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Vacmaster VBV1210 Review
Some companies make products that span several categories while others prefer to focus their expertise on one key area. When it comes to shop vacs, you want a company that specializes in that technology like Vacmaster.
The Vacmaster VBV1210 is a hybrid vacuum with wet/dry capabilities and a powerful motor. We’re going to take a quick look at this beastly machine and break things down so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Tech Specs
- 12-gallon polypropylene tank
- 2 1/2” hose
- 5 Peak HP motor
- 210 MPH blower speed
- 20 pounds
- 2-year warranty
Who is it for?
The Vacmaster VBV1210 is suitable for both homeowners and professionals that want a light-duty solution to take care of debris an ordinary vacuum can’t handle.
That means you can suck up liquids, pet hair and dirt indoors. Due to its modular nature, you can also transform this one into a full blower and make short work of a yard full of leaves.
Power
This shop vac has a motor rated at 5 Peak HP which better than average, but not quite as strong as models with 6.5 HP motors. It will get the job done, however, and the blower portion of this one is quite impressive.
When you detach the motor and attach the nozzle, you can get 210 MPH of air from this one which is powerful enough to clear walkways and handle loose leaves around your yard.
Capacity and Cord Length
The tub on the Vacmaster can hold 12 gallons of material or liquid, and you’ll be pleased to know it has a large drain port at the bottom as well. That’s a feature you will be thankful for if you frequently deal with water as this one empties quickly.
Unfortunately, the cord on this model is shorter than we’d like. It’s 12-feet, which is about the average but you could need an extension cord if you plan on using the vacuum in larger areas.
Ease of use
While the cord may be a little short, the Vacmaster VBV1210 is a lightweight machine that won’t break your back at only 20 pounds.
There are a series of wheels on the bottom that make it easy to roll, and they are of the caster variety, so you get 360-degrees of motion.
The hose on this model is 2 1/2” in diameter and measures 7-feet long. Again, that’s around the average and a nice length as you won’t have to fight the hose. Crimping won’t be an issue either with this thick vacuum hose.
Another feature that makes this one easy to use would be the big power switch up top and rugged handle. Everything is easy to access whether you are using it as a regular vacuum or in blower mode around the backyard.
Filters and Accessories
The Vacmaster VBV1210 uses a traditional cartridge-based filter system. That means you won’t get anything fancy or HEPA filtration, just a simple paper filter.
You can buy an upgraded HEPA filter for this model though or pick up a dust bag if you want to keep the canister clean. You’ll have options, so if you need a filter that picks up fine particulates, you can find one to fit this vacuum.
The price of those filters varies although we feel they are in line with other brands so you shouldn’t experience sticker shock if you decide to upgrade the filter.
As for the accessories, there are many.
This unit comes with a ton of goodies straight out of the box including the blower nozzles, and adapter for the blower want, and two extension wands. You will also get a car nozzle, crevice tool, 8” utility nozzle, and an air/noise diffuser.
The vacuum comes with one paper cartridge filter and a foam sleeve for water, so you may want to pick up an extra straight away.
Construction
Sturdy and reliable.
Those are the first two words to come to mind when we think about the Vacmaster VBV1210. The tank is made from polypropylene, a thermoplastic that’s know for an ideal strength to weight ratio. It’s smooth so that debris won’t become stuck, and it’s what you will want if you deal with water and other types of liquids.
The machine itself is solid throughout from the thick handle to the caster wheels at the bottom. While you don’t want to put it through intentional drop tests, trust us when we say it will hold up well and it’s a piece of equipment that will last for years to come.
Any downsides?
Accessory storage is a small thing, but important if you frequently change out tips on your shop vac. Unfortunately, this is one area that could use improvement on the Vacmaster VBV1210 and could have been handled better.
We also felt the suction wasn’t quite as strong as we’ve seen with similar models in the 5 HP range although it will get the job done and is not underpowered by any means. The short cord is also something you’ll want to keep in mind.
Conclusion
Unless you are a tool aficionado, the Vacmaster name may not ring too many bells. Specializing in a particular area keeps some companies out of the mainstream, but it’s a good thing in this case as the Vacmaster VBV1210 is a great all-around option for general to light-duty use.
It can clean up your car, the garage or tidy up a yard full of fallen leaves. You can inflate balls and pool toys as well, and it’s light enough for anyone to use. The ease of use is high on this model, and that’s a good thing if you’re new to the world of tools and shop equipment.
Consumers that need something rugged for the job site may want to look at a more powerful alternative, but this one strikes the right balance of between performance and price for home use. We also like the array of accessories you get with VBV1210 and the fact it transforms into a leaf blower in seconds.
You can also check our guide for Vacmaster VQ607SFD.