Craftsman Electric Wet/Dry Vacuum

When upgrading my workshop's cleaning arsenal, I decided to try Craftsman's Electric Wet/Dry Vacuum, model CMXEVCVVJH1211. On paper, it seemed like a solid investment with its 12-gallon capacity and a 5-1/2 peak HP motor. After several months of use, I've gathered a mix of insights that illustrate the strengths and shortcomings of this vacuum.

First impressions matter, and the Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuum has a sturdy build that gives a sense of durability. The polypropylene tank feels robust enough to handle the typical wear and tear of a workshop environment. One feature that immediately caught my attention was the flat power head design, which indeed makes it easier to store attachments. The included accessories—such as the utility nozzle, crevice tool, floor nozzle, cartridge filter, and foam wet filter—are a nice touch and provide a good starting point for various cleaning tasks.

Setting up the vacuum was straightforward, and the large, accessible on/off switch is a user-friendly feature that simplifies operation. The vacuum's performance is generally satisfactory, especially for tasks involving light to medium debris. The suction power is decent, and the unit manages to pick up most household and workshop messes effectively. The 20-foot power cord and 7-foot hose provide a total reach of 27 feet, which is adequate for most scenarios.

However, the hose design leaves much to be desired. The hose is not only short but also quite stiff, making it cumbersome to maneuver in tight spaces. Additionally, the lack of a swivel feature at the hose's outer end means that accessories often don't align properly with the work area, adding a level of frustration during use. Replacing the supplied hose with a longer, more flexible one can alleviate these issues, but it’s an extra expense that shouldn't be necessary.

One of the vacuum's advertised features is its ability to convert into a blower. While this feature works well for tasks like blowing leaves off the patio, it wasn't particularly useful for me in the workshop setting. The blower function is a nice bonus, but I found myself rarely using it.

A significant downside is the vacuum's tendency to clog, especially when dealing with larger debris or a mix of materials. The 1.5-inch hose diameter exacerbates this issue, as it struggles to handle anything beyond fine particles and small debris. The multiple wand sections also contribute to clogging, as debris can get stuck at each junction point. This design flaw means that you'll spend a considerable amount of time unclogging the hose, which can be quite frustrating during larger cleaning tasks.

Another issue is the lid latching mechanism. The latches that secure the lid to the canister aren't as robust as they should be, especially when the vacuum is loaded. This can lead to the lid popping off during use or transport, spilling the contents and creating an additional mess to clean up. It's a design flaw that significantly impacts the overall user experience.

The vacuum's noise level is relatively moderate, which is a plus for those who are sensitive to loud machinery. However, the unit's lightweight design, while making it easy to move around, compromises its stability. It tends to tip over more easily compared to heavier models, especially when pulling it by the hose.

For wet cleaning tasks, the vacuum performs adequately, thanks to its extra-large drain port that simplifies liquid disposal. However, the foam wet filter feels thin and brittle, raising concerns about its long-term durability. The plastic wheels roll freely, but they aren't detachable, which limits the unit's versatility in certain scenarios.

A peculiar issue I encountered was the vacuum's susceptibility to static shocks. While vacuuming up concrete chips, I experienced a steady static shock through the hose, even while wearing gloves. This was an unexpected and uncomfortable experience, likely due to the metal bin.

Despite these drawbacks, the Craftsman Wet/Dry Vacuum has its merits. It’s reasonably priced, and for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks, it performs adequately. The unit is easy to assemble, and its compact size makes it suitable for household use where space is a premium. However, for more demanding tasks or professional use, there are better options available that offer greater suction power and more user-friendly features.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Craftsman Electric Wet/Dry Vacuum only for those who need a basic, economical option for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks. Its performance is sufficient for minor messes, and its compact design is convenient for household use. However, for more demanding applications, the design flaws and limitations make it less suitable. If you can afford to invest a bit more, you might want to consider a model with a larger hose diameter, better latching mechanism, and longer, more flexible hose for a more reliable and hassle-free experience.