DeWalt 10 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vacuum

A stainless tank and a simple rocker switch don’t look flashy, but after several weeks of remodel cleanup and shop duty, the DeWalt 10-gallon vac reminded me why a well-sorted wet/dry vac is one of the most useful tools you can own. It’s compact enough to live in the corner of the shop, stout enough to swallow demolition debris, and simple enough that you’ll actually use it rather than hunt for excuses.

Build and design

The headline here is the stainless-steel drum. Aside from shrugging off dings that would crack or gouge a plastic tub, it noticeably reduces those annoying static zaps you can get during long dry pickups—especially when you’re collecting fines like sanding dust. The tank is paired with a wide, water-resistant on/off switch that you can slap with a gloved hand, and a full-size carry handle that feels secure when you’re lifting a full load.

At 16 pounds empty, the vac is manageable to carry, and the wheel setup is thoughtful: swiveling casters up front and larger fixed wheels at the rear. That combo keeps it maneuverable while crossing cords, thresholds, or driveway cracks. The footprint is compact for a 10-gallon class, so it tucks under a bench without eating the bay.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt in this price/size range. The drum seam is clean, the lid clamps bite firmly, and the hose ports engage without drama.

Setup and accessories

Out of the box, you get a 1-7/8-inch by 7-foot hose, two extension wands, a floor nozzle, a utility nozzle, and a crevice tool. There’s also a washable cartridge filter and a disposable filter bag for dry pickup. The accessory storage solution is a soft bag that hangs from the body, which is better than shoving tools in a drawer, but not as neat as integrated molded parking spots. Still, it kept the key pieces with the vac as I moved room to room.

Most connections are standard friction fits. They’re snug enough not to fall out mid-job but easy to separate with a twist. If you already own 1-7/8-inch accessories, they should be cross-compatible.

Suction and dry pickup

Power is this vac’s strong suit. Labeled at 5 peak horsepower, it has the real-world pull to grab a mix of fines and chunky debris without constant clogging. The 1-7/8-inch hose strikes a good balance between airflow and maneuverability; it won’t inhale bricks like a 2-1/2-inch hose, but it snakes around machines and furniture much more easily. In my shop, it kept up with piles of sawdust, MDF trim offcuts, and the predictable scatter of screws and drywall anchors without bogging.

Hooked to a small dust separator, the vac maintained airflow during prolonged cutting and sanding sessions. The separator did the heavy lifting on the volume, while the vac provided steady CFM and just kept working. The disposable filter bag is worth using for drywall and other ultra-fine dust; it keeps the cartridge filter clean longer and makes disposal tidier.

Wet performance

For wet pickup, the design is refreshingly practical. The drum’s built-in drain at the base is a simple, effective way to empty water without wrestling a sloshing tank. I left the washable cartridge filter installed for a small flood and then rinsed it afterward; it dried quickly and was ready for the next day. As always, remove the disposable bag before any wet work.

Stability during wet pickup was good. Even with a couple of gallons sloshing, the larger rear wheels kept the vac from “walking” or tipping as I dragged it along by the hose.

Mobility and ergonomics

On smooth concrete, the vac rolls like a cart. On rougher surfaces or debris-strewn floors, the front casters still swivel freely, and the rear wheels plow on without getting hung up. The carry handle is centered and solid, and the lid clamps don’t bite your knuckles when you grab the rim.

Two caveats on ergonomics: the hose length and the power cord. The 7-foot hose is fine for close-quarters cleanup, but if you’re vacuuming a vehicle or reaching across a 4x8 benchtop, you’ll want an extension or a longer hose. Likewise, the 10-foot cord feels short in a garage or on a jobsite. Plan on using an extension cord as standard practice.

Filtration and dust management

The included washable cartridge filter is the right default for most users: effective on fines, easy to rinse, and durable. Pairing it with the disposable bag for dry debris significantly reduces maintenance and keeps the inside of the stainless drum cleaner. If you work with a lot of fine dust (drywall, cement board, MDF), consider upgrading to a finer or HEPA-style cartridge filter. The 1-7/8-inch format has plenty of aftermarket options.

One pleasant surprise of the stainless drum is reduced static buildup. I noticed fewer pops during long vacuum sessions compared with plastic drums, and dust didn’t cling as stubbornly to the inside of the tank.

Blower mode

The blower port is handy for clearing off a miter saw table, blowing chips out of mortises, or pushing leaves out of a garage bay. It moves a lot of air. The downside is that the exhaust has no deflector or diffuser in vacuum mode, so if you’re cleaning around loose paperwork or light dust, the side blast can undo some of your work. A simple workaround is to clip on a short length of spare hose to redirect the exhaust, or position the vac so the outlet faces a wall.

Noise

It’s a shop vac, so hearing protection is still a good idea. The tone is lower-pitched than some plastic-bodied units—less shrill, more whoosh—so it’s a bit easier on the ears during long sessions. I didn’t notice any rattles or panel buzz; the motor sound is smooth and consistent.

Maintenance and durability

The washable cartridge filter cleans up with a hose and dries quickly. The stainless drum resists odors and stains better than plastic, and it wipes down easily. The large drain removes almost all water; a quick tip clears the remainder. The switch is water-resistant and sealed well against splashes.

Long-term, the stainless tank should outlast a lot of plastic competitors that eventually crack at the base or around the wheels. If anything will age first, it’s the accessory bag and the hose cuff—the parts you grab and twist most often. DeWalt backs the unit with a 3-year limited warranty, plus a year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction window, which is fair coverage for this category.

Shortcomings

No tool is perfect, and this one has a few quirks:
- The 10-foot cord is short. Budget for an extension cord.
- The 7-foot hose limits reach; a longer hose would make car and attic work easier.
- The accessory storage bag is functional but not as tidy or secure as molded onboard slots.
- Exhaust lacks a deflector; expect to plan your cleanup path to avoid blowing debris into your work.
- No variable suction control. Feathering the hose or using a vented attachment is your only way to reduce pull for delicate surfaces.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting so you can address them with inexpensive add-ons.

Who it’s for

The DeWalt 10-gallon vac hits a sweet spot for:
- Home shops and garages that need strong suction without a giant footprint.
- Remodelers who bounce between wet and dry messes and want a durable tank with a real drain.
- DIYers who value washable filtration and straightforward controls over gimmicks.

If you need to move serious volumes of water (flood restoration) or want whole-shop dust collection for stationary machines, step up to a larger-capacity vac with a 2-1/2-inch hose and a longer cord. If ultimate portability is the priority, a compact cordless vac might suit you better.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 10-gallon vac. It earns its keep with strong, consistent suction; a durable stainless tank that reduces static; practical wet handling with a proper drain; and simple, reliable controls. The hose and cord are shorter than ideal, and the exhaust could use a diffuser, but those are easy fixes. As a do-everything shop companion that’s equally at home on remodel cleanup and weekend projects, it strikes the right balance of power, durability, and size at a fair price.