Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are typically less powerful than the larger vacs. They also have smaller bins that need to be emptied more often.
They can get stuck on furniture legs and have to struggle to get up and down stairs or over thresholds. These issues can be prevented by selecting a model that has no-go zones on the app or physical barriers.
1. They're more efficient
The top robot vacuums in our tests have impressive results in picking up dirt on carpets with low pile and hard floors, capturing fine dust particles, sticky spills and food particles, nuts and screws made of metal and even fluffy pet hair. They can't replace the traditional vacuum cleaner, particularly on rugs or in hard to clean crevices, such as under the sofa's legs, where debris accumulates. While a lot of robotic vacuums come with sophisticated navigational systems that aid them avoid obstacles and furniture, they still struggle to pick-up dirt near thresholds and baseboards.
The best robots are fast to plan out your home, smart enough not to get stuck too often and powerful enough to handle the majority of your cleaning requirements. They're also equipped with a variety of features, including HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, that make them more efficient than conventional vacuum cleaners.
In contrast to traditional vacuum cleaners which can require up three times the power to operate as a robot, robot vacuums consume very small amounts of energy. They are also relatively quiet, making them a great choice for homes that have pets or children of a small size.
Find models with a rechargeable battery that can be used multiple times, and also a large dustbin. If you wish to program the robot's work, you can connect it to applications which allow you to set up regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your bot with 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 session from where it left off in a different area.
2. They're More Affordable
The savings are not huge but robot vacuums are less expensive than most other vacuum cleaners. Mop pads and filters are still needed and the lithium-ion battery will eventually deteriorate. Repairs and replacements could add up as well and that's why it's crucial to think about how much your robo-vac will likely to be used.
In our tests, the least expensive robots struggle to reach those hard-to-reach places under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have lower suction power and tend to miss dirt that is embedded in carpets that are soft and near baseboards.
Choose a robot with strong suction and a motor which is high-efficiency to ensure that even the tiniest particles are eliminated. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be able to navigate around obstacles and generating a map of your home. Those that can't do this are slower and more prone to become stuck or missing areas of the room.
A lot of robots that are less expensive have Wi-Fi connectivity, letting you to schedule cleaning sessions. You can also control the device by using apps on your smartphone and voice commands via Amazon's Alexa. This is helpful if there are children or pets in the home that you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Certain models have physical barriers that you can use to stop the vacuum from entering areas it shouldn't.
Make sure you read the fine print before buying an item with Wi-Fi connectivity. Certain brands might collect information regarding your usage and transfer it to third parties. You'll need to consent to the device's storage of data about your location and how long you have been using it.
3. They're more versatile
While they aren't able to replace a traditional vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning thick carpets, robot vacs are ideal for keeping floors looking and feeling clean. They can take away dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces such as tiles and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Many robot vacuums have features that help them navigate over obstacles like stairs and furniture. Some robot vacuums can also be programmed to operate according to an established schedule which means you don't have to worry. This is a great feature for people with busy life.
The drawback to this versatility is that robot vacuums generally don't perform as well on flooring that is bare or heavily used areas with lots of dirt and debris. They might be more designed for rooms with lower traffic or for maintenance that is scheduled regularly. Certain models have an "no-go" zone setting that allows you to set virtual barriers in the app so the bot isn't able to enter these areas. These settings are great for homes with kids or pets, or lots of clutter.
Most of the top robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries and large dust bins to handle longer cleaning sessions. They can also be programmed to stop, recharge and then return to where they left off which is useful for homes with larger spaces. Many robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and you can operate them with your voice. This adds a degree of convenience that makes these robot vacuums worth the cost. They can even be programmed to clean while you're away. This can give you peace of mind that your home is always being maintained.
4. It's More Safe
Robot vacuums are safer than traditional vacuum cleaners because of the technology they employ. Robots are less likely to get caught in furniture or rugs because of the sensors, computer brain, and app integration. They also prevent stooping and bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacs still have their quirks. Some robot vacuums can be rogue, causing havoc within your home. They're also more prone to break down than traditional vacuums and are more costly to fix. If you're considering a robotic vac for your home, it's essential to read reviews and look at features to find the most appropriate one for your needs.
Even the best robot vacuums may have issues with shaggy area rugs and carpets with high pile. These types of materials can slow down the vacuum and consume its battery. robotic vacuum cleaners can fence off these areas physically, or use a virtual barrier (in the robot vac's app) to stay clear of them.
Additionally, it is vital to keep the vac dry and clean. It's possible to do this by regularly emptying the bin and ensuring it's free of dust. When it is not in use you should take off the battery from your robot vacuum and keep it in a dry place. This will protect the electronics and make sure that the sensors are functioning properly.
Robot vacuums are a great option to keep your floors clean without spending the time and energy to clean them manually. They're also a great option for households with busy schedules or health concerns that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They are also perfect for homes with a flat, open floor plan and few obstacles.
5. They're more Fun
Robot vacuum cleaners are a lot of fun to use. When you're watching it move around the floor, or setting it up to run in the evening while you're away, a robot vacuum is a little like having a magical assistant which takes care of the chores you. It's also a great method to teach children the benefits of keeping their homes clean and being responsible, as you can ask them to help monitor the bot and encourage them to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
That said, robot vacuum cleaners are not ideal and have drawbacks. For instance, they generally have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are a smaller size than a standard canister or bag. This could result in lower capacity for dirt, and the need to empty them more often. Robot vacuums can also be prone to get stuck or blocked by small obstacles, such as socks or slippers that block the brush roll. Get rid of these items prior to 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 choice for those who want to automate their cleaning without losing quality. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners, and they offer extra flexibility, such as the ability to schedule cleanings using your smartphone or a smart-home app. They're not a vacuum cleaner and their limited capabilities make them unsuitable for homes with lots or cluttered furniture.