Did you know that Lowe’s has come out with a new Kobalt 24V Max cordless wet/dry shop vacuum? I certainly didn’t. It’s not actually new – apparently they launched this Kobalt cordless vacuum more than a year ago.
From the looks of it, Kobalt seems to have borrowed heavily from Milwaukee’s general M18 cordless vacuum design, model 0880. That’s a good thing, as the 0880 is a very good cordless vacuum. Lowe’s and Kobalt also matched Home Depot and Milwaukee Tool on the $100 bare tool price.
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The Kobalt 24V Max cordless vacuum, model KMDV 0124B-03 and item number 1051234, has a 3 gallon collection capacity, which seems impressively large for a cordless vac aimed at DIYers and other such users.
Additionally, the vacuum comes equipped with a washable HEPA filter that is said to trap 99.7% of fine dust as small as 0.3µm.
The Kobalt vacuum comes with a 7-foot 1-1/4″ hose, crevice tool, and floor cleaning tool, with all of the accessories storing neat and tidily within the vacuum’s inner lid compartment.
Lowe’s doesn’t specify the motor type, which suggests that the cordless vacuum features a brushed motor and not a brushless motor. I was under the impression that all Kobalt 24V Max cordless power tools were equipped with brushless motors – at least those with motors – but it looks like this one could be an exception.
They say that the motor produces up to 38″ of water lift suction power, and drives up to 50 CFM of air volume.
Who should care?
For Kobalt 24V Max cordless power tool users, here’s a cordless wet/dry HEPA-filter-equipped vacuum for your cleanup tasks.
For everyone else, this might keep direct competitors, such as Ryobi and Craftsman, on their game.
There’s nothing really innovative or especially unique about this Kobalt cordless vacuum, except perhaps the 3 gallon capacity, which some users might really like.
But, larger debris collection containers have a catch. Sure, they can hold a lot of stuff, but 1) it of course increases the size of the vacuum, and 2) it could potentially increase the weight as well when partially full.
I’d care more if…
Something like this would be a lot more convenient with an alternate power option, namely an AC power cord. Dewalt has done it. Why not Kobalt?
Concerns
What happens if you need a replacement filter? The included HEPA filter is washable, but that doesn’t mean it’ll last forever.
Milwaukee just came out with several new cordless vacuums, and most work around a common replaceable filter SKU.
Sure, you can replace the filter in Kobalt’s vacuum now, but what about next year? 5 years from now?
Additional Thoughts
While not overly compelling, Kobalt’s new cordless Kobalt’s 24V Max 3-gallon wet/dry cordless vacuum seems like a reasonable buy. The extra collection capacity seems like it would be beneficial for wet or water pickup.
Have you used this? If so, what have your experiences been like? Are any of you Kobalt 24V Max cordless power tools – would you buy this?
Price: $100 for the bare tool
Buy Now via Lowe’s
Compare: Milwaukee via Home Depot
Compare: Dewalt Dual-Power via Amazon
Aaron says
I’ve been sorry of casually watching this for a discount but honestly it might take a deep discount and some boredom for me to pull the trigger. I like the m18 vac and have even done “lead safe” work with it.
Some have seen a kobalt 40v shop vac and I’m kind of interested in that. Assuming it has some power it would be enough different enough from what I have to justify.
The kobalt strategy of different manufacturers for each line has resulted in less overlap and less synergy– i’d like to see some beefier power tools using their 40v or 80v platforms
OldDominionDIYer says
Just another wet/dry cordless Vac, not impressed but hey if you’re on that battery platform then it’s a great addition.
Big Richard says
Have the DeWalt DCV581, really like it for small jobs. When I needed/wanted a bit of extra capacity I got this:
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/wet-dry-vacuums-accessories/masterforce-trade-flexpower-reg-4-gallon-20-volt-cordless-wet-dry-shop-vacuum-tool-only/dvtb2040201/p-1507789689129.htm
Masterforce is not top of the line, but it has been my go-to for odds and ends where I don’t need pro brand quality (or price). I also have three Menards within 15 miles of my house, where the nearest Lowes is about 50 miles.
Jared says
Maybe this isn’t class-leading, but good to see Kobalt has more tools in the lineup. It seems competitive at least.
I have the smallest Dewalt cordless vac – man is it ever handy! I don’t think I would want a larger one (more suction would be nice at times though) – but I also have a full size corded shop vac so maybe others would prefer something different.
Matt says
Good for Kobalt for expanding their lineup. I get so sick of low- and mid-tier brands offering a drill/driver/impact and not much else it seems. As for the utility of a small cordless wet/dry vac, count me as a HUGE fan. My 1st gen M18 vac (which shares this design) gets used all the time. For someone in the Kobalt ecosystem this could be a great addition.
fred says
Based on the UPC (886098002191) it looks to have Cervon (not TTI) as its OEM
Stuart says
Chervon is the OEM for Kobalt 24V Max cordless power tools.
But if you look at the Milwaukee 0880, it seems that this is the model the Kobalt vac design was inspired by.
AngryDrumGuy says
This likely isn’t an issue for some folks, but it bothers me every time I use the otherwise outstanding M18 0880 and see they carried to the Kobalt version; the power switch is on the opposite side of the handle as the suction port. If you’re moving with the vacuum and not just plopping it down for a quick job, you either have to leave it running, or hold it with the hose unnecessarily stretched around the body of the vacuum.
The only way I can imagine they did this was if the hose is relocated to the blower port, the power switch is right under your thumb, as using the blower almost requires you to move around.
Maybe there’s a more obvious reason I’m missing?
Tom D says
If it only has one power level they could have wired a two way switch setup so you could turn it on or off from either end.
al says
I have this vacuum. It stows in the back of my sedan and I pull it out every weekend to clean up the front driver and passenger mats. It’s run time isn’t much, but I am fine for what it does.
The custom filter seems concerning. I remember Kobalt’s manual suggesting there are replacements for resale–I’d imagine there’s something I could find on eBay.
All in all, it’s affordable. I’m on the Kobalt platform, and it does what it needs to do. This vacuum does remind of Milwaukees M18 version but with the hose entirely contained. I think Kobalt’s design is better.
In my line of work, vacuums are used to suck in lines for us to pull wire. The normal way we do it is with a shop vac, a generator, and an appropriate pigtail to power it. It’s a hassle, especially when we’re working on ladders. And for underground conduits, suction is definitely the way to go. I’ve done over 1000 ft runs in large parking lots. So there’s uses for a compact, cordless vacuum.