Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through various aspects of some of the best quiet shop vacs available on the market to help you make an informed buying decision.
Furthermore, I’ll also throw light on important parameters that you must consider in case, you’re looking for a value for a money shop vac.
Lastly, I’ll also respond to the queries related to the quiet shop vac to help you narrow down the options as well as clear doubts related to a shop vac.
It goes without saying that a quiet shop vac has become an essential part of our life especially if our profession is woodworking or related to any sort of workshop.
To be honest, I’ve seen people using a household vacuum cleaner to clean specks of dust and scraps generated in woodworking projects which is something I neither support nor promote.
In fact, it would drastically reduce the lifespan of a vacuum cleaner.
A shop vac is exclusively meant for dealing with sawdust, plaster dust, scraps, etc. so if you’re using a vacuum cleaner then it’s high time that you replace it with a quiet shop vac.
This post on quiet shop vac review is going to be a comprehensive buying guide keep in mind the queries and requirements of a newbie buyer.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Shop Vacuum Noise Levels
As a first-time buyer or even an experienced one, it is really important for you to understand the importance of decibels, and how much decibels are quiet.
Trust me, when I was buying my first quiet shop vac, I had no idea what is an ultra-quiet shop vac.
I had to struggle to find the unfeigned information because a decade ago information wasn’t as readily available as it is now.
Anyway, let’s try to understand what all the things are considered quiet.
If you’ve soundproofed your room or want to make your room quieter then make sure it doesn’t have more than 40 dB of noise.
A normal human conversation produces 60 dB of noise.
So, any shop vac that produces less than or equal to 60 dB of noise can be considered a good option when it comes to buying a quiet shop vac.
A radio or a television produces a noise of 70 dB when you turn them ON which is more than the normal human conversation.
Well, the good news is, there is a super quiet vacuum shop available on the market that produces as little as 55 dB.
On the other hand, you’ll find most of the quiet shop vacs generating noise that falls in the range of 60 to 75 dB.
Trust me, anything above 75 dB is loud, and you should definitely avoid buying them if you’re in search of a quiet shop vac.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), states we can tolerate 8 hours of exposure to 85 dB of sound a day; we may have no voice from shouting all day thoughIn short, if you’re on the lookout for the quietest shop vac then don’t buy any vac which produces noise more than 65 dB.
Shop-Vac vs. Home Vacuum
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How Does a Shop-Vac Work?
Well, to be honest, the working mechanism of a shop vacuum is similar to a home vacuum.
The principle on which a shop vac works is based on the fact that a vacuum can be created by lowering the air pressure.
For lowering the air pressure, an electric motor is used to power the fan that sucks air into either hose or cleaner’s intake port.
Once the vacuum is created, the shop vac starts pulling dust particles along with air into the intake port.
Moreover, the sucked dust particles and debris are stored in the containment system usually in the form of a bag or canister.
The sucked air is filtered as it passes through the containment system of a shop vac.
And, finally, the filtered air is returned back to the environment through the fan’s exhaust port.
Top 10 Quiet Shop Vacs Review
To be honest, the market is flooded with shop vac models and brands, and selecting the one that caters to your needs is a tedious job, isn’t it?
Before listing the top 10 quiet shop vacs in our review post, our team tested quite a few shop vacs on certain parameters that we will be discussing later in this post.
Needless to say, it wasn’t easy for us to narrow down the options as every model and brand has its own pros and cons.
So, as an avid reader, it is important for you to understand that other than the top 10 quiet shop vacs that we’re going to discuss, there are other shop vacs that are equally good but couldn’t make to our review list because of the parameters that we consider for evaluating them.Without wasting any time, let’s begin our journey of evaluating the quietest shop vacs on the market.
FEIN Turbo II Vacuum Cleaner
The 8.4-gallon capacity FEIN Turbo is an auto-start vacuum cleaner that is newbie-friendly and produces just 66 dB of noise.
I’m personally a big admirer of this German-designed cleaner which is manufactured in Europe.
The cleaner comes with a powerful motor of 1100 watts which is capable of 98.4” of water lift and a flow rate of 151 CFM.
Furthermore, the motor is designed idiosyncratically to prevent the entry of dirty air from a hose into the motor.
Whether you’re a DIY person or work extensively on job sites, trust me, FEIN Turbo would serve your purpose.
Especially the long 13′ ft hose and 18′ ft cord do wonder when it comes to dealing with long reach on the job sites.
In fact, it allows you to be 54 ft from the outlet which is definitely something to brag about, isn’t it?
Bringing Fein home would take away all your tension of storage, trust me, it comes with a rimmed flat top for extra storage as well as onboard storage for accessories.
Do you know, two steel wand sections, an elbow, a crevice tool, a dust brush, and a floor (combination) tool with an exchangeable brush or rubber squeegee come with the accessory package?Not only that, but it also comes with a cellulose filter and a fleece filter bag that has a long lifespan and can perform really well for years to come.
Since it doesn’t come with a drain plug I would suggest you shouldn’t fill it fully when you need to lift it.
Though the machine comes with a year warranty still gives you an option to extend it to 3 to 4 years by simply going on the Fein website and registering within 6 weeks of the sale.
If your requirement is maximum airflow and static pressure then Fein turbo is a perfect fit for you.
Moreover, it can be a great fit for your professions such as a cabinet installer or a finish carpenter.
On top of it, the shop vac can be easily moved from one job site to another via trucks as it is lightweight, portable, and stable.
When it comes to dust collection this shop vac can be considered a great option for both commercials as well as personal use.
In case, you’re still NOT CONVINCED, then I would request you to go through the customer reviews at Amazon.
Does it make sense?
Check FEIN Turbo II Current Price on AmazonFestool 583492 CT 26 E HEPA Dust Extractor
I hope many of you would have heard the name “FESTOOL”.
They are well-known German manufacturers of power tools and dust collection systems and have been in the market for quite a few time.
The shop vac that I’m going to talk about now is unique in its own sense.
Since they come with variable speed you can save on your utility bills as you don’t have to run the machine on high speed if your project demands low to moderate speed.
The motor speed has a good range of variation from 350 watts to 1200 watts.
Since the shop vac comes with variable speed the noise level also varies depending upon whether you’re running the machine on top speed or low speed.
In short, the noise level can vary between 62 dB and 71 dB depending upon the speed setting.
Needless to say, the shop vac is a power-packed tool with an airflow of 137 CFM and a water lift of 96”.
The machine comes with four wheels, the rear wheels are fixed, and the front ones are 360-degree movable making the machine not only highly portable but also stable.
Even though the canister comes with a 6.9 gallons capacity tank still it doesn’t have a problem with toppling or retarded movement.
To keep a check on the movement of the canister, it comes with a powerful brake.
The 1-1/8” diameter hose handles dust from saws and chips from planers. A 2½” diameter hose is available.
A large 3.29 sq ft HEPA filter, coupled with a self-cleaning filter bag reduces irritating dust exhaust and complies with OSHA standards.
To be precise, if you’re looking for a machine that could solve your dust problem at both the office and home, then definitely, CT 26 E is definitely a great option to consider.
The CT 26 E dust collector can be easily connected to the tools and can capture minute particles.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about problems such as dust particles building up on the hose exterior, clogging, and shocks because the dust extractor comes with an anti-static design which prevents the occurrence of such problems.
This HEPA-certified dust collector comes with a HEPA filter which is known to remove 99.9 percent of dust and particulate down to 0.3 microns which is definitely something to brag about.The manufacturer is highly confident and positive about the product, and hence gives a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a 3-year service warranty, amazing, isn’t it?
So, if you’re someone who is looking for a high-performance and precision dust extractor then definitely, I would vouch for this machine.
On top of it, the shop vac helps you to get comfortable with your work because of its unique features, and also, saves you a good amount of time.
Trust me, the dust extractor will match your expectations if NOT exceed them.
And, if we talk about the storage capacity, then let me tell you, the machine comes with an onboard garage for storage which is sufficient for most of the job site projects.
Lastly, it’s a unique feature to traps dust at the source and helps you to create and maintain a clean, safe, and highly efficient work ambiance.
Check Festool 583492 CT 26 E Current Price on AmazonMakita VC4710 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Well, Makita VC4710 is one of my favorite shop vacs when it comes to dealing with a complex and challenging project.
Keeping in mind the job site’s requirements such as a powerful and portable quiet shop vac with smaller footprints, the manufacturer of Makita has inculcated most of them to make it perfect for indoor applications, especially room-to-room.
It comes with a 12 AMP motor that is capable of generating 135 CFM of suction power and 92″ of water lift.
I personally love the measures taken by the manufacturer to make this model one of the quietest shop vacs on the market.
The motor is placed in a chamber comprising sound-absorbing materials in order to reduce the operating sound level.
You would be astonished to know that the shop vac produces as little as 59 dB which is definitely something to brag about, isn’t it?
Moreover, the machine is uniquely designed and air ducting is done in an efficient way to make it a lightweight (27 lbs) shop vac.
Depending upon the tasks, you can exploit its variable speed-dial feature for suction control.
The plastic canister is highly stable and comprises two front and two rear wheels.
The 24½-foot cord and 16-foot 1-3/8” diameter anti-static hose allow you to be more than 40 feet from a receptacle too.
VC4710 is capable of handling a large volume of dust as it comes with an automatic filter cleaning system so you don’t have to worry at all about the filters.
Makita has a 30-day return guarantee with its one-year limited warranty.
The dust extractor has an in-built mechanism that allows it to stop 10 seconds after the machine is switched off allowing it to clear the hose of remaining debris.
It comes with a crevice tool, cuff adapter, and one disposal bag.
Moreover, if your woodworking or any other project accessory pack then the VC4710 gives you an option of the 8-piece accessory pack.
In short, VC4710 is a great quiet dust extractor that you can consider bringing home.
Nilfisk ALTO Aero 26-21 6.6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum – HEPA (900142)
This German-designed 1000-watt dust extractor comprises a 13 AMP motor which is capable of producing 125 CFM of airflow and 84″ of water lift.
Nilfisk isn’t as quiet as the last dust extractor still it is quiet (64 dB) enough to not interfere with your usual work routine.
This plastic canister can be easily moved from one place to another with the help of the wheels attached to its base.
The 6.6-gallon plastic canister comes with two large rear wheels and two small front wheels.
Though the machine doesn’t have a drain plug still you can easily separate the canister from the power unit for emptying.
On top of it, it has an 11½’ hose that is 1¼” in diameter which makes it reach better as compared to its counterparts, and it also has a HEPA filter along with a washable PET fleece filter bag.
Unlike some high-end shop vacs, it doesn’t have a fully automatic filter cleaning system.
However, the filter cleaning system comes with a push and clean system which is semi-automatic and newbie-friendly as well, and it is you who will decide and expedite the filter cleaning process.
Personally, I’m a big admirer of its tool and vac synchronization.
Even though you’re a first-time user, you would find Nilfisk to sync extremely well with tools such as track saw, jigsaw, drywall tool, and Bosch rotary sander.
Trust me, you’ll find the operation to be quiet and smooth as well.
The dust extractor comes with a 2-year limited warranty, and the accessories included with the package are a tool holder, aluminum extension wand, Wet-Dry floor nozzle, suction brush, tool adapter, crevice tool, universal nozzle, and a dust bag.
All in all, a great affordable dust extractor that comes with low noise, good suction, HEPA filter, and accessories.
A complete package, indeed!
DeWALT DXV10P 10-gallon Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum Yellow
It goes without saying that Dewalt is a well-known and established brand, and is known for making value-for-money products.
Well, cutting long stories short, this 10-gallon dust extractor comes with a 2-stage motor, and is definitely, one of the quietest and portable shop vacs available on the market at an affordable price.
In short, if you’re on a shoestring budget then definitely, DXV10P could be a great option for you.
Needless to say, the design is quite unique and comprises a waterproof switch.
To be honest, it may not have the most powerful motor.
However, the 5.5 HP motor is capable enough to produce 90 CFM of air.
At the same time, the machine lacks a built-in portable blower which I think is an essential component of any dust extractor as it helps in clearing leaves and dust saw.
The 7-foot hose with a 1-7/8” diameter combines with the 20-foot wrap-around power cord for almost 30 feet of reach from the plug-in site.
Furthermore, it comprises 4 wheels that are capable of 360-degree rotation and make the movement of the dust extractor easy and smooth.
To prevent emptying from becoming a tedious task, the machine has an in-built drain system on the lower edge.
The DXV10P comes with a one-year warranty.
Two extension tubes, a floor nozzle, a crevice tool, and utility nozzle, and an accessory bag are all that you can expect from this dust extraction model.
Unlike a few dust extractor models that we discussed so far, the DXV10P doesn’t come with a HEPA-equipped filter.
However, the filter and dust bag are of good quality and have a long lifespan.
On top of it, the cartridge is washable as well.
I highly recommend this dust extractor for small to medium-sized workshops as 10 10-foot power cord would help you to reach almost all the places of your workshop.
A value for money, dust extractor, indeed, that is all I can say, the rest is your call.
Lastly, the shop vac is ultra-quiet at times you may hear a small amount of high-pitched whine from the motor, and if that is the case, then you may go for a silencing muffler to negate the noise.
Shop-Vac 5989700 16 gallon 6.5 Peak HP Stainless with Handle Wet Dry Vacuum Black
Shop-Vac 5989700 is yet another ultra-quiet dust extractor that comes with a 6.5 horsepower, 1440-watt, 12 Amp SVX2 motor and is capable of producing 150 CFM of airflow and 72” of water lift.
Unlike some of the canisters that we reviewed earlier, the 5989700 has a 16-gallon stainless steel canister along with a drain at the bottom.
The machine comes with 4 wheels attached to the base of the canister wherein the rear ones are fixed and the front ones are 360 degrees movable.
Furthermore, the machine is also equipped with an 8-foot 2½” diameter hose and an 18-foot power cord, for almost 30 feet of reach. As a result, the machine has a good reach, and you can expect it to clean thoroughly the sawdust and debris in a small and mid-size woodworking space.
Though the Shop-Vac has a U cartridge filter and Type R foam sleeve with a Type G filter bag still I feel something is lacking as the Shop-Vac 5989700 isn’t HEPA approved.
Not only does it come with 2 extension wands, a crevice attachment, and a 14-inch wet-dry tool but it also has built-in storage for accessories.
To be honest, the thing that really grabbed my eyeballs is that the Shop-Vac 5989700 carries a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Trust me, I’ve used it quite a few times, and I can affirm that the motor is literally powerful, and the stainless canister is of very high quality making the dust extractor robust, durable, and powerful.
Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon 6-Horsepower Wet/Dry Vacuum
It goes without saying that this Mexico-manufactured dust extractor has lots of potential.
Not only does it come with an 11 AMP motor that has a peak HP of 6, but it also, has a patented scroll noise feature.
The shop vac produces 150 CFM of airflow, and the operating decibels fall in the range of 85 and 87.
Whether you’re planning to buy this dust extractor for your home or your woodworking shop, the blower feature would be of great help for cleaning both dust and debris.
It has a capacity to hold 14 gallons of debris so it is definitely a great option for a small and mid-sized workshop.
The plastic canister comes with 4 swivel casters which make the mobility quite easy.
On top of it, the 18718 has a built-in handle which adds to its mobility.
The 20-foot wrap-around cord extends the unit reaches to almost 30 feet making it a great option for tough job site cleanup.
Well, in order to meet the higher demands of the job site, 18718’s 2-piece drum provides unique, improved, and rugged construction so you don’t have to worry about the complexity of job site projects anymore.
When it comes to cleaning debris, the 18718 caters very well to the needs of the garage, deck, and sidewalks, and the credit goes to the powerful exhaust airstream that it comes with.Though WD1450 isn’t equipped with a HEPA system still you don’t have to worry or get disheartened because it comes with a 3-stage dust cartridge filter that is capable of even capturing drywall dust.
With the unit, you’ll get 2 extension wands, a utility nozzle, a car nozzle, a wet nozzle, and also, an accessory storage bag.
All in all, a great shop vac that comes at an affordable price with a lifetime warranty.
So, what are you waiting for?
Vacmaster VWM510 5-Gallon 5 Peak HP Remote Control Wall Mount Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
So, here I’m presenting to you Vacmaster which comes with a 2-stage motor and is a great option for projects that demand powerful suction without compromising on quietness.
I’ll not say that the Vacmaster vacuum has the most powerful motor.
However, the 10 AMP motor with 5 peak horsepower capable of moving 81 CFM of air is quite powerful to take care of your woodworking mid-sized workshop.
The vacuum produces a noise of 74 dB which is definitely something to boast about.
Other than the suction power, features such as the blower function would definitely grab your eyeball as it will come to your rescue when cleaning dust and debris the woodworking or other projects.
Unlike the other vacuum models that we discussed so far, the VWM510 comes with a remote control with an operating distance of 40 feet.
So, you don’t have to switch on/off manually, and thus, adds to the convenience coefficient, isn’t it?
The good thing about this 5-gallon wall mountable wet dry shop vac is that it comes with a large handle that enhances its portability as well as mobility.
The process of wall mounting is not only newbie-friendly but also less time-consuming.
You don’t need a professional for it, and with more than 30 feet of reach provided by the 10-foot 1-7/8” diameter flex hose and a 20-foot cord with Cord Wrap, it’ll reach most tasks.
Though the VWM510 model isn’t set up for the HEPA system the washable cartridge filter and foam sleeve filter that it comes with is more than sufficient and wouldn’t let you feel the absence of HEPA, and I’m saying this with my personal experience.
Each unit of VWM510 includes 2 plastic wands, a floor nozzle with a removable brush, a round brush nozzle, a car tool, a crevice tool, an air/noise diffuser, plus an extra 11-foot crushproof hose so you will get all the things that you need to operate a dust extractor successfully.
Lastly, VWM510 comes with 2-years warranty.
Festool 575280 CT SYS HEPA Dust Extractor
It goes without saying that the German-designed Festool 575280 is one of the most portable dust extractors available on the market.
The shop vac is designed in an idiosyncratic way to make this model lightweight, compact, and highly mobile.
Because of its size, it can be easily transported from one place to another.
Furthermore, the 575280 is powered by a 1000-watt motor which is capable of creating 106 CFM of airflow and 80” of water lifting.
It creates a noise of 67 dB which is slightly higher than the normal human conversation of 60 dB.
You can think 575280 shop vac as something similar to a toolbox, and it measures 15-5/8″ x 11-5/8″ x 10-5/8″.
Needless to say, it has a shoulder strap or handle for carrying.
Moreover, a 9.8-foot flexible hose doesn’t catch on anything and has a diameter of 1-1/16”. Combined with the built-in 16.25-foot power cord it can reach almost 30 feet so that it can easily reach every nook and corner of your workshop.
The good thing about this shop vac is that it comes with a HEPA filter and bags which is something I always look for whenever I’ve to recommend a dust extractor to my client.
If you’re looking for a shop vac for small clean-ups, car, cabinet installers, or sanding jobs the 575280 CT would be a perfect fit.
To add to it, the machine also comes with a hose, dust bag, shoulder strap, crevice nozzle, and small upholstery brush, and the compact powerhouse has an integrated hose, power cord, and nozzle in one place.
Unlike the aforementioned models, it doesn’t have wheels.
Nonetheless, with the help of an optional Sys-Roll attachable dolly, you can attach the wheel and enhance the mobility of the shop vac.
Lastly, a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year all-inclusive Festool service warranty make it an attractive deal, isn’t it?
DEWALT DCV581H 18/20-Volt MAX Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry
So, finally, we reached the last dust extractor in our review list, and of course, DEWALT DCV581H is my favorite portable quiet shop vac.
I’ve been using this little beast for quite a time, and I can affirm that it comprises all the ingredients that one looks for in a quiet shop vac.
If you have a feeling that I’m boasting a lot about this beast then I would request you to read what users are saying about it on Amazon.
Does it make sense?
You can power DEWALT DCV581H with an 18/20 V battery or AC whichever works for you.
To be honest, this little beast may not be the best option when it comes to cleaning nails and screws but if you’re looking for a dust extractor for small to medium projects with moderate complexity which mainly involves cleaning sawdust and plaster then nothing could suffice DEWALT.
At one go, it can run for somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes on a 3 AMP 20-volt battery.
The 5-foot crush-resistant integrated 1¼” diameter hose with the 5-foot power cord gives it a short 10+ foot range from an outlet or just switch to a battery, and up the scaffold.
The dust extractor weighs as little as 10.8 pounds and comes with a 2-gallon capacity.
As per the specification, it is clear that this is NOT the perfect choice for the huge woodworking workshop.
This HEPA-rated model is good for tacking up to 0.3 microns so you don’t have to get worried about dust and debris at all.
The filters are of high quality along with being washable and reusable.
Lastly, the vacuum comes with 12 months of free service and a 3-year manufacturer guarantee.
What should I look for when buying a wet/dry vac?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced one, it is really important for you to understand that buying a product isn’t easy in today’s world of information overload.
At times, advertisements and promises by the brands may be misleading. So, the best thing that you can do is to do your homework properly.
I highly recommend my clients do both online and offline research before buying a product.
If we talk in the context of a quiet shop vac then you need to consider quite a few parameters so that you end up buying a value-for-money product or the one that caters to all your needs.
Decibels
If you’re planning to buy a quiet shop vac then it is really important for you to understand that the noise made by the dust extractor is tolerable.
Some shop vacs that we’ve reviewed come with multiple settings so the noise they produce does vary by changing the setting.
So, any shop vac that is producing noise less than 80 decibels is good to go.
However, if you’re looking for an ultra-quiet shop vac then there are models that produce noise of 60 decibels or less.
Tank Size
Depending upon your type of work you can choose from a small and a big tank.
If your project involves less amount of dust and debris then even a small canister would do the work.
However, for the mid-sized and bigger workshops, I highly recommend a canister that is bigger.
Tank Drain Feature
As we’ve discussed earlier some shop vac models come with a tank drain feature while others don’t so dependent upon your need you can opt for a tank drain feature or buy one that doesn’t have this feature.
I highly recommend going for a shop vac that comes with a tank drain feature because it would be difficult for you to move and empty a 15-gallon canister that doesn’t possess the tank drain feature.
In short, if you’re buying a portable shop vac that comes with a small canister then you might not need a tank drain feature, and vice-versa.
Stainless Tank vs. Plastic
Well, it goes without saying that stainless tanks are more robust and durable as compared to their plastic counterparts, isn’t it?
However, the plastic ones come in a variety of colors and are lighter as well.
So, both have their own pros and cons so it totally depends on you whether you want a fancy-looking canister or a robust one.
Filter and Filter Bags
You need to be very careful when it comes to selecting a filter.
Nothing only the filter should be of high quality but also, should also have a longer lifespan.
Never compromise on the quality of the filter.
If you don’t have much idea about the filter then let me tell you, a different type of filter is used for a different purpose.
For example, depending upon the size of dust particles and debris, that is, small, medium, and fine, you can choose from the filters.
Picking up the correct filter is very important for the optimum outcome.
Again, I would like to bring to your notice that when it comes to filters I prefer HEPA over the others.
Now, coming to filter bags, you’ll find types and varieties here as well.
Some filter bags are better than others in the sense that they are capable of going over the sleeve filter which results in better clean-up as well as an increase in the lifespan of the sleeve filter.
At the same time, some shop vac models come with canister bags that make the emptying process easier by collecting the debris in a much better way as compared to other models.
Another important thing that you need to look for is the replacement filters and bags.
A Festool HEPA is $72, Nilfisk HEPA is $125, and Ridgid is $25-$30.
Bags for the same brands are $30 for 5 with Festool, Nilfisk charges $30 for 4 bags, and Rigid offers 2 bags for $12.
Furthermore, I always suggest, you should use a cyclone separator because it plays an important role in extending the life of bags and filters.
Hose Dimension and Cord Length
Again, hose dimension is something that may or may not matter for you.
From the dimension, I mean both the length and diameter of the hose.
The kind of debris a quiet shop vac can tackle depends to a large extent on the hose diameter.
For example, 2½” is best for shops and regular clean-up including leaves, 1½” for medium-sized debris, and 1¼” for fine debris or cleaning the house or car.
Moreover, when it comes to suction hose length it does matter so choose wisely.
In normal circumstances, the length of the cord may not be of utter importance.
However, cord length may be an important factor if the outlet access is difficult, and you may have to move around on a frequent basis.
Some brands also come with a retractable cord.
Blower and Attachments
Connecting the hose to the air-discharge portal turns a vacuum into a blower.
Different models have a switch, so the hose doesn’t need to be moved, and others have a release that allows the motor and hose to be removed from the canister for use as a blower.
Different brands and models come with different attachments, and in some cases, you’ll have to purchase attachments separately.
I personally vouch for the models that come with additional storage for attachments and hoses.
Dimension and Type of Tasks
I personally feel that in some specific cases, the dimension may be of utter importance wherein you’ve space constraints in your workshop or job sites.
Well, if that is the case, then you can select from square, round, and conical shapes depending on your requirements.
On top of it, you can select your favorite type of shop vacuum from a variety of options such as wall mount, wheel-based, handheld, or backpack.
If you’re tech-savvy, then I’ve got a vacuum shop that comes with Bluetooth for your perusal.
Well, to be honest, the type of task that you want to perform with your quiet shop vac should decide which model should you take home.
Some of the common tasks that a shop vac performs are as follows:
- Cleaning: walls, ceilings, floors, carpet, concrete, cars, boats, indoors, outdoors
- Dust Collection: sawdust or plaster dust from attached tools, or off floors and walls
- Sucking up liquids: from floods and leaks, to clean ponds or boats, or transfer from A to B
- Blowing: leaves, dust, fur, or gravel
- Feed wires through tight spots: using suction or blowing to feed wires through conduits
- Inflating: using the vacuum to blow air into water toys, air mattresses, rubber boats, etc.
Warranty
Whether you’re buying a quiet shop vac or any other product, I highly recommend that you shouldn’t ignore the importance of a warranty.
It wouldn’t be wrong if I said that warranty acts as a first layer of financial defense so you should definitely read all the information related to warranty carefully.
For example, Festool offers a 3-year warranty, Nilfisk a 2-year one, and Ridgid boasts lifetime coverage with lots of conditions – and excludes parts that wear out.
Horsepower Rating, CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), SP (Sealed Pressure)
As the name suggests, HP defines the power of a shop vac. In fact, it is the maximum power a motor is rated for without any attachment.
If you’re planning to buy a quiet shop vac for your woodworking shop or job site, then you need to look for CFM.
CFM is the volume of air the vacuum is capable of sucking in a minute.
In short, the more the CFM the better it will perform.
Another important parameter that you can’t ignore is sealed pressure aka water lift.
It depicts the height at which the unit will lift a column of water in a tube.
In other words, it tells about the suction of a shop vac. I highly recommend going for the dust extractor that has a rating of 75″ and above.
Type of Vacuums: How to Choose a Shop Vac
As discussed earlier, shop vacs are available in quite a few configurations, and the best part is you can differentiate a shop vac from another on a wide range of parameters such as quietness, vacuum type, filter type, canister material, CFM, HP, etc.
In this section, we’ll discuss various types of vacuums so that you’ll get a clear idea of which one should be the correct fit for you.
Needless to say, each type of vacuum has its own importance.
Wet/Dry Vacuum
As the name suggests, a wet and dry vacuum is capable of sucking both the wet as well as dry debris.
Not only that, but these vacuum vacs are also master in sucking water and other liquids so you don’t have to worry at all if you’re facing a problem in cleaning the water.
Long cord attachment helps in the easy cleaning of both wet and dry debris.
Most of the wet/dry vacuum comes with wheels attached to the bottom of the canister for hassle-free mobility.
Wall Mountable
Wall mountable shop vacs are generally portable and compact, and also, come with brackets that help it is getting mounted to the wall.
The bracket has sufficient space for storing attachments and hoses, so you don’t need much space for this type of model.
The good thing about these shop vac models is that they will not occupy any ground space in your workshop.
Emptying the vacuum isn’t tedious, all you need to do is to remove the base and do the needful.
Cordless/Portable
This portable vacuum usually uses a battery as a source of power.
Moreover, this is a lightweight vacuum that has a limited run time and mostly comes with an attachment.
Shop Vac Material Type
Most of the canisters are either made of steel or plastic.
Needless to say, both have their own pros and cons.
Plastic
Plastic canisters are usually lightweight and affordable.
Though you’ll not face problems like scratches or dents with the plastic canister they aren’t as robust and strong as their steel counterparts.
Some other benefits are flexibility, ease of cleaning, and rust-free.
Stainless
They are strong and bulky and have their own share of pros and cons.
It goes without saying that the stainless canisters and heavier as well as expensive as compared to the aforementioned one.
However, they are more prone to dents and scratches.
Lastly, some of them are rated for moisture but take longer to dry.
Top Ultra Quiet Shop-Vac Brands
To be honest, it was been a long time working as a soundproof consultant, and you know what, still I feel difficult when my clients ask me to recommend a quiet product such as a compressor, generator, vibration pads, etc.
It is really important for you to understand that the market is flooded with brands and their claims.
Of course, many claims are accurate but you can’t deny the fact that most of the time, newbies get trapped into false claims made by some shady manufacturers.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
So, I always prefer and recommend a brand over the ones that I’m not well aware of.
It would be wrong to say that all the new entrants are shady.
In fact, most of them are innovative and would meet your expectations.
But, there are a few who may be a point of concern, isn’t it?
Anyway, cutting a long story short, in this section, I will walk you through some of the well-known and well-trusted brands in the shop vac domain.
FEIN
FEIN is a German manufacturing company known for its high-quality products.
They have a very well-known and popular product line of quiet shop vacs.
It goes without saying that the brands have good visibility about their end customers’ requirements, and you would be literally amazed to know what FEIN has on the table to offer.
Of course, my conversation with you is in the context of a quiet shop vac.
The shop vacs offered by FEIN operate at 66 dB, airflow is between 151 and 153 CFM, and their water lift rate is 98.4” to 98.8”.Some models come with options such as removal filters while others have self-cleaning options.
Furthermore, they come with a set of accessories to make your task easy and hassle-free.
FESTOOL
Another popular brand that doesn’t need any introduction is FESTOOL.
Well, if you would’ve done online or offline research about quiet shop vacs then chances are quite high that you would’ve come across this brand.
The German manufacturer comes with a product line of portable quiet shop vac which mostly operates on decibels that fall between the range of 62 dB and 67 dB.
Other features such as water lift rate fall in the range of 80” to 96”, and a maximum suction force between 130 and 137 CFM.
The brand emphasizes filters as most of the shop vac models come with HEPA filters or 1 Micron filter.
Furthermore, different models have different accessory packages.
MAKITA
MAKITA is again a well-known brand in the tool manufacturing domain.
They have plants in the USA as well as other parts of the world.
The brand is known for the versatility that it brings with its products.
Moreover, the dust extractor product line includes canister, cordless, and backpack solutions.
Needless to say, MAKITA has introduced a wide variety of brands in the market, and features such as a water lift are 28.5” to 92”, low volume from 59 dB to 70 dB, and a suction range is 53 to 135 CFM.
On top of it, every model includes attachment packages and a HEPA filter system.
Why is my shop vac so loud?
Well, to be honest, there can be numerous reasons for a shop vac to be loud and noisy.
It is next to impossible to discuss all the reasons related to a noisy shop vac.
However, we’ll discuss some of the main reasons that can make a shop vac loud.
To begin with, whether a shop vac would operate quietly or it will make lots of noise would depend upon the design of the engine.
Almost all the vacuums comprise fans that spin very fast leading to unwanted noise.
Even the motor can create noise.
For example, if your shop vac comprises of AC motor then it would be louder than the one that uses a DC motor.
Secondly, brush bearings can also produce noise if they are broken.
These bearings are used to deliver voltage to the motor as it runs as well as keep it aligned to prevent its tear and wear by minimizing friction.
Another component of the shop vac that can create unwanted noise is the dirty filter.
Even we can’t ignore the contribution of a clogged hose and a full bag to a noisy vacuum.
How can I make my shop vac quieter?
I’ve seen a common misbelief among the newbies, that is, louder is more efficient, Trust me, that is not the case at least for a shop vac.
So, without wasting any time, let’s have a quick look at some of the affordable ways to quiet a shop vac.
Regularly Clean the Air Filter of Your Quiet Shop Vac
As discussed earlier, the air filters can contribute to the noise if it is NOT properly cleaned on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the air filters can be the place where dirt and air would stick in leading to unwanted noise.
As the name suggests, the air filter is meant to prevent dirt from entering the vacuum, so it is the place that will have a maximum accumulation of dirt.
Many shop vac models come with reusable air filters so all you need to do is to place it beneath the water and it will get cleaned in some time.
Again, refrain from installing a wet air filter as it will ONLY aggravate your problem.
On the other hand, if you’re using a shop vac model that has disposable filters then make sure that you change them on a frequent basis.
Other than making unwanted noise, a dirty filter may lead to overheating and burning of the engine in the worst scenario.
Clog Removal Can Give You Some Relief
Yes, you heard it, RIGHT!
Clog removal can give you some relief.
Well, the presence of clogs anywhere inside the vacuum will force the engine to work to its full capacity in order to get the maximum amount of air inside.
Now, the question arises, How will you find out whether your shop vac has a clog or NOT, right?
The good news is even as a newbie you can easily find the presence of clog in your dust extractor simply by listening to it.
All you need to do is disassemble the vac and clean all its parts from time to time so that you can remove even the smallest of the clogs.
Does it make sense?
However, if the noise persists even after thorough cleaning of your shop vac then I would suggest, you should contact a professional regarding the problem.
Try Soundproof Earmuffs for noise-canceling
Here, I come with a temporary and quick solution to your noisy shop vac.
A soundproof earmuff can give you temporary relief against your noisy shop vac which is perfectly fine for the short-term.
However, in the long run, you need a better option, indeed.
White Noise Machine for a Noisy Shop Vac
Again, it’s a temporary solution.
A white noise machine can help you and your family to get rid of the unwanted noise coming from your shop vac temporarily.
These white noise machines can be used for multiple purposes such as getting rid of noise coming from your neighbors, traffic noise, etc.
So, it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get rid of a noisy shop vac.
Long Hose Attachment Would Help
One of the pain points is the discharge or exhaust port which may create some noise due to air blowing out of it at a rapid pace.
The best thing that could be done to reduce such noises is to increase the hose length so that the noise could be decreased to some extent.
Build a Soundproof Shop Vac Enclosure
Well, one of the cheapest permanent solutions could be building a soundproof shop vac enclosure.
It will reduce the unwanted noise drastically.
Also, add wheels to the base of the enclosure so that it can be moved easily.
While making the enclosure pay proper attention to creating holes so that a sufficient amount of air could reach the dust extraction for operation as well as cooling.
Anti-Vibration Pads
If your shop vac is making lots of vibration leading to unwanted noise then I’ll recommend, you should try anti-vibration pads.
These pads are meant to reduce vibrations for not only shop vacs but also, air compressors, washing machines, etc.
These pads are highly affordable and would give your shop vac a quick relief from vibration.
Place Your Vacuum Outside of the Working Area
If you’ve got a soundproof room outside the working area then you can place your shop vac there and get rid of the noise coming from it.
Furthermore, you can easily install an indoor or remote switch.
However, you need to make proper air ventilation as well as create debris emptying space.
Shop Vac Muffler Can Do the Trick for You
It goes without saying that a muffler would do the trick for you.
The best part is, if you’re a DIY person then you can easily make the muffler by yourself with little to no effort.
However, if you don’t have time then you can buy an affordable one.
Silencers for Shop Vac
With the help of silencers, you can definitely reduce the unwanted noise coming out of your shop vac.
Of course, this is not a free method but it’s an effective one.
Mostly silencers are installed in the exhaust port of the machine.
Needless to say, these silencers are good at cutting the discharge noise.
However, it is important that you clean them on a regular basis to get maximum out of them.
CRAFTSMAN CMXZVBE38660 2-1/2 in. Muffler Diffuser Wet/Dry Vac Attachment
The CMXZVBE38660 can be easily installed and instantly makes the operation quiet by reducing air noise.
These mufflers are meant for handling medium to heavy uses so without any doubt or second thought you can go ahead and connect them to the blowing port of your shop vacuum.
(Check the Current Price On Amazon)
WORKSHOP Wet Dry Vacuum Muffler Diffuser WS25025A 2-1/2-Inch Muffler/Diffuser Shop Vacuum attachment For Shop Vacuums
As the aforementioned muffler, it is also capable of reducing air noise to some extent.
I wouldn’t say that by simply installing WS25025A your shop vac will become whisper quiet but definitely, the operating noise reduction would be tangible to your ears.
Well, other than reducing unwanted noises, the Muffler Diffuser is also capable of catching some exhaust dust as well as debris.
(Check the Current Price On Amazon)
Shop Vac Maintenance
It goes without saying that you invest a good amount of money in buying a shop vac, so you would definitely want it to have a longer lifespan, right?
Let’s discuss quickly shop vac maintenance and cleaning so that the newbies as well as the professional folks can extract the maximum benefits of it.
Always try to follow the manufacturer’s instructions mentioned in the manual in order to keep your quiet shop vac in good and healthy condition.
Well, if you find a surge in the operating noise as well as a decrease in the suction then check to try to clean the filter, and even afterward problem persists then consult a professional.
To be honest, reusable dry filters are expensive but worth the price.
Furthermore, when it comes to cleaning a filter you can choose from multiple available options such as shaking, brushing, blow cleaning, water rinsing, etc, Choose the one that is mentioned in the instruction manual if you don’t have prior experience in this domain.
If you’ve washed them thoroughly then make sure they are dried properly before being used for the next time.
Unfortunately, using these filters when they are moist can lead to clogging and sticking of dust leading to damage of filters as well as other parts of the shop vac.
In short, cleaning and proper maintenance of the filter will definitely increase the lifespan of your shop vac.
FAQs
Well, in this section, I try to the best of my capabilities to help my readers with their doubts.
In case, you also have any doubts or queries related to the quietest shop vac then feel free to reach out to us.
Can I use a shop vac without a bag?
Definitely, you can, there isn’t any doubt about it.
BUT…
It’s highly recommended you don’t.
Using a bag can help you to get rid of not only many small and big troubles but also help in increasing the lifespan of the machine.
Especially, if you’re cleaning dry stuff without it, you’ll find yourself in a mess, as the filter might clog.
I would deny the fact that you can’t operate your shop vac without a bag.
However, using a bag would help in avoiding any leakage, clogging, and anything similar to them.
So, would be using a bag or NOT? Let us know in the comment section.
How often should I change my shop vac filter?
Whether you’re using a commercial shop vac or a regular one for home use, make sure that you change the filter every six months.
Moreover, if you’re experiencing a musty odor while using a vacuum cleaner, you must change the HEPA filter.
Wrapping Up the Quietest Shop Vacs Review
I hope you would’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading the comprehensive guide on the quiet shop vac.
So, which is your best quiet shop vac out of the aforementioned ones?
Secondly, what is the budget that you’re willing to spend on a quiet shop vac?
To be precise, a shop-vac has become an essential component of our life especially if we’re working in a garage or a woodworking space.
Well, Amps, CFM, dB, and sealed suction or water-lift height are some of the parameters that you must check before making a buying decision.
Lastly, please share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of a shop vac buying guide.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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