Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum

When you think about a versatile, powerful, and cordless wet/dry vacuum for job sites or home use, the Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum stands out. Having had the opportunity to put this vacuum through its paces, I can attest to its impressive capabilities and thoughtful design features.

Build Quality and Design

Right out of the box, the Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum feels like a high-quality tool. The plastic construction is robust and durable, giving you confidence that it can withstand the rigors of a job site or heavy-duty use at home. The rectangular shape, as opposed to the typical round design of most shop vacuums, offers a lower center of gravity, making it more stable and less prone to tipping over. This design choice also makes it easier to store in tight spaces.

The vacuum is mounted on a sturdy four-wheel cart with reinforced casters that roll smoothly across various surfaces. The wheels feature individual brakes, which is a thoughtful addition that keeps the vacuum stationary when needed. The large, textured wheels make it easy to roll over rugs and mats, which is often a challenge with other vacuums.

Performance and Suction Power

The vacuum operates on two M18™ REDLITHIUM™ batteries, requiring 36 volts to run. This dual-battery setup is a clever solution that leverages Milwaukee's existing battery ecosystem. The included 8Ah batteries provide ample runtime, but the vacuum is compatible with any M18 battery, offering flexibility if you already own other Milwaukee tools.

The brushless motor is a standout feature, delivering efficient performance and extending the life of the tool. The vacuum has two power settings—high and low. On the low setting, the suction power is more than adequate for most tasks, such as cleaning up sawdust or drywall dust. Switching to the high setting boosts the suction power significantly without a substantial increase in noise, making it suitable for more demanding tasks.

Ease of Use and Convenience

One of the most significant advantages of this vacuum is its cordless functionality. Not having to deal with power cords is a game-changer, especially in a cluttered workshop or job site. The vacuum is easy to maneuver, and the hose locks into place with a simple twist, ensuring it doesn't disconnect during use. The hose can also be connected to the exhaust port to use the vacuum as a blower, adding to its versatility.

The vacuum features an easy access foot pedal for mobility, allowing you to detach the tank from the cart effortlessly. This is particularly useful when you need to carry the vacuum up and down stairs or move it to different locations. The large high-efficiency filter does an excellent job of capturing dust and debris, and it's easy to clean or replace when needed.

Storage and Accessories

Milwaukee has thoughtfully designed the vacuum with onboard storage for accessories, keeping everything organized and within reach. The included accessories—crevice tool, utility nozzle, and two extension wands—are all high-quality and feature O-rings to prevent leaks when wet vacuuming. The hose wraps around the motor head, and the top handle folds down for compact storage.

Battery Life and Charging

The included dual charger can rapidly charge two batteries simultaneously, taking about 85 minutes to reach a full charge. While the vacuum's runtime on high setting is around 30 minutes with the 8Ah batteries, having the rapid charger helps mitigate downtime. However, if you plan on using the vacuum for extended periods, having additional batteries on hand is advisable.

Downsides

While the Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum is an impressive tool, it does have a few drawbacks. The vacuum requires both batteries to run, so you can't operate it with just one battery on a lower power setting. Additionally, the vacuum doesn't come with a wet debris filter or vacuum bags, which are sold separately.

Some users may find the vacuum a bit heavy, especially when the tank is full. The latch that holds the hose at the user end can also be a bit finicky, sometimes coming apart despite efforts to secure it tightly.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum is a fantastic addition to any workshop or job site. Its cordless functionality, robust build quality, and powerful suction make it a versatile and convenient tool for a wide range of cleaning tasks. While it has a few minor shortcomings, they are outweighed by the vacuum's numerous benefits.

I highly recommend this vacuum to anyone in need of a reliable, durable, and powerful wet/dry vacuum. Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, the Milwaukee 9 Gallon Dual-Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum is an investment that will pay off in terms of efficiency and convenience.