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Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T Review | 43 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Suction pressure: 20 kPa
Capacity: 18 L
Power: 1,200 W
Noise level: 74 dB
Weight: 5.5 kg

Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T review. Compare 43 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Very good

7.5

Very good

8.3

Excellent

7.2
Car cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
8.4
Weight
25.0%
4.0
Cordless
25.0%
8.1
Suction pressure
20.0%
8.2
Noise level
8.3
Workshop & garage
Score components:
30.0%
8.5
Rated motor power
25.0%
6.3
Capacity
25.0%
10
Power tool socket
20.0%
8.1
Suction pressure
7.8
Professional use
Score components:
30.0%
8.5
Rated motor power
30.0%
8.1
Suction pressure
25.0%
6.3
Capacity
15.0%
8.4
Weight

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#25 in Best Wet-Dry Vacuums
#25 in Best Wet-Dry Vacuums for Workshops and Garages
#40 in Best Professional Wet-Dry Vacuums
#60 in Best Wet-Dry Vacuums for Cars

Verdict

The Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T is a compact wet and dry vacuum with a 1,200 W motor, up to 250 W suction, 200 mbar vacuum and an 18 L polypropylene container. Its 1,100 W automatic-start power-tool socket, blower function, 4 m hose and 5.5 kg weight make it useful for workshops and cars. There is no suction-power adjustment, noise reaches 87 dB and stability is reduced on uneven surfaces.

Technical Specifications of wet-dry vacuum Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category.

When it matters: When you prefer products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.

Performance

6.9

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Power

What it is: The rated electrical input of the vacuum motor.

When it matters: Higher power can help sustain demanding wet and dry cleaning, although suction design also matters.

Importance: HIGH

Variable power

What it is: Whether the vacuum lets you adjust motor or suction power.

When it matters: Power adjustment helps match suction to delicate surfaces, heavy debris, and power-tool use.

Importance: MEDIUM

Capacity

What it is: The amount of liquid or debris the collection tank can hold.

When it matters: A larger tank reduces emptying interruptions during big spills and workshop cleanup.

Importance: HIGH

Noise level

What it is: The sound level produced while the vacuum is running.

When it matters: Lower noise is useful for longer cleaning sessions and work in occupied spaces.

Importance: HIGH

Suction pressure

What it is: The maximum pressure difference the vacuum can generate for suction.

When it matters: Higher suction pressure helps lift dense debris and extract liquid from difficult areas.

Importance: HIGH

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Battery

6.5

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Cordless

What it is: Whether the vacuum can run without a mains power cable.

When it matters: Cordless operation improves mobility in cars, stairs, and areas without a nearby outlet.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery type

What it is: The battery chemistry used by a cordless vacuum.

When it matters: Battery chemistry affects weight, charging behavior, lifespan, and replacement options.

Importance: LOW

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Battery runtime

What it is: How long the cordless vacuum can operate on one charge.

When it matters: Longer runtime lets you finish larger jobs without stopping to recharge.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Charging time

What it is: The time required to recharge the battery.

When it matters: Faster charging reduces downtime between cleaning sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery voltage

What it is: The nominal voltage of the vacuum battery system.

When it matters: Voltage helps describe the battery platform and its available power class.

Importance: LOW

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Design & Mobility

8.0

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Power cable length

What it is: The length of the vacuum's mains power cable.

When it matters: A longer cable increases reach and reduces how often you change outlets.

Importance: MEDIUM

Operating radius

What it is: The total working reach provided by the cable, vacuum body, and hose.

When it matters: A larger radius lets you clean more space without moving the plug or machine.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bagless

What it is: Whether debris is collected directly in a reusable tank instead of a disposable bag.

When it matters: A bagless tank avoids replacement-bag costs and is convenient for wet pickup.

Importance: LOW

Tank material

What it is: The material used for the vacuum's collection tank.

When it matters: Tank material affects durability, corrosion resistance, weight, and ease of cleaning.

Importance: LOW

Power cable holder

What it is: Whether the vacuum has an integrated holder for the power cable.

When it matters: Onboard storage keeps the cable tidy and makes the vacuum easier to carry and store.

Importance: LOW

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Filter & Accessories

9.1

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N. of filters

What it is: The number of filtration elements supplied or used by the vacuum.

When it matters: Multiple filters can support different pickup modes or provide staged dust capture.

Importance: MEDIUM

HEPA filter

What it is: Whether the vacuum includes a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

When it matters: HEPA filtration helps capture fine dust and allergens from the exhaust air.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Washable filter

What it is: Whether the filter can be cleaned with water and reused.

When it matters: A washable filter can reduce replacement costs and simplify maintenance.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Automatic filter cleaning

What it is: Whether the vacuum cleans its filter automatically during operation.

When it matters: Automatic cleaning helps maintain suction during dusty work and reduces maintenance stops.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Flexible hose

What it is: Whether a flexible suction hose is included.

When it matters: A flexible hose improves reach and control around furniture, vehicles, and tools.

Importance: LOW

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Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T vs the average wet-dry vacuum

Why is Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T better than the average wet-dry vacuum?

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Power-tool socket
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has an integrated power-tool socket, while the average wet-dry vacuum does not.
What it is: Whether the vacuum has an electrical socket for a connected power tool.
When it matters: A tool socket can start dust extraction with the tool and simplifies workshop setup.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has an integrated power-tool socket, while the average wet-dry vacuum does not.
2.99 m more operating radius
2 m more operating radius: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 10 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.
What it is: The total working reach provided by the cable, vacuum body, and hose.
When it matters: A larger radius lets you clean more space without moving the plug or machine.
Importance: MEDIUM
2 m more operating radius: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 10 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.10 m vs 7.01 m
1 more filters
2 more filters: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 3, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.
What it is: The number of filtration elements supplied or used by the vacuum.
When it matters: Multiple filters can support different pickup modes or provide staged dust capture.
Importance: MEDIUM
2 more filters: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 3, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.3 vs 2
1.87 m more hose length
2 m more hose length: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 4 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.
What it is: The length of the vacuum's suction hose.
When it matters: A longer hose improves reach around vehicles, benches, and large workpieces.
Importance: MEDIUM
2 m more hose length: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 4 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.4 m vs 2.134 m
17.5 L/s more airflow
2 L/s more airflow: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 60 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.
What it is: The volume of air the vacuum moves through the hose each second.
When it matters: Higher airflow helps collect light, bulky debris and clear larger surfaces quickly.
Importance: HIGH
2 L/s more airflow: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 60 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.60 L/s vs 42.5 L/s
3 dB less operating noise
2 dB less operating noise: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.
What it is: The sound level produced while the vacuum is running.
When it matters: Lower noise is useful for longer cleaning sessions and work in occupied spaces.
Importance: HIGH
2 dB less operating noise: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.74 dB vs 77 dB
2 kPa more suction pressure
2 kPa more suction pressure: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 20 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.
What it is: The maximum pressure difference the vacuum can generate for suction.
When it matters: Higher suction pressure helps lift dense debris and extract liquid from difficult areas.
Importance: HIGH
2 kPa more suction pressure: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 20 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.20 kPa vs 18 kPa
10760.2 cm³ less external volume
2 cm³ less external volume: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 62964 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.
What it is: The approximate external volume of the vacuum body.
When it matters: A more compact machine takes up less storage and vehicle space.
Importance: LOW
2 cm³ less external volume: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 62964 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.62964 cm³ vs 73724.2 cm³
17.5 L/s more airflow
2 L/s more airflow: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 60 L/s, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 42.5 L/s.
3 dB less operating noise
2 dB less operating noise: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 74 dB, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 77 dB.
2 kPa more suction pressure
2 kPa more suction pressure: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 20 kPa, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 18 kPa.
3 L more tank capacity
2 L more tank capacity: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 18 L, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 15 L.
Power-tool socket
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has an integrated power-tool socket, while the average wet-dry vacuum does not.
2.99 m more operating radius
2 m more operating radius: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 10 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 7.01 m.
1.87 m more hose length
2 m more hose length: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 4 m, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.134 m.
10760.2 cm³ less external volume
2 cm³ less external volume: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 62964 cm³, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 73724.2 cm³.
1 mm more hose diameter
2 mm more hose diameter: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 36 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 35 mm.
55 mm less height
2 mm less height: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 530 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 585 mm.
20 mm less width
2 mm less width: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 330 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 350 mm.
0.17 kg less weight
2 kg less weight: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 5.5 kg, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 5.67 kg.
1 more filters
2 more filters: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 3, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 2.

Design & Mobility

Filter & Accessories

Why is Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T worse than the average wet-dry vacuum?

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No automatic full-tank shut-off
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
Requires collection bags
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
13 mm more depth
2 mm more depth: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 360 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.
No automatic full-tank shut-off
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
What it is: Whether the vacuum stops suction automatically when the liquid tank is full.
When it matters: Automatic shut-off helps prevent overflow and protects the motor during wet pickup.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T does not have automatic full-tank shut-off, while the average wet-dry vacuum has automatic full-tank shut-off.
Requires collection bags
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
What it is: Whether debris is collected directly in a reusable tank instead of a disposable bag.
When it matters: A bagless tank avoids replacement-bag costs and is convenient for wet pickup.
Importance: LOW
Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T uses a bagged collection system, while the average wet-dry vacuum uses a bagless collection system.
13 mm more depth
2 mm more depth: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 360 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the vacuum body.
When it matters: Less depth can make the vacuum easier to store on shelving or in a small workshop.
Importance: LOW
2 mm more depth: Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T has 360 mm, while the average wet-dry vacuum has 347 mm.360 mm vs 347 mm

Design & Mobility

Graphic comparison of Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T and other products in the Wet-Dry Vacuums category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T?

Powerful 1200W motor provides great suction performance for heavy debris.
Integrated power tool socket allows simultaneous operation with workshop equipment.
Versatile design supports both wet and dry cleanup as well as bagless use.
Built-in blower function effectively clears out leaves, dust, or awkward corners.
Washable PET filter handles mixed debris well and offers long-lasting use.
Affordable pricing provides excellent budget-friendly value compared to competitors.

What customers dislike about Nilfisk Buddy II 18 T?

The motor operates at a noticeably loud noise volume.
Included plastic extension tubes and floor nozzles feel fragile and break easily.
Power cable length is quite limiting and often requires an extension cord.
Lacks an automatic master/slave motor start-stop feature on the power tool socket.
Stability is limited, making the lightweight canister prone to tipping over.
No integrated onboard storage solution for the flexible vacuum hose.

Expert reviews

solent-renegades.co.uk

29/04/2021

Summary of the review

Best car workshop vacuum cleaners 2021

The Solent Renegades 2021 review selects the Nilfisk Multi II 30T as the top heavy-duty wet and dry vacuum, praised for its washable filters, filter-cleaning feature, power tool take-off socket, and long four-meter hose. While offering high-quality build and performance, the model is noted for its high cost, noisy operation, and lack of a tank drain plug, with the Draper 1250W and Titan TTB775VAC offered as cheaper alternatives.

autozeitung.de

15/05/2025

Summary of the review

Industrial Vacuum Cleaner Test: None Sucks Like Kärcher

The Auto Zeitung test identifies the Kärcher WD 6 P Premium as the winner among industrial vacuum cleaners designed for heavy-duty workshop debris. A key advantage is its efficient filter cleaning mechanism that uses reversed airflow, allowing it to handle wet and dry materials without a filter bag. The test notes that, generally, these powerful, heavy-duty units are often too bulky for standard household use.

tweakers.net

06/05/2020

Summary of the review

Nilfisk Buddy II 18T - frickY - Product reviews - Tweakers

In a Tweakers product review, the Nilfisk Buddy II 18T is rated as "Sufficient," with the user highlighting effective wet/dry cleaning performance and practical cotton bags for DIY tasks as pros. However, significant cons include exceptionally high noise levels and a poorly designed built-in power socket that cuts power to connected tools when the vacuum is turned off. Additionally, standard vacuum bags are not compatible with this specific model.

Video reviews

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