I ordered a 12 gallon, 5HP Rigid shop vac from Home Depot, but they accidentally sent me the 16 gallon, 6.5HP model instead. The main difference I noticed is the 12 gallon doesn't have a detachable blower, while the 16 gallon does. They seem to share most of the same accessories otherwise. I'm planning to use this for basic home tasks, but I wonder if a 16 gallon is overkill compared to the 12 or even considering a 4 gallon model. Also, since I already have a Ryobi 40V leaf blower, I'm not sure if I actually need the blower option that comes with the bigger vac. Is there a significant size difference between the 12 and 16 gallon models apart from the added 4 gallons?
4 Answers
If you think you’ll actually use it, then go ahead and keep it. But if you prefer the 12-gallon, you could return the 16. Just say it was a gift and you don’t have the receipt; you can get store credit for the 12 and maybe grab something else you need too!
Yes, keep it! Bigger can be better sometimes, especially if you have the room for it.
Honestly, I have a 16 gallon vac that I mostly use in my shop, and the size can be a pain. When it's full, it gets heavy and tough to move around in more finished spaces, especially if you need to go upstairs. I generally use a smaller 3-gallon model for daily cleanup tasks since it's so easy to manage. You might find that the 4-gallon model would work better for your home use too, unless you really need that extra suction power.
Yeah, I feel you. I use mine mostly in the basement or for car cleaning too. I was leaning towards the 12-gallon for the larger hose diameter but realized I'd probably need to buy adapters for some accessories even then. It's a tough call on whether to swap it for the 12 or go even smaller to the 4 gallon.
Agreed! Sometimes bigger isn't better. I have a larger shop vac as well, but I always go for my smaller model because it's way easier to handle.
Definitely keep it! I once bought a floor model toolbox that had all sorts of stuff inside it because the staff didn’t double-check. If it was a chain like Home Depot, they can handle giving you an extra 4-gallon vac. You’ll probably find it useful in the long run.
Nice, I love when you can snag a deal like that! I once returned an item and they inadvertently refunded me for two—wasn't about to correct them, haha!