Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are often much less powerful than full-sized vacs. They also typically have smaller bins that need to be emptied frequently.
They can get stuck on furniture legs or struggle to get around thresholds or stairs. These issues can be avoided by selecting a model that has no-go zones in the app or physical barriers.
1. They're More Efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested in our tests have impressive pick-up scores on carpets with a low pile and hard floors, capturing fine dust particles, sticky spills, food particles as well as nuts and screws made of steel and even fluffy pet hair. But they aren't able to completely replace a vacuum cleaner with a plug-in, especially on carpets and in hard to clean crevices where debris collects like under sofa legs. And while many robotic vacs have sophisticated navigation systems that help them avoid obstacles and maneuver around furniture, they still struggle to pick up dirt near baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots can quickly identify your home and are smart enough to avoid getting stuck, and are robust enough to tackle the majority of cleaning tasks. They also come with a range of features, such as HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, which can make them more efficient than traditional vacuum cleaners.
The majority of robotic vacuums consume less power than traditional vacuum cleaners. They can use up to three times as much power as robots. They're also quiet, making them an ideal option for homes with young children and pets.
Look for models that have rechargeable batteries that can be used many times and has a large trash bin. And if you want to to schedule your robot's tasks the majority of robots are connected to apps that let you set up regular cleaning sessions or sync with digital voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. Many robots are able to return to their charging docks and recharge between cleaning sessions or resume the session from where it started, even in a different room.
2. They're More Affordable
The savings aren't huge but robot vacuums are more affordable than most other vacuum cleaners. It is still necessary to purchase accessories like mop pads and filters, and the lithium-ion batteries will eventually wear out. Repairs and replacements can be expensive, so it's important to think about the frequency with which your robovac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggled to reach those difficult-to-access areas under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power and tend to miss dirt buried in carpets and near baseboards.
If you are looking to purchase a robot that is cheap, look for a model with a high-efficiency motor and powerful suction to ensure that the smallest of particles are removed from your floors. We also test the navigation system of the robot, which should be able of avoiding obstacles and creating the map of your home. Those who can't do this will be slower and more prone to get stuck or miss certain areas of the room.
Many robots that are cheaper come with Wi-Fi, which lets you schedule cleaning sessions. You can also control the robot by using apps on your smartphone or voice commands using Amazon's Alexa. This is helpful if there are pets or children within the house that you want to keep from certain areas. Some models have physical barriers that you can install to stop the vac from going where it should not.
If you decide to purchase a Wi-Fi connected robot, make sure you be aware of the fine print. Certain brands might collect information regarding your usage and pass it to third-party companies. You'll need to agree to the device keeping information about your location and the length of time you've been using it.
3. They're More Versatile
While they're not able to replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning carpets, they are excellent for keeping floors looking and feeling clean. They can get rid of pet hair dust bunnies, crumbs, and crumbs from surfaces such as wood and tile. They also clean low pile carpets and rugs. A lot of robot vacuums come with features that help them navigate over obstacles like furniture and stairs. Certain robot vacuums can be programmed to operate according to an established schedule, so you don't need to worry about it. This is a great feature for busy life.
The downside of this versatility is that robot vacuums generally aren't as effective on floors that aren't paved or in areas with lots of dirt and debris. They might be more suited to rooms with low traffic or for regular maintenance. Certain models have an "no-go" zone option which allows you to set virtual barriers in the app to ensure that the bot isn't able to enter these zones. These settings are great for homes with kids or pets or a lot of clutter.
Most robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries, as well as large dust bins to allow for longer cleaning sessions. You can also set them to pause and recharge, then return to cleaning where they stopped. This is a great feature for homes that have large spaces. Many robot vacuums can be used with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can operate them with your voice. The robot cleaners are well worth the price since they offer a high level of convenience. You can set them up to clean your home even when you're away. This will give you assurance that your home will be well-maintained.
4. It's More Safe
Robot vacuums are safer than traditional vacuum cleaners due to of the technology they employ. The sensors, computer brain, and app integration make robots less likely to be stuck or entangled in furniture or rugs. They also stop stooping and bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacs still have their quirks. Some may go off the rails and cause chaos in your home. They're also more prone to break down than traditional vacs and are more costly to fix. It's crucial to compare features and read reviews to choose the best robot vacuum for your home.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could have problems with carpets that are high-pile and shaggy area carpets. These materials slow down the vacuum and consume its battery. You can fence off the area physically or make use of an app to create a virtual barrier.
It is also essential to keep your vacuum clean and dry. Regularly emptying the bin and making sure it's free of dust can extend its lifespan. You should also remove the battery from your robot vacuum when it is not being used, or keep it in a dry place. This will safeguard the electronics and ensure that the sensors are working correctly.
Robot vacuums are a great method of maintaining your floor without spending the time and energy to clean them manually. They're also a great option for busy households and those with health considerations that would make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also ideal for homes with an open floor plan and few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the most appealing aspects about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're just plain enjoyable to use. When you're watching it move around the floor, or setting it up to run at night when you're away, a robotic vacuum is like having a magical assistant that takes care of the chores for you. It's also a great way to teach children the benefits of keeping their homes clean and being responsible, since you can ask them to assist in monitoring the robot and encourage them to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
But robot vac uum cleaners are not perfect and do have their disadvantages. For instance, they generally have less power than regular vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are smaller size than a typical canister or bag. This could result in reduced dirt capacity, and the requirement to empty them more often. Robot vacuums can also be prone to becoming stuck or blocked by small obstacles, like slippers or socks that can block the brush roll. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth on the inside of the dustbin walls to clean any debris.
Robot vacuums are a great option for those looking to automate their cleaning process without sacrifice quality. They're also more affordable than traditional vacuum cleaners and offer some extra flexibility, like the ability to set cleaning schedules with your smartphone or smart home app. But they're not a replacement for a traditional vacuum cleaner and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for cluttered spaces or homes with lots of furniture.