What to Look For in robotic vacuum cleaners
Depending on the budget you have, you can get one with or without the bells and whistles. Consider buying a model with self-emptying docks and one that is able to clean different kinds of flooring.
The lower-cost models typically have basic bump systems that are slow and inefficient. The higher-end models employ sensors to map your home and navigate around furniture and obstacles.
Features
Robot vacuums can help you save time when cleaning your home. They are especially beneficial for people with hectic schedules, or who have pets or children who aren't able to keep up with the mess. They're also great for those who live in tiny condos or apartments with little storage space. Although they're fantastic at automating the general cleaning process, they aren't as good as full-size vacuum cleaners when it comes to cleaning corners and corners. They may be able pick up cords, toys, and socks, but they probably aren't able to get rid of all the dust in your baseboards or under cabinets.
The most effective robot vacuums feature powerful suction, which can take away dirt and debris from a wide range of flooring types. This information is available in the specifications of the manufacturer which are usually expressed in Pascals (Pa). Higher Pa values indicate greater power. It's a good idea to choose a robot vacuum with at minimum 2000 Pa, since this is enough for the majority of homes.
A robot vacuum that can also be used as mop is among the most useful features. Certain models have the ability to focus on a specific area of the room. This is a great choice for cleaning up a large spill or sticky mess.
A high-quality robot vacuum should also have an electronic navigation system. The better the system, the more accurately it will identify your home's layout and return to its dock without getting lost. This is especially important for older homes that often have a confusing design. Check if the device has sensors that detect obstacles and avoid them.
Suction
If you have carpeting throughout your home, choose the right robot vacuum with powerful suction. The robot's capability to clean up dust and other light debris will improve with a higher suction. It should be able to move from one type of floor to another. A good robot must be able to clean up cereal, crumbs, and pet hair from hardwood floors and pick out the lint stuck in carpet fibers.
During testing, different models performed better than others on various flooring types. Some models excelled at removing food particles on hard floors, while others struggled to dig hair out of carpet fibers. Consider how often you'll need to maintain your robotic vacuum. It should be emptied often to avoid overflowing and the brushes should be cleaned frequently.
The top robot vacuums come with a base that can be self-emptied. It will automatically clear the dirt and debris when it's full. This feature will save you time and money on replacing bags, and reduce the frequency of cleaning the robot. Some companies also provide models with a removable bin that can be filled with a tap of a finger.
Cover any mirrors you may have when buying a robot cleaner prior to the device maps your home for the first time. This is because the LIDAR sensors that robot vacuums employ to navigate bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the machine to "perceive" the mirror as a danger. In addition, certain robots can be tripped by objects of dark hues, such as chairs, children's toys and even chair legs. This can happen because the cliff sensors of the robot are sensitive to infrared radiation, which is absorbed by surfaces with darker colors.
App control
The best robot cleaners come with apps that allow you to schedule cleaning sessions and track them, as well as create zones of no-go areas. Certain robot vacuums can be used with Amazon Alexa or other digital voice assistants to provide a hands-free cleaning experience. If you're looking to have a more enjoyable experience, then select one with stairs and object-avoidance features. These features can stop the robot from tripping over things like pet toys, socks and power cords.
The majority of robot vacuums are available in round and square models. The round models can move around furniture legs with ease, but have a harder time reaching the corners. Square models on the other hand, have a more angular design and are able to reach corners easier. They require a larger area to maneuver, and can easily run into other objects. To avoid this, make sure you take your measurements carefully and select a suitable model for the space.
Regardless of the model you choose, search for a large trash bin and a dock that self-empties. These features will decrease the frequency of emptying the device as well as the amount of maintenance it needs. A robot that has docks that are able to pause and recharge before resuming cleaning where it left off will give you the most hands-free experience.
While robot vacuums are great for everyday touch-ups and routine midweek cleanups however, they cannot replace the traditional upright or canister vacuum on thick carpets and hard floors. They may still get caught in rugs, not be able to clean up certain debris, and fail to spot dirt spots on floors. It's important that you vacuum the entire house prior to using a robotic vacuum. Also, ensure that all cords and clothes including rug fringes and window blind cords, are kept away from the robot's sensors and charging contact points.
Battery life
A good robot vacuum will have a long-lasting battery and keep its charge through the cleaning process. If you intend to utilize your robot vacuum in several rooms or in a larger home, you'll need to choose a model with a long battery life. If you don't plan to clean your floors as often it is recommended to choose a model with a shorter battery should suffice.
In our tests, the X10 was able to map the entire room with just one or two runs, and clean the entire floor in under two hours. It also has the most efficient mopping tech we've seen in a robot vacuum. It uses the scrubby scrubbing method to get rid of stubborn stains from the floorboards like dried coffee. Eufy's top of the line object avoidance that is trained like cars to avoid objects such as socks and slippers.
The ability of a robot vacuum to navigate around corners and stairs is one of its most significant attributes. This feature makes it possible for the robot not to collide with objects or fall down stairs. A robot equipped with vSLAM navigation (found on higher-end models from iRobot) utilizes a camera to create a 3D map of the surrounding area while it moves.
Other features that make a great robot cleaner include a low-profile and the ability to get into tight spaces. Some of our favorite robot vacuums, like the Shark iRobot vac and self-emptying base station can be placed under the majority of furniture. They also feature a large tower chamber that can hold months or even years of debris that you need to empty it.
App navigation
When selecting a robot vacuum, think about the amount of space you will need to clean and what floor types are in your home. Also, consider the type of navigation system the robot uses. Some are equipped with sensors that detect obstacles, while others employ a combination of sensor technologies to create and update maps. The number of sensors and the way they function together will determine how big of an area a robot can cover on a single charge, as well as the speed at which it can move between rooms.
The top robot vacuums are outfitted with a wide range of mapping and navigation features. They use sensors to identify furniture and walls. Then, they move around them without causing damage or spreading dirt. They also utilize cliff sensors to detect thresholds that are steep and stop falls. Bump sensors are a common feature of robot vacuums. They can be found in the form of physical bumpers or pads that are touch-sensitive.
You can alter the robot's map of your home and create zones that are no-go zones with a smartphone application. You can plan cleanings and track the robot's progress on your smartphone. Some robots have a shorter battery life however, most can clean up to 2000 square feet.
The SwitchBot K10 Plus is a robot that can reach into tight spaces more efficiently than other models. Its SLAM technology is among the top available and its MyDyson app lets you view the areas that are cleaned.
This robot is the most affordable choice in this price range. Its lidar mapping was quick and accurate. It was able to divide my room into zones on the first attempt. Its ability to stay clear of obstacles is impressive, navigating through cable and shoe clutter and even the fake dog poop that I placed in my test.