Let’s find the perfect vacuum for your unique home.
Vacuuming might not be the most exciting household task, but having the right vacuum cleaner can make it quicker, easier, and more effective. Whether you’re dealing with persistent pet hair, stubborn dirt, or simply keeping up with daily messes, there’s a vacuum out there tailored to your needs.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right vacuum can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help Kiwis find the best vacuum cleaners in New Zealand. From affordable, budget-friendly models to high-tech, feature-packed machines, we’ve covered all the bases to suit a variety of cleaning needs and home styles.
Whether you’re battling cat hair in a city apartment or tackling muddy tracks in a countryside home, this guide will cut through the marketing noise to help you find your perfect cleaning companion.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Let’s dive into the top vacuums in New Zealand for 2024 to find the ideal match for your home and lifestyle.
Discover the best vacuum cleaners in New Zealand for 2024
The Dyson V15 Detect Absolute is the gold standard for stick vacuums, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and powerful performance. Equipped with advanced features like a laser to reveal hidden dust and an LCD screen for real-time cleaning updates, this vacuum is ideal for those who demand thorough cleaning with ease.
The Shark HydroVac Pro XL delivers exceptional cleaning versatility at a budget-friendly price. Its 3-in-1 functionality allows you to vacuum, mop, and clean wet and dry messes simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for busy homes.
Cordless convenience: Easy to manoeuvre around furniture and tight spaces.
What we like
Efficiency: Combines vacuuming and mopping, saving time and effort.
Hygiene-focused: Keeps floors and the device clean with minimal effort.
Affordability: Offers premium features at a mid-range price point.
What we don’t like
Not ideal for thick carpets: Best for hard floors and low-pile rugs.
Post-cleaning care: Requires emptying the water tank and rinsing parts after use.
Here’s what we thought:
“Our family recently wanted to update our cordless vacuum and we have been intrigued by all the multi-function hybrid vacuums in the market that are great for both cleaning up scraps and spills - with a family of little ones under the age of five, this was a necessity!
The HydroVac Pro XL ticked a lot of boxes for us and while we haven’t had it long it has been a game changer with its ability to handle both suction and mopping at the same time, especially if you find cleaning a chore (no pun intended) as much as I do. It even cleans itself! Which doesn’t take long to do, roughly 2 minutes to run through - I usually give it a second round just to make sure it has done the job properly.
It also comes with a bottle of the Multi Surface Cleaner which I use when going over the spills in particular to give our tiles that extra clean.
All in all, we’re very happy with this new vacuum, and definitely would recommend it if you’re looking for a good value hybrid machine.” Arthur Makoun, eCommerce Account Manager (item purchased, not gifted)
Perfect for
Families seeking a versatile vacuum for hard floors and everyday messes without breaking the bank.
The Mygenie Xsonic Wet N Dry simplifies cleaning with its dual vacuum and mopping capabilities. Intelligent navigation, quiet operation, and app control make it a top choice for hands-free, low-maintenance home cleaning.
Key features
Dual functionality: Vacuums and mops for a thorough clean.
Smart navigation: Efficiently avoids obstacles and covers all floor types.
Quiet operation: Perfect for use during the day without disturbing your routine.
App connectivity: Schedule cleanings and control the device from your smartphone.
What we like
Ease of use: Hands-free operation with minimal setup.
Versatility: Handles pet hair, dust, and light spills with ease.
Compact design: Fits under furniture and in tight spaces.
What we don’t like
Suction limitations: Not ideal for thick carpets or deeply embedded dirt.
Dependent on technology: Requires a smartphone app for full functionality.
Perfect for
Tech-savvy homeowners who want a reliable robotic vacuum to maintain clean floors daily with minimal effort.
Price: $299.99 (down from $449.99) at Shark Our Rating: 8.9/10
Why it’s the best bagless vacuum in NZ
The Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum is a budget-friendly bagless option that offers excellent performance for pet owners. Its self-cleaning brushroll and large dust cup make it convenient for tackling pet hair and debris.
Key features
Self-cleaning brushroll: Prevents hair wrap and maintains suction power.
Large-capacity dust cup: Reduces the need for frequent emptying.
Lightweight design: Easy to manoeuvre around furniture.
Pet-focused attachments: Ideal for upholstery and hard-to-reach spots.
The Devanti Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is an affordable option for those looking for a lightweight and portable vacuum. Ideal for small cleaning tasks, it offers cordless convenience and versatility for everyday use without breaking the bank.
Key features
Cordless design: Allows easy movement around furniture and tight spaces.
Washable HEPA filter: Traps allergens and dust, and is reusable for added savings.
Multi-surface attachments: Suitable for carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and even cars.
Lightweight build: Reduces strain during extended cleaning sessions.
What we like
Affordable price: Great entry-level option for basic cleaning needs.
Portable: Perfect for quick clean-ups and smaller spaces.
The Shark Stratos XL Pet Pro combines the versatility of a canister design with powerful cleaning features, including odour-neutralising technology. Its lift-away function and specialised pet attachments make it a top pick for pet owners and larger homes.
Key features
Powered Lift-Away: Detachable canister for easy cleaning of stairs and furniture.
Odour Neutraliser Technology: Keeps your home smelling fresh, even with pets.
Advanced hair pick-up: Handles pet hair on carpets, furniture, and upholstery.
Strong suction: Effectively tackles dirt and debris across various surfaces.
In the battle against dust bunnies, there’s a whole arsenal of vacuums at your disposal, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick rundown to help you pick your perfect cleaning companion:
Upright vacuums: These workhorses are the classic image of a vacuum cleaner. They stand upright on their own and typically have a rotating brush roll ideal for deep cleaning carpets. They’re powerful and easy to push across large areas, but can be bulky and struggle under furniture. Best upright vacuum cleaner: Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum
Canister vacuums: These separate the dirt canister from the cleaning head with a long hose. This design offers amazing manoeuvrability, making them fantastic for reaching under furniture, stairs, and tight spaces. They often come with a variety of attachments for upholstery, crevices, and dusting. However, they can be heavier to lug around and might not be the best choice for extensive carpeted areas. Best canister vacuum cleaner: Shark Stratos XL Pet Pro Powered Lift-Away
Stick vacuums: Think of these as slimmer, lighter versions of uprights. They’re cordless and typically have a motorised nozzle at the bottom. They’re perfect for quick pick-ups, hard floors, and furniture thanks to their lightweight design and often include handheld modes. However, their battery life might not handle a whole-house clean, and their suction power can be weaker than their corded counterparts. Best stick vacuum: Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Robot vacuums: These little autonomous cleaning machines are all about convenience. They roam your floors with pre-programmed settings, picking up dust and debris while you relax (or get on with other chores). They’re fantastic for low-maintenance cleaning, especially for hard floors, but might not be strong enough for deep cleaning carpets or reaching tricky corners. Best robot vacuum: Mygenie Xsonic Wet N Dry Robotic Vacuum
Choosing the Right vacuum cleaner
Your cleaning priorities will dictate the best vacuum for your home:
For carpets and deep cleaning: Choose an upright vacuum with strong suction and a beater bar.
For stairs, tight spaces, and versatility: Canister vacuums are ideal.
For quick pick-ups and portability: Stick vacuums are the way to go.
For low-maintenance, daily cleaning: A robot vacuum is a perfect addition.
Tips on choosing the right vacuum cleaner for you
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by considering your floors: for carpets, a vacuum with strong suction and a beater bar is ideal for deep cleaning, while hard floors benefit from manoeuvrable models that can easily navigate furniture and corners. When deciding between uprights and canisters, uprights are powerful and great for large areas.
Here’s a heads-up on a few other things to keep in mind:
Bag vs. bagless: Bagged models are like little dust prisons, great for allergies, but you gotta keep buying replacements. Bagless is convenient, but emptying them can be a dust cloud party (not the fun kind).
Weight and handling: If your house is a maze of stairs and tight spaces, a lightweight, nimble vacuum is your BFF.
Filters: Allergy sufferer? Look for a HEPA filter – it’ll trap all that nasty dust like a boss.
Noise level: Some vacuums sound like a jet engine taking off. If peace is important, check the decibel rating.
Fancy features: Crevice tools for nooks and crannies, upholstery attachments for furniture, even headlights for those dark corners – these can be lifesavers (or at least dirt-slayers).
Budget: Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes (and prices!). Figure out how much you want to spend before you get sticker shock.
By keeping these pointers in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best vacuum cleaner for your home.
FAQs About vacuum cleaners
Should I choose a cordless or corded vacuum?
Cordless vacuums are ideal for quick cleaning and tight spaces but may lack the suction power and runtime needed for larger homes. Corded models offer consistent power and are better for homes with carpets or extensive cleaning needs.
What vacuum features are best for carpets?
For carpets, prioritise strong suction power and a beater bar to agitate and lift dirt. Adjustable suction is also helpful for transitioning between different carpet types.
Are robot vacuums effective for all types of homes?
Robot vacuums are great for hard floors and light messes but may struggle with thick carpets or heavy debris. They’re ideal for maintaining cleanliness between deep cleans.
Do I need a HEPA filter?
If allergies are a concern, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential. It captures small particles like dust mites and pollen, improving indoor air quality.
What’s better: bagged or bagless vacuums?
Bagged vacuums are hygienic and ideal for allergy sufferers, while bagless models are more convenient and cost-effective in the long run.