CRAFTSMAN’s shop vacs are known for reliable, no-fuss performance. The CMXEVBE17250 2.5-Gallon model is their answer for quick, contained cleanups. It’s a purpose-built tool for when a full-size vac is overkill.

At 2.5 gallons, this vac is genuinely portable. The carry handle and cord wrap make it easy to grab from a closet and move between a garage project, a car interior, and a workshop bench. The 5-foot hose and included attachments handle sawdust, spilled drywall compound, and wet messes without switching units. It uses a simple filter bag for dry debris, which keeps the internal filter cleaner and makes disposal straightforward.

This is a corded tool, so you’re tethered to an outlet. That’s the trade-off for consistent suction without battery anxiety. It’s compact by design, so plan for frequent emptying during bigger jobs. For its intended role—tackling small to medium messes before they spread—it’s a notably efficient and sturdy piece of kit.