Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit With Free Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum

If you’re a fan of the Ryobi ONE+ system, the 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum might have caught your eye. It certainly caught mine, especially with the promise of a cordless, versatile vacuum that could handle both wet and dry messes. But after putting this tool through its paces, I have some mixed feelings.

First, let’s talk about the batteries. The kit comes with two lithium batteries (a 4Ah and a 2Ah) and a charger. If you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools, these batteries are a great addition to your collection. They boast impressive run times and are compatible with any 18V ONE+ tool, which is a big plus if you’re invested in the ecosystem. The integrated LEDs provide a handy fuel gauge, so you’re never caught off guard with a dead battery. Charging is straightforward with the included charger, and I appreciate the 3-year limited warranty that backs these components.

Now, onto the vacuum itself. This wet/dry hand vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it quite convenient for quick clean-ups around the house, garage, or even in the car. The vacuum comes with several attachments that are useful for various tasks. I found the rubbery, squeegee-like attachment particularly helpful for sucking up liquids. The ability to use standard vacuum attachments with the provided adapter is a nice touch, making the vacuum more versatile.

However, the vacuum’s performance is where things get a bit tricky. For small, quick jobs, it performs adequately. It has decent suction for picking up light debris and small spills. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The vacuum has a built-in pre-filter system that, while effective at keeping most debris contained, tends to get clogged very quickly. The fine dust, in particular, accumulates on the small, perforated metal pre-filter, significantly reducing suction power almost immediately. This requires frequent disassembly and cleaning, which can be quite frustrating, especially during longer cleaning sessions.

Cleaning the filters is another area where this vacuum falters. The silver flat screen filter and the blue pleated filter need to be cleaned frequently to maintain suction. The silver filter can’t be removed, so it has to be brushed off, while the blue pleated filter requires blowing out, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. If you’re using the vacuum for wet messes, you need to clean the pleated filter thoroughly to prevent mud from forming and clogging the filter further.

The vacuum’s noise level is another point of contention. It emits a high-pitched screech that can be quite grating, especially during prolonged use. While it may not be louder than other handheld vacuums, the pitch and tone make it less pleasant to use indoors. I found myself relegating it to garage and outdoor use, reserving a different brand for indoor cleaning.

Despite these drawbacks, there are some redeeming qualities. The vacuum is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for quick clean-ups. The attachments, though somewhat awkward in shape, are useful for reaching tight spaces and dealing with different types of messes. The silicone nozzle attachment is particularly effective for wet spills, making it a handy tool for emergencies like small leaks or spills that don’t warrant dragging out a full-sized wet/dry vacuum.

The vacuum’s build quality is solid, and it feels durable enough to withstand regular use. The container is easy to empty once you get the hang of disassembling it, and the vacuum’s overall design is user-friendly, with clearly marked buttons and straightforward operation. The 3-year limited warranty also provides some peace of mind regarding its longevity.

However, the limited capacity of the dust container and the frequent need to empty and clean the filters make it less suitable for larger cleaning tasks. If you’re looking for a vacuum that can handle extensive car interior cleaning or larger spills, you might find this Ryobi model lacking. The frequent interruptions to clean the filters can be a deal-breaker for some users, especially if you’re used to more powerful, less maintenance-intensive vacuums.

In conclusion, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free Wet/Dry Hand Vacuum is a mixed bag. If you’re already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem and need a lightweight, portable vacuum for small, quick clean-ups, it can be a useful addition to your toolset. The compatibility with Ryobi’s batteries and the convenience of a cordless design are definite advantages.

However, the frequent clogging of the pre-filter, the high-pitched noise, and the need for constant cleaning make it less ideal for more demanding tasks. If you need a vacuum that can handle larger messes or extended cleaning sessions without frequent interruptions, you might want to consider other options.

Would I recommend this vacuum? For light, occasional use and for those already using Ryobi ONE+ tools, yes, it’s a handy tool to have around. But if you’re looking for a more robust, low-maintenance vacuum for regular and extensive cleaning, you might be better off exploring other alternatives.