How to choose a robot vacuum
Automating daily chores and keeping your home free of allergies, trash, and dust is easy with a robot vacuum. Whether you’re looking for a basic model that won’t break the bank or a high-end device that can automatically clear its dustbin after each cleaning, there’s sure to be something that grabs your attention. Here are some things to think about when searching for a new robot vacuum, including features offered, top brands, price ranges, and more.
After reviewing this list, make sure to read our selection of the top robot vacuums.
Features to consider in a robot vacuum
Sensory sophistication and virtual mapping
While most contemporary robot vacuums navigate through a room using sensors, certain types are more sophisticated than others. Simple robots use infrared sensors to avoid obstacles and adjust their course when they do, while more advanced ones map out a space using laser-guided scanners or a mix of cameras and sensors. These sophisticated robots can add extra cleaning passes to soiled or heavily used areas and occasionally feature “dirt sensors” to make sure they have cleaned thoroughly.
Automated scheduling
The majority of robot vacuums offer a scheduling feature that allows you to programmed it to operate at particular times of the day or week, such as when you’re at work. The majority of this scheduling is done via a smartphone companion app that facilitates upgrades and modifications. Nevertheless, with some models, you’ll have to manually use buttons to programmed this timetable into the bot. Make careful to check in advance how the calendar interface on your chosen robot vacuum functions if that seems about as entertaining as adjusting the clock on your vehicle radio.
Certain robot vacuums allow you to schedule specific rooms to be cleaned on specific days using high-tech mapping (Roomba’s i7 and s9 vacuums have this feature). This gives you a remarkable amount of flexibility and freedom.
Automatic dirt disposal
Most bots may clean up after themselves, but you still need to empty them like a conventional vacuum cleaner. Other models, on the other hand, will automatically dump dirt into a bin within the home base, and they’ll notify you when it needs to be emptied. However, these types are frequently more expensive. Most robot vacuums allow you to easily remove the dustbin, open a flap or door, and empty it into the trash. Hardly a major deal, but automatic disposal is a feature to look for if you want to save even more time and effort. Robots like the Roomba s9+ and the Shark Intelligent Robot R101AE Self-Emptying Robot use it.
Additional mopping functionality
These days, a lot of manufacturers have products that can be used as both a robot vacuum and a robot mop. Some high-end models offer fully automatic cleaning routines, although these often require user intervention in between each duty (you must remove mop heads before letting the robot walk over carpet, for example).
A unique feature of the Roomba Combo j7+ is its ability to instantly stow its hophead away before moving onto carpet. This implies that it can essentially clean every surface in your house without any assistance from you. If your home has a variety of floor types, a robot vacuum and mop combo should be taken into account even though it is somewhat pricey.
Which are the best robot vacuum brands?
There are many excellent robot vacuum brand names available, all with varied price ranges and functionalities. It’s a good idea to do some research on the brand and look up reviews and customer feedback before making a vacuum cleaner purchase. Some of the major brands are as follows:
iRobot
iRobot produces some of the best and most well-reviewed robot vacuums on the market while being one of the more expensive companies. For instance, their most recent model, the Roomba S9+, features a 3D sensor that enables it to navigate your home with remarkable understanding. There is undoubtedly a model that is ideal for you because iRobot has conveniently released vacuums at every price point, from budget to premium.
Neato
Although Neato may not be as well-known as iRobot, it is known for building reliable, dependable bots. The most recent Neato models are D-shaped vacuums with outstanding battery life and great cleaning power.
Ecocars
The most recent Ecocars versions feature a Wi-Fi camera, a mop in addition to the vacuum, and the capacity to build extremely detailed virtual maps of your rooms. You may even control the bot remotely from outside your house and watch what’s happening via the webcam.
Euphie
With less flashy features and a focus on powerful suction strength, these robot vacuums are fantastic, cost-effective solutions. The most recent Euphie model is one of the slimmest on the market, allowing it to access many difficult-to-reach places. It also features an intuitive app.
I Life
Powerful vacuums from I Life, another reasonably priced manufacturer, are available with a nice selection of features including voice control and room mapping. Additionally, it features a variety of cleaning modes and dirt sensors.
Roborock
Robots in the middle price range from Roboroach are highly advanced. Roboroach vacuums often have tremendous suction, long battery lives, and many also have mopping capabilities in addition to cleaning.
Should you get a round robot or a D-shaped robot vacuum?
The majority of robot vacuums have rounded shapes since this makes it simple for them to move around independently and without getting tangled; nevertheless, the absence of edges can make it challenging to get into tight places or around corners. In addition to having a variety of sensors, D-shaped robots have the advantage of being able to approach corners and edges of walls more closely than their circular counterparts.
Moreover, D-shaped robot vacuums typically have wider roller brushes that extend the full length of their flat edge. This makes them more effective than round models, increases their cleaning surface area, and theoretically reduces both runtime and overall cleaning.
Yet, circular robots are less likely to become stuck. The design of the vacuum is often less significant than other elements like suction power, mopping capabilities, and price in the end.
Maintenance considerations
Much like a traditional vacuum, a robot vacuum requires maintenance, maybe even more so because the tiny dustbins require more frequent emptying. To ensure that your vacuum performs efficiently, you must also dust the sensors, empty and clean the trash, and maintain a clean filter. Like to other machinery, it will perform better and longer if you maintain it. Moreover, you should routinely check the brushes to make sure they are not clogged, look for and remove any fibers or threads that may have twisted around the rollers, and clean the wheels to get rid of any hair or tangled threads that might be obstructing their movement.
Price
The cost of a robot vacuum can vary greatly depending on the brand, as was already said, and can be anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. Paying more for reputable, high-quality products like iRobot is only natural. These models are very advanced and potent if you can afford the first outlay.
Yet, if you are on a tight budget, you can locate some excellent solutions that are significantly less expensive. There are also excellent, affordable models from I Life and Dufy that lack some features seen in more costly vacuums but are nonetheless reliable and quick-acting machines. Do your research before making a purchase.
Remember that products with a price tag of less than $200 may have seen major cost reductions. That can imply that reliability suffers or that it won’t clean to your requirements. When buying a robot vacuum, it would be prudent to increase your budget because there is nothing worse than a robot that needs regular supervision or a lot of upkeep.
To never have to vacuum again is undoubtedly a household utopia, but a robot vacuum makes this a reality. This dream can easily come true in your home thanks to a variety of manufacturers that provide tones of unique features at reasonable prices.
