Ridgid 14-Gallon Review
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Ridgid 14-Gallon | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Attachments |  Best Overall |  Best Budget Vacuum | Best for Under $100 | |
| Price | $119 List | $140 List Check Price at Amazon/a> | $76 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $90 List Check Price at Amazon | $54 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This shop vacuum is ready to tackle big messes, dry or wet, thanks to its great tools and high suction | This is a great option for anyone who is doing heavy work that needs to clean up big messes in a hurry with a powerful and well-designed vacuum | At an approachable price, this vacuum has excellent power and versatility at a price point most can afford | At a budget price point, this vacuum is great for novice DIYers | If you're cleaning up small messes and want one of the cheapest vacuums on the market, then this is the perfect choice |
| Rating Categories | Ridgid 14-Gallon | Craftsman 16-Gallon | Stanley 6-Gallon | Dirt Devil 5-Gallon | Amazon Basics 4-Gallon |
| Airflow & Suction Power (35%) | |||||
| Floor Cleaning (30%) | |||||
| Tool Use (25%) | |||||
| Portability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Ridgid 14-Gallon | Craftsman 16-Gallon | Stanley 6-Gallon | Dirt Devil 5-Gallon | Amazon Basics 4-Gallon |
| Calculated Airflow | 208 cubic ft/min | 274 cubic ft/min | 102 cubic ft/min | 44 cubic ft/min | 25 cubic ft/min |
| Measured Suction | 60 inH2O | 50 inH2O | 50 inH2O | 71 inH2O | 74 inH2O |
| Measured Sound | 95 dB | 96 dB | 90 dB | 94 dB | 102 dB |
| Canister Capacity | 14 gal | 16 gal | 6 gal | 5 gal | 4 gal |
| Hose Length | 84 in | 84 in | 72 in | 84 in | 72 in |
| Hose Diameter | 2.5 in | 2.5 in | 1.25 in | 1.5 in | 1.25 in |
| Measured Weight | 20.81 lbs | 23.75 lbs | 11.2 lbs | 9.31 lbs | 9.63 lbs |
| Dimensions | 22.2"x26"x19.5" | 21"x21"x26.7" | 13.8"x13.8"x 20.47" | 12.95"x12.95"x17.52" | 15.8"x15.8"x18.2" |
| Dry Mess Clean-up | 38 sec | 35 sec | 135 sec | 165 sec | 210 sec |
| Wet Mess Clean-up | 9 sec | 6 sec | 14 sec | 15 sec | 19 sec |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
First and foremost, the Ridgid 14-Gallon is one of the most effective shop vacuums at cleaning large and small debris. It only got hung up on a large peice of bark, but otherwise had no trouble.
Its suction is strong at 60 inH2O, and its airflow is among the best at 208 cubic ft/min. This, paired with its wide 2.5-inch hose, means it can tackle big and small projects with ease. It cleaned up two gallons of dry construction debris in just 38 seconds. Then, it tackled two gallons of dirty water mixed with woodchips and sawdust in only 9 seconds.
Part of what makes this vacuum so great is its attachments, which lock into place while you are using them. We particularly liked the squeegee attachment. This aided us in cleaning up sludgy messes without leaving any fluid behind. The squeegee tool can be popped off of the wide pickup tool, doubling its functionality for dry messes too. We loved the car nozzle. While helpful at cleaning in between car seats, it was also worked great on sawdust caught in tight ridges at our work station. All attachments and the hose store nicely on the vacuum.
Dislikes
Being a 14-gallon vacuum, the Ridgid is not easy to pick up, especially when full of debris. This vacuum works best in work areas or garages with mostly concrete or tile, as the wheels aren't suitable for uneven terrain such as gravel.
You'll also want to ensure you have plenty of storage, given its bulky size. Its dimensions are 22.2"x26"x19.5", which is one of the largest that we have tested.
While we liked the cord storage on top of the machine, we wish it had a little more room to fully collect the cord.
Should You Buy the Ridgid 14-Gallon?
The Ridgid 14-Gallon is great for most DIY projects. It has enough suction and airflow to tackle small and large debris. Plus, it is extremely effective at cleaning up wet messes. This shop vacuum has plenty of storage for its many attachments, including the tester-favorite squeegee. It'll be suitable for most projects, unless you need something highly portable or small for storage.
What Other Shop Vacuums Should You Consider?
The Craftsman 16-Gallon rivals the Ridgid 14-Gallon in many ways. It has slightly better airflow and two more gallons. But, it is large like the Ridgid. The Shark MessMaster is a great pick for someone needing portability. It is on the smaller side with just a one-gallon canister. It is better for smaller cleanups, but it will fit in most coat closets.
—Becca Glades and Miles Knotek
