12. Wessex 18L Wet & Dry Vacuum – Best budget buy (UK only)
For those in search of an affordable wet and dry vacuum cleaner, the Wessex 18L model is worth considering. Designed as a shop vac for garages or other indoor/outdoor areas with hard flooring, this vacuum is ideal for cleaning up wet spills, dust, and larger debris.
Available in 18, 20, and 30-liter capacities, we tested the 18-liter version on various surfaces including sawdust, dirt, mud, and even a water leak. With a suction power of 18,000Pa, this vacuum proved to be powerful and efficient. It comes equipped with a main brush head, crevice tool, and hose adapter that can be attached to certain power tools. The 1.5m hose and 5m power cable provide ample reach for different cleaning tasks.
While this vacuum can handle both wet and dry spills, it requires adjustments such as adding or removing the bag, filter, and locking nut depending on the task at hand. Additionally, it can be used as a blower, but this function also requires some modifications.
Due to its budget-friendly price, there are some trade-offs in terms of build quality. The vacuum is predominantly made of plastic and lacks angle adjustment on the floor brush. The bags included are made of relatively flimsy paper, but can be easily replaced with universal bags or specific ones designed for this model.
While the Wessex 18L Wet & Dry Vacuum may not be a long-term investment, it offers a cost-effective solution for those in need of a reliable cleaning tool.