The Best Shopvac Bags in 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

The Best Shopvac Bags in 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Disposable vs Reusable Shopvac Bags

The first decision to make is whether you want disposable or reusable Shopvac bags. Here’s how they compare:

Disposable Shopvac Bags

  • More affordable upfront cost
  • Designed for single use
  • Made of paper, plastic or fabric
  • Toss out when full
  • Don’t require cleaning
  • Range in price from $5-$20 for a multi-pack

Reusable Shopvac Bags

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Made of durable materials like vinyl
  • Can be emptied and reused multiple times
  • Require rinsing/cleaning between uses
  • More environmentally friendly
  • Typically $15-$30 per bag

Shopvac Bag Types

Once you decide between disposable and reusable Shopvac bags, you’ll also need to consider the specific type of bag your Shopvac requires. Here are some of the most common options:

Type A Bags

Type A bags have a round bottom and are made to fit 2.5 to 6 gallon Shopvac models. They attach via a ring collar that slides over the filter cage. Look for type A bags for compact Shopvac models.

Type AA Bags

Type AA bags have a rectangular bottom and fit 6 to 16 gallon Shopvacs. They also attach with a ring collar and are a popular general purpose option.

Type 2 and Q Bags

These bags have a straight collar that pushes onto the filter cage. Type 2 bags are for 1.5 to 6 gallon Shopvacs while Type Q bags are made for 12 to 16 gallon models. They tend to be more heavy duty.

Type M and H Bags

Type M and H bags have a metal ring collar and gasket that create a tight seal on the filter cage. This helps reduce dust leakage. Type M is for 4 to 6 gallon Shopvacs while Type H fits 16 gallon models.

Important Shopvac Bag Features

Besides paying attention to the specific type of bag required by your Shopvac model, also look for bags with these useful features:

Leak Protection

Make sure the bag forms a tight seal against the filter cage so dust doesn’t leak out from the edges. Leak-proof bags maintain suction power longer.

Durability

Bags need to stand up to debris and liquids without tearing or deteriorating. Durable materials prevent leaks and blowouts.

Large Capacity

Look for bags that hold a lot of contents so you don’t have to stop and change them frequently. Larger bags allow you to complete bigger jobs.

Clear Viewing Stripe

Some bags have a clear strip of vinyl that lets you see when the bag is full so you know when to change it out.

Shopvac Bag Capacity Guide

Shopvac bags come in a range of capacities suitable for different Shopvac drum sizes:

  • 2 to 4 gallon Shopvac – 1 to 2 gallon capacity bags
  • 5 to 6 gallon Shopvac – 2 to 4 gallon capacity bags
  • 8 to 10 gallon Shopvac – 4 to 6 gallon capacity bags
  • 12 to 16 gallon Shopvac – 6 to 10 gallon capacity bags
  • 20 gallon and larger Shopvac – 10+ gallon capacity bags

Choosing too small of a bag for your Shopvac means having to stop and change it more often. Going too big can lead to poor suction. Match your bag capacity to your Shopvac size for optimal performance.

Shopvac Bag Brand Recommendations

Sticking with major brand name Shopvac bags is your best bet for quality and compatibility. Here are some top options:

Shopvac Brand Bags

Shopvac’s own bags are designed specifically for Shopvac models and come in disposable and reusable versions. They offer a reliable fit and decent durability.

Armor All Bags

Known for automotive accessories, Armor All also makes Shopvac bags in types A, AA, M and H. Their bags feature durable construction and large capacities.

Rubbermaid Bags

As another established brand, Rubbermaid provides a full selection of Shopvac bags in various types, materials and capacities. Their bags focus on leak protection.

Vacuflo Bags

Vacuflo specializes in wet/dry vacuum bags and filters. Their Shopvac bags emphasize heavy duty construction for demanding shop use.

Commercial Grade Bags

For extremely rugged use, look for thick commercial grade Shopvac bags built to handle concrete, drywall dust and other abrasive debris.

Finding the Best Shopvac Bag Prices

To get the lowest prices on Shopvac bags:

  • Buy in bulk – you’ll save per bag buying multi-packs.
  • Look for sales and promotions on bag sets.
  • Shop online retailers like Amazon that offer discounts.
  • Consider reusable bags to reduce long term costs.
  • Stick to off-brand bags for disposables.

With some smart shopping, you can stock up on all the replacement Shopvac bags you need while keeping the price down.

FAQs About Shopvac Bags

How often do you need to change Shopvac bags?

How often you replace Shopvac bags depends on how frequently you use your wet/dry vac and how much debris you’re picking up. For light home use, figure a new bag every 2-3 jobs. With heavy commercial use sucking up lots of liquid and particulates, you may need a new bag every job. Always check and change bags before they get overfilled.

Can you reuse Shopvac bags?

Standard disposable paper or plastic Shopvac bags are designed for single use only. However, you can purchase reusable cloth or vinyl Shopvac bags that are made to be emptied, rinsed and used multiple times. Just be sure to get reusable bags specifically designed for your Shopvac.

Do Shopvac bags work in other wet/dry vacs?

While Shopvac bags are intended for Shopvacs, they can often work in similar wet/dry vacuum models with the same size and type of filter cage. However, it’s best to check for a specific brand fit to ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks.

Shop Smarter for Shopvac Bags

Keeping your Shopvac running at its best takes having the right bags for the model you own. By understanding bag types, features, capacities and brands, you can select replacement Shopvac bags tailor made your machine. Focus on quality over