Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are often much less powerful than larger vacuums. They also tend have smaller bins that need to be emptied frequently.
They can be stuck on furniture legs, or struggle to navigate stairways or thresholds. These issues can be prevented by selecting a model that has no-go zones in the app or physical barriers.
1. They're More Efficient
The most effective robot vacuums we have tested have impressive results on hard floors, low-pile carpets and sticky spills. They also catch metal screws, nuts, and fluffy pet hair. But they aren't able to completely replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner, especially on carpets and in hard to clean crevices in which debris accumulates like under the sofa's legs. While some robotic vacuums feature sophisticated navigational systems that aid them avoid furniture and obstacles however, they struggle to clean up dirt near thresholds and baseboards.
The best robots are fast to plan out your home, smart enough to not get stuck too often, and strong enough to handle the bulk of your cleaning requirements. They also come with a variety of features, including HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, which can make them more efficient than conventional vacuum cleaners.
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, which require up to three times the power to operate as a robot, robotic vacs consume surprisingly little electricity. They also are relatively quiet, which makes the perfect option for homes with pets or children of a small size.
To make cleaning hands-free more convenient choose a model with a rechargeable battery built-in and a large-capacity dustbin that holds several cleaning sessions. If you want to schedule the robot's tasks, you can connect it to applications that let you organize regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your robot to digital voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. The majority of robots can return to their charging stations and recharge between cleaning sessions, or even continue the same session that it started off in a different area.
2. You'll find them cheaper
Robot vacs tend to be more affordable than other vacuum cleaners, but the savings aren't that great. Consumables such as mop pads and filters are needed, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually wear out. Repairs and replacements can be expensive, so it's important to consider how often your robo-vac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the cheapest robots had trouble reaching those hard-to-reach places under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power and often miss dirt buried in rugs and close to baseboards.
Look for a robot with an impressive suction system and a motor that is high-efficiency to ensure that even the tiniest particles are removed. We also test the robot's navigation system, which should be able to avoid obstacles and create a coverage map of your home. If it isn't, they are slower and more susceptible to become stuck or missing areas of the room.
Many cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to schedule cleaning time and control the device via apps on your phone or through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This can be beneficial for families with children or pets that you want to keep from certain areas of the house. Some models have physical barriers can be used to prevent the vacuum from going in areas where it shouldn't be.
If you decide to purchase a Wi-Fi-connected robot, make sure to read the fine print. Some brands may collect data about your use and then transfer it to third parties. You'll need to consent to the device keeping information about your location and the amount of time you've been using it.
3. It's More Versatile
While they're not able to substitute a regular vacuum for deep cleaning of carpets, they are ideal for keeping floors looking and feeling clean. They can eliminate pet hair dust bunnies, crumbs, and crumbs from surfaces such as tile and wood. They can also clean low pile carpets and rugs. A lot of robot vacuums come with features that help them navigate over obstacles like staircases and furniture. Some robot vacuums can also be programmed to run according to an established schedule which means you don't have to worry about it. This is particularly beneficial for those with hectic lives.
This flexibility has 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 might be more suited to rooms with low traffic or for periodic maintenance. Certain models come with an "no go" zone setting that allows you to set up virtual barriers in the application to ensure that the bot will not move into these areas. These settings can be helpful for homes with pets, children or a lot of clutter.
Most of the top robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries as well as a large dust bin for longer cleaning sessions. You can also set them to stop and recharge, and then resume cleaning where they stopped. This is a great feature for homes with large areas. Many robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can operate them using your voice. These robot cleaners are worth the price since they offer a great level of convenience. They can even be set to clean while you're away. This can give you a peace of mind that your home is always maintained.
4. They're safer
The technology in the robot vacuum makes it a safer device than the more mechanical tools used by traditional vacuum cleaners. The sensors, the computer brain and apps make robots less likely to be stuck or entangled in rugs and furniture. They also avoid stooping or bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacuums do have their own quirks. They can be erratic and cause chaos in your home. They are also more susceptible to fail than traditional vacuums, and they are more expensive to fix. It's important to compare features and read reviews to find the right robot vacuum for your home.
Even the best robot vacuums might have issues with carpets that are high-pile and shaggy area carpets. These types of materials slow the vac down and drain its battery. You can choose to block off the area physically or employ an application to create an artificial barrier.
It is also important to keep your vacuum clean and dry. It can be extended by regularly emptying the bin and making sure it's dust-free. It is also recommended to remove the battery from your robot vacuum when it is not being used, or put it away somewhere dry. This will safeguard the electronics and make sure that the sensors are functioning properly.
Robot vacuums are a great way to maintain your floor without spending the time and energy to clean them manually. They're also a great choice for households with busy schedules and who have health issues that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also ideal for single-level homes that have a flat floor plan with few obstacles.
5. They're More Fun
One of the great things about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're genuinely enjoyable to use. If you're watching the robot move around the floor, or preparing it to run in the evening while you're away, a vacuum is a bit like having a magical helper that takes care of the chores for you. It's also a great way to teach children about the benefits of cleaning and being responsible, as they can assist in monitoring the robot and encourage them to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
But, robot vacuum cleaners aren't 100% perfect and do have drawbacks. 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 can lead to reduced dirt capacity and a need to empty it more often, especially if you have pets. Robot vacuums are also susceptible to become stuck or clogged up on small obstacles, such as socks or slippers that can block the brush roll. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth on the inside of the walls of the dustbin to get rid of any debris.
Robot vacuums are the best option for those looking to streamline their cleaning routine without sacrifice quality. They are also more affordable than traditional vacuum cleaners and they offer extra flexibility, such as the ability to schedule cleanings using your smartphone or smart-home app. But they're not a replacement for a standard vacuum cleaner and their limited functionality means they're not ideal for cluttered spaces or homes with lots of furniture.