12. Wessex 18L Wet & Dry Vacuum – Best budget buy (UK only)
For those in search of an affordable wet and dry vacuum for cleaning up spills, dust, and debris in areas like garages or outdoor spaces, the Wessex 18L Wet & Dry Vacuum is a great option. This model is not designed for cleaning floors with water or cleaning solutions, but rather for quick and efficient vacuuming.
Available in three different sizes – 18, 20, and 30 litres – we tested the 18-litre model on various types of messes including sawdust, dust, dirt, mud, and even a water leak. With a suction power of 18,000Pa, this vacuum proved to be powerful and effective. It comes equipped with a main brush head, crevice tool, and hose adapter that can be connected to power tools. Additionally, it features a 1.5m hose and a 5m power cable for added convenience.
Whether you need to clean up wet or dry spills, this vacuum can handle it all. However, it’s worth noting that you may need to make adjustments by adding or removing the bag, filter, and locking nut depending on the task at hand, making it slightly less user-friendly compared to higher-end models. It also has a blower function, but using it as a blower also requires some adjustments.
Given its budget-friendly price, there are some compromises in terms of build quality. The vacuum is predominantly made of plastic, lacks angle adjustment on the floor brush, and comes with paper bags that are not the most durable. Fortunately, you can easily replace them with universal bags or purchase specific ones designed for this vacuum.
While this may not be a long-term investment, the Wessex 18L Wet & Dry Vacuum is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable cleaning solution.