Modern Castle is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

How We Test & Score Wet Dry Vacuums

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

We test and score wet dry vacuums using a battery of 5 data-driven tests. Our tests are a mix of objective testing and subjective assessment. This testing process applies to only wet dry vacuums.

Our 5 testing and scoring categories include:

Wet Dry Vacuum Overall Scores
Wet Dry Vacuum Overall Scores

In addition, we also test the following non-scoring categories.

  1. Noise
  2. Size & Dimensions

Cleaning Performance Test

Scoring Weight – 60%

Our cleaning performance score is based on a series of 5 objective cleaning tests. The 5 tests are weighted based on their relative importance.

The 5 tests include:

Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaning Test Scores
Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaning Test Scores

Dry Cleaning Test

Scoring Weight – 34%

Cleaning Test Debris Removal

Our dry cleaning test is an objective cleaning test. To complete this test, we use 4 different debris types (cereal, rice, kitty litter, and sugar) on hardwood flooring.

Dry Debris Cleaning Performance Test
Cleaning performance test – dry debris

We place 0.5 oz. of each debris on our testing lanes in straight lines. We complete a single forward and backward pass with the wet dry vacuum on the highest power and/or ideal cleaning mode (IE, bare floor mode for hardwoods).

We measure the amount of debris left on the testing lane to determine the cleaning performance for each type of debris.

Osotek Horizon H200 before hardwood cleaning test
Osotek Horizon H200 before hardwood cleaning test
Osotek Horizon H200 after hardwood cleaning test
Osotek Horizon H200 after hardwood cleaning test

The debris test score is determined by how much debris by weight the wet dry vacuum was able to remove.

Wet Cleaning Test

Score Weight – 43%

Our wet cleaning test is a subjective cleaning test. We fully clean out ~1,000 sq. ft. office and studio space. After cleaning we empty the dirty water tank and subjectively observe how much dirt and debris was removed. Additionally, we check the condition of the brush rolls if applicable.

This test examines how well the wet dry vacuum is able to remove dirt and debris on a broader scale.

Stain Test

Score Weight – 15%

Our stain test is a subjective cleaning test. We artificially create a stain on tile flooring by leaving a small amount of grape juice on it until dried. We run the wet dry vacuum over the stain on the highest moisture and suction mode available. While cleaning, we observe the overall effectiveness of the vacuum.

This test examines how effective the wet dry vacuum is at removing stains.

Edge Test

Score Weight – 5%

Cleaning Test Edge Debris Removal
Cleaning Test Edge Distance From Wall

Our edge test is an objective cleaning test. We place 1.0 oz of sugar, kitty litter, and rice directly along the edge of the wall, extending out 4.0″ from the wall. We run the wet dry vacuum towards the wall on the highest power mode, cleaning as close to the wall as possible with a single forward and backward pass.

Edge Test
Edge Test

We measure the distance from the wall the wet dry vacuum was able to clean and measure, by weight, how much of the debris remained after cleaning.

This test examines how well the wet dry vacuum can remove debris when in close proximity to the wall / edge / room perimeter.

Crevice Test

Score Weight – 5%

Shallow Crevice Debris Removal

Our crevice test is an objective cleaning test. We use a specially built cleaning lane that has 3 crevices of varying depths. We fill the crevices with 0.075 oz. (shallow) / 0.10 oz. (medium) / 0.150 oz. (deep) of sugar and run the wet dry vacuum over each crevice on the highest suction power with a single forward and backward pass.

Mid Crevice Debris Removal

We measure the amount of debris remaining in each crevice by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine performance.

Deep Crevice Debris Removal

This test examines how well the wet dry vacuum can remove debris from crevices / gaps / cracks.

Build Quality Test

Score Weight – 10%

Our build quality test is a subjective test. We examine and assess the major material and design components of the wet dry vacuum, rating the build quality of each element.

Bissell Crosswave
Bissell Crosswave

Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use. Our assessment follows our standard 7-level tier system (exceptional, excellent, very good, good, fair, poor, and very poor).

Run Time Test

Scores Weight – 10%

Wet Dry Vacuum Run Time

Our run time test is an objective test. We fully charge the battery of the wet dry vacuum and clean it with the wet dry vacuum until the battery dies. We time the run time with a stopwatch and perform the test for each mode available.

Osotek Horizon H200 display
Osotek Horizon H200 display

This test examines how long a wet dry vacuum can run. Wet dry vacuums with longer run times score better.

Usability Test

Score Weight – 10%

Our usability score is based on 4 factors. The 4 tests are weighted based on their relative importance.

The 4 testing and scoring factors include:

Wet Dry Vacuum Usability Test Scores
Wet Dry Vacuum Usability Test Scores

In addition, we also record the specific parts and accessories included within the box. This is a non-scoring factor.

Setup

Score Weight – 20%

Our setup test is a subjective assessment. We set up the device, recording the length of time required to set up the device as well as the difficulty of the setup process.

Shark Hydrovac Clean Water Tank
Shark Hydrovac Clean Water Tank

Accessories

Score Weight – 20%

Our accessories test is a subjective assessment. We analyze and use each of the included accessories, taking notes on how the accessories impact the wet dry vacuum’s cleaning performance and usability.

Osotek Horizon H200 unboxed
Osotek Horizon H200 unboxed

Maneuverability

Score Weight – 50%

Our maneuverability test is a subjective assessment consisting of 3 factors.

The 3 factors include:

  • Lay Flat Ability
  • Turning Ability
  • Weight

Lay Flat – 40%

Our lay flat test is a subjective assessment. We measure the angle at which the wet dry vacuum can lay down and still clean.

Osotek Horizon H200 lay down height
Osotek Horizon H200 lay down height

These measurements fall into 3 tiers:

  • Completely Flat (0-10 degrees)
  • Mostly Flat (10-30 degrees)
  • Not Flat (30+ degrees)

Turning Ability – 40%

Our turning ability test is a subjective assessment. We measure the turning ability of the wet dry vacuum’s cleaning head while in operation.

Weight – 20%

Maneuverability Weight

Our weight test is an objective test. We measure the weight of the wet dry vacuum and determine the score formulaically. Lighter-weight wet dry vacuums score better than heavier-weight vacuums.

Controls & Display

Score Weight – 10%

Our controls & display test is a subjective assessment. We examine and use the controls and display of the wet dry vacuum taking notes on how they are to use and how they impact the cleaning experience.

Shark Hydrovac Handle
Shark Hydrovac Handle

In Box

Score Weight – 0%

Our in-box test is a report of what items can be found in the box when unpacking the wet dry vacuum. Due to the this test being an itemized report, this is not a scoring factor.

Maintenance Test

Score Weight – 10%

Our maintenance test is based on 2 factors, with 1 being an objective test and the other a subjective assessment.

The objective factor is:

  • Recurring Costs

The subjective factor is:

  • Maintaining Tasks

Recurring Costs

Score Weight – 50%

Our recurring costs test is an objective test. We calculate the estimated annual costs of maintaining the wet dry vacuum and its various parts.

Maintaining Tasks

Score Weight – 50%

Our maintaining tasks test is a subjective test. We examine the tasks required to maintain a wet dry vacuum, taking note of their relative difficulty and time requirements.

Bissell Crosswave water tank removal
Bissell Crosswave water tank removal

Noise Test

Score Weight – 0%

Our noise test is an objective test. We use a sound meter to measure the level of noise generated by the wet dry vacuum. We keep the meter about 3 feet away from the vacuum and run the vacuum on each power mode. We also measure the ambient noise levels of the room to use as a comparison.

Osotek Horizon H200 noise test
Osotek Horizon H200 noise test

This test examines the noise levels created by the wet dry vacuums. Wet dry vacuums are loud devices and while noise can be important to some, it ultimately doesn’t impact the vacuum’s ability to clean. In our view, noise levels aren’t a contributing factor to a wet dry vacuum’s overall quality and cleaning performance.

As a result, this is not a scoring factor.

Size & Dimension Tests

Score Weight – 0%

Our size and dimension test is a report of the size, weight, and water tank capacities of the wet dry vacuum.

This is not a scoring factor.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.