Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are generally less powerful than regular vacuums. They also have smaller bins that need to be emptied more often.
They can get stuck on furniture legs or struggle to cross thresholds or stairways. If you choose a model with no-go zones in the app or physical barriers can help prevent these issues.
1. They're more efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested in our tests deliver impressive pickup scores on carpets with a low pile and hard floors as they capture dust particles, sticky spills, crumbs as well as metal screws and nuts and even fluffy pet hair. They aren't able to replace a traditional vacuum cleaner, especially on rugs or in hard to clean crevices, such as under the sofa's legs, where debris accumulates. While many robotic vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that help them avoid obstacles and maneuver around furniture, most still struggle to clean dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots are quick to plan out your home, intelligent enough not to get stuck too often and strong enough to handle the bulk of your cleaning requirements. They are also equipped with many features, like HEPA filters and automatic emptying bins which help them to be more efficient.
Contrary to traditional vacuum cleaners which can require up to three times as much power to run as a robot, robotic vacuums use surprisingly small amounts of energy. They're also relatively quiet, which makes them a good option for homes with small pets and children.
For more convenient hands-free cleaning, look for models that have a built-in rechargeable battery and a large-capacity dustbin which can hold multiple cleaning sessions. If you wish to schedule the robot's tasks, you can connect it to apps which allow you to schedule regular cleaning sessions. You can also connect your robot with digital voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. Most robots can return to their charging station and recharge between cleaning sessions, or continue a session where it left to begin in a different place.
2. They are more affordable.
Robotic vacuums are typically cheaper than other vacuum cleaners, however the savings aren't that great. You still need to buy consumables like filters and mop pads, and the lithium-ion batteries will eventually degrade. Repairs and replacements can add up too this is why it's important to consider the amount your robo-vac will likely to be used.
In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggle to reach those hard-to-reach places under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction and are often unable to reach dirt embedded in plush rugs and close to baseboards.
Find a robot that has an impressive suction and a motor which is high-efficiency to ensure even the tiniest particles are eliminated. We also test a robot's navigation system that is capable of avoiding obstacles and generate a coverage map of your home. Those who can't do this will be slower and more likely to get stuck or miss certain areas of the room.
Many of the cheaper robots are Wi -Fi connected, which allows you to plan cleaning sessions and control the device via apps on your smartphone or via Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is useful if there are children or pets in the home which you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Certain models come with physical barriers that you can use to stop the vacuum from getting into areas it shouldn't.
Be sure to read all the fine print before purchasing an item with Wi-Fi connectivity. Some brands collect data regarding your usage and transfer that information to third-party companies. You'll also need to agree to allow the device to store information about your location and the amount of time you've used the device.
3. They're More Versatile
While they're not able to replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning carpets, robot vacs are excellent for keeping floors looking and feeling clean. They can remove dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces such as wood and tile as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Many robot vacuums have features that assist them in getting around obstacles like stairs and furniture. In addition, some robot vacuums can be programmed to run according to a set schedule so that you don't have to worry about them. This feature is especially useful for people who lead busy lives.
The downside of this versatility is that robot vacuums typically don't perform as well on floors that aren't paved or in areas with a lot of dirt and debris. They may be more suitable for rooms with a low amount of traffic, or for periodic maintenance. Some models have the "no go" zone setting, which allows you to create virtual barriers in the application so that the bot does not move into these zones. These settings are helpful for homes with children or pets or a lot of clutter.
Most robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries and an enormous dust bin to accommodate longer cleaning sessions. You can also set them to suspend and recharge, then start cleaning right the same place they left off. This is a great feature for homes with large areas. In addition, many robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant which allows you to control them using your voice. This adds a degree of convenience that makes these robot vacuums worth the cost. You can program them to clean your home even when you're away. This will give you peace of mind that your home will always be maintained.
4. They're safer
Robot vacuums are less dangerous than traditional vacuum cleaners due to of the technology they employ. Robots are less likely to become trapped in furniture or rugs due to the sensors, computer brain and integration with apps. They also avoid stooping or bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums are not without flaws. They can be erratic and cause chaos in your home. They're also more prone to break down than traditional vacs and are more costly to repair. It's important to compare features and read reviews to choose the ideal robot vacuum for your home.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will have issues with shaggy area rugs or carpets with a high pile. These types of materials can slow down the vacuum and drain its battery. You can try to fence off these areas physically, or make use of an electronic barrier (in the robot vac's application) to avoid them.
In addition, it's important to keep the vac clean and dry. It's possible to do this by regularly emptying the bin and ensuring it's free of dust. When it is not in use, you should remove the battery of your robot vacuum and keep it in a dry place. This will protect the electronics, and make sure that the sensors function properly.
Robot vacuums are an excellent method of maintaining your floor without having to spend the time and energy required to clean them manually. They're also a great choice for households with busy schedules and with health considerations that would make it difficult to vacuum manually. They're also ideal for single-level homes that have a flat floor plan with only a few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the best things about robot vac uum cleaners is that they're simply fun to use. Whether you're watching the bot scoot around the floor, or preparing it to run at night when you're away, a robotic vacuum is a bit like having a magical assistant that takes care of the chores for you. It's also a great method to teach children about the benefits of cleaning and being responsible, since you can ask them to be a part of the monitoring process and encourage the machine to run smoothly and efficiently.
Robot vacuum cleaners come with a few drawbacks. For one, they typically have less power than conventional vacuum cleaners, and their built-in bins are a fraction of the size of a standard canister or bag. This could result in less capacity for dirt and the need to empty them more frequently. In addition, robot vacuums can be prone to getting stuck or entangled in small obstacles that block the path of the brush roll, such as socks, slippers or even larger power cords. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth on the inside of the walls of the dustbin to clean any debris.
Robot vacuums are the best choice for those who want to automate their cleaning without sacrificing quality. They're also more affordable than regular vacuum cleaners and provide additional flexibility, such as the ability to schedule cleaning routines using your smartphone or smart home application. But they're not a replacement for a regular vacuum cleaner, and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for homes with lots of furniture or spaces with furniture.