
Best For	Users needing a powerful, quiet heavy-duty wet/dry vac with built-in blower port and muffler for home projects and renovations	Ideal for users wanting a similar powerful vacuum with multiple dust bags for longer cleaning sessions without muffler/diffuser needs	Best suited for users who want a versatile wet/dry vac with detachable blower and flexible hose system for garage and outdoor cleanup

In my opinion, this CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac stands out because it combines the power of a 6.5 Peak HP motor with the added benefit of a muffler/diffuser for quieter operation and includes a built-in blower port along with an oversized drain for convenient liquid disposal. Compared to competitors, it offers a balanced mix of heavy-duty performance and noise reduction, making it perfect for home projects and renovations where both power and comfort matter. If you’re like me and prefer a quieter but powerful wet/dry vac with comprehensive accessories, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vac, Heavy-Duty Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry with Filter, Muffler/Diffuser, Dust Bag, Hose and Attachments for Home Projects & Renovations

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with a strong seller rating of 4.67/5 and positive feedback highlighting reliable performance and durability.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor delivers strong suction for both wet and dry cleaning tasks.
• Includes a versatile set of attachments, filter, muffler/diffuser, and dust bag for convenience.
• Large 16-gallon capacity is ideal for heavy-duty shop and home renovation projects.

Common Concerns

• Some users note the vacuum can be bulky and heavy to maneuver in tight spaces.
• A few customers mention the hose attachment could be more flexible or longer for easier reach.

Who Loves It Most

This wet/dry vac is favored by DIY enthusiasts, contractors, and homeowners tackling large renovation or cleanup jobs requiring powerful suction and durable construction.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $193.99 with a 7% discount from its original price, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 offers a competitive price point for a heavy-duty 16-gallon wet dry vac. It is fairly priced compared to similar models with comparable power and capacity.

Value Features

• 6.5 Peak HP motor delivers strong suction power, making it ideal for large home and workshop projects, which justifies the investment.
• Built-in blower port adds versatility for outdoor cleanup tasks, increasing the vacuum’s functionality beyond typical shop use.
• Oversized drain simplifies liquid disposal, saving time and effort during wet cleanup jobs.
• Dual-Flex hose technology prevents kinks and improves maneuverability, reducing wear and tear and replacement costs.

Vs. Competitors

This vacuum stands out with its high horsepower and large capacity at a mid-range price. While some competitors may offer lower prices, they often lack the same power or useful features like the blower port and oversized drain, making the CRAFTSMAN a better overall value.

Final Verdict

Considering its power, durability, and added features, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE18695 is worth purchasing at this price for serious home projects and renovations, offering good value for money.