Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are generally less powerful than regular vacuums. They also tend to have smaller bins which need to be empty frequently.
They can become stuck on furniture legs and struggle to navigate stairs or thresholds. Choosing a model with no-go zones on the app or physical barriers could assist in avoiding these problems.
1. They're more efficient
The top robot vacuums in our tests have impressive pick-up scores on carpets with low pile and hard floors as they capture dust particles, sticky spills and dust as well as metal screws and nuts and even fluffy pet hair. They can't replace the traditional vacuum cleaner, particularly on carpets or in difficult to clean crevices like under sofa legs, where debris accumulates. And while many robotic vacs have sophisticated navigation systems that assist them in avoiding obstacles and get around furniture, they still struggle to pick up dirt near baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots are quick to map your home, smart enough not to get stuck too often, and powerful enough to handle the majority of your cleaning needs. They also come with a range of features, such as HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, which make them more efficient than traditional vacuum cleaners.
Contrary to traditional vacuum cleaners which can require up three times the power to run as a robot, most robotic vacuums use surprisingly small amounts of energy. They are also relatively quiet, making them an ideal choice for homes that have pets or small children.
To make cleaning hands-free more convenient choose a model with a built-in rechargeable battery and a large capacity dustbin that holds several cleaning sessions. If you'd like to program the robot's work, it is possible to connect it to applications that let you organize 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 and recharge between cleaning sessions or resume a session from where it left off, even in a different room.
2. They're more affordable
The savings are not huge, but robot vacuums are less expensive than most other vacuum cleaners. There is still the need to purchase accessories like mop pads and filters and lithium-ion batteries will eventually wear out. Repairs and replacements are also expensive, so it's essential to think about the frequency at which your robo-vac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the least expensive robots struggled to reach those hard-to-reach places under tables, sofas and bed frames. They also have less suction power and tend to miss dirt that is embedded in soft carpets and in close proximity to baseboards.
Look for a robot with an impressive suction and a motor that is high-efficiency to ensure even the tiniest particles are removed. We also test a robot's navigation system, which should be able to avoid obstacles and create a coverage map of your home. If it isn't, you will be slower and more likely to become stuck or miss areas of the room.
A lot of cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and control the robot using apps on your smartphone or via Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is useful for families with children or pets you wish to keep out of certain areas of your home. Some models even have physical barriers you can put up to stop the vacuum from moving to areas it should not.
If you opt for a Wi-Fi connected robot, make sure to check the fine print. Some brands may collect data regarding your usage and transfer it to third parties. You'll also need to agree to let the device store information about your location and the amount of time you've used the device.
3. They're More Versatile
Robot vacuums are a fantastic method to keep your floors fresh and clean. They can't replace regular vacuum cleaners for deep cleaning thick carpets. They can remove crumbs, dust bunnies and pet hair from hard surfaces like tiles and wood as also low pile carpets and area rug. Many robot vacs also come with features that help them navigate around obstacles such as furniture and stairs. In addition, some robot vacuums can be programmed to run on a specific schedule so you don't have to worry about them. This is a great feature for busy lives.
The drawback of this flexibility is that robot vacs generally don't perform as well on bare flooring or heavily-used areas with lots of dirt and debris. They may be better suited to rooms with low traffic or for periodic maintenance. Some models come with a "no-go" zone option that lets you set virtual barriers in the app so the bot isn't able to enter these areas. These settings are useful for homes with children or pets, or lots of clutter.
Most of the best robot vacs also have rechargeable batteries and large dust bins to last longer cleaning sessions. They can also be programmed to stop, recharge and then pick up where they left off, which is helpful for homes with larger areas. 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. This adds a level of convenience that makes these robot cleaners worth the price. They can be set to clean even when you're away, which will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is always maintained.
4. It's More Safe
The technology of robot vacuums makes it a safer option than the more mechanical tools that are used by traditional vacuum cleaners. Robots are less likely to get trapped in furniture or rugs because of the sensors, computer brain, and app integration. They also prevent stooping or bends which can cause back injuries and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacs still have their flaws. Certain robot vacuums may go unpredictable, causing chaos in your home. They're also more likely to break down than traditional vacs and are more costly to fix. If you want a robot vacuum for your home, it's important to read reviews and compare features to find the most appropriate one for your needs.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may have trouble with carpets that are high-pile and shaggy area rug. These materials slow down the vacuum and drain its battery. You can try to fence off these areas physically or make use of a virtual barrier (in the robot vac's app) to avoid them.
Additionally, it is important to keep the vac clean and dry. Emptying the bin often and ensuring that it is free of dust will prolong its life. You should also remove the battery from the robot vacuum when it is not in use or store it somewhere dry. This will safeguard the electronics, and ensure that the sensors function properly.
Robot vacuums are a great method of maintaining your floor without spending the time and energy to clean them manually. They are also a great option for families with busy lives or health concerns that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also great for homes with a flat, open floor plan and a few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the most appealing aspects about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're simply enjoyable to use. A robotic vacuum cleaner is like having a magic assistant who handles your chores. It's a great way to teach children how important it is to clean and responsibility, and you can help them monitor the robot and keep it running smoothly.
But robot vacuum cleaners are not 100% perfect and do have disadvantages. They typically have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are a fraction of the size of a standard canister or bag. This could result in less capacity for dirt and the need to empty them more frequently. In addition robot vacuums are susceptible to becoming stuck or bogged down on small obstacles that block the path of the brush roll, like slippers, socks, or thicker power cords. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth to the inside of the walls of the bin to get rid of any debris.
In the end robot vacuums are ideal choice for those who would like the convenience of automated cleaning without having to sacrifice performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners, and they offer extra flexibility such as the possibility of scheduling cleanings on your smartphone or smart-home app. They're not an alternative to vacuum cleaners and their limited capabilities make them unsuitable for homes with large or cluttered furniture.