Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4.75 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum

Owning a cordless wet/dry vacuum can be a game-changer, especially if you're used to lugging around a bulky, corded unit. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4.75 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum (model PWV200B) is designed to bring convenience and portability to your cleaning tasks. As someone who has used this vacuum extensively, I have a balanced perspective on its strengths and areas that could use improvement.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things that caught my attention was the stainless-steel tub. It feels durable and gives the vacuum a solid build quality. The 4.75-gallon capacity is decent for a cordless model, making it suitable for medium-duty tasks around the house or garage. The collapsible handle and 360° rotating caster wheels make it easy to maneuver and store. However, assembling the wheels was a bit of a chore; I had to use a rubber mallet to get them in place, which could be a potential area for improvement.

Portability and Ease of Use

The cordless design is a major plus. Not having to deal with a power cord allows for greater freedom of movement, especially when cleaning cars or tight spaces. The unit is relatively lightweight at 8 lbs, which adds to its portability. On-board accessory storage is a thoughtful touch, although the layout could be better organized. The hose, however, is quite stiff and shorter than I would prefer. It's not compatible with many standard attachments, which can be frustrating if you need to clean small crevices or hook it up to a power tool.

Performance

Performance-wise, the vacuum offers an airflow of up to 40 CFM. While this is adequate for light to medium tasks, it struggles with heavier debris. I found it effective for picking up pet hair, dust, and small debris, but it faltered with larger particles like small rocks or wood chips. The suction is noticeably weaker when using the metal extension and attachments, which limits its versatility.

The vacuum is fairly quiet, which is a pleasant surprise. I could use it without disturbing the entire household, making it ideal for quick cleanups. However, the battery life leaves much to be desired. Using a 4AH battery, I could get about 20 minutes of continuous use, which is enough for small tasks but not for extensive cleaning sessions. If you plan to use it for longer periods, you'll need multiple batteries on hand.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance is another mixed bag. The vacuum doesn’t come with a bag, and finding replacement filters can be a hassle. They are not stocked in stores and have to be ordered online, which can take weeks. Over time, some of the plastic parts showed signs of wear and tear, although the unit remained functional. Rusting also became an issue, particularly on the bottom of the stainless-steel tub, which developed random holes despite my best efforts to keep it dry.

Additional Features

The vacuum comes with several handy attachments, including a telescoping metal wand that makes it easier to reach high or low areas. This feature alone adds a lot of value, especially for cleaning car interiors or ceiling corners. However, the attachment storage is not well thought out, and the hose lacks a swivel mechanism, which makes it cumbersome to use.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4.75 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum has its merits. The cordless design, ease of maneuverability, and decent build quality make it a convenient tool for light to medium-duty tasks. However, its performance limitations, stiff hose, and maintenance issues are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this vacuum? It depends on your needs. If you're looking for a portable, cordless solution for light cleaning tasks and already have other Ryobi ONE+ tools (and batteries), this vacuum can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. However, if you require a more powerful vacuum for heavy-duty tasks or need a unit with better compatibility for attachments, you might want to consider other options.

In summary, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4.75 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum is a convenient tool for specific use cases but falls short in areas that matter for more demanding tasks.