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Shop Guide · Vacuum Cleaners

Stick, wet & dry or robot vacuum? How to choose

Cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry floor cleaners that vacuum and mop in one go, or a robot that does it for you. What suits your home, plus our picks.

5 min read · Updated November 2026 · Live prices

Which type suits your home?

Start with how you’ll use it.

Stick vacuum

Carpet, rugs, quick clean-ups
  • Cordless and light
  • Turns into a handheld for cars and stairs
  • Works on carpet and hard floors
  • Doesn’t mop

Wet & dry cleaner

Tiles, timber, kitchens
  • Vacuums and mops at once
  • Great for spills and sticky marks
  • Self-cleaning in the dock
  • Hard floors only

Robot vacuum

Daily cleaning without lifting a finger
  • Cleans on a schedule
  • Many also mop and empty themselves
  • Still need a stick for stairs

Handheld

Car, couch, crumbs
  • Small and grab-and-go
  • Lowest price
  • Not for whole floors

What to look for

The things that make the biggest difference day to day.

Your floors

Mostly carpet? Choose a stick vacuum. Mostly tiles or timber? A wet and dry cleaner gets floors properly clean. Mixed homes often have one of each, or a robot.

Battery life

Look for 40+ minutes for a whole home, and check the runtime on normal power, not just eco mode. Swappable batteries help in bigger homes.

Suction

More suction helps with carpet and pet hair. Brands measure it differently, so compare within a brand or read the carpet claims.

Self-cleaning

On wet and dry cleaners, a dock that washes and dries the roller saves a messy job and stops smells.

Weight and handling

A lighter stick is easier on stairs and overhead. Wet and dry cleaners are heavier but most are self-propelled.

Pets and hair

Look for anti-tangle brush bars and a good filter, which matters for allergies.

Stick vs wet & dry vs robot

StickWet & dryRobot
CarpetBestNoGood
Tiles and timberGoodBest (also mops)Good (many mop)
Spills and sticky marksNoYesLight only
Stairs, car, couchYes (handheld mode)NoNo
Our range fromAbout $140About $340See Tech Match
Tips

Get more out of it

  1. Empty the bin oftenSuction drops as the bin fills. Empty it after each clean, or choose a model with an auto-empty dock.
  2. Wash the filterRinse washable filters about once a month and let them dry fully before refitting.
  3. Use the right solutionIn wet and dry cleaners, use the brand’s floor solution or plain water. Other cleaners can foam and void the warranty.
  4. Cut hair off the brushHair wrapped around the brush bar slows it down. Check it weekly if you have pets.

Questions we get asked

Can a wet and dry vacuum clean carpet?

No, they’re made for sealed hard floors like tiles, vinyl and sealed timber. For carpet, use a stick or robot vacuum.

Stick or robot vacuum?

A robot keeps floors tidy every day on its own. A stick is still handy for stairs, cars, couches and quick spills. Many homes have both.

Is a Dyson worth it?

Dyson sticks are powerful and great on carpet and pet hair. If you mainly need quick clean-ups, a lighter, cheaper stick can do the job.

Do your vacuums come with a warranty?

Yes. Every vacuum we sell comes with an Australian warranty, and you can return eligible items under our return policy.

Still not sure?

Ask our team on live chat or call us, we’re happy to help you choose.

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