Ryobi is coming out with 3 new 18V cordless wet/dry vacuums this year.
There will be a new compact 1-gallon vacuum, an updated 3-gallon vacuum, and an updated 6-gallon vacuum.
What I find most surprising is that two of the new vacuums are compatible with Ryobi’s LINK storage system. The two smaller vacuums are both compatible with Ryobi’s wall-mounted storage rails, and the 3-gallon vacuum is also compatible with their tool box system.
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Ryobi 18V 1-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (PCL733)
To start off, the PCL733 is Ryobi’s most compact and portable cordless wet/dry vacuum.
It features a 1-gallon capacity, built-in blower port, and can be stored on a Ryobi LINK modular storage system wall rail.
1-Gallon Vacuum Features & Specs
- 45 CFM and 40 inches of water vacuum performance
- 5′ x 1-1/4″ hose
- Integrated accessory and hose storage
- Includes a crevice tool and cartridge filter
An optional 6′ x 1-1/4″ hose is available (A32VH03), as well as a 2pc wet/dry accessory kit (A323G01).
Filter options: standard (A32VC05), HEPA (A32RF08), foam (A32WF03).
The kit comes with a 4Ah battery, charger.
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Price: $79 for tool-only (PCL733B), $129 for the kit (PCL733K)
ETA: March 2023
Ryobi 18V LINK 3-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (PCL734)
The new 3-gallon Ryobi 18V cordless wet/dry vacuum, model PCL734, is described as delivering up to 25% more suction than the previous model.
It features two power settings – high for for maximum power, and low for longer runtime. There’s also a built-in blower port.
The vacuum is compatible with Ryobi’s LINK wall-mounted storage system rails, and can also latch on top of Ryobi LINK tool boxes.
3-Gallon Vacuum Features & Specs
- 50 CFM and 46 inches of water vacuum performance
- 2 suction power settings
- 6′ x 1-1/4″ hose
- Integrated accessory and hose storage
- Includes a crevice tool, utility nozzle, cartridge filter
Filter options (same as for the 1-gallon vacuum): standard (A32VC05), HEPA (A32RF08), foam (A32WF03).
The kit comes with a 4Ah battery and charger.
Price: $129 for tool-only (PCL734B), $179 for the kit (PCL734K)
ETA: Summer 2023
Ryobi 18V 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum (PCL735)
Ryobi will be updating their 6-gallon wet/dry vacuum, with the new PCL735 delivering up to 30% more suction power than the previous model.
It features two speed settings, a built-in blower port, and 8″ all-terrain wheels.
The dual speed setting is a feature not found on the preceding model (P770). At launch, this model will only cost $10 more than the P770.
6-Gallon Vacuum Features & Specs
- 80 CFM and 36 inches of water vacuum performance
- 2 suction power settings
- 8″ all-terrain wheels
- 7′ x 1-7/8″ hose
- Integrated accessory and hose storage
- Includes a crevice tool, floor nozzle, extension wands, cartridge filter
Replacement filters: standard (A32RF06), HEPA (A32RF07), foam (A32WF02).
The kit comes with a 4Ah battery and charger.
Price: $149 for tool-only (PCL735B), $199 for the kit (PCL735K)
ETA: Summer 2023
Size Comparison
Here’s a “family photo” of all three vacuums to show their comparative sizes.
To reiterate, the 1-gallon and 3-gallon vacuums are both compatible with Ryobi LINK storage rails. The 3-gallon has cleats on the bottom for connecting on top of LINK tool boxes.
I have had good experiences with some of Ryobi’s 18V cordless vacuums, and less than ideal experiences with others. One thing that can be said is that Ryobi has different models for practically every type of application or user.
Jared
Ryobi releases so many tools. That’s my favorite thing about the brand.
Cool to see them integrate with Link too – I suppose that’s another sign it’s around to stay.
Jordan Czajka
That 3 gal looks great for light work and basic dust collection off a tool, like in the photo of the guy using with the saw. Grab and go little shop vac for quick work.
I had to take out a oscillating multi-tool to cut out a outlet in plywood yesterday and had to lug my 14 gallon shop vac up stairs, only to find none of the adapter for the large hose. My old 10 gal vac with the smaller hose and correct adapters was missing a filter and bag. So I used the dust bust let to do a poor job of vacuuming up the dust on the ground, but the room was filled with dust from the cutting. The Ryobi would have been perfect, but now I’m dealing with 3-4 shop vacs!
Matt+the+Hoople
Been wanting the current ryobi 3 gal for a while now but for the price felt it needed a few improvements. This one seems to be a bit better so will definitely consider for the same reasons as you. Easy to take with a tool for a quick job. Also would be great for use in cars or in the boat where dragging extension cords and dealing with longer hoses is a hinderance.
TonyT
I’ve been happy with my 3 gal Ryobi wet/dry; the upgrade looks a bit nicer.
Even though I think Link integration was a smart move, if I got the new model, I still wouldn’t buy into the Link system.
Stuart
Agreed.
With ToughSystem, Packout, Versastack, or Link system compatibility, integrated mounting or latching capabilities are nice, but don’t have to be used.
Jerry
I agree. I have the old one and like the better accessory storage. On the old one like mine they stuck out and snagged on stuff, often getting pulled off. The new model seems to have them tucked in much better. The 2 power levels are a good idea as well. I like that they bring out new models with improvements, but it does costume more in upgrades sometimes lol.
Jerry
Ps I like the upgraded latches too
Tim
Also the new model has a real blower port. The old model you had to slot in the floor tool over the exhaust so the hose went straight up.
Crajg
I bought into the link system whenever they have deals. They ran 4 tracks for $34.99 and $39.99 a couple times. That’s $10 or less a piece. And once you look into the other wall storage systems, you realize the price isn’t crazy. I first started out with the system specifically for my outdoor power tools but since have added some in my work shop. I already had a French cleat system so no need for a whole wall full but for what I’ve used it for, I have been very satisfied.
Scott K
I never would have thought this would be something I wanted, but dragging around a larger corded shopvac gets old – especially for smaller jobs like a few quick saw cuts. This also looks handy for cleaning out a car. I’d like to see these in person because my impression is that 1 gallon would fill up pretty quickly.
Tim+E.
It definitely depends on what you’re vacuuming. I grew up carrying a loud 1 gallon corded craftsman shop vac around everywhere during projects, it had a stiff hose, no good way to retain the hose or attachments, and used filter sleeves rather than a pleated washable unit. But it went everywhere and got used all the time. Amazing how far we’ve come since those days, though I still see plenty of smaller 1-3 gallon corded vacs around everywhere. All that to say, it really depends what you’re picking up. Fine dirt from cleaning up the car, even a handful of leaves? No problem, you can probably do that several times before you have to empty it out. Using it to suck up sawdust or (light) construction debris? Not so much, often I couldn’t even finish cleaning up nails and drywall bits when we tore out drywall without having to empty it, mainly from the larger chunks. With a smaller pleated filter, hopefully clogging right at the hose entry will be reduced from the vacs of yore, but you are correct in 1 gallon just not being that much for some things.
I think it speaks to the intent and target usage of the different vacuums. The 1 gallon wouldn’t become your go-to workhorse shop vac, it’s meant more for quick and small cleanups where the form factor is convenient. Things like cleaning out cars, taking in to use on a quick cut on something, etc. The 3 gallon gets more towards using for slightly larger area cleanup or longer sessions of sucking up sawdust from cuts. The 6 gallon is trying to replace your smaller “full size” shop vacs, it’s sacrificing some portability for the larger hose diameter, more power, and larger capacity. That isn’t to say that the 6 gal isn’t useful for quick cleanups or vacuuming the cars, nor that the 1 gal can’t handle cleaning up a reasonable debris load with more frequent emptying, but I think the days of having one or two vacuums is growing outdated.
While having too many tools is a separate problem, I see these as occupying different niches, so it makes more sense to get the unit (or units) applicable to you, and why Ryobi is successful making so many different vacuums. Stick vac with a powered roller for carpets and indoors. Hand vac for quick cleanups of dry (or even wet now with their wet/dry one) stuff inside, usually the stick vac can double that duty, but sometimes it’s nice to have one for the kids to chase you around with while you do actual vacuuming. 1 gal shop vac for stuff you don’t want to put in your good indoor hand vac / stick vac, but is otherwise a smaller and quick cleanup. Seems good to leave in the car along with an inflator, or easier to carry around while moving around the car. 6 gal for getting into corded territory of larger cleanup of debris or dust collection on a table saw or similar, for example. Then into still larger ones like the 40V cordless or a 12+ gallon corded unit for when you just really have to do some vacuuming or cleanup.
Scott K
I appreciate the perspective. I’d like to see these in person. I’ve really only utilized the capacity of my 6 gallon shopvac the handful of times we’ve gotten water in our basement. I already have several batteries, so with a sale price this is really attractive.
Jared
My Dewalt DCV517B is only a 1/2 gallon vacuum. I use it for all sorts of small jobs, including car cleaning. One gallon ought to be more than enough to be useful, provided you’re not extracting dust or some other use where it’s going to run for long periods.
Jason
I really don’t want to bring on another battery platform (M18 and Greenworks 80v) but man, if I did it would be Ryobi 18 they launch some cool stuff at good pricing.
Joellikestools
Honestly it’s worth it just for the glue guns.
Dust
Preach
JumboThoughts
Testify
AlexK
I need to see the 1 gallon in person. If there was a way to attach backpack straps and if it would be comfortable, it would be great to have the hose moving with you, not getting in the way, using a track saw, jigsaw, router or circular saw for long cuts.
I can see the 1 gallon going for $59 on sale. I would stick with my corded Ridgid or other big vac if I’m indoors and cleaning up, but I like that Ryobi offers variety for different needs.
Hoping to see a hands on review of the M18 Track Saw soon and also Powertec or other affordable and compatible tracks.
John Barton
Get the glue gun and add your own backpack straps to it
G New
The current 3 gallon is one of my favorite tools. Its my house ShopVac, very easy to move around and use for small jobs.
Once DTO gets the 1 gallon in stock, I will be all over it. I want the smaller footprint
Roger
A missed opportunity to integrate the wheeled vac into the Link system as a mobile box. Also, it’s strange they don’t offer vacs with brushless motors (With exception to one announcement not seen). That’s where the runtime is needed the most.
KokoTheTalkingApe
Nice to see that the 1 gallon has comparable specs to the 3 gallon. I feel like the smaller capacity vacuums often get anemic motors, though I could be wrong.
Cory
Interesting… I have a corded 1-gallon vac (different brand). I used it till the switch went bad, bypassed the switch, continued to use it till it died, and then bought a replacement. But it’s hearing reduction headset required LOUD. Do you know how noisy they are?
I’m intrigued with the wall link system. Only because storing it on the wall between projects around the house is how I want them stored. It’d be nice if they had a wall cleat included in the box. Do you know if they require one or two of those wall cleats? The picture showing the one-gallon on the wall makes it look like two is needed or it’s placement on the system.
I like the one-gallon size. Besides small project clean up, I use it for plumbing issues (toilet repair – vacuum the water out). I had a frozen drain on a second floor shower (really cold and really windy). Several vacuum drains and the water in the shower pan was gone and able to use hot water to thaw the ice. The smaller size is nice when you are doing something by yourself and have to manage a tool and a vacuum hose while not pulling the vacuum off however it is propped up at the work site.
Anything on weight?
Stuart
7 lbs for the 1-gallon vac. The other weights haven’t been given yet.
I would bet the 3-gallon is supported on one rail, or two cleats. If you look at the bottom of it, there are recesses for two cleats. Each rail has 6 cleats. I don’t see the rear of the vacuum in any images, but I would think two cleat recesses on the bottom would mean two on the back as well.
afidel
They need to make at least the bigger ones hybrid! If i could use the 3 gallon corded when I need sustained power and portable to do jobs like cleaning the car I’d buy it on release at full retail, and I almost never buy tools at retail because I’m too cheap.
Adam
I thought the same when I saw the big Milwaukees too. Like… It’s *huge already* and hundreds of dollars. Make it a stinking hybrid.
MFC
The larger vac looks good but the (now discontinued?) 9 gal. Ridgid cordless vac has been the best thing since sliced butter. I bought it for $50 since it was being clearanced and got two Ridgid – DeWalt adapters for $40 and can vacuum all day with a LOT of suction. If it has two batteries with 18650 cells connected it is equal to the power of one with 21700 cells. I think I got 40 minutes of runtime with two 9ah batteries on it. The only issue with it is that the wet/dry filters suck (in a bad way) when it comes to picking up water. If you’re going to suck up enough to soak the filters you have to get the foam filter because the HEPA filters get “clogged” by the water. Still, the Ryobi 6 gal. looks to have better tool storage.
Scott K
I just went to HD’s website to check out the 1 and 3 gallon vacs and it seems as though the price has already dropped. The 3 gallon is $119 bare and $129 for the kit with 4.0 Battery and charger.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-3-Gal-Project-Wet-Dry-Vacuum-with-Accessory-Storage-4-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-P3240KN/318111414
G New
That is the older 3 gallon model you linked. Its been out for a few years, and a great vacuum as I own one.
Stuart
As G New mentioned, that’s the old model. The new 3-gallon and 6-gallon wet/dry vacuums are updates.
In addition to the LINK compatibility, the new 3-gallon model has dual speed settings.
SteveP
It would be interesting to hear what Stuart’s bad experiences were. I’m a fan of Ryobi’s various handvacs. I don’t have the need for a larger battery operated wet/dry vac, but I have the cheap Ryobi handvacs all over the house and shop. They are just light-years better than the disposable B&D-style hand vacs, with their short-lived non-replaceable batteries