DeWalt 10 Gallon, 5.5 HP 2-Stage Quiet Wet/Dry Vacuum

A quieter 10‑gallon workhorse that doesn’t flinch at wet or dry jobs

I put the DeWalt 10‑gallon vac (DXV10P) to work on a remodel and then a weekend garage cleanout, the kind of back‑to‑back use that exposes shortcuts. The headline features—a quiet 2‑stage motor, 10‑gallon tank, built‑in drain, and a full kit of attachments—promise jobsite versatility with less ear fatigue. After several weeks of use, it mostly delivers on that promise, with a few practical tradeoffs to be aware of.

Build and design

The DXV10P feels like a true jobsite tool. The tub, latches, and handle are sturdy, and the water‑resistant power switch is big enough to smack with a gloved thumb. At roughly 28 pounds empty, it isn’t light, but the rubberized swivel casters roll smoothly over concrete and subfloor. The footprint is compact for a 10‑gallon unit, and the low center of gravity helps when you’re tugging it along by the hose.

Cord and hose management are better than average. The 20‑foot cord wraps neatly, and the 1‑7/8‑inch hose nests without fighting you. I appreciate the accessory storage bag—having wands, floor tool, utility nozzle, and crevice tool riding with the vac prevented the usual hunt through a dusty crate. The bag isn’t rigid, so it’s not as slick as molded onboard docks, but it keeps the kit together and accessible.

Setup and filtration

Out of the box, the washable/reusable cartridge filter snaps on easily. Being able to rinse and reuse the filter is a real cost saver, and it avoids the “I’ll do it later” trap that leads to caked filters and weak suction. For fine dust and cleanup where you don’t want to dump the tank (drywall, MDF), the disposable filter bag included in the kit is worth using—it keeps the cartridge cleaner and makes disposal tidier.

One nice touch: the filter is used for both dry and wet pickup, so there’s no foam sleeve swap when you move from sawdust to water. Just don’t forget to let the filter dry fully after wet work.

Suction and real‑world performance

DeWalt rates the airflow at 90 CFM and sealed pressure at 80 inches. In the field, that translates to strong static lift and solid, if not class‑leading, airflow. On dry pickup, the vac confidently swallowed screws, chips, and planer shavings with the 1‑7/8‑inch hose. The floor nozzle is efficient on smooth surfaces; on rougher slab I preferred the utility nozzle for fewer hang‑ups. With the two extension wands, I could clean a two‑car garage without bending over or moving the vac as often as I expected.

Where the DXV10P shines is mixed debris. The 1‑7/8‑inch hose is a good balance: big enough not to clog on common jobsite scraps, small enough to stay maneuverable around a bench. Compared to a big‑lunged 2‑1/2‑inch hose vac, you won’t move the same volume of lightweight debris, but you’ll get better reach and control. For tool hookup, the hose size mates well with many benchtop tools out of the box, though you’ll still want a small adapter kit for sanders and track saws.

Wet pickup and the drain that actually helps

I leaned on this vac for a water heater swap and a minor laundry overflow. That 80 inches of water lift shows up when you need it: it primes fast and pulls standing water down to a thin sheen. The 10‑gallon tank is a practical capacity—enough to make a dent, not so large that it’s a bear to dump. The built‑in drain is the difference between “easy” and “annoying.” It’s placed low and flows well; I could back it up to a floor drain and empty without lifting the tub. If you’re routinely moving lots of water, this feature alone justifies the step up from smaller cans.

Noise and the “2‑stage” clarification

The quiet 2‑stage motor is the selling point, and it earns the label. This is notably less shrill than most shop vacs I’ve used; I can carry a normal conversation an arm’s length away without shouting. Important clarification: “2‑stage” here refers to the motor’s internal design (two impellers), not a two‑speed control. The vac runs at a single speed. If you’re expecting a low/high switch, you won’t find it. What you do get is a smoother tone and reduced overall noise compared with single‑stage units of similar size.

Blower port and jobsite cleanup

With the hose connected to the rear port, the DXV10P doubles as a blower. It’s not a leaf blower replacement, but it’s effective at clearing sawdust off a miter saw station, pushing debris out of corners, and giving a final sweep to a garage floor before sealing. I used it to blow out a porch prior to staining, and it saved a round of sweeping. Handy, and you don’t need extra parts to use it.

Day‑to‑day usability

Small things add up over a workday. The large on/off switch is easy to find without looking. The casters pivot willingly without that chattery “shopping cart” feel. The tank latches are robust and don’t pinch fingers. Included accessories cover the basics and are all actually useful; I’m not left wishing I’d bought a separate kit just to make the floor tool work.

There are tradeoffs. The 7‑foot primary hose is on the short side for a 10‑gallon vac; plan on moving the can more often, or budget for a longer hose if you work around vehicles or larger rooms. And at 10 amps, you’ll want to be mindful of what else shares the circuit—typical, but worth noting on job sites with compressors and lights on the same run.

Maintenance

Maintenance is straightforward. The washable cartridge rinses clean under a hose; a quick sun‑dry gets it back to work. The smooth tank wipes out easily, and with the bag installed for dry work, fine dust stays contained—less mess when you empty. The design avoids dust traps around the drain and port, so clogs are rare and easy to clear when they happen.

What I’d change

• Give the hose another 3–5 feet out of the box. The vac’s mobility is good, but a longer reach would reduce shuffling.
• Include a simple tool‑actuated outlet or an optional accessory. Auto‑start is a productivity booster for small shop tools.
• Offer a molded onboard caddy option. The accessory bag works, but rigid docks keep everything tidier in transit.

None of these are deal‑breakers; they’re tweaks that would elevate an already capable platform.

Warranty and value

The 3‑year limited warranty, one year of free service, and 90‑day satisfaction period align with what I expect from a pro‑leaning vac in this class. Given the build quality, quieter operation, and the included accessory set, the overall value is strong for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need wet/dry capability without the whine of a jet engine.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 10‑gallon vac (DXV10P) to anyone who wants a durable, quieter shop vac with real wet pickup chops and enough suction for everyday jobsite and garage cleanup. It’s especially appealing if you routinely switch between dry debris and water and want a washable filter, a usable drain, and a blower port in one package. If maximum airflow through a 2‑1/2‑inch hose or a tool‑triggered outlet is your top priority, there are niche models better suited to those tasks. For most users, though, this strikes the right balance: quieter than typical, strong static lift, sensible accessories, and the right features where they count.