Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are typically less powerful than larger vacuums. They also have smaller bins that need to be emptied more frequently.
They may be entangled on furniture legs and have to struggle to navigate stairs or thresholds. Selecting a model that has no-go zones in the app or physical barriers could help prevent these issues.
1. They're More Efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested in our tests have impressive pick-up scores on carpets with a low pile and hard floors, capturing fine dust particles, sticky spills, crumbs nuts and screws made of steel and even fluffy pet hair. They aren't able to replace a traditional vacuum cleaner, particularly on rugs or in hard to clean crevices like under sofa legs, where debris accumulates. While many robotic vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that help them avoid obstacles and get around furniture, most still struggle to pick up dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots are fast to plan out your home, smart enough to not get stuck too often and capable enough to handle the majority of your cleaning needs. They also come with numerous features, such as HEPA filters and auto-emptying bins that help them to be more efficient.
In contrast to traditional vacuum cleaners which can require up to three times the power to run as a robot, robotic vacs consume surprisingly little electricity. They're also fairly quiet, which makes them a good choice for homes with small children and pets.
For more convenient hands-free cleaning choose an item with an integrated rechargeable battery and a large capacity dustbin which can hold several cleaning sessions. If you'd like to schedule the robot's work, you can connect it to applications that let you set up regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your bot with digital voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. Many robots are able to return to their charging docks and recharge between cleaning sessions, or restart a session from where it started even in a different space.
2. They're more affordable
The savings are not huge, but robot vacuums are more affordable than the majority of other vacuum cleaners. Consumables such as mop pads and filters are still needed and the lithium-ion battery will eventually deteriorate. Repairs and replacements can be expensive, so it's essential to consider the frequency with which your robovac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggled to reach those hard-to-access places beneath sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction and are often unable to reach dirt buried in rugs and close to baseboards.
Find a robot that has an impressive suction and a motor that is high-efficiency to ensure that even the tiniest particles are removed. We also test a robot's navigation system that should be able to avoid obstacles and create a coverage map of your home. If it isn't, you will be slower and more likely to get stuck or miss areas of the room.
Many cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, which allows you to plan cleaning sessions and control the device via apps on your smartphone or through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is helpful if there are children or pets within the house that you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Some models even have physical barriers that you can put up to stop the vacuum from moving to areas it isn't.
Be sure to read the fine print before buying an item that is Wi-Fi connected. Some brands collect data about your usage and may pass that on to third parties. best automatic vacuum 'll also need to agree to allow the device to store details about your location and the amount of time you've used the machine.
3. They're more versatile
While they're not able to replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning of carpets, robot vacuums are great to keep floors looking and feeling clean. They can take away dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces such as wood and tile as also low pile carpets and area rugs. A lot of robot vacuums come with features that assist them in getting around obstacles such as stairs and furniture. In addition, some robot vacuums can be programmed to run according to a set schedule so you don't need to worry about them. This feature is particularly useful for those with hectic lives.
This versatility comes with a drawback, however. Robot vacs don't perform as well in areas with bare floors or heavily used areas that are covered in dirt and debris. They are more suited for rooms with low traffic, or for periodic maintenance. Certain models come with a "no go" zone setting that allows you to set up virtual barriers within the application so that the bot does not move into these areas. These settings are great for homes with children or pets or a lot of clutter.
Most of the best robot vacuums come with a rechargeable battery and large dust bins to handle longer cleaning sessions. They can also be set to stop, recharge and then resume where they left off, which is helpful for homes with bigger areas. Finally, many robot vacs can be integrated with home smart systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so that you can control them with your voice. These robot cleaners are worth the cost because they provide a high degree of convenience. They can also be programmed to clean while you're away, which can give you peace of mind knowing your home is always maintained.
4. They're More Safe
The technology used in robot vacuums makes it a safer tool than the more mechanical equipment used by traditional vacuum cleaners. Robots are less likely to be trapped in furniture or rugs because of the sensors, computer brain, and app integration. They also avoid stooping or bent postures that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
But, robot vacuums have their quirks. They can be erratic and cause chaos in your home. They're also more likely break down than traditional vacs and are more costly to repair. It's essential to evaluate features and read reviews to determine the right robot vacuum for your home.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums might have issues with carpets that are high-pile and shaggy area carpets. These materials can slow the vac's performance and drain its battery. You can either fence off the area physically or use an app to create a virtual barrier.
Additionally, it is important to keep the vac dry and clean. It is possible to extend the life of the vac by regularly emptying the bin and making sure that it's clean. When not in use, you should remove the battery of your robot vacuum and store it somewhere dry. This will protect the electronics, and make sure that the sensors are working properly.
Robot vacuums are a great method of maintaining your floor without having to spend the time and energy to clean them manually. They're also an excellent option for busy households and those with health issues that could make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also great for homes with a single-level layout that has an open floor plan and only a few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the most appealing aspects about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're simply enjoyable to use. If you're watching the robot scoot around the floor, or preparing it to run at night while you're away, a robot vacuum is a bit like having a magical assistant that does the chores for you. It's also a great opportunity to teach children about the benefits of cleaning and being responsible, as they can be a part of the monitoring process and encourage them to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
But, robot vacuum cleaners are not ideal and have disadvantages. For one, they typically have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are a smaller size than a standard canister or bag. This could result in a lower dirt capacity and the need to empty it more frequently, especially if you have pets. Robot vacuums can also be prone to become stuck or blocked by small obstacles like slippers or socks that block the brush roll. It is essential to eliminate these items from the area prior to vacuuming and then apply dry cloths to the inside of the bin to remove any debris that's sticking to the walls.
In the end, robot vacuums are a ideal choice for those who want the convenience of automated cleaning, without having to sacrifice performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners, and offer additional flexibility like the possibility of scheduling cleanings with your smartphone or smart-home app. But they're not a replacement for a regular vacuum cleaner, and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for cluttered spaces or homes with lots of furniture.