Choosing a new vacuum can feel overwhelming. There are sticks, uprights, barrels, robots, even steam mops. Each claims to be the answer, but the right one depends on how you live, what you clean, and how much you want to spend.
There’s no single “best” vacuum cleaner. A small apartment might only need a slim cordless stick, while a family with kids and pets will likely need something more powerful – or even more than one machine.
This guide explains the types of vacuum cleaner, compares styles like stick vs upright vacuum, and answers common questions such as are bagless vacuums better and whether a cordless vacuum is worth it. You’ll also find tips on budget vs premium choices, and tips for choosing the best vacuum for your needs.
And when you’re ready, check out Bi-Rite’s full floorcare range.
The Main Types of Vacuum Cleaners
Stick Vacuums
Stick Vacuums are slim, cordless, and easy to grab for quick messes. They’re perfect for small homes, units, and hard floors.
- Upsides: super convenient for when you need to clean now.
- Downsides: smaller bins and shorter run times compared to bigger vacuums.
Pro tip: In apartments, a wall-mounted stick saves cupboard space
Upright Vacuums
Upright Vacuums combine strong suction with wide heads, making them efficient for carpets.
- Easier to use than a barrel vac, more suction than a cordless stick vac.
- They’re heavier and not as flexible around furniture.
Pro tip: Pet owners often notice the difference when swapping to an upright with a HEPA filter – less hair and dander floating back into the room.
Canister (Barrel) Vacuums
Barrel Vacuums separate the motor and bin into a wheeled unit you pull behind. This is what you think of when you think "vacuum cleaner".
- Amazing suction and power, perfect for carpets and big jobs.
- Bulkier to store than sticks or uprights.
Pro tip: If you’ve got stairs, the long hose makes cleaning easier than lugging an upright up and down.
Robot Vacuums
Robot Vacuums clean while you do something else. They’re great for maintenance on hard floors and light carpets.
- Lifts the overall level of cleanliness in the home.
- High-end ones map rooms, mop, and even empty themselves.
Pro tip: Think of them as a helper, not a replacement – they’ll keep dust down between deeper cleans. ADHDers in our community often rate this as the single best appliance purchase they've ever made because it reduces the overwhelm of cleaning.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld Vacuums are small, cordless, and ideal for cars, upholstery, or quick spills.
- Handy for kids’ snack messes or pet fur on the couch.
- Not meant for whole-home cleaning.
Pro tip: Keep one charging close to where you park your car (eg. in the garage) so you can easily panic clean your car before you give your friends and family a ride.
Steam Mops
Steam Mops lift dirt and sanitise tiles or sealed floors with steam instead of chemicals.
- Great for families who want chemical-free cleaning.
- Avoid using on unsealed wood.
Carpet Washers
Carpet Washers deep clean carpets and rugs.
- Refresh fibres and remove stains.
- Heavier, take longer than vacuuming, but leave carpets looking newer.
Pro tip: if you're tired of renting the Rug Doctor from Woolies, these are for you.
Read more about the best Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaners in Australia here.
Spot Cleaners
Spot Cleaners are portable machines for stains, spills, and pet accidents.
- Perfect if you’ve got toddlers or pets – quick to grab when something spills.
- Limited to small areas, not whole rooms.
Pro tip: Look for a reputable brand, Spot Cleaners work best when you use the cleaning formulas that they're designed for. A cheap Spot Cleaner might seem fun but if the brand folds and you can't buy their cleaning formulas anymore, your results won't be as good.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to use a Spot Cleaner on your carpets.
Wet & Dry Vacuums
Wet & Dry Vacuums handle liquid spills and heavy debris. These are fabulous for parents because you can clean up the cereal and the milk at the same time.
- Great for garages, workshops, or big messes.
- Bulkier than a standard vacuum.
Pro tip: Wet and Dry Vacuums are the best option for cleaning timber floors. Look for a model that leaves floors touch dry. The Bissell CrossWave range are specifically designed to be used on sealed floors, including sealed timber floors.
Looking for more? Read our picks for the best wet & vacuums in Australia.
Comparison of Vacuum Cleaner Types
| Vacuum Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stick Vacuums | Small homes, units, hard floors | Lightweight, cordless, easy to store | Smaller bins, shorter run time |
| Upright Vacuums | Large homes, carpets, pet hair | Strong suction, wide head, deep clean | Heavy, less flexible |
| Barrel Vacuums | Mixed flooring, stairs, furniture | Versatile, quieter, long hoses | Bulky to store, less convenient |
| Robot Vacuums | Busy households, light daily cleaning | Cleans by itself, smart features | Limited deep cleaning, higher price |
| Handheld Vacuums | Cars, furniture, quick messes | Compact, cordless, handy | Not for whole home |
| Steam Mops | Tiles, sealed floors | Sanitises without chemicals | Not for unsealed wood |
| Carpet Washers | Deep cleaning carpets | Lifts stains, refreshes fibres | Heavy, time-consuming |
| Spot Cleaners | Stains, pet accidents, upholstery | Portable, quick to use | Small coverage |
| Wet & Dry Vacuums | Garages, workshops, big messes | Handles liquid + debris | Bulkier than standard vacuums |
Choosing Between Different Vacuum Styles
Stick vs Upright Vacuum
- Stick vacuum: Lightweight, cordless, suits daily quick cleans.
- Upright vacuum: More suction, better for carpets and larger homes.
If you’ve got lots of rugs or pets, an upright will go deeper. For small units or everyday crumbs, a stick is more practical.
Bagged vs Bagless Vacuum
- Bagged: Hygienic, cleaner to empty – good for allergies.
- Bagless: Save money on bags, see when full – but can be dusty when emptying.
Cordless vs Corded Vacuum
- Cordless: Portable, stairs and cars made easy.
- Corded: Runs as long as you need, stronger suction.
Many households now use a cordless stick for everyday mess and keep a corded machine for deep cleans.
Vacuums for Different Household Needs
Pet Hair
Look for:
- Motorised brush heads
- Tangle-free rollers
- HEPA filters
Many Aussies rate these features as vital for the best vacuum for pet hair in Australia.
Carpets
Best choices:
- Uprights with rotating brushes
- Barrel vacuums with carpet attachments
These deliver the deep clean needed for the best vacuum for carpets.
Hard Floors
Stick vacuums with soft rollers or strong suction heads are ideal. Add a steam mop for sanitising tiles.
Small Apartments
Compact, wall-mounted stick vacuums shine here. Easy storage and quick use make them a top pick for units.
How Much Should You Spend?
Budget vs Premium
- Budget (<$200): Fine for light jobs, less power, shorter life.
- Premium ($1,000+): More suction, better filters, longer battery, smart features.
Conclusion
The best vacuum for your home depends on your floors, family, and lifestyle. From compact stick vacuums to powerful uprights, handy robots, and heavy-duty wet & dry machines, there’s an option for every need.
At Bi-Rite you’ll find the full vacuum cleaners and floorcare range. Find vacuums on sale online or visit your local store for advice and the right machine for your home.
FAQs About Vacuums
What is a stick vacuum?
A slim, lightweight vacuum – usually cordless – made for daily convenience.
Are bagless vacuums better?
They’re cheaper to run and easy to check, but bagged models are more hygienic.
Is a cordless vacuum worth it?
Yes, if you value convenience. For bigger houses, you may still want a corded option for deep cleans.
How long do vacuums last?
Most last 5–8 years. Premium models, if maintained well, can go longer.
What’s the best vacuum for allergies?
A bagged model with a HEPA filter is usually the safest choice for asthma and allergy households.
