In this comparison article, we’re looking at two very special vacuums: The Armor All AA255, and the DEWALT DCV581H. Both of these vacuums are what’s known as “wet-dry vacuums.” So, before we can get into the unique features and aspects of the two vacuums, we must define what a wet-dry vacuum actually is.
Wet-Dry Vacuum
Most vacuums aren’t meant to vacuum up wet stuff. By “wet stuff”, we’re referring to things like snow, ice, spilled liquids, water, and even things like vomit. Most vacuums really aren’t meant to vacuum up those kinds of things.
In fact, most vacuums actually can’t vacuum up that kind of wet material. Due to the components, which are very sensitive and susceptible to damage, vacuuming up that kind of material can easily lead to a variety of issues with the vacuum. One of which is simply damaging the main motor or the filters, causing the need to replace the vacuum.
But, most vacuums can vacuum up dry material. Material such as dirt, dust, and various types of debris. That’s what the majority of vacuums are designed for.
Wet-dry vacuums aren’t the “majority of vacuums”, though.
Not only can they vacuum up wet material, but they can also vacuum up much heavier dry material. Things like rusty nails, small chunks of wood, and other items that you might find in, say, a construction site.
Regarding wet material, many people use them to help take care of small floods or leaks, as well as an amateur snow blower, should the need arise. For dry material, they can vacuum up anything that a regular vacuum can suck up, as well as the heavier material mentioned earlier.
Armor All AA255
For a wet-dry vacuum, the Armor All AA255 is quite light. It weighs only 7 pounds, and the tank itself can only hold 2,5 gallons of debris.
However, that isn’t a flaw. Not at all. Instead, this is meant to be a more lightweight wet-dry vacuum. Easier to move around and to use for smaller jobs. It isn’t meant for bigger jobs.
Due to the smaller size, the motor is 2 HP. Now, for bigger jobs, this isn’t exactly the most powerful or efficient motor. But for smaller jobs, it’s absolutely perfect. You can use this motor, the 6-foot hose, and the 2,5-gallon tank to clean lots of smaller pieces of debris, along with wet material, as well.
One great feature that the tank has is that, when it is full, it can detect this. Then, it can turn off the hose, preventing the tank from overflowing and damaging the vacuum.
In terms of accessories, the vacuum comes with a reusable cloth filter and a reusable foam sleeve, a two-in-one utility nozzle, a crevice tool, a deluxe car nozzle, a blower nozzle, and a detail brush.
DEWALT DCV581H
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the DEWALT DCV581H is quite special. While this is a corded wet-dry vacuum, you can use it cordless, if you want. This is such a unique, and so very useful, feature.
Now, the cordless feature uses a battery. This battery must either be 18 volts or 20 volts.
To use the vacuum for, well, vacuuming, you’ll be using a hose that is 5 feet long. This hose is pretty convenient, because it has been designed with a few key factors in mind. The first is that it is crush-resistant, meaning that it is difficult to damage it. The hose is also quite flexible, making this a great choice if you want something that has the flexibility to go into smaller nooks and crannies.
When you’re vacuuming everything up, you’ll be using that main hose, and then everything will flow through the hose into a filter. The filter is a HEPA filter, and it is very effective when it comes to trapping small and large particles. Based on official measurements, it captures up to 99.97% of particles. You can wash this filter in the sink, too, so you don’t have to replace it very often at all.
Finally, everything goes into the tank. This tank is 2 gallons, and due to the small size and design of this vacuum, the DEWALT DCV581H is definitely designed for smaller jobs.
Which One Should I Buy?
Ultimately, both of these wet-dry vacuums are designed for smaller jobs, and for giving you the mobility to move them around.
If you want something that has a better filtration system, then the DEWALT DCV581H is ideal. But, if you want something that is more powerful, and equally mobile, then the Armor All AA255 is the ideal choice.