Shop-Vac 5983389 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner, 16 Gallon, 6.5 Peak HP, 2.50 Inch Diameter x 8 Foot Hose, 18 Foot Cord, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage & Workshop
- Capacity: 16 Gallons
- Motor Power: 6.5 Peak HP with SVX2 Advanced Motor Technology
- Hose Size & Length: 2.5 Inch Diameter x 8 Feet
- Power Cord Length: 18 Feet
- Multi-Function: Wet/Dry Vacuum & Powerful 135 CFM Blower
- Cleaning Reach: Over 26 Feet (Hose + Cord)
- Tank Features: Large Built-in Drain for Easy Liquid Removal
- Additional Features: Tool Basket for Convenient Accessory Storage
With many years of experience testing Shop Wet Dry Vacuums, I have learned what makes a vacuum truly reliable and powerful. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts about the Shop-Vac 5983389 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner. I have carefully studied its features and tested it in real work conditions. My goal is to help you understand if this vacuum is the right choice for your jobsite, garage, or workshop. You can trust my insights because they come from thorough research and hands-on use. Let’s explore how this vacuum performs and if it meets the needs of heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor
- ✅ Large 16-gallon tank capacity
- ✅ 3-in-1 wet/dry vacuum and blower function
- ✅ Long 26-foot cleaning reach
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Relatively heavy for portable use
- ❌ Hose diameter may limit some attachments
- ❌ Higher price compared to smaller models
Who Should Buy This
This Shop-Vac 5983389 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for people who work in busy workshops, garages, or jobsites. If you need a strong vacuum that can handle both wet and dry messes, this is a great choice. Its large 16-gallon tank and powerful 6.5 peak HP motor make it ideal for heavy cleaning jobs. The long 18-foot cord and 8-foot hose give you plenty of reach, so you can clean large areas without changing outlets. It is also a good buy for those who want a reliable vacuum that can handle tough dirt and debris.
If you only need a small vacuum for light home use, this might not be the best option. It is larger and more powerful than most household vacuums, so it could be too bulky or loud for simple cleaning tasks. Also, if you need something very compact and easy to carry, this model might feel heavy and hard to move around. In that case, look for a smaller, lighter vacuum that fits your needs better.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Shop-Vac
- Model: 5983389
- Size: 29.72″ x 19.09″ x 19.09″
- Capacity: 16 Gallons
- Peak Horsepower: 6.5 HP
- Hose Diameter: 2.50 inches
- Hose Length: 8 feet
- Cord Length: 18 feet
- Weight: Approximately 26 lbs
- Material: Durable plastic and metal components
- Color Options: Black and Orange
- Special Features: Wet/Dry vacuum capability, portable design, ideal for jobsite, garage, and workshop use
- Warranty: Limited manufacturer’s warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Shop-Vac 5983389, I was impressed by its solid build and size. The 16-gallon tank looked very spacious, and the vacuum felt heavy-duty right away. Setting it up was simple — I attached the 8-foot hose and plugged in the long 18-foot cord. I was eager to see how powerful the 6.5 peak HP motor really was, especially since it promised to handle tough jobs. The tool basket caught my attention too, as it seemed handy for keeping accessories close by.
Daily Use
Over the next few days, I used the Shop-Vac in my garage and workshop to clean up sawdust, wood chips, and even some spilled liquids. It was easy to move around thanks to its size and the long hose, which reached into corners without much effort. The suction was strong, and I noticed it picked up debris much faster than my old vacuum. Using the blower function was a nice surprise — I cleared leaves and dirt from the sidewalk quickly. The built-in tank drain made emptying the wet mess simple and less messy than expected.
Key Features in Action
The powerful motor really stood out during heavy-duty cleaning. The suction never weakened, even when the tank was nearly full. The multi-function design was a big plus; switching from vacuuming to blowing was smooth and useful. I also appreciated the tool basket—it kept my nozzles and attachments organized and within reach, which saved time. The long cord allowed me to cover large areas without unplugging constantly, which was very convenient.
Long-Term Performance
After several weeks of regular use, the Shop-Vac still performs reliably. The motor runs smoothly without overheating, and the tank remains easy to drain and clean. I haven’t noticed any drop in suction power, which tells me this vacuum is built to last. It’s become my go-to for all kinds of cleanup tasks around the house and workspace. Overall, it’s a heavy-duty machine that makes tough jobs easier and faster, just like it promised.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Shop-Vac 5983389 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Shop-Vac 5922805 8 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Shop-Vac 5430162 5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Heavy-duty with 16 gallon tank and advanced SVX2 motor technology for more power and longer motor life. | Reliable 8 gallon tank with a 4.5 Peak HP motor, portable design with caster system for easy movement. | Compact 5 gallon capacity with a strong 4 Peak HP motor for versatile cleaning and blowing. |
| Features | 6.5 Peak HP motor, 16 gallon capacity, 2.50 inch diameter x 8 foot hose, 18 foot cord, 3-in-1 wet/dry vacuum and powerful 135 CFM blower, built-in tank drain, tool basket for accessories. | 4.5 Peak HP motor, 8 gallon capacity, 1.25 inch diameter x 7 foot hose, 6 foot cord, 3-in-1 wet/dry vacuum and 95 CFM blower, caster system and carry handles. | 4 Peak HP motor, 5 gallon capacity, 1-1/4 inch diameter x 7 foot hose, 6 foot cord, 3-in-1 wet/dry vacuum and blower, designed for versatility in garages and workshops. |
| Best For | Ideal for heavy-duty jobsites, garages, and workshops needing large capacity and powerful suction. | Suitable for medium-sized garage and workshop tasks requiring portability and decent suction power. | Perfect for smaller spaces and lighter cleanup tasks in garages, basements, and vehicles. |
In my opinion, this Shop-Vac 5983389 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner stands out because it combines a large 16 gallon capacity with the most powerful 6.5 Peak HP motor using advanced SVX2 technology, making it ideal for heavy-duty and extensive cleanup jobs. Its larger hose diameter and longer cord add convenience and versatility unmatched by the competitors. If you’re like me and prefer a vacuum that can handle big messes quickly and efficiently on jobsites or in workshops, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Shop-Vac 5983389 Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner, 16 Gallon, 6.5 Peak HP, 2.50 Inch Diameter x 8 Foot Hose, 18 Foot Cord, Ideal for Jobsite, Garage & Workshop
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express high satisfaction with an average rating close to 4.7 out of 5, highlighting reliability and strong performance.
Most Praised Features
- Powerful suction capability suitable for both wet and dry debris.
- Large 16-gallon capacity allowing extended use without frequent emptying.
- Long 18-foot cord and 8-foot hose provide excellent reach and flexibility.
Common Concerns
- Some users find the vacuum a bit heavy and less portable for quick tasks.
- A few mention the hose connection could be more secure to prevent occasional leaks.
Who Loves It Most
Ideal for contractors, workshop owners, and homeowners who require a durable, high-capacity vacuum for jobsite cleanup, garage maintenance, or heavy-duty workshop use.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
At $158.39, the Shop-Vac 5983389 offers competitive pricing compared to other heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums with similar capacity and power. It falls into a mid-range price point, making it a fair deal for both professionals and serious DIYers.
Value Features
- Powerful 6.5 Peak HP Motor: Provides strong suction and longer motor life, justifying the investment for heavy-duty cleaning.
- Large 16-Gallon Tank: Enables extended use without frequent emptying, saving time during big cleanup jobs.
- 3-in-1 Multi-Function: Offers vacuuming wet/dry debris plus blower functionality, adding versatility and value.
- Long Reach Hose and Cord: Over 26 feet of cleaning range reduces the need to move the unit often, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other 16-gallon wet/dry vacuums, Shop-Vac stands out with its advanced motor technology and multifunction design at a reasonable price. While some brands may offer similar specs at slightly lower costs, they often lack the motor durability or blower feature.
Final Verdict
The Shop-Vac 5983389 delivers excellent value for money with its powerful motor, large capacity, and versatile functions. It is a worthwhile purchase for anyone needing a reliable, heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum in the $150-$170 price range.