Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums tend to be less powerful than regular vacuums. They also tend to have smaller bins that require to be emptied often.
They could get stuck on furniture legs or struggle to cross thresholds or stairways. These issues can be prevented by choosing a model that does not have no-go zones on the app or physical barriers.
1. They're more efficient
The top robot vacuums in our tests deliver impressive results in picking up dirt on hard floors and low-pile carpets, capturing fine dust particles, sticky spills, dust nuts and screws made of steel and even fluffy pet hair. They aren't able to replace an ordinary vacuum cleaner, particularly on carpets or in difficult to clean crevices like under the sofa's legs, where debris can accumulate. While many robotic vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that assist them in avoiding obstacles and maneuver around furniture, most still struggle to pick up dirt near baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots are fast to plan your home, smart enough to not get stuck too often and capable enough to handle the majority of your cleaning requirements. They're also equipped with a range of features, like HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, which can make them more efficient than conventional vacuum cleaners.
The majority of robotic floor scrubber vacuums use low power when compared to traditional vacuum cleaners. They can consume three times as much power as a robot. They also are relatively quiet, which makes them an ideal choice for homes that have pets or children of a small size.
Look for models with a rechargeable battery that can be used many times, and also a large dustbin. If you wish to schedule the robot's work, you can connect it to applications that allow you to set up regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your robot with digital voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. Many robots are able to return to their charging dock and recharge between cleaning sessions, or restart a session from where it started, even in a different room.
2. They're Cheaper
The savings aren't huge, but robot vacuums are cheaper than the majority of other vacuum cleaners. Consumables like mop pads and filters are still required, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually degrade. Repairs and replacements could add up as well this is why it's important to consider how much your robo-vac will be used.
In our tests, the cheapest robots struggle to get to those hard-to-access places beneath tables, sofas and bed frames. They also have lower suction and are often unable to reach dirt buried in rugs and close to baseboards.
Look for a robot with an impressive suction and a motor which is high-efficiency to ensure that even the smallest particles are removed. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be able of avoiding obstacles and generating an outline of your home. Those that can't do this are slower and more prone to become stuck or missing parts of the room.
Many of the robots that are priced lower are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you schedule cleaning sessions. You can also control the device by using apps on your smartphone or voice commands using Amazon's Alexa. This is particularly useful if you are pets or children within the house that you want to keep from certain areas. Certain models come with physical barriers that can be used to stop the vacuum from getting into places it shouldn't.
If you opt for a Wi-Fi-connected robot, be sure you be aware of the fine print. Certain brands might collect information regarding your usage and then transfer it to third parties. You'll have to accept the device's storage of information about your location, and the amount of time you've been using it.
3. They're More Versatile
Robot vacuums are a great way to keep the floors clean and fresh. They aren't able to replace regular vacuum cleaners but they can be a great option for cleaning thick carpets. They can get rid of pet hair, crumbs and dust bunnies from surfaces like tile and wood. They can also clean carpets and rugs with low pile. Many robot vacuums also include features that allow them to navigate around obstacles such as furniture and stairs. In addition, some robot sweeper vacs can be set to run on a specific schedule so you don't have to worry about them. This is an especially useful feature for those with hectic lives.
This versatility comes with a drawback, however. Robotic vacuums do not work as well in places with no floors or areas that are covered in dirt and debris. They may be more suitable for rooms that aren't used often or for maintenance that is scheduled regularly. Certain models have the "no-go" zone option that allows you to set virtual barriers in the app to ensure that the bot doesn't move into these areas. These settings are helpful for homes with kids or pets, or lots of clutter.
Most robot vacuums come with a rechargeable battery, and an enormous dust bin to accommodate longer cleaning sessions. They can also be set to pause, recharge and then return to where they started which is beneficial for homes with bigger areas. In addition, many robot vacuums can be integrated with home smart systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant which allows you to operate them with your voice. This adds a level of convenience that makes robot vacuums worth the cost. You can program them to clean your home while you are away. This will give you peace of mind that your home will be kept in good order.
4. They're more secure
Robot vacuums are less dangerous than traditional vacuum cleaners because of the technology they utilize. The sensors, computer brain, and apps make robots less prone to getting caught in rugs and furniture. They also prevent stooping and bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums are not free of their flaws. Some robot vacuums can be rogue, causing havoc in your house. They're also more likely break down than traditional vacs and are more expensive to fix. It's important to compare features and read reviews to determine the right robot vacuum for your home.
Even the best automatic vacuum robot vacs might have issues with high-pile carpeting and shaggy area carpets. These substances slow down the vacuum and drain its battery. You can try fencing off these areas physically, or make use of a virtual barrier (in the robot vac's app) to keep them out.
Additionally, it is important to keep the vac clean and dry. Cleaning the bin frequently and making sure it's free of dust can extend its lifespan. When not in use, you should remove the battery from your robot vacuum and keep it in a dry place. This will protect the electronics, and make sure that the sensors are working correctly.
Overall, robot vacs are a great option to keep your floors clean without the time and effort it takes to manually clean them. They're an excellent option for families with busy lives or health concerns that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also great for single-level homes that have a flat automatic floor vacuum plan with only a few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the most appealing aspects about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're genuinely fun to use. Whether you're watching the bot glide across the floor or preparing it to run in the evening while you're away, a robot vacuum is like having a magical assistant that does the chores for you. It's also a great way to teach children the benefits of keeping their homes clean and being responsible, as they can help monitor the bot and encourage them to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
That said, robot vacuum cleaners aren't ideal and have disadvantages. For instance, they generally have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are a smaller size than a standard canister or bag. This can result in a reduced dirt capacity, and the need to empty them more often. Additionally robot vacuums are vulnerable to getting stuck or bogged down on small obstacles that get in the way of the brush roll, including slippers, socks or power cords that are thicker. Take these items off before you begin vacuuming. Use a dry cloth on the inside of the dustbin walls to get rid of any debris.
Robot vacuums are the best choice for those who want to automate their cleaning without losing quality. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners and they provide additional flexibility like the ability to schedule cleanings using your smartphone or a smart-home app. They're not an alternative to a vacuum cleaner and their limited capabilities make them not suitable for homes with a lot or clutter in furniture.