Shop vac guide
Vacmaster VJE1412SW 0203 Professional Beast Series 14-Gallon Stainless Wet/Dry Vac
Household cleanups that call for a stainless 14-gallon tank, large rear wheels, a 2-1/2 inch hose and dust bags in the box
A 14-gallon, 6.5 peak HP stainless steel Beast Series wet/dry vac with 123 CFM, 82 inches of water lift and 380 air watts, large rear wheels, a flat power head, drain port, blower conversion and an 18-piece kit including five dust bags.
Listing checked . Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Published specifications
- 14-gallon stainless steel tank (actual volume); 6.5 peak HP
- 11 A per Cleva (listing says 12 A); 120 V, 60 Hz
- 123 CFM; 82 in water lift; 380 air watts at end of hose
- 7 ft x 2-1/2 in hose; 20 ft cord; 27 ft reach
- Cartridge filter, foam wet filter, five high efficiency dust bags
- 5-year limited household warranty; 90 days for commercial use
Fit and limits
Strengths
- Kit includes five high efficiency dust bags, a foam wet filter and a noise diffuser
- Cleva publishes CFM, water lift and air watts measured at the end of the included hose
- Five-year limited warranty for household use
Caveats
- Cleva gives 11 amps while the listing says 12 amps
- Listing weight of 28.4 pounds differs from Cleva's 23.5 pound tool weight
- Assembly of casters, rear wheels and axle is required out of the box
A 14-gallon stainless Beast vac on large rear wheels
The VJE1412SW 0203 is Vacmaster's Professional Beast Series 14-gallon wet/dry vac with a stainless steel tank and a motor Cleva rates at 6.5 peak horsepower. Cleva lists large non-marring rear wheels, a locking caster, a padded push handle, oversized latches, an extra-large drain port and conversion to a blower.
It also has a flat power head, plus on-board storage for hose, cord and accessories and an integrated accessory bag. The manual marks the vac for household use only.
The manual says a Phillips head screwdriver is needed for assembly, which includes fitting the two front casters, the rear wheel axle with its wheels, washers, lock pins and hub caps, and the hose storage racks.
An 18-piece kit that includes five dust bags
Cleva's what's-included list is a 7 foot by 2-1/2 inch premium hose, two extension wands, a utility nozzle, a crevice tool, a floor brush and squeegee nozzle, a round dust brush, a wide floor brush, an air and noise diffuser, an accessory storage bag, a high efficiency cartridge filter, five high efficiency dust bags and a foam wet filter.
The manual's carton list covers the same kit, including a professional floor brush, five dust collection bags and a tool storage bag. It states that the hose and accessories for this vacuum are 2-1/2 inches, or 64 mm, in diameter, matching Cleva's specification.
Cleva and the listing both describe the cartridge filter as capturing fine dust particles down to 1 micron. The manual cautions about fine dust and says to use the fine dust filter, which it notes is included.
Motor and performance figures
Cleva's specifications give a motor rating of 11 amps at 120 volts and 60 hertz, 123 CFM, 82 inches of water lift and 380 air watts, tested to an ASTM standard at the end of the included hose. The listing repeats 123 CFM, 82 inches and 380 air watts but gives the amperage as 12 amps.
Neither source explains the one amp difference. The listing also gives 1,440 watts and three power levels. Neither Cleva's page nor the manual pages we read give a wattage or multiple power settings, and Cleva lists a large dust-sealed on/off switch.
Cleva gives a 20 foot power cord, a 7 foot hose and 27 feet of combined reach, and the listing agrees. Cleva's tool weight is 23.5 pounds, while the listing gives an item weight of 28.4 pounds.
Wet and dry filters, bags and the float
The manual says not to use the cartridge filter or the dust collection bag for liquid vacuuming. For liquids it has you remove the cartridge and fit the foam wet filter over the filter cage, and afterwards the foam filter must come out and the cartridge go back in before any dry vacuuming.
It warns that dry vacuuming without the cartridge filter will burn out the motor and void the warranty, and recommends keeping spare filters on hand. A wet cartridge clogs quickly on dust, and a filter with holes or tears should be replaced. Fitting a dust bag is described as optional, for improved dust filtering during dry work.
A float valve stops suction when the collection tank reaches maximum capacity, and the manual says you will notice the motor speed increase. The tank empties through the drain cap, and the manual's emptying steps should be followed as written.
Blower use and electrical notes
The vac converts to a blower through the port on the back of the power head. The manual sets out the conversion steps and the eye protection, bystander and dust mask warnings for blower use; follow it as written.
The vac is double insulated, according to the manual, which also says not to expose it to rain and to store it indoors. The manual marks it For Household Use Only, as noted above.
The manual's warnings say not to pick up hot ashes, coals, toxic, flammable or other hazardous materials, and not to use the vac around explosive liquids or vapors. Read those sections in the manual before first use.
Five-year limited warranty
Cleva's product support section lists a 5 year limited warranty, and the manual gives five years against defects in workmanship and materials from the date of purchase under normal household use. For commercial, industrial or rental use it says a 90 day limited warranty applies.
Excluded are parts made inoperative by misuse, negligence, abuse, accidents, improper maintenance, repairs or alterations; consumables such as filters and accessories; normal wear of hoses, nozzles and casters; deterioration of the exterior finish; units with a tampered serial label; and products bought from an unauthorized retailer.
The manual asks you to keep the receipt as proof of purchase and gives Customer Service at 1-866-384-8432. It names Cleva North America Inc. of Greenville, South Carolina as the distributor and points to Vacmaster.com for replacement filters and accessories.
Check the current listing
Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Primary sources
- Cleva Vacmaster Professional Beast Series 14-gallon wet/dry vacuum VJE1412SW 0203 product page
- Vacmaster VJE1412SW 0203 operator's manual (linked from the Cleva product page)
Primary sources checked .
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