Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum Review & Guide

With many years of experience testing shop wet dry vacuums, I have learned what makes a vacuum truly reliable and efficient. I have carefully researched and personally tested the Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum to give you clear and honest insights. This review will help you understand its key features like its strong suction power, long hoses for easy reach, and space-saving wall mount design. My goal is to provide you with a simple and detailed analysis so you can make a smart decision when choosing a vacuum for your jobsite, garage, car, or workshop.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Compact wall-mountable design
• ✅ Long 18+7 ft flexible hose for extended reach
• ✅ Strong 5.5 peak HP motor for wet and dry cleaning
• ✅ Reliable brand with decades of experience

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Must remain wall-mounted during use for stability
• ❌ Limited capacity with only 5 gallons
• ❌ Slightly higher price point

Who Should Buy This

This Shop-Vac 5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is perfect for homeowners and professionals who need a reliable vacuum for cleaning up both wet and dry messes. It works great in garages, workshops, and job sites. If you have a car that needs regular cleaning or a small space where dust and debris build up, this compact vacuum is a smart choice. Its wall-mountable design saves space, and the long hose with attachments makes it easy to reach tight spots.

If you need a vacuum for heavy-duty commercial use or very large spaces, this model might not be the best fit. The 5-gallon size is smaller and may require frequent emptying for big jobs. Also, if you want a vacuum with extra power or more advanced features, you might want to look at larger or more expensive models.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Shop-Vac
• Model: 9522236
• Size: 13.0″ x 28.0″ x 13.0″
• Weight: 15.0 pounds
• Material: Durable Plastic and Metal Components
• Color Options: Black and Yellow
• Special Features: 5.5 Peak HP Motor, Wall Mountable, Compact Design, Wet/Dry Vacuum, 18 ft + 7 ft Hose, Multiple Attachments Included
• Warranty: Limited 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, I was excited to see how it would handle my garage messes. Setting it up was simple because it’s designed to be wall-mounted, which I really liked since it keeps the floor space clear. The unit felt sturdy and the handle made it easy to lift when needed. I quickly hung it on the wall bracket, following the instructions to keep it stable while in use. The two hoses, one 7 feet and another 18 feet long, seemed generous and made me think cleaning would be easier without constantly moving the vacuum around.

Daily Use

Using the Shop-Vac daily was surprisingly hassle-free. I cleaned up sawdust from a woodworking project and even tackled some damp debris after a spill in the garage. The suction power was strong enough to handle both dry and wet messes without clogging. The long hoses allowed me to reach corners and under shelves without dragging the vacuum itself. It was also nice that the vacuum stayed mounted on the wall, which kept it stable and saved me from bending down repeatedly. The compact size made storing it effortless, and I never felt like it took up too much room.

Key Features in Action

The wall-mount feature was definitely a game changer for me. It kept the vacuum out of the way but ready to grab anytime. The dual hoses gave me flexibility depending on the job—short hose for tight spots, long hose when I needed more reach. The 5.5 peak horsepower motor delivered strong suction that handled everything from dust to wood chips and even damp messes. I appreciated how easy it was to switch between wet and dry modes without any fuss. This vacuum really felt like a reliable helper for all my workshop and car cleaning needs.

Long-Term Performance

After several weeks of use, the Shop-Vac still works as well as the first day. The motor runs smoothly without overheating, and the wall mount keeps it secure and out of harm’s way. I haven’t noticed any loss in suction power or hose flexibility. Cleaning and maintaining the vacuum is simple, which makes me confident it will last a long time. Overall, this vacuum has become an essential tool in my garage and workshop, making cleanup less of a chore.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum	Shop-Vac 5922805 8 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP	CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17925 5 Gallon 5.0 Peak HP
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Compact, wall-mountable design with strong 5.5 Peak HP motor for durable wet/dry suction; requires secure wall mounting for stability and motor protection.	Powerful 4.5 Peak HP motor with a larger 8-gallon tank; portable with caster wheels and multiple handles for easy mobility.	Solid 5.0 Peak HP motor in a compact, wall-mountable design; includes on-board accessory storage for convenience.
Features	Portable & wall-mount storage; two long flexible hoses (7ft & 18ft) for extended cleaning range; strong wet/dry suction ideal for dust, wood chips, debris, and damp sewage.	4.5 Peak HP motor with 8-gallon capacity; 1.25 inch diameter x 7-foot hose; 6-foot cord; 3-in-1 multi-function including blower feature for leaves and patio mess; caster system for mobility.	5.0 Peak HP motor; wall-mounted system with easy detachment for portability; comes with 2 hoses and attachments; on-board accessory storage for organized cleaning.
Best For	Users needing a compact, wall-mountable vacuum with extended hose length for versatile cleaning in jobsites, garages, cars, and workshops.	Users who prefer a larger capacity and portability with caster wheels for heavy-duty garage, workshop, or home projects.	Users looking for a mid-range power shop vacuum with wall-mount convenience and accessory storage, ideal for garage and automotive cleaning.

In my opinion, this Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum stands out because of its higher peak horsepower compared to the closest competitor in the same size category, combined with the unique dual long hose setup (7ft & 18ft) that offers a larger cleaning range without moving the unit frequently. Its wall-mountable compact design keeps your workspace uncluttered and secure during use. If you’re like me and prefer a powerful yet space-saving vacuum with extended reach for various cleanup tasks, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum, Wall Mountable Compact Shop Vacuum with 18+7Ft Long Hose & Attachments, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage, Car & Workshop. 9522236

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with this Shop-Vac, reflected in its strong seller rating of 4.89/5 and positive feedback for performance and reliability.

Most Praised Features

• Compact, wall-mountable design saving space in garages and workshops.
• Powerful suction with 5.5 peak horsepower suitable for wet and dry messes.
• Long hose length and versatile attachments enhancing usability on jobsites and vehicles.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the vacuum slightly noisy during operation.
• A few customers mention the tank capacity can fill quickly with heavy debris.

Who Loves It Most

This vacuum is favored by DIY enthusiasts, professionals working in garages, workshops, and jobsites, as well as car owners needing effective wet/dry cleaning solutions.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $139.31 with an 18% discount from its original $169.99, this Shop-Vac offers competitive pricing compared to similar 5-gallon wet/dry vacuums. It falls within the mid-range, making it a fair deal considering its features and brand reputation.

Value Features

• Wall-mountable design for space-saving storage, reducing clutter and enhancing convenience.
• Dual long hoses (18ft & 7ft) provide an extensive cleaning range, minimizing repositioning during use.
• Strong 5.5 Peak HP motor delivers powerful wet and dry suction for versatile cleaning tasks.
• Includes multiple attachments ideal for jobsite, garage, car, and workshop use, saving on extra purchases.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other wet/dry vacuums with similar capacity and horsepower, this Shop-Vac offers a unique wall-mount feature and longer hose options at a comparable or lower price point, enhancing overall value.

Final Verdict

This Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 5.5 Peak HP model is worth buying at the current discounted price, especially if you need a compact, versatile vacuum with convenient storage and strong performance.