Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums
Shop vacuums are rated by tank size (gallons) and motor power, but real-world suction depends as much on hose diameter and filter type as on the horsepower number on the box. A smaller vac with a well-sealed hose often outperforms a bigger one with leaky connections.
Tank size is a trade-off between capacity and portability — a 5-6 gallon vac is easy to move around a garage or workshop, while 10+ gallon models cut down on emptying trips for bigger cleanup jobs but are noticeably harder to carry up stairs.
What to look for
Peak HP is a motor spec, not a suction guarantee
'Peak horsepower' measures an unloaded motor, not airflow through the hose. Look at CFM and sealed-suction ratings, or trusted reviews, for a better sense of real cleaning power.
Use the right filter for the job
Standard filters clog quickly on fine drywall dust; a dedicated fine-dust filter (and sometimes a pre-filter or dust bag) will keep suction from dropping off mid-job.
Casters and hose length affect usability more than tank size
A vac that's hard to drag around a garage will get used less than a slightly smaller one with a long hose and smooth-rolling casters.