Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they can't replace traditional plug-in models. Maintaining them in good shape requires emptying the dust bin following every cleaning session, wiping the sensors and cameras occasionally and changing filters and side brushes when required.
It comes with a decent-sized container and an automatic emptying. Its obstacle-avoiding capabilities are tangled in cords and socks and also misses dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses two brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to clean dust, dirt, and debris from bare floors. The Roomba 694 comes with a rotating brush that is able to clean up debris from corners and wall edges. The Roomba 694 does a great job of picking up pet hair. However, it may leave some in the carpet fibers after several cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a decent job at maneuvering itself, and it isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It's not equipped with advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and its battery could be depleted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good choice if you want an inexpensive robot vac uum that's simple to operate. You can manually control it using the 'Clean 'Dock', and the 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or using voice commands that are relayed to your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can follow Siri commands using iOS Shortcuts.
Download the iRobot Home App on your smartphone or tablet to control the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you create custom cleaning schedules as well as monitor the robot's condition. You can even use the app to end a cleaning job in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app can relay error notifications when the robot is faced with an issue, such as if it gets stuck in an opening in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does a great job of maneuvering itself around the house, it is not made for narrow or sloping paths. It also does a terrible job of cleaning carpets with low pile leaving a number of hair clumps and tufts behind. You may want to choose an alternative robot vacuum if you have low-pile flooring in your home.
Unlike the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter, this model does not have an automatic bin for emptying. The dirt compartment inside is not large however, you'll have empty it at the end of every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you look back at the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks with their date and time. date, the method by which they were initiated (app, scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot) as well as their duration and their completed status.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower cost of operation and comes with a larger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The software that comes with it provides an array of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 does not match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, as it has a much bigger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a charge, and has physical boundaries to ensure it stays out of certain rooms.
iRobot Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot. It has many features that make it stand out from other robots. These include advanced dirt detection technology as well as maps-saving technology. It comes with an impressive vacuum system and is compatible with Alexa. This is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-tech robot vacuum with WiFi connectivity and superior cleaning capabilities.
The 960 robot is a circular model with two brushrolls made of rubber for stability and three casters wheels. It is easy to raise and lower, as it weighs only 3.9kg. It can be purchased with a docking station or without one, based on your preferences. The docking station is crucial to keep the Roomba charged and plugged in when it isn't in use. It's a great way to keep the robot on the ready to clean when you require it.
iRobot created 960 to work on carpets and bare floors. Its performance on hard surfaces is impressive and it is able to get rid of pet hair. It is also good at picking up large debris like kitty litter and cereal. It performs less well on high pile carpet. It can pick up pet hair, and larger debris. But it is unable to handle smaller particles, like sand. Some of the sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using Quaker Oats the 960 performed admirably, picking up most of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum is able of maneuvering across a wide range of obstacles and furniture, and the circular design allows it to be tucked away under chair legs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled by voice commands. It can be programmed to return automatically to its charging station.
The 960 requires a bit of maintenance which includes regular replacement of the filter, dust bin and the spinning brush. You should replace these parts every few months or so to ensure that they are in good shape. Also, you should clean the dirt compartment sensors regularly. These parts will aid in making the Roomba perform at its best and last longer if they are kept in good working order.
The 960 has a few shortcomings, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It's expensive, but worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It is also packed with features that make it a good option for busy people. The iRobot App is easy to use and Roomba's cleaning schedule can be set. It's also available in a range of finishes and colors so you can match it to your decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba is among the most advanced robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current lineup. Its full set of navigation sensors allow it to maneuver under and around furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down the stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brush brushes loosen and grab dirt from any floor type and then push debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM captures the environment while it moves. It creates visual landmarks that aid in identifying its location and avoid hitting walls and other objects. The camera can also detect areas that are dirty. This causes the Roomba to automatically increase its suction power and then traverse these zones several times before moving forward.
A new feature pushed to the app by October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to prevent the Roomba from entering rooms that they would prefer to remain untouched. This is an excellent addition to the already robust set of features found on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a valuable tool for many consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning session, the Roomba 980 automatically returns to its docking station to recharge. It is the only robot in its class that comes with this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work while you are away for extended periods. Remote control functionality in the app enables you to start, stop and schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and simple. The main screen has an enormous clean button that can be activated by a single touch. The lower row of icons provides easy access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and much more. The app can be linked with your smart assistant to issue voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a frustrating problem for a machine so dependent on its intelligent controls. And it's especially egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its powerful cleaning capabilities and battery life of up to two hours, and smart features make it among the top robot vacuums on the market. However, its lack of a remote control that is specifically designed for it and slow app make it not as flexible as some of the competition. However, the 980 is still a great choice for those looking for a high-powered automated vacuum that takes the burden off of itself. Just be prepared to set aside a little extra cash.