Bidets have gone from novelty to mainstream in Australian bathrooms — and once people try one, most never go back. But what are the real benefits, and how do you choose the best bidet for your home? This guide covers both: why a bidet is worth it, and a simple framework to pick the right one for your needs and budget.
The Benefits of Using a Bidet
Superior Hygiene
Water cleans more thoroughly than dry paper. A bidet rinses rather than smears, leaving you feeling genuinely clean — and it's hands-free, so your hands stay clear of the process.
Comfort & Skin Health
For sensitive skin, haemorrhoids, or recovery after surgery or childbirth, a gentle water wash is far kinder than abrasive paper. Follow your healthcare provider's advice for any specific condition.
Better for the Environment
Cutting toilet-paper use reduces paper waste and the resources behind it. It's often cited that millions of trees are felled each year for toilet paper; a bidet meaningfully reduces a household's contribution.
Saving on Toilet Paper
Less paper means lower ongoing costs. Over the years, the savings can offset much of the purchase price — a practical benefit on top of the comfort and hygiene ones.
Accessibility & Independence
For seniors and people with disability, a bidet can restore privacy and independence in the bathroom, reducing reliance on a carer. See our NDIS & accessibility guide for more.
Are Bidets Worth It?
For most people, yes. You get a cleaner, more comfortable experience, reduced paper use, and — depending on the model — luxuries like a heated seat and warm-air drying. With options starting under $100 for a portable, there's an entry point for almost any budget, so the barrier to trying one is low.
How to Choose the Best Bidet for You
There's no single "best bidet" — the best one is the right fit for your bathroom, needs and budget. Work through four quick steps.
Pick the Type
Decide which format suits you: a portable bottle (cheapest, travel, no install); a cold-water attachment (budget upgrade, keeps your seat); an electric seat (warm water, heated seat, drying — the popular choice); or an all-in-one smart toilet suite (premium, seamless). Each has its own detailed guide in this series.
Note: Electric seats and suites need a power point near the toilet. If you don't have one, factor in a licensed electrician — or choose a non-electric option to avoid it.
Decide on Features
List your must-haves: warm vs cold water, heated seat, dryer, remote control, self-cleaning nozzle, deodoriser. More features generally mean a higher price, so focus on what you'll actually use day to day.
Set Your Budget
Roughly: portables and attachments from around $98–$250; entry electric seats from around $890; mid-range seats $1,290–$1,690; luxury seats up to around $1,992; smart suites $3,490–$5,290 — plus installation. Knowing your ceiling narrows the field fast.
Check Compliance & Support
Buy WaterMark-certified, and choose a seller that offers certified installation, warranty, genuine parts and repairs. A bidet is a long-term fixture — after-sales support matters more than it might seem at purchase.
Matching a Bidet to Your Household
Renters
Portable or removable seat/attachment
A portable bottle bidet needs no installation. For a plumbed option, get landlord approval and have a licensed plumber install and later remove it — leaving no permanent change.
Families
Robust electric seat or handspray
High-traffic bathrooms benefit from durable builds and multi-user controls. The Coway BA-08 is a popular all-rounder for family homes.
Seniors & Accessibility
Hands-free remote-controlled seat
Look for NDIS/DVA-eligible models with simple remotes and OT support. See The Bidet Shop's Medical & Disability page.
Installation & Australian Compliance
Australian Compliance Requirements — All Plumbed Bidets
- ✓ Licensed plumber required for water connection — DIY plumbed installation is illegal
- ✓ Backflow protection mandatory (NCC Volume Three · AS/NZS 3500.1 · AS/NZS 2845.1)
- ✓ Licensed electrician required for any new power point — RCD protection per AS/NZS 3000
- ✓ WaterMark certified products only — The Bidet Shop range WMTS-051 Lic. No. 20094
- ✓ Portable bottle bidets are the only exception — they don't connect to plumbing
The Bidet Shop's certified team handles the plumbing, backflow protection and compliance certificate — so you don't need to coordinate trades separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The one that fits your needs and budget. For most homes, a mid-range electric seat (around $1,290–$1,690) with warm water, a heated seat and a remote is the sweet spot. Renters and travellers may prefer a portable. Use The Bidet Shop's Bidet Picker or call 1300 243 387 for a tailored recommendation.
Most users find water cleans more thoroughly and gently than paper, and the hands-free process keeps hands clear. Many people use the bidet for the wash and a small amount of paper or the built-in dryer to finish. As with any hygiene practice, what works best varies by person.
WaterMark certification, the features you'll actually use (warm water, heated seat, dryer, remote), a purchase price that fits your budget including installation, and a seller offering certified install, warranty and genuine parts. All of those criteria are easier to meet with a specialist than a general retailer.
The Bottom Line
A bidet delivers better hygiene, more comfort, less waste and greater independence — and with the right framework, choosing one is simple: pick the type, choose your features, set your budget, and check compliance and support. The Bidet Shop's range spans every type and budget, all WaterMark certified and backed by an in-house Australian team. Use the Bidet Picker or call 1300 243 387 to find your match.
Find the Best Bidet for Your Home
WaterMark certified · Every type & budget · Expert advice · Certified installation
Browse All BidetsAbout The Bidet Shop — Australia's largest bidet specialist, with its own retail stores, warehouse and factory-certified repair team. All plumbed products WaterMark certified to WMTS-051 (Lic. No. 20094). Ph: 1300 243 387 · sales@thebidetshop.com.au