Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Stanley SL18116P wins for most workshop use — 6-gallon capacity and 4 HP suction at $54.99 beat the Kenmore for value.
The Verdict
Winner
Stanley SL18116P
Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum vs Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA, side by side
Pros:
- 6-gallon capacity handles large spills
- 4 HP motor provides strong suction
- Converts to power blower
- Includes crevice tool, floor nozzle, and hose
Cons (honest weight):
- Noisy at 80 dB
- Corded design limits portability
- Foam filter, not HEPA
Pros:
- HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles
- Bagged design for easy, dust-free disposal
- Lightweight at 19 lbs
- Long 26-foot hose for reach
Cons (honest weight):
- Expensive at $229.99
- Only 210W suction (less than Stanley's 4 HP)
- Not designed for wet pickup
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Stanley SL18116P takes 4; Kenmore BC3005 takes 3.
| Dimension | Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum | Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceStanley is $175 cheaper. | $54.99 | $229.99 | Stanley SL18116P |
| CapacityStanley holds more wet/dry debris. | 6 gallons | 20 lbs (bagged canister) | Stanley SL18116P |
| Suction (HP)Stanley has much stronger suction. | 4 HP (1,200W) | 210W | Stanley SL18116P |
| NoiseKenmore is slightly quieter. | 80 dB | 78 dB | Kenmore BC3005 |
| FiltrationKenmore captures fine particles. | Foam filter | HEPA filter (99.97%) | Kenmore BC3005 |
| PortabilityKenmore's 26-ft hose reaches farther. | 13.4 lbs, corded | 19 lbs, corded, longer hose | Kenmore BC3005 |
| Best ForDifferent use cases. | Workshops & garages | Pet hair & allergies | Tie |
| RatingStanley has higher user ratings. | 4.6 stars | 4.1 stars | Stanley SL18116P |
| Overall | 4 wins | 3 wins | Stanley SL18116P |
Price — Stanley dominates
Stanley costs $54.99, while Kenmore runs $229.99. That's $175 more for the Kenmore. If budget is your top concern, the decision is clear: Stanley offers more power and capacity for a fraction of the cost.
Capacity — Stanley holds more
Stanley's 6-gallon tank handles large spills and wet debris. Kenmore uses a bagged canister system rated for 20 lbs of dry debris. For liquid pickup, Stanley is the only choice — Kenmore is not designed for wet vacuuming.
Suction (HP) — Stanley is far stronger
Stanley's 4 HP motor delivers 1,200 watts of suction. Kenmore's 210W motor is much weaker. For heavy debris, sawdust, or wet sludge, Stanley clears quickly. Kenmore is better for light dust on hard floors. For example, picking up wet leaves or sawdust from a workbench, the Stanley finishes the job in a fraction of the time.
Noise — Kenmore is slightly quieter
Stanley runs at 80 dB; Kenmore at 78 dB. Both are loud enough to require ear protection for extended use. The 2 dB difference is minor — neither is quiet.
Filtration — Kenmore wins for air quality
Kenmore's HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Stanley uses a basic foam filter that catches larger debris but recirculates fine dust. If allergies or pet dander are a concern, Kenmore is the clear winner.
Portability — Kenmore reaches farther
Kenmore comes with a 26-foot hose, versus Stanley's 6-foot hose and 10-foot power cord. Stanley is lighter at 13.4 lbs, but its short hose limits reach without moving the unit. Kenmore's longer hose lets you clean an entire room without relocating the canister. However, the Stanley's lighter weight and compact design make it easier to carry up stairs or into tight spaces.
Best For — Tie based on use case
Stanley is built for workshops, garages, and heavy-duty cleanup. Kenmore is designed for household vacuuming, especially pet hair and fine dust. Neither is better — they serve different spaces.
Rating — Stanley leads in user satisfaction
Stanley holds a 4.6-star average from 14,056 reviews. Kenmore has 4.1 stars from 12,396 reviews. Common praise for Stanley: value, power, and durability. Kenmore's reviews often mention good filtration but weak suction.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop cleanup | Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum | Stanley's 6-gal tank and strong suction handle sawdust and debris. |
| Car cleaning | Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum | Stanley's wet/dry capability handles spills and mud better. |
| Pet hair removal | Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA | Kenmore's HEPA filter traps allergens and dander effectively. |
| Allergy relief | Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA | Kenmore's sealed HEPA system keeps fine dust inside the bag. |
| Small spills | Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum | Stanley's corded power never runs out of battery for quick cleanups. |
| Large debris | Stanley SL18116P 6-Gallon 4 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum | Stanley's 4 HP motor can handle wood chips and gravel with ease. |
| Whole-house vacuuming | Kenmore BC3005 Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with HEPA | Kenmore's 26-ft hose and lightweight design cover more area. |
Stanley's 6-gal tank and strong suction handle sawdust and debris.
Stanley's wet/dry capability handles spills and mud better.
Kenmore's HEPA filter traps allergens and dander effectively.
Kenmore's sealed HEPA system keeps fine dust inside the bag.
Stanley's corded power never runs out of battery for quick cleanups.
Stanley's 4 HP motor can handle wood chips and gravel with ease.
Kenmore's 26-ft hose and lightweight design cover more area.
What if neither is right?
CRAFTSMAN 2.5-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac
$44.99
Compact budget option for small messes at just $45.
Vacmaster 6-Gallon Wet/Dry Vac with Detachable Blower
$89.99
Mid-range choice with detachable blower and 75 dB noise level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stanley vs Kenmore shop vacuum — which is better?
Stanley wins for power and value at $55. Kenmore wins for filtration at $230. Choose Stanley for workshops and wet spills; choose Kenmore for pet hair and allergies.
Is the Kenmore worth the extra $175?
Only if you need HEPA filtration. The Kenmore's HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles, making it far superior for allergy sufferers and pet owners. Without that need, Stanley's suction and capacity are better.
Can the Stanley handle wet spills?
Yes, the Stanley is a wet/dry vacuum. Its 6-gallon tank and foam filter handle liquid pickup. The Kenmore is dry-only — do not use it on wet messes.
Which is quieter?
Both are loud: Stanley at 80 dB, Kenmore at 78 dB. The difference is negligible. Use ear protection for prolonged use.
Do I need a HEPA filter for shop vacuum use?
For garage or workshop dust, a standard foam filter is enough. HEPA is necessary if you have respiratory issues or vacuum fine particles like drywall dust.
How we compared. We analyzed 26,452 verified Amazon reviews and cross-referenced manufacturer specs for both products. Prices and availability are current as of May 2026.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect verified buyer data and published specifications.