Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
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Quick take: The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum costs $40 less.
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum | Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$189 | ~$149 |
| Type | Wet-Dry Shop Vac | Wet-Dry Shop Vac |
| Suction | 50 CFM | 45 CFM |
| Battery | 30 min | — |
| Navigation | — | — |
| Filtration | Certified HEPA filter, washable and replaceable | — |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Bagged | No | No |
| Noise | 87 dB | 87 dB |
| Dustbin | 2.5 gal | 1.6 gal |
| Water tank | — | — |
| Self-empty dock | No | No |
| Auto mop washing | No | No |
| Hot water washing | No | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| Carpet detection | No | No |
| Auto mop lifting | No | No |
| Multi-floor mapping | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Dimensions | — | 13.7 x 11.9 x 8.7 in |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs | 9.7 lbs |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Milwaukee M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
- ✓Clicks directly into PACKOUT cases and carts — no separate carrying solution needed
- ✓87 dB is noticeably quieter than a typical corded shop vac
- ✓Under 12 lbs and genuinely portable
- ✓HEPA filter is both washable and replaceable
- ✓Tradespeople call it the best suck-per-dollar among battery-powered shop vacs
- ✓On-board storage keeps the hose and nozzle attached
- ✗Bare tool only — no battery or charger included, and M18 batteries are a real added cost
- ✗Battery drain is heavy; some reviewers note much shorter runtime than advertised on smaller batteries
- ✗Included hose is frequently called too short
- ✗Only a 1-year warranty versus 3-5 years on corded competitors in this category
- ✗No wheels or casters — this mounts or carries, it doesn't roll
- ✗Several reviewers note it can't fully replace a corded shop vac for heavy wet cleanup
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1.6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
- ✓Handles liquid spills as well as dust and debris, which the 0850-20 it replaces could not
- ✓45 CFM and 42 in of water lift from a compact 12V platform
- ✓9.7 lbs and 13.7 in long, small enough to stow under a truck seat
- ✓5-year limited warranty, matching the M18 PACKOUT vac and beating DeWalt's 3 years
- ✓Runs on the same M12 packs as Milwaukee's drills and drivers
- ✗$149 buys the tool only; battery and charger are extra
- ✗87 dB(A) is a sound-power rating, and it is not a quiet machine
- ✗1.6-gallon tank fills fast on a flooded floor
- ✗Runtime and filter grade are not published, so a job cannot be planned around one battery and fine drywall dust is a gamble