CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 Review: A Compact Solution for Small Messes

If you've ever dealt with small spills or dust in tight spaces, you know the importance of a good wet dry vac. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250, with its 2.5-gallon capacity and 2.5 Peak HP motor, promises to be a portable solution for those minor messes.

This vacuum is marketed as a versatile tool for both home and garage use, and it definitely piqued my interest. I needed something that was easy to store and could handle both wet and dry clean-ups without a hassle. After using it for a couple of weeks around the house, I’ve got some thoughts to share.

Its compact size and portability are immediately noticeable. At just 6.7 pounds, it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space, which is great if you don’t have a lot of storage room. Plus, with a 5-foot hose and included attachments like the crevice tool and utility nozzle, you can tackle those hard-to-reach spots.

In theory, it sounds like a pretty solid choice for quick clean-ups. But does it really get the job done? Let’s dive into the details and see if it lives up to its reputation.

In terms of value, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 offers a good balance between cost and functionality. Priced competitively, it provides the necessary features for basic cleaning tasks without breaking the bank. For anyone who needs an additional tool for quick clean-ups, it’s a pretty solid choice.

The three-year limited warranty adds a layer of confidence, suggesting that the manufacturer stands by the product. However, it’s crucial to note that the vacuum is not compatible with certain accessories, like the CMXZVBE38662 Car Cleaning Kit, which may limit its versatility for some users.

Compared to other small wet dry vacs I've used, this one holds its own. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and comes with useful attachments. While not the most powerful option out there, it doesn’t claim to be. Instead, it focuses on portability and convenience, which it delivers on effectively.

If you’re looking for a compact vacuum for minor tasks and tight spaces, and you don’t want to spend too much, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is worth considering. However, if you need something with more power or capacity, you might want to explore other options.

The design of the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is all about practicality and portability. It's compact, measuring just over a foot in each dimension, and it has a handy carry handle that makes moving it around a breeze. This is especially useful if you're working in different areas of your home or garage. The red color gives it a classic CRAFTSMAN look, but what really matters is how user-friendly it is.

One of the key features is the cord wrap, which helps keep things tidy. I found this particularly useful because it prevents the cord from getting tangled or damaged. The attachments are also simple to use. The crevice tool and utility nozzle click on easily, making it quick to switch between tasks. However, the hose feels a bit short at 5 feet. It’s manageable for most jobs, but I found myself wishing for just a bit more reach at times.

While the design is practical for portability, it does have its limitations. The smaller size means you might have to empty it more frequently during larger cleaning tasks. It's not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're planning to use it for more than just small messes.

Overall, the design is solid for what it's meant to be: a portable, easy-to-store vacuum for minor clean-up tasks. It’s not going to replace your full-sized vacuum, but for quick jobs, it’s quite handy.

When it comes to performance, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 does a decent job, especially for its size. The 2.5 Peak HP motor provides enough power for small messes and light debris. It’s not going to handle heavy-duty jobs, but for tidying up around the house or in the car, it gets the job done. The suction is pretty solid, and the included crevice tool helps in reaching tight spots.

One feature I appreciated is the vacuum's ability to function as a blower. This comes in handy for tasks like clearing dust off surfaces or even blowing leaves from the porch. Switching between vacuum and blower modes is straightforward, which is a nice touch in terms of usability.

However, there are a few limitations to note. The vacuum's capacity is only 2.5 gallons, so it fills up quickly if you're dealing with larger messes. Also, the noise level is relatively high at 69 decibels, so it’s not the quietest tool. It’s not unbearable, but if noise is a concern, it might be worth considering.

In practice, the CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 performs well for small, everyday tasks. It won’t replace a larger vacuum for deep cleaning, but for quick and simple jobs, it’s effective.