As someone short on time for housework but who can’t stand mess, I used to dread cleaning up after my toddler’s mealtimes until I discovered the magic of wet and dry vacuums.
These clever machines handle sticky messes that traditional vacuums can’t, eliminating the need to scrub pools of pasta sauce and smushed bananas off the floor—not to mention the hassle of dragging out a bucket and mop.
If you’re hoping for a gadget to save you time while leaving your floors gleaming, these standout wet and dry vacuums are well worth checking out. Even better, you could win* a Shark 3-in-1 HydroVac valued at $499.99. Enter the competition here! *Ts&Cs apply.
2025’s TOP WET AND DRY VACUUMS
- An all-in-one vacuum for fresher-smelling floors (here’s why)
- A robot vacuum for hands-free convenience (here’s why)
- A vacmop with impressive suction (here’s why)
The best wet and dry vacuums NZ
Shark HydroVac Pro XL Cordless 3-In-1 Cleaner
$499.99 at Shark
Best for: An all-in-one vacuum for fresher-smelling floors
The best thing about the Shark HydroVac is that it vacuums, mops and cleans itself. It’s best used on hard flooring (including hardwood, tiles, marble, and laminate) and low-pile rugs, although many customers say it works on their carpets, too.
To keep your floors smelling fresh, the vacmop’s brush roll is antimicrobial treated. We also recommend adding Shark’s multi-surface concentrate cleaning solution to the tank water to further eliminate odours.
Once you’re done cleaning, simply place the HydroVac on its dock and activate the self-clean mode so it’s ready for its next use.
Run time: 20 minutes
Water tank capacity: 500ml (clean water tank), 360ml (dirty water tank)
Available at:
We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win their very own Shark HydroVac, valued at $499.99. To enter, sign up for the Your Home and Garden email newsletter here. The competition closes at 11:59pm on Thursday, 31 July 2025. Good luck!
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
$2,560.02 from PB Tech
Best for: A robot vacuum with powerful mopping capabilities and hands-free convenience
The new Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni tackles everything from dust and pet hair to sticky stains. Its standout feature is its advanced mopping technology for sparkling floors.
The Deebot’s AI-powered voice assistant allows you to clean messes in real time without lifting a finger. The docking station takes care of washing and hot-air drying the mop, keeping it fresh and odour-free for up to 90 days without needing your attention.
Run time: Up to 240 minutes
Water tank capacity: 100ml (clean water tank), 95ml (dirty water tank)
Available at:
- $2,560.02 from PB Tech
- $2,899 from Harvey Norman
- $2,949 from Kogan
- $2,687.10 from Amazon AU
- $2,949 from Mighty Ape
Roborock F25 Wet and Dry Vacuum
$851.14 at Amazon AU
Best for: A vacuum mop combo with impressive suction
With a robust suction power of 20,000Pa, the Roborock F25 Wet and Dry Vacuum seamlessly switches between wet and dry cleaning modes. Whether you’re tidying up light spills or doing a deep clean, it automatically adjusts its intensity based on the mess.
This vacmop excels at edge-to-edge cleaning, with its brush reaching close to walls and corners. It’s also low-maintenance, thanks to its self-wash and self-dry features.
Run time: Up to 60 minutes
Water tank capacity: 740ml (clean water tank), 720ml (dirty water tank)
Dyson v15s Detect Submarine Vacuum
$1,089 (usually $1,649) at Dyson
Best for: Large houses with pets and people who suffer from allergies
Tackle everything from toothpaste to muddy paw prints with the Dyson Submarine, which includes all the popular V15 Detect series features and a motorised wet roller attachment for washing hard floors.
For homes with pets or long-haired humans, we recommend cleaning with the anti-tangle Hair Screw Tool attachment before switching to the wet roller for a pristine finish.
With up to 60 minutes of runtime and advanced filtration to trap tiny dust particles, this vacuum is perfect for larger homes or those sensitive to allergens.
Run time: 60 minutes
Water tank capacity: 300ml (clean water tank), 360ml (dirty water tank)
Dreame H12 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum
$775 at Kogan
Best for: An user-friendly vacuum mop combo for hard floors
The Dreame H12 Pro makes cleaning hardwood floors a breeze. It features multiple modes, including an auto mode for general cleaning, an ultra mode for deep cleaning, and a suction mode specifically for liquids.
The wet and dry vacuum’s intelligent mess detection system adjusts suction power automatically for the perfect clean each time. It also offers edge-to-edge cleaning, and its self-cleaning brush detangles hair and scrubs off dirt in real time.
Enjoy easy operation with its powerful forward traction, and when you’re done, place it on its charging station, where the brush is dried with hot air.
With a large LED display and real-time voice prompts, you’ll always know details like the vacmop’s remaining battery life and water tank status.
Run time: 35 minutes
Water tank capacity: 900ml (clean water tank), 700ml (dirty water tank)
Available at:
- $775 from Kogan
- $775 from Mighty Ape
Samsung 210W Bespoke Jet Plus Elite
$1,699 (usually $1,799) at Samsung
Best for: A sleek, powerful vacuum with added mopping functionality
The Samsung 210W Bespoke Jet Plus Elite combines power, style, and innovation. It delivers 210W of suction power in a lightweight, ergonomic design that reduces wrist strain and an adjustable telescopic pipe length for user comfort.
The vacuum’s Spray Spinning Sweeper attachment features dual spinning pads that scrub and spray water simultaneously for efficient mopping on hard floors. Lastly, the docking station takes convenience to the next level by emptying the dustbin while trapping fine particles for a mess-free experience.
Run time: 60 minutes (purchase a spare battery to clean for longer)
Water tank capacity: 150ml
What is the difference between wet and dry vacuums and regular vacuum cleaners?
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner can handle both dry messes and liquid spills, whereas a regular vacuum is designed to clean dry debris only. Most vacmops are intended for use on hard floors with their mopping function, although some models are also suitable for low-pile rugs and even carpets.
Is a wet and dry vacuum cleaner worth it?
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner, also known as a vacmop or vacuum mop combo, is an excellent choice for households with small children, pets, or areas prone to spills, like kitchens and bathrooms. These vacuums can clean both liquids and damp messes with ease.
Combining vacuuming and mopping (or using a mop attachment on your existing vacuum cleaner) saves time. Additionally, many wet and dry vacuum cleaners offer self-cleaning capabilities, making them easier to maintain than the traditional mop and bucket.
Related articles:
- Redefine cleaning with these next-gen robot vacuums
- The Kmart cleaning products that have us excited for chores
- 15 spots in your home you may be forgetting to clean
