Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular, thorough sweeping, they aren't able to replace the traditional plug-in models. To keep them in good condition take the dust bins out after each cleaning session. Wipe down the camera and sensors regularly. Replace filters and side brushes as required.
It comes with a large bin, and an auto-empty system that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still is entangled with cords and socks and it doesn't catch dirt close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry-level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle, one rubber) to collect dust, dirt and debris from floors that are not covered. The Roomba 694 also has an adjustable brush that can pick up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 is pretty effective at picking up pet hair, though it will leave some in carpet fibers if you let it run through multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 is a good self-manipulator that doesn't get stuck in low furniture or cords. However, it's not equipped with the latest obstacle avoidance technology and its battery could be depleted before returning to its dock.
It's still a great choice for those who want an inexpensive robot vacuum that's simple to operate. You can manually control it using the 'Clean' 'Dock', and 'Spot Clean' buttons on its top cover or by using voice commands transmitted through your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can follow Siri commands in iOS Shortcuts.
You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from any place by downloading the iRobot Home app on your tablet or smartphone. The app allows you to design custom cleaning schedules for your needs and track the robot's health. You can even use the app to end cleaning jobs that are in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app can provide error notifications when the robot encounters an issue for instance, if it gets stuck in the crevices of furniture.
The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to use stairs or narrow paths. It also does a poor job of cleaning carpets with low pile, leaving many tufts and clumps of hair left behind. If you have many carpets with low pile in your home, you might think about using a different robotic vacuum.
This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, doesn't have an automatic vacuum cleaner emptying bin itself. The dirt compartment inside is moderately sized however, you'll need empty it at the end of every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning jobs, including their time and date, the method by which they were initiated (app or scheduling or using the physical buttons on the robot) and their duration, and the status of their completion.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower cost of operation and has a bigger dust bin and charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles like electrical cords with less difficulty, and performs better on both carpet with a high pile and bare floors. Its companion app provides an enhanced set of automation capabilities as well. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, though, which has a much bigger dirt compartment and lasts longer on a charge, and includes physical boundary strips to prevent it from certain rooms.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of iRobot's most advanced models. It comes with a variety of features that distinguish it from other robots. They include advanced dirt detection technology and map-saving technologies. It also has a robust cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. This is a great choice for those who want a high-tech robot floor cleaner vacuum with WiFi connectivity and outstanding cleaning capabilities.
The 960 is a circular robotic equipped with two rubber brushrolls as well as three caster wheels to ensure stability. It is easy to lift and lower as it weighs only 3.9kg. You can choose to purchase it with or without a docking system based on what you prefer. The docking station is essential to keep the Roomba charged and plugged in when it is not working. It's a good way to keep the robot vacuum cleaner close at the ready to clean whenever you require it.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpet and floors that are not bare. Its performance on hard surfaces is impressive and it's able to remove pet hair. It also does a great job of picking up large amounts of debris, such as cereal and cat litter. It performs less well on carpets with high pile. It is able to pick up pet hair and some larger debris, but it has trouble with smaller particles, such as sand. Some sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using Quaker Oats The 960 performed well and picked up the majority of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum is able to move around furniture and obstacles. Its circular design also allows it to be placed under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa, and can be activated using voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.
The 960 requires some maintenance which includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter, and spinning brush. The components need to be replaced every few months to ensure they are in good working order. Also, you should clean the dirt compartment sensors on a regular basis. These parts will aid in making the Roomba run at its best and last longer if you keep them in good working order.
The 960 has some issues, but overall it is a great robotic vacuum. It is expensive however, it is worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It also offers a variety of features that make it a good choice for those with hectic lifestyles. The iRobot App is simple to use and Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It is also available in a variety of finishes and colors so you can choose to match it to your decor.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current lineup. Its full set of navigation sensors enables it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, and Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface brushes grab dirt and debris from any type of floor vacuum robot, while moving debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM captures the environment while it moves. It creates visual landmarks that assist in keeping track of its location and avoid bumping against walls and objects. The camera is also able to detect areas that are dirty. This causes the Roomba to automatically increase the suction power of the room, and move over these zones multiple times before moving forward.
A new feature pushed into the app in October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones that keep the Roomba from entering rooms where they want it to remain unaffected. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's impressive array of features and will prove to be useful for many consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning time the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. It's the only robot in this class that has this feature, and it lets users to let it to perform its task when you're away for long periods of time. The app's remote control function lets you start or stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and simple. The main screen is adorned with the big clean button that can be activated with a single tap, and the bottom row of icons provides quick access to settings, such as cleaning preferences as well as a weekly schedule and more. The app can be linked to your smart assistant and give voice commands.
Issuing a command from the app isn't always an instant affair, though, and it can take a while for Roomba to recognize your request. It's a nagging flaw on an appliance that is so heavily reliant on its sophisticated controls, and it seems particularly egregious given that the 980 is so expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its serious cleaning power and two-hour battery life and a variety of smart features make it an ideal choice among the top robot vacuums available. It's not as versatile as some of its competitors due to the lack of an app specifically designed for it and remote control. The 980 is a great choice for anyone seeking a powerful, automated vacuum that will take the burden off of you. Make sure you set aside a little extra money.