Ridgid 16 Gallon Motor-On-Bottom Wet/Dry Vac

Professional and industrial-grade wet/dry vacuums aim to tackle the toughest of clean-up tasks, and the Ridgid 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac with the motor-on-bottom design stands out as a promising candidate in this category. Having had the opportunity to thoroughly test this vacuum, I’d like to share my detailed impressions.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about the Ridgid vacuum is its unique motor-on-bottom design, which immediately struck me as a thoughtful innovation. This design not only provides a low center of gravity, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of tipping over, but also makes it significantly easier to access the filter and empty the drum. The vacuum sports a robust 6.5 peak horsepower (HP) motor, promising ample power for a variety of tasks, from simple sawdust clean-ups to more intensive wet collection.

The vacuum is constructed with a heavy-duty drum, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. Assembling the unit was straightforward, with clear instructions and no special skills required. I appreciated the inclusion of large rear wheels and swiveling front casters, which made it easy to maneuver the vacuum across different surfaces. However, I did find the plastic parts, like the power switch and plug, to feel somewhat less durable, which raised concerns about their longevity.

Performance

Performance is where the Ridgid 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac truly shines. The suction power provided by the 6.5 HP motor is impressive. It effortlessly handled everything I threw at it, from sawdust and wood chips to heavier debris. When it comes to wet vacuuming, the built-in drain feature is a blessing. Draining collected water is a breeze, eliminating the need for cumbersome lifting and tipping.

The vacuum’s noise level is relatively low for such a powerful machine. While not whisper-quiet, it was noticeably quieter than other shop vacs I've used in the past. The included muffler seems to contribute to this reduced noise level, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.

Usability

Several thoughtful features enhance the usability of this vacuum. The foot-activated power switch allows for hands-free operation, an aspect I found particularly convenient when moving between tasks. The locking accessories ensure the attachments stay firmly in place during operation, which is essential when dealing with heavy-duty debris.

However, I found a few usability issues worth noting. The hose length, while adequate, could benefit from an extension. An additional couple of feet would improve reach, especially when cleaning larger areas. Storage for the power cord and hose is another area with room for improvement. The cord storage hook is functional but not ideal, and the lack of a dedicated spot for the hose means it often ends up awkwardly draped over the vacuum, potentially leading to tangling or damage.

Accessories and Attachments

The Ridgid vacuum comes well-equipped with a variety of useful attachments, including a wet nozzle, utility nozzle, car nozzle, crevice tool, muffler, hose, two extension wands, and a Fine Dust Qwik Lock filter. The flexibility these attachments provide is excellent, allowing the vacuum to adapt to different cleaning scenarios effectively. The mesh accessory bag is a nice touch, keeping all the nozzles and wands organized and easily accessible.

Reliability

Reliability is a crucial factor for any professional-grade tool, and this is where my experience with the Ridgid vacuum was somewhat mixed. While the vacuum performed exceptionally well during use, I encountered issues with the power switch. It occasionally failed to operate correctly, staying perpetually on when plugged in. This required me to use the reset switch on the plug to control power, which was inconvenient and slightly concerning from a safety perspective.

Additionally, I have reservations about the long-term durability of some of the plastic components, such as the power switch and plug. These parts felt less robust compared to the rest of the vacuum, and their failure could significantly impact the overall reliability of the unit.

Recommendations

Despite a few shortcomings, the Ridgid 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac offers substantial benefits that make it worth considering for those in need of a powerful and versatile shop vacuum. Its impressive suction power, stability, and thoughtful design features like the foot-activated switch and built-in drain make it a strong contender in the wet/dry vacuum market.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the reliability issues I experienced, particularly with the power switch and plastic components. If Ridgid addresses these concerns in future models, this vacuum would undoubtedly be a top-tier choice for professionals and serious DIYers alike.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ridgid 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac for its strong performance and innovative design, with the caveat that users should keep an eye on the reliability of the power switch and be prepared for potential issues. If you are looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum with excellent suction and convenient features, this model is certainly worth considering.