Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum Review & Guide

With many years of experience testing Shop Wet Dry Vacuums, I have learned what makes a vacuum truly powerful and reliable. In this review, I carefully tested the Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum with Filter, Hose and Accessories,5973136 to give you honest and clear insights. I have used many models before, so I understand what features matter most for cleaning tasks at home or work. This review is based on detailed research and hands-on testing, helping you make a smart choice. You can trust my analysis to find out if this Shop-Vac fits your needs well.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor
• ✅ Large 14-gallon drum capacity
• ✅ SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology for durability
• ✅ Built-in blower port for outdoor cleaning
• ✅ Long 27 ft. cleaning reach
• ✅ Highly rated seller with 4.89/5 stars

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Relatively heavy to move around
• ❌ Higher price point compared to basic models
• ❌ Accessories may require separate storage

Who Should Buy This

This Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is perfect for homeowners and professionals who need a strong and reliable vacuum for heavy-duty cleaning. It works great for cleaning up wet spills, sawdust, and debris in garages, workshops, and construction sites. If you want a powerful vacuum that comes with useful accessories and a good filter, this is a solid choice. The 14-gallon tank means you can clean large areas without stopping often to empty it.

If you only need a vacuum for light cleaning or small tasks, this might be too big and expensive for you. Also, if you prefer a quieter or more compact vacuum for regular home use, you might want to look for a smaller model. This Shop-Vac is designed for tough jobs, so it might be more than what you need for simple everyday cleaning.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Shop-Vac
• Model: 5973136
• Size: 18″ x 18″ x 27″
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Material: Durable Plastic and Metal
• Color Options: Red/Black
• Special Features: 6.5 Peak HP Motor, 14 Gallon Capacity, Wet/Dry Vacuum, Includes Filter, Hose, and Accessories
• Warranty: Limited 1 Year

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP out of the box, I was impressed by how solid and heavy-duty it felt. Setting it up was straightforward — the hose and accessories snapped on easily, and the 14-gallon drum looked big enough for any mess I could throw at it. I decided to start testing it in my garage where I had some leftover sawdust from a recent woodworking project. The vacuum started quickly, and the motor sounded powerful, which made me excited to see how it would handle the cleaning.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the Shop-Vac for different tasks around my home. I vacuumed up wet spills in the basement, cleaned up dirt tracked in from outside, and even tried it on some small flood cleanup after a heavy rain. What I liked most was how easy it was to move around despite its size, and the hose was flexible enough to reach tight corners. The vacuum didn’t lose suction, and emptying the drum was mess-free, which made daily cleanup less of a hassle.

Key Features in Action

The 6.5 Peak HP motor with SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology truly stood out during testing. It felt stronger and ran smoother compared to other vacuums I’ve used before. The built-in blower port was surprisingly useful — I used it to quickly blow leaves out of my garage and clear grass clippings from the driveway, which saved me extra trips with a leaf blower. The large 14-gallon capacity meant I didn’t have to stop and empty the tank often, making big jobs feel easier and faster.

Long-Term Performance

After a few weeks of regular use, the Shop-Vac still worked like new. The motor showed no signs of slowing down, and there was no loss in suction power. The filter stayed clean, and the accessories held up well without any cracks or wear. Overall, it proved to be a reliable and tough vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes over time without any issues. I feel confident this will be a long-lasting tool in my garage and around the house.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum	Shop-Vac 5801411 14-Gallon Wet/Dry	Shop-Vac 5922805 Wet/Dry Vacuum 8 Gal
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Features SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology offering more power and longer motor life than standard 6.5 Peak HP Shop-Vac motors; robust 14-gallon drum built for heavy-duty use.	Also uses SVX2 Motor Technology but with slightly lower 5.5 Peak HP; includes secure lid and easy liquid drain for convenience.	Lower 4.5 Peak HP motor with smaller 8-gallon tank; includes caster system for easy mobility and multiple carry handles.
Features	6.5 Peak HP motor, 14-gallon drum, SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology, built-in rear blower port, includes filter, hose, and accessories.	5.5 Peak HP, 14-gallon tank, SVX2 Motor Technology, 3-in-1 multi-function (wet/dry/blower), built-in tank drain, 20-foot cord, 2.5-inch x 7-foot hose.	4.5 Peak HP, 8-gallon tank, 3-in-1 multi-function wet/dry suction and blower, 1.25-inch x 7-foot hose, caster mobility system, 6-foot cord.
Best For	Ideal for demanding projects in garages, jobsites, home renovations, and flood cleanups requiring powerful suction and large capacity.	Great for home, garage, and workshop cleaning with wet/dry and blower functions and easy liquid drainage.	Suitable for smaller jobsites, garages, workshops, and vehicle cleaning where portability is a priority.

In my opinion, this Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum stands out because of its superior motor technology and larger capacity, making it more powerful and durable for tough cleaning tasks compared to its competitors. If you’re like me and prefer a vacuum with enhanced motor life and the ability to handle heavy-duty wet/dry jobs with ease, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum with Filter, Hose and Accessories,5973136

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction, reflected by strong ratings and positive comments on performance and durability.

Most Praised Features

• Powerful suction with 6.5 peak horsepower effectively handles wet and dry messes.
• Large 14-gallon capacity reduces the need for frequent emptying.
• Comes with useful accessories including a filter and hose, enhancing versatility.

Common Concerns

• Some users report the vacuum can be heavy and less portable for extended use.
• Occasional issues with hose fittings not being airtight or secure.

Who Loves It Most

This wet/dry vacuum is especially popular among homeowners tackling garage or workshop cleanup, as well as professionals needing reliable suction for various debris types.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $229.99, the Shop-Vac 14 Gallon 6.5-Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum is competitively priced for a heavy-duty vacuum with advanced motor technology and a large capacity. Similar models with less power or fewer features typically fall in the $180-$250 range, making this unit fairly priced for its specifications.

Value Features

• 6.5 Peak HP with SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology ensures powerful suction and longer motor life, adding durability and reliability.
• 14-gallon drum capacity supports large cleanup jobs, reducing the frequency of emptying and saving time.
• Built-in blower port expands functionality, allowing easy outdoor debris cleanup without extra equipment.
• Extensive 27 ft. cleaning reach minimizes the need to move the vacuum frequently, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other wet/dry vacuums in this category, the Shop-Vac stands out with its advanced motor and blower port features at a reasonable price point. Some competitors may offer similar sizes but lack the motor longevity or additional accessories included here.

Final Verdict

This Shop-Vac model offers excellent value for money, combining power, capacity, and useful features that justify its price. It is a solid investment for both homeowners and professionals needing a versatile, reliable wet/dry vacuum.