Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are typically less powerful than larger vacuums. They also typically to have smaller bins which need to be cleaned often.
They could get caught on furniture legs or have to struggle to navigate stairways or thresholds. Selecting a model that has no-go zones on the app or physical barriers may help prevent these issues.
1. They're More Efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested in our tests have impressive pickup scores on hard floors and low-pile carpets as they capture dust particles, sticky spills and dust, metal screws and nuts and even fluffy pet hair. They can't replace a traditional vacuum cleaner, particularly on rugs or in difficult to clean crevices, like under sofa legs, where debris builds up. And while many robotic vacs come with sophisticated navigation systems that can assist them in avoiding obstacles and navigate around furniture, most still struggle to remove dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots can swiftly map out your house and are smart enough to avoid getting stuck, and robust enough to tackle the majority of your cleaning chores. They also come with many features, including HEPA filters and auto-emptying bins which can make them more efficient.
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, which require up to three times the power to run as a robot, robotic vacuums use surprisingly low amounts of electricity. They also are relatively quiet and make them an ideal choice for homes that have pets or small children.
Find models with a rechargeable battery that can be used several times, and also a large dustbin. And if you want to be able to schedule your robot's work, most robots connect to apps that let you set up regular cleaning sessions, or sync with digital voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. Most robots are able to return to their charging station and recharge between cleaning sessions, or even continue the same session that it started at a different location.
2. They're Cheaper
The savings aren't huge but robot vacuums are more affordable than most other vacuum cleaners. Consumables such as mop pads and filters are still required, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually degrade. The cost of repairs and replacements can add up also this is why it's crucial to think about the amount your robo-vac is likely to be used.
In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggle to reach those difficult-to-access areas under tables, sofas and bed frames. They also have lower suction and are often unable to reach dirt that is embedded in carpets and near baseboards.
Look for a robot with a powerful suction and a motor which is high-efficiency to ensure even the smallest particles are removed. We also test a robot's navigation system that should be able to avoid obstacles and create a complete map of your home. Those who can't do this will be slower and more prone to get stuck or miss areas of the room.
Many of the robots that are priced lower come with Wi-Fi, which lets you to schedule cleaning time. You can also control the device using apps on your smartphone and voice commands through Amazon's Alexa. This can be useful for families with children or pets you want to keep out of certain areas in your home. Certain models come with 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 the robot that is Wi-Fi enabled. Certain brands can collect data regarding your usage and pass it to third-party companies. You'll need to agree to the device keeping data about your location and the length of time you've been using it.
3. It's more versatile
Robot vacuums are an excellent method to keep the floors clean and fresh. They aren't able to replace regular vacuum cleaners for deep cleaning thick carpets. They can remove dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces like wood and tile as also low pile carpets and area rug. Many robot vacs also include features that allow them to navigate around obstacles such as furniture and stairs. Additionally, certain robot vacuums can be programmed to run according to a set schedule so you don't need to worry about them. This feature is especially useful for those with busy lives.
This versatility comes with a drawback however. Robot vacs don't work as well in areas with floors that aren't clean or heavily used areas that are covered with dirt and debris. They might be better suited for rooms that aren't used often or for regular maintenance. Some models come with a "no-go" zone setting that lets you create virtual barriers within the app to ensure that the bot can't enter these areas. These settings are great for homes with kids or pets, or lots of clutter.
Most robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries, as well as large dust bins to allow for longer cleaning sessions. vacuum deals can also be set to stop, recharge and then pick up where they started, which is helpful for homes with large areas. Many robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and you can operate them with your voice. The robot cleaners are well worth the price since they offer a great level of convenience. You can set them up to clean your home when you're away. This provides you with assurance that your home will always be maintained.
4. It's safer
Robot vacuums are safer than traditional vacuum cleaners because of the technology they utilize. Robots are less likely to get trapped in furniture or rugs due to the computer brain, sensors and app integration. They also prevent stooping and bending that can lead to back pain and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums are not without their quirks. They can be erratic and cause havoc in your home. They're also more likely break down than traditional vacs and are more expensive to repair. If you're looking for a robot vacuum for your home, it's important to review reviews and look at features to find the most appropriate one for your needs.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can have problems with sagging area rugs and high-pile carpeting. These types of materials slow the vac down and drain its battery. You can choose to fence off the area physically or make use of an app to create an imaginary barrier.
In addition, it's important to keep the vac clean and dry. Cleaning the bin frequently and ensuring that it is free of dust can prolong its life. When it is not in use, you should remove the battery from your robot vacuum and put it away somewhere dry. This will safeguard the electronics, and ensure that the sensors function properly.
Overall, robot vacuums are a great method to maintain your floors without putting in the time and effort that is required to manually clean them. They're also an excellent option for households with busy schedules and who have health issues that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also ideal for homes with a single-level layout that has flat floors with only a few obstacles.
5. They're more fun
Robot vacuum cleaners are very enjoyable to use. When you're watching it glide across the floor or preparing it to run at night while you're away, a robotic vacuum is a little like having a magical helper that does the chores for you. It's also a great method to teach kids the benefits of keeping their homes clean and being responsible, as they can help monitor the bot and encourage the machine to run smoothly and efficiently.
That said, robot vacuum cleaners are not perfect and do have their drawbacks. For one, they typically have less power than conventional vacuum cleaners, and their built-in bins are a fraction of the size of bags or canisters that are standard. This could result in a lower dirt capacity and the need to empty it more frequently, especially if you have pets. Robot vacuums are also susceptible to get stuck or blocked by small obstacles like slippers or socks that block the brush roll. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth to the inside of the dustbin walls to remove any debris.
Robot vacuums are the best choice for those who want to streamline their cleaning routine without losing quality. They're also cheaper than regular vacuum cleaners and provide additional flexibility, like the ability to schedule cleaning routines using your smartphone or smart home application. But they're not a replacement for a traditional vacuum cleaner and their limited functionality means they're not ideal for homes with lots of furniture or spaces with furniture.