DeWalt 12 Gallon Stealthsonic Quiet Wet/Dry Vacuum

I’ve used enough jobsite shop vacs to know that “quiet” usually means “less shrill,” not actually quiet. The Stealthsonic 12‑gallon vac is a genuine exception. It’s the first big‑tank wet/dry I’ve run that didn’t make conversation impossible. Better still, it doesn’t trade noise reduction for weak suction.

Setup, build, and first impressions

Assembly is straightforward. The casters bolt to the base, the accessory bag frame screws on, and the washable cartridge filter twists into place using DeWalt’s Clean Connect locking system. I like that the filter seats positively—you can feel it lock, which minimizes the chance of a leaky seal that bleeds suction or bypasses fines into the motor.

The tank is a thick, durable poly that won’t dent and keeps the weight reasonable. Fit and finish are solid: panels line up, caster sockets are snug, and the lid clamps engage with a reassuring snap. At 23-ish pounds, the unit is manageable to lift into a truck bed, and the integrated handles on the tank help. Rubberized swivel casters roll smoothly on concrete without chattering or marking the floor.

A 20‑foot cord is generous and reduces the extension cords I string around the shop. The large, water‑resistant power switch is easy to hit with a gloved hand, and the 2‑1/2‑inch hose (7 feet long) mates securely to the inlet.

Noise: meaningfully quieter

Stealthsonic noise reduction is the headline feature, and it’s not a gimmick. The manufacturer claims sub‑65 dBA; in my space, with a basic meter, I saw high‑60s dBA at about 3 feet—still dramatically quieter than the 80–90 dBA I expect from typical shop vacs. More important than the number, the sound profile is lower and less piercing. You can run it for long sessions—sanding or vacuuming interiors—without that ringing in your ears. It’s a rare vac I don’t instinctively reach for hearing protection around.

Because the motor only draws 9 amps, it’s easier on circuits and plays nicer when sharing a 15‑amp breaker with a sander or miter saw.

Suction and airflow

On paper, 105 CFM and 70 inches of sealed pressure are strong for this class. In practice, the vac feels stout. The 2‑1/2" hose and included wide-mouth nozzles move a lot of chips. On the floor, it lifts drywall dust, planer shavings, and random hardware without drama; be mindful around small fasteners and O‑rings because they will disappear.

For tool pickup, the large hose is a blessing and a compromise. You get great airflow at the expense of bulk and stiffness, especially when the hose is cold. If you’re connecting to small‑port tools (orbitals, routers), you’ll need adapters and, ideally, a smaller whip hose to the tool. For bench pickups, the round brush and crevice tool are useful, and the extension wands click together positively.

Paired with a cyclone separator, the vac shines. Airflow stays strong, and the filter remains nearly spotless over time. One note: with sealed systems and thin drums, there’s enough suction to deform or collapse a container if you forget to vent it. The motor has the muscle to pull serious vacuum—plan your separator setup accordingly.

Filtration and maintenance

Out of the box, you get a washable cartridge filter and a disposable bag. The bag is not required, but it’s absolutely worth using for fine dust (drywall, MDF, sanding). It captures fines before they reach the cartridge, preserving airflow and cutting down on filter cleanings. When the bag’s full, swap it without a cloud of dust belching from the tank.

The washable cartridge is easy to remove and rinse. Let it dry completely before dry use again. For wet pickup, remove the bag. The Clean Connect locking ring speeds filter changes and keeps things aligned so the gasket seats properly.

If you need true HEPA, know that this unit isn’t HEPA‑rated out of the box. You’ll need an aftermarket HEPA cartridge to step up filtration for lead‑safe or fine‑finish work. For general carpentry, auto interior cleanup, and shop chores, the included setup is fine.

Wet pickup and the drain

The 12‑gallon tank and built‑in drain make liquid cleanup practical. Instead of wrestling a heavy, sloshing can to.dump, you just roll to a floor drain or bucket and open the threaded drain cap. The seal is tight and hasn’t dripped on me. For flooding or appliance leaks, that’s a real advantage—this is a vac you can actually use for gallons of water without regretting the aftermath.

As always, remove any dry bag before wet pickup, and give the cartridge time to dry afterward to avoid musty odors.

Mobility, storage, and usability

The footprint is stable, the casters track straight, and the hose inlet location helps prevent tipping when you drag it by the hose. The tank handles are well placed for controlled dumping when you do need to lift it. I appreciate the long cord and the cord wrap—simple, but it keeps the deck tidy.

Onboard storage is a mixed bag. The included accessory bag mounts to the handle and holds the common nozzles and wands. It’s nice to have everything attached to the machine, but the bag is a bit floppy and can get in the way if you’re loading the vac into a car trunk or tight shelf space. The rubber strap that secures the hose works, though it’s fiddly with the heavier 2‑1/2" hose. Nothing here is a deal‑breaker, just a reminder that onboard storage on most vacs remains a compromise.

What I’d change

• Hose length: The 7‑foot primary hose feels short in a garage or around a car. A 10–12 foot option would reduce repositioning. Fortunately, standard 2‑1/2" hoses and couplers are widely available if you want to extend it.
• No blower port: Unlike many shop vacs, this one doesn’t double as a blower. If you rely on a blower for clearing sidewalks or pushing dust from tight corners, you’ll need a separate tool.
• Accessory management: The bag and hose strap do the job, but a hard caddy or integrated dock would be more durable and faster in daily use.
• Not HEPA out of the box: Fine for most jobs; those needing certified containment must upgrade the filter.

Where it fits

If your work involves:
- Woodworking and sanding where long run times and lower noise matter
- General jobsite cleanup with nails, screws, and heavy debris
- Garage and car detailing without the shriek of a typical vac
- Occasional flooding or appliance leaks where a drain plug saves your back

…this vac is a strong fit. The combination of real suction, quieter operation, and a practical 12‑gallon tank is compelling. The 9‑amp motor is also friendly to shared circuits, which matters in older garages and remodels.

If you primarily do dust‑extractor‑style tool collection at small ports, a dedicated extractor with auto‑start and a smaller hose may suit you better. And if a blower function is non‑negotiable, you’ll want a different model.

The bottom line

The Stealthsonic 12‑gallon vac is the rare shop vacuum that’s easy to live with day in and day out. It’s genuinely quieter, pulls hard through a 2‑1/2" hose, and pairs well with a cyclone to keep filters clean. The plastic tank, long cord, smooth casters, and drain plug are all everyday quality‑of‑life wins. I can nitpick the accessory storage and wish the primary hose were longer, and the lack of a blower port will matter to some. But the fundamentals—suction, noise, filtration, capacity, and durability—are right.

Recommendation: I recommend it. For anyone who wants powerful cleanup without the ear‑splitting whine, this is one of the better balanced, better behaved 12‑gallon vacs I’ve used. It’s a smart choice for shops, garages, and jobsites where you value strong performance, manageable noise, and practical features over gimmicks.