Shark MessMaster Review

This is the only shop vac in our lineup with a hinged lid, a useful design for keeping the vacuum all in one piece. A twist lock keeps the filter secure and easy to remove. To clean the vacuum, simply suck up a cup of clean water to flush the system. If you prefer to skip cleaning the dust cup, it's compatible with any bag between two and thirteen gallons.

Suction Power

The Shark MessMaster has moderate power, but more than we would have expected from such a small vacuum. We measured its airflow at 24 cubic feet per minute, which ranks near the bottom of the lineup. However, its measured suction lifted 82 inches of water (inH2O), one of our top performers and beating out beefier traditional shop vacs.

In practice, the MessMaster had plenty of suction power for most household messes, but it quickly was out of its element with bigger messes. It easily picked up smaller items like wood chips, spilled potting soil, or dust, but struggled with moving heavier items like gravel or metal due to its low airflow. However, suction power far surpasses what we thought possible for such a small vacuum, just as long as you know its limitations.

Floor Cleaning

Our timed pickup tests showed the MessMaster performs about average compared to the group, which is not bad considering it's up against traditional style shop vacs that house a large capacity and horsepower to clean.

The 1.5-inch hose diameter is its biggest downfall, which impacts its pickup performance. It severely limited the size of debris able to pass into the vacuum. It clogs occasionally where the hose enters the canister, requiring the hose to be removed to restore full functionality.

The biggest key to increasing pickup performance was to pace the amount of debris introduced to the system. By moving slowly, we were able to have greater success picking up objects and better results with less clogging. While it may not be best suited for large, heavy messes, it was one of the best for reaching into hard-to-access nooks and crannies, and pulling debris out of places other vacuums couldn't reach.

Tool Use

The MessMaster is equipped with three small, yet useful attachments: a squeegee tool, a crevice tool, and a carpet tool.

It is the only compact option that comes with wand extenders and one of the few that has three. The extra extenders make it easier to access hard-to-reach spots like windowsills and behind large furniture.

A great feature of every tool is the rubber-coated tip that makes a great seal, increasing the effectiveness of each tool at lifting debris. The crevice tool has one of the finest points of any tested for reaching in between car seats or couch cushions.

While none of the tools were especially wide, the carpet tool was the one we reached for most, thanks to its versatility and large opening that easily handled bigger debris. There is a bare floor nozzle that can be purchased separately if you know you'll need a tool to tackle large open areas.

Portability

Its relatively low weight and small overall dimensions mean that it can be lifted and stored in places where other vacuums can't fit. We usually kept this on our closet shelf near the pantry so that it was within easy reach for kitchen spills. Carrying it up and down the stairs was no problem, and we even used it to reach into the far back corners of our crawl space. The wide handle has enough room to carry the vacuum with one or two hands, making transport easy.

The MessMaster has one of the longest power cords at 20 feet, which extends the places we could reach that most simply couldn't. The cord wraps neatly around the long handle, while still leaving space to grab it, making for a convenient storage setup. Say goodbye to an awkwardly dangling hose thanks to the hose connector unit. Simply slide the hose onto the hook, and the hose stays securely locked in place during transit or storage.

Should You Buy the Shark MessMaster?

If you value portability above all else in a shop vac, the Shark MessMaster is the vacuum for you. With a one-gallon canister, don't expect to be cleaning up heaps of debris with it, but it makes it perfect for in-home use or light DIY projects. Contractors, professionals, or those requiring a high-volume canister should look at other options, but if you want a small but powerful shop vac for cleaning up smaller messes, the MessMaster is sure to deliver.

What Other Shop Vacs Should You Consider?