Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This premium Eufy bot is the top hands off model we have test so far. It vacuums, mop and self-empties and dry mop pads without you having to do anything.
It isn't equipped with advanced cleaning modes and a bigger docking station, but provides outstanding performance for less than half the cost of high-end robotic vacuums. It also boasts an incredibly compact design that can reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
A robot vacuum is a simple and quick method of keeping your floors clean. A lot of the models we've chosen are designed to run without any involvement from you, so you can set them up to clean while you're away, or even trigger the session using your smartphone. However, you'll want to look for a model with superior navigation and obstacle detection to ensure that it will not get stuck on the stairs or under furniture.
Some models are better at removing pet hair from carpets than others, which is why it's crucial to select a robot that can efficiently and effectively clean all flooring types. Choose a model with a large dust bin that will hold a lot of dirt between emptyings, and a nozzle which does not lose suction as it rotates.
Most robots require minimal to any maintenance, other than removing tangled fur from the rotating brush after every cleaning session (and wiping its sensors or camera as required) and periodically emptying the bin or using a robot's self-emptying base. If you follow these simple upkeep steps, your robot vac should last just as long as a regular vacuum, and will help keep your home clean for longer.
Robotic mops aren't as versatile than vacuums, but they can also pick up spills and puddles. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of such a device, which is a good choice for people with hardwood floors or a mix of rugs and carpets. It's quiet and has solid navigation capabilities that allowed it to overcome obstacles during testing, and the charging dock can also double as a trash bin.
Select a robotic vacuum cleaner that is able to mop at the same time. This is what the Karcher RCV 5 can do and also comes with other useful features such as live cameras that stream an unreliable image to your app so you can monitor your children or pets as well as an easily-programmable remote control. The navigation isn't as robust as the other models in our collection however, it can elevate it over low thresholds and comes with a large 500ml dustbin that doesn't need to be emptied often.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are relatively new to the market. They are more expensive and require a separate tank of water than standalone robots. However, they might be worth the cost for those who have stains that are difficult to clean or pets.
The best robots can clean carpets and floors as well as vacuum. Many manufacturers offer machines capable of doing both exceptionally effectively. The Combo J9+ is one of the most efficient mopping machines that we've tested. It comes with docks that can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. That's a big improvement on the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping just 30 days of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is a fantastic two-in-one. It's compact and quiet, with a neat, fuss-free look. In our test rooms, it cleaned the floors efficiently and thoroughly - it was particularly good at cleaning rugs, however it took several runs to clean some areas of stained wood. Its LIDAR navigation system performs well, avoiding crashing into furniture or running over power cords.
robot vacuum cleaner 's a bit slow on the stairs but it's to be expected from a small robot designed to work around obstacles. The only drawback is the mopping pad attachment, that was difficult to use to hold in its place during our tests. It is also not capable of dealing with dried-on dust, making it more like the vacuum rather than a mop.
Despite these shortcomings however, it's a great option for those looking for a hands-off cleaning experience that can take care of carpets with equal competence. It offers a decent amount of suction, which allowed it to clean fine dust and pet hair from carpets. One of the best features is its automatic carpet recognition, which enhances the effectiveness of the vacuum to take on dirt that is embedded. It's also easy to use and has a handy charging dock that automatically empty the dust bin once it's filled, which is a huge benefit for those who live in flats.
Cleaning apps
Almost every robot vacuum, mop, and sweeper comes with an application that lets you modify cleaning routines, select rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and adjust settings such as suction, water level, and scrub power. Some robots also have intelligent dirt detection, which makes use of past cleaning data and map information to prioritize areas of dirt and optimize cleaning mode.
You can also utilize an app to design virtual barriers and no-go zones to keep your robot from dangerous objects, like cords and pet water bowls. Certain models let you create these virtual barriers using laser navigation sensors, whereas others feature small physical boundaries or barriers which you can put wherever you want to block your floor.
The most effective robot vacuums and mops have the capability of being smart enough to detect obstacles and avoid them However, there are some hazards to watch out for. For example, a robot's main brush can get stuck on long curtains or cords and stop the machine dead in its tracks. You can prevent this by clearing the area of all cords and tying up any curtains that are long prior to running your robot.
Some robots automatically update the software that controls their navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithms which improves performance and reduces wear and tear on the robot's internal components. It is recommended to regularly check the website of the manufacturer as well as your robot's app for updates to the firmware.
If you have a large home, you should consider models that offer multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max can clean and mop hard and carpeted floors with different suction settings. It can also switch automatically to the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets, and also boost the strength of its scrubbing with SmartScrub.
If you want to be completely hands-free, a robotic device with a voice-activated assistant is a great option. The iRobot Roomba 980 can be controlled by Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. It has a small self-emptying docking system as well as a powerful cleaning motor that makes your floors sparkling.