Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are generally much less powerful than regular vacuums. They also typically have smaller bins that need to be cleaned often.
They may become stuck on furniture legs, and then struggle to navigate stairs or thresholds. This can be avoided by choosing a model which does not have no-go zones on the app or physical barriers.
1. They're more efficient
The most effective robot vacuums we have test have impressive results on carpets with a low pile, hard floors and sticky spills. They also capture metal screws, nuts, and fluffy pet hair. But they aren't able to fully replace a traditional vacuum cleaner that plugs in, particularly on carpets and in difficult to clean crevices in which debris accumulates like under the sofa's legs. While some robotic vacuums feature sophisticated navigational systems that help them avoid obstacles and furniture but they are still unable to pick-up dirt near thresholds and baseboards.
The best robots are quick to map your home, smart enough not to be stuck too often, and powerful enough to handle the bulk of your cleaning requirements. They are also equipped with many features, including HEPA filters and automatic emptying bins which help them to be more efficient.
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, which can use up to three times the power to operate as a robot, robot vacuums consume very low amounts of electricity. They're also quiet, which makes them an ideal choice for homes that have pets or small children.
Look for models that have rechargeable batteries that can be used several times and a large dustbin. If you wish to schedule the robot's work, you can connect it to applications that let you set up regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your robot to digital voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. Most robots can also return to their charging docks to recharge between cleaning sessions or resume a session from where it began even in a different space.
2. You'll find them more affordable
The savings aren't that great however, robot vacuums are more affordable than the majority of other vacuum cleaners. It is still necessary to purchase items such as mop pads and filters, and the lithium-ion batteries will eventually fail. Repairs and replacements can be costly too, which is why it's important to take into consideration the amount your robo-vac will likely to be used.
In our tests, the least expensive robots struggled to reach those difficult-to-access areas under tables, sofas and bed frames. They also have less suction power and often miss dirt that is embedded in carpets and near baseboards.
Choose a robot with strong suction and a motor that is efficient enough to ensure that even the smallest particles are removed. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be able of avoiding obstacles and generating a map of your home. The ones who aren't able to do this will be slower and more likely to get stuck or miss certain areas of the room.
auto vacuum cleaner of cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to schedule cleaning time and control the device via apps on your smartphone or through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This can be beneficial for families with children or pets that you want to keep out of certain areas of your home. Some models come with physical barriers you can put up to stop the vacuum from being able to go where it should not.
If you choose to buy a Wi-Fi-connected robot, make sure you read the fine print. Certain brands collect information about your usage and may transfer that information to third-party companies. You'll need to agree to the device keeping data about your location and the amount of time you've been using it.
3. It's More Versatile
While they can't replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning thick carpets, robot vacuums are great for keeping floors clean and looking good. They can get rid of dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces like tiles and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rug. Many robot vacs also include features that allow them to navigate around obstacles, like furniture and stairs. Some robot vacuums can also be programmed to run on the schedule, so you don't need to worry. This is a great feature for people with busy life.
This versatility comes with a drawback, however. Robotic vacs won't work as well in areas with floors that aren't clean or areas that are covered in dirt and debris. They may be better suited to rooms with low traffic or for regular maintenance. Some models come with a "no-go" zone setting that allows you to set virtual barriers in the app so the bot doesn't move into these zones. These settings are useful for homes with children or pets or a lot of clutter.
Most of the top robot vacuums also come with a rechargeable battery and an enormous dust bin to handle longer cleaning sessions. They can also be set to pause, recharge and then pick up where they stopped, which is helpful for homes with large spaces. Many robot vacuums can be used with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which means you can control them using your voice. This provides a level of convenience, making these robot vacuums worth the cost. They can be programmed to clean while you're away, which can provide peace of mind knowing that your home is being kept in good condition.
4. They're safer
The technology of the robot vacuum makes it a safer tool than the more mechanical tools used by traditional vacuum cleaners. Robots are less likely to become caught in furniture or rugs due to the sensors, computer brain, and app integration. They also stop stooping and bent postures that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums do not come without their quirks. Some can go rogue 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 best robot vacuum for your home.
Even the best robot vacuums may have trouble with shaggy carpeting and high-pile area carpets. These types of materials slow the vac down and drain its battery. You can either block off the area physically or use an app to create an imaginary barrier.
It is also important to keep your vacuum clean and dry. It is possible to extend the life of the vac by regularly emptying the bin and making sure it's free of dust. When not in use, you should remove the battery from your robot vacuum and keep it in a dry place. This will help protect the electronics and ensure that the sensors function properly.
Overall, robot vacuums are a great option to maintain your floors without putting in the effort and time is required to manually clean them. They're also a great choice for busy households or those with health considerations that would make it difficult to vacuum manually. They're also ideal for homes with an open, flat floor plan and a few obstacles.
5. They're more fun
Robot vacuum cleaners are very enjoyable to use. A robot vacuum cleaner is like having a magic assistant that takes care of your chores. It's a great way to teach kids how important it is to clean and taking responsibility. Additionally, you can encourage them to keep an eye on the robot and keep it running smoothly.
Robot vacuum cleaners have some disadvantages. They typically have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are fraction of the size of a standard canister or bag. This can lead to less capacity for dirt and the necessity to empty them more frequently. Additionally, robot vacuums can be vulnerable to getting stuck or entangled in small obstacles that block the path of the brush roll, including slippers, socks, or thicker power cords. Get rid of these items prior to vacuuming. Use a dry cloth to the inside of the walls of the dustbin to remove any debris.
In the end robot vacuums are a good choice for people who are looking for the convenience of automated cleaning without having to sacrifice performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners, and they provide additional flexibility, such as the possibility of scheduling cleanings with your smartphone or smart-home app. They're not a replacement for a standard vacuum cleaner, and their limited functionality means they're not ideal for homes with lots of furniture or spaces with a lot of furniture.