Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum

Ryobi has been a consistent player in the cordless tool market, and they continue to expand their 18V ONE+ line with a variety of offerings. One of their latest additions is the 18V ONE+ 6 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum, model P770. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to test this vacuum extensively in both workshop and household environments. Here’s my detailed experience.

First impressions matter, and right out of the box, the vacuum's design grabbed my attention. Compact yet sturdy, the unit feels well-balanced and thoughtfully constructed. The plastic build is typical of Ryobi products, providing a lightweight yet durable enough structure for most casual and semi-professional tasks. The vacuum's multi-size no-tip wheel design promises stability, which it more or less delivers upon.

The vacuum features a removable top for easy emptying. This design choice simplifies the process significantly, especially when dealing with a full load of debris or liquid. The compact design aids in space-saving storage, an essential feature for those of us who constantly struggle with limited workshop space. Additionally, the vacuum boasts onboard accessory storage, using elastic loops to hold the hose and attachments in place. Though the elastic may seem like a budget choice, it was surprisingly effective and convenient in practice.

One of the most significant selling points of this vacuum is its corded performance with an air volume of 80 CFM, all while being cordless. Powered by the 18V ONE+ battery system, it’s compatible with a range of Ryobi tools, making it cost-effective if you're already invested in their ecosystem. However, if you're new to Ryobi, you might need to purchase additional batteries for extended use.

In terms of performance, the suction is impressively strong for a cordless vacuum. It handled both wet and dry messes in my workshop and around the house with ease. However, the strong suction comes with a trade-off; it drains the battery quite rapidly. Using a 4 Ah battery, I got around 15 minutes of continuous operation. For more prolonged tasks, you might want to consider investing in higher capacity batteries like the 6 Ah or 9 Ah ones.

The vacuum is quite loud, which is somewhat expected for a shop vac. If noise is a concern, ear protection is advisable. Despite the noise, the vacuum's maneuverability and ease of use stand out. Weighing in at 16 lbs, it’s light enough to carry around comfortably and the wheels spin smoothly for easy mobility. The hose stows conveniently on the outside, and the unit comes with essential accessories like a crevice tool and a brush. Extension tubes are also included, making it versatile enough for various tasks.

One drawback I encountered was the power switch. It’s notably stiff and inconvenient to use, which can be annoying during extended cleaning sessions. Another minor inconvenience is the lack of a HEPA filter, making it less ideal for picking up fine dust particles. This vacuum is more suited for debris and larger messes rather than fine particulate matter.

As for the wet vacuuming capabilities, results were mixed. While it performed adequately for small spills, it struggled with larger volumes of liquid. After picking up a few quarts, the vacuum seemed to lose suction and even regurgitated some of the liquid. This limits its effectiveness as a wet vacuum, particularly for substantial clean-ups.

Assembling the vacuum was straightforward for the most part, but the instructions left much to be desired. Specifically, the placement of the "cup" in the basket was confusing. The instructions were unclear, leading to some trial and error before figuring it out. Once assembled correctly, the unit performed reliably, but clearer guidance would have been appreciated.

The price point of this vacuum is quite competitive, especially if you already own other Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools and batteries. However, if you’re not already invested in the Ryobi ecosystem, the need to purchase batteries and chargers separately could make this a more expensive investment.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum is a well-rounded tool with several strengths and a few weaknesses. Its powerful suction, portability, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any workshop or household. However, the rapid battery drain, loud operation, and subpar wet vacuum performance are significant factors to consider. If you’re already a Ryobi user with compatible batteries, this vacuum offers excellent value and convenience. For those new to Ryobi, the initial investment in batteries and chargers might be a drawback, but the performance and versatility of the vacuum could make it worth the expense.

Overall, I would recommend this vacuum for light to medium-duty tasks, particularly if you need a cordless solution with strong suction. Its ease of use and portability outweigh the minor inconveniences, making it a practical tool for most DIY enthusiasts and semi-professional users.