Best for pet owners
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
Large tanks, a heated-water system and a spot-spray trigger built for homes with dogs and cats.
Best overall
Vax Platinum SmartWash
Automatic solution dosing and drying as you push and pull, with a pre-treatment wand for stubborn marks.
What we like
- Releases solution and dries automatically as you move
- Pre-treatment wand for set-in stains
- Quick drying — around an hour in good conditions
- Upholstery tools included
What to know
- Bulky to store
- Fiddly to clean out after use
Key specs
- Clean tank
- 3.5 L
- Dirty tank
- 1.9 L
- Weight
- 8 kg
- Power
- 1200 W
The SmartWash is the one we point most homeowners to. It takes the guesswork out of dosing — solution goes down as you push forward and is pulled back up as you draw back — so you're far less likely to over-wet the carpet, which is the most common DIY mistake we see.
Who it suits
Family homes with a few carpeted rooms that want a proper clean two or three times a year.
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Compare with
Best for tough stains
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
A wheeled, near-commercial machine with strong suction and a boost spray for heavy soiling.
Want a deeper clean than a home machine?
Our technicians use truck-grade hot-water extraction — book a free quote.