Best Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaners in Australia

Wet and dry vacuums handle spills, pet mess and everyday dirt in one go. Discover Bi-Rite’s top picks for Aussie homes and see which model suits your space.

Standard vacuums are fine for dust and crumbs, but they can’t handle a spilled drink, muddy paw prints, or a workshop mess. That’s where a wet and dry vacuum comes in. These machines can suck up both liquids and dry debris, making them a handy tool for Aussie households.

At Bi-Rite, we stock a wide range of wet and dry vacuums to suit everything from quick daily cleans to heavy-duty mess. Below, we’ve compared the best options available in Australia right now.

What to Look For

When comparing wet and dry vacuums, check:

  • Tank size: Bigger tanks suit larger spaces. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle.
  • Corded vs cordless: Cordless gives freedom, but runtime is limited. Corded models run as long as you need.
  • Surfaces: Some models are for hard floors only. Others can refresh rugs too.
  • Weight and handling: Lighter models are easier to use every day.
  • Self-cleaning: A self-clean cycle saves you from messy maintenance.
  • Noise: You won't use it very often if it's a sensory nightmare for you.
  • Brand: Well-known names like BISSELL, Electrolux and Dreame are designed for Aussie homes and have spare parts and support. Cheaper no-name models may only last a season and often don’t clean as well.
  • Warranty: Check the warranty length. Most trusted brands offer at least 2 years, which gives peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
Wet and dry vacuum cleaners from Dreame, Bissell and Electrolux cleaning hard floors in Australian homes

Best Wet and Dry Vacuums in Australia

Here’s a side-by-side look at the top models you’ll find at Bi-Rite:


Model Surfaces Runtime
or cord
Tanks
(clean/dirty)
Weight Best for
Dreame H15 Pro Heat Dreame H15 Pro Heat Hard floors Up to 72 min Quiet,
20 min Hot Water
800 ml / 650 ml standing,
400 ml lie-flat
5.8 kg Deep cleans in kitchens, long runtime, premium features
BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge 3999F BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge 3999F Hard floors, rugs (light refresh) Up to 30 min 620 ml / 450 ml (Power Mop),
800 ml debris (Power Vac)
4.8 kg One machine for quick vac or vac-and-wash
BISSELL CrossWave HF3 3598F BISSELL CrossWave HF3 3598F Hard floors Up to 25 min 520 ml / 420 ml 3.99 kg Quick daily cleans in small homes
BISSELL CrossWave HF2 3848F BISSELL CrossWave HF2 3848F Hard floors 7.6 m cord 720 ml / 540 ml 3.99 kg Great value for bigger spaces if a cord is fine
Bissell CrossWave Pet Multi-Surface Cleaner - 3517F image_2 BISSELL Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam 3517F Hard floors, rugs (light refresh) 7.6 m cord 828 ml / 428 ml 5.6 kg Tough, sticky messes. Pet households that want rug refresh
Electrolux UltimateHome 700 EFW71711 Electrolux UltimateHome 700 EFW71711 Hard floors Up to 35 mins depending on power setting 600ml / 550ml 6.4kg Hygienic self-clean with antibacterial water tanks
Electrolux Floorcare UltimateHome 700 Wet & Dry Vacuum - EFW71311 image_1 Electrolux UltimateHome 700 EFW71311 Hard floors Up to 35 mins depending on power setting 600ml / 550ml 6.4 kg Everyday cleaning with hygiene focus

Our top picks by use case

For the best features overall

Dreame H15 Pro Heat
Long runtime, hot water cleaning, and thorough self-clean.
Longest warranty (3 years).

For all-in-one versatility

BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge
Switch between dry vacuuming and wet cleaning.

For budget-friendly corded cleaning BISSELL CrossWave HF2
Bigger tanks and unlimited runtime.
For pet homes BISSELL Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
Built-in Pet Hair Strainer and tangle free brush.
For light and quiet cordless use BISSELL CrossWave HF3
The lightest and easiest for everyday runs.
For hygiene focus Electrolux UltimateHome 700 series
Antibacterial tanks and quick self-clean cycles.
Bissell and Electrolux wet and dry vacuums cleaning up milk, pasta and mud on hard floors

Quietest and Loudest Wet and Dry Vacuums

If noise is a deciding factor, the quietest wet and dry vacuums in our range are the Dreame H15 Pro Heat (~63 dB) and the BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge (63–68 dB), both similar to everyday conversation. At the other end, the Electrolux UltimateHome 700 EFW71711 runs at 79–81 dB, closer to busy traffic, making it the loudest option on this list.

Price and Value

Wet and dry vacuums range from entry-level models under $400 through to premium machines over $1000.

  • Entry level: Corded options like the BISSELL CrossWave HF2 sit in the most affordable bracket. They’re great value if you don’t mind plugging in.
  • Mid range: Cordless models such as the BISSELL CrossWave HF3 and OmniForce Edge usually land between $400–$700, balancing convenience with tank size.
  • Premium range: Advanced models like the Dreame H15 Pro Heat and BISSELL CrossWave HydroSteam push closer to the $900–$1200 mark. These bring longer runtimes, hot water or steam cleaning, and thorough self-cleaning features.

Final Tips

Think about where you’ll use it most. Kitchens and busy family areas need quick cordless convenience. Garages and large open floors benefit from bigger tanks and corded models. Pet owners will appreciate features designed for hair and odour control.

Bissell and Electrolux wet dry vacuums removing cereal and liquid spills from timber and tile floors

FAQs about Wet and Dry Vacuums

Can a wet and dry vacuum clean carpets?

Some models can refresh low-pile rugs and carpets, but most are designed mainly for hard floors. For deeper carpet cleaning, look at a carpet washer.

Are wet and dry vacuums safe for wooden floors?

Yes, as long as the floor is sealed. Always check the product instructions and avoid using on unsealed or waxed timber.

Do wet and dry vacuums pick up pet hair?

Yes. Models like the BISSELL CrossWave Pet include a Pet Hair Strainer and tangle-free brush that make them better suited for pet homes.

How often should I clean the tanks and brush?

Empty and rinse the dirty tank after every use. Most models have a self-clean cycle for the brush, which helps keep maintenance simple.

What’s the difference between corded and cordless wet and dry vacuums?

Cordless models give freedom and are easy for quick cleans, but runtime is limited. Corded models can run as long as you need and often have bigger tanks.

Do wet and dry vacuums replace a mop?

In many cases, yes. They vacuum and wash in one step, leaving floors cleaner and drier than a traditional mop.

Which wet and dry vacuum is the quietest?

The Dreame H15 Pro Heat (~63 dB) and the BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge (63–68 dB) are the quietest wet and dry vacuums in this range. Their sound levels are similar to normal conversation, making them good choices for family homes or open-plan living areas.