Best Shop Vac for Gutter Cleaning

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Using a shop vac (wet/dry vacuum) for gutter cleaning is an excellent option if you want to suck out debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt efficiently. A powerful shop vac can handle both wet and dry materials, making it perfect for clearing out gutters that might have wet, compacted debris. Here’s a guide to the best shop vacs for gutter cleaning, along with recommended attachments for easier gutter cleaning.

1. Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Ridgid WD1450 is a highly popular and powerful wet/dry shop vac that is well-suited for tough jobs like gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.0 Peak HP Motor: Provides strong suction, which is essential for pulling out wet debris, leaves, and other compacted material from gutters.
    • 14-Gallon Capacity: The large capacity means you can clean multiple sections of gutters without having to stop frequently to empty the tank.
    • Durable Build: Built to withstand tough environments, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor tasks.
    • Noise Reduction: Features a quieter motor compared to many other models, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
  • Best For: Homeowners or professionals looking for a powerful and durable shop vac with enough capacity for large cleaning tasks.
  • Price: Around AUD $250 – $300

2. Shop-Vac 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Shop-Vac 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is another great choice for gutter cleaning due to its high suction power and large capacity.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.5 Peak HP Motor: Offers excellent suction for both wet and dry debris, perfect for tackling clogged gutters.
    • 16-Gallon Tank: Allows you to clean large sections of gutters without needing to empty the tank frequently.
    • Blower Function: This shop vac can be converted into a blower, making it useful for blowing leaves and other debris out of the gutter before vacuuming.
    • Heavy-Duty Build: Designed for tough environments, this vacuum can handle heavy-duty outdoor work like gutter cleaning with ease.
  • Best For: Those who need a large-capacity, heavy-duty shop vac that can also double as a blower for clearing gutters.
  • Price: Around AUD $300 – $350

3. DeWalt DXV10P 10-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The DeWalt DXV10P is known for its portability and powerful suction, making it an ideal choice for cleaning gutters while remaining easy to handle.

  • Key Features:
    • 5.5 Peak HP Motor: Offers strong suction for both wet and dry debris, making it ideal for clearing gutters that are filled with wet leaves or sludge.
    • 10-Gallon Capacity: A good mid-sized option, offering a balance between portability and capacity.
    • Durable Build: Constructed with DeWalt’s rugged design standards, making it durable for outdoor tasks like gutter cleaning.
    • Portable and Maneuverable: With heavy-duty rubberized wheels and a compact design, it’s easy to move around and use for outdoor tasks.
  • Best For: Homeowners looking for a portable yet powerful shop vac that can handle wet and dry debris without being too bulky.
  • Price: Around AUD $200 – $250

4. Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Vacmaster VBV1210 offers both vacuum and blower functions, making it highly versatile for gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 5.0 Peak HP Motor: Offers strong suction power to clean out gutters efficiently, handling both wet and dry debris with ease.
    • Detachable Blower: Features a 2-in-1 blower/vacuum design, so you can use the blower to clear out leaves and debris before vacuuming.
    • 12-Gallon Tank: A mid-sized capacity that offers a good balance between portability and storage for gutter debris.
    • Large Drain Port: Makes it easy to empty wet debris after vacuuming.
  • Best For: Homeowners looking for a dual-function tool that can blow out debris and then vacuum it up, perfect for multi-purpose cleaning tasks.
  • Price: Around AUD $200 – $250

5. Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 16-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 is a large-capacity shop vac that provides exceptional power and durability for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, including gutter cleaning.

  • Key Features:
    • 6.5 Peak HP Motor: Offers high suction power to handle large amounts of debris, wet leaves, and sludge in gutters.
    • 16-Gallon Tank: Large capacity, allowing you to clean long stretches of gutters without frequent emptying.
    • Blower Function: Can be converted into a blower, useful for clearing gutters before using the vacuum.
    • Built-In Drain: Makes it easy to dispose of wet debris after vacuuming.
  • Best For: Those looking for a high-powered shop vac with both vacuuming and blowing capabilities for larger properties or heavy-duty cleaning.
  • Price: Around AUD $300 – $350

6. Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Stanley SL18116P is a smaller and more portable option for homeowners who don’t need a massive capacity but still want strong performance.

  • Key Features:
    • 4.0 Peak HP Motor: Delivers good suction power, suitable for smaller gutter cleaning jobs where heavy-duty power isn’t required.
    • 6-Gallon Tank: Compact enough to be highly portable, but still offers sufficient capacity for most household gutter cleaning tasks.
    • Blower Port: Includes a blower function, making it useful for blowing out light debris from gutters before vacuuming.
    • Lightweight Design: Easy to move around, especially useful for smaller homes or less frequent gutter cleaning needs.
  • Best For: Homeowners looking for a compact, lightweight shop vac that still provides enough power for most gutter cleaning tasks.
  • Price: Around AUD $100 – $150

Best Shop Vac Attachments for Gutter Cleaning:

To clean gutters with a shop vac, you’ll need specific attachments that allow you to reach gutters from the ground. Here are a few popular options:

1. Shop-Vac Gutter Cleaning Kit

This is a universal gutter cleaning kit that works with most wet/dry vacs, making it easier to clean gutters from the ground.

  • Key Features:
    • Telescopic Reach: Provides up to 3 meters (10 feet) of reach, allowing you to clean gutters without a ladder.
    • Curved Nozzle: The U-shaped nozzle helps direct airflow into the gutter, allowing you to vacuum or blow out debris.
    • Universal Fit: Compatible with most standard shop vacs.
  • Price: AUD $50 – $80

2. Vacmaster Gutter Cleaning Kit

Designed for use with Vacmaster shop vacs, this attachment kit helps clean gutters effectively from the ground.

  • Key Features:
    • Long Extension Tubes: Offers up to 3 meters (10 feet) of reach for cleaning high gutters.
    • Angled Nozzle: Directs the suction power or blowing action into the gutter for efficient cleaning.
    • Easy Assembly: Tool-free attachment makes it easy to set up and use.
  • Price: AUD $60 – $90

Conclusion:

For gutter cleaning using a shop vac, the Ridgid WD1450 and Shop-Vac 16-Gallon models stand out due to their high suction power, large capacity, and ability to handle both wet and dry debris. If you’re looking for versatility with vacuuming and blowing, the Vacmaster VBV1210 is an excellent option.

Pair these vacuums with a gutter cleaning attachment kit, and you’ll have a highly effective, ladder-free solution for keeping your gutters clear of debris.

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