What to Look For in a Robot Vacuum
Based on your budget, you can select a robot vacuum that has all the bells, whistles, and features. Look into buying a model with an auto-emptying dock as well as one that can clean various types of flooring.
The models that are less expensive tend to have rudimentary bump navigation systems that are slow and inefficient. Higher-end models use sensors to map your home and navigate around furniture and obstacles.
Features
Robot vacuums can aid you in cleaning your home. They're particularly beneficial for those with hectic schedules or who have pets or young kids and struggle to manage the mess. They can also be helpful for those who live in a small apartment or condo with limited storage space. While they are fantastic for automating general cleaning, they aren't able to reach into corners or nooks as well as larger vacuums. They may be able to remove cords, toys and socks, but they probably will not be able to remove all the dust off your baseboards or under the cabinets.
The most effective robot vacuums feature powerful suction that is able to take away dirt and debris from a wide range of flooring types. This information is available in the specifications of the manufacturer which are usually written in Pascals. Higher Pa values indicate more power. It's a good idea to select a vacuum cleaner that has at minimum 2000 Pa, since this is enough for most homes.
A robot vacuum that can be used as a mop is one of the most useful features. Certain models have the ability to focus on a specific part of the room. This can be extremely helpful in the event of a huge spill or sticky mess to clean up.
A high-quality robot vacuum should also have an electronic navigation system. The more precise the navigation system, the better it will be able to map your home and return without getting lost. This is particularly important for older homes that often have a confusing layout. It is also important to determine if the device has sensors that detect obstacles and avoid them.
Suction
If you have carpeting in your home, select an automatic vacuum cleaner that has powerful suction. The higher the suction is, the better the machine is able to remove dust and other lightweight debris. It must also be able move easily between floors and from one type to another. A good robot should be able to remove pet hair, cereal crumbs and lint from carpet fibers as well as hardwood floors.
During testing certain models performed better than others on different types of flooring. Some excelled at removing cereal on hard floors, whereas others struggled to pull hair out of carpet fibers. You should also consider the frequency you'll need to maintain your robot vacuum. It should be emptied often to avoid overflowing and the brushes must be cleaned regularly as well.
The best robot vacuums also come with a self-emptying base that automatically eliminates debris and dirt once it's full. This feature will save you time and money on replacing bags, and reduce the frequency of cleaning the robot. Some companies also provide a model with a removable bin, which can be emptied by tapping a finger.
Cover any mirrors when purchasing a robot cleaner before the device maps your home for the very first time. The LIDAR sensors, which are used by most robot vacuums to navigate, may bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the machine to "perceive", the mirror as an obstruction. Robots can also be in danger of being slowed by dark colored objects, such as chair legs and toys for children. This is because the cliff sensors on robots are sensitive to infrared light which is absorbed on darker surfaces.
App control
The best robot vacuums have an app that allows you to plan and monitor cleaning sessions, as well as create no-go zones. Some robot vacuums work with Amazon Alexa or other digital voice assistants to provide a hands-free cleaning experience. If you're looking for an even more comfortable experience, consider selecting a model that has object-avoidance technology and stair-recognition. These features will stop the robot from running into and tripping over items like socks, pet toys and power cords.
Most robot vacuums come in round and square models with round models able to maneuver around furniture legs more easily, but being a bit more difficult to reach corners. Square models however, have a more angular design and can reach corners with ease. They require a larger space to navigate and are prone to run into other objects. To avoid this, make sure to carefully measure your home and select the best model for your needs.
Find a model that has large dustbins and docking station that automatically emptys. These features will reduce the frequency of emptying the device as well as the amount of maintenance it needs. Also, a robot with docks that can stop and recharge, and then resume cleaning where it left off will provide the best hands-free experience.
Robot vacuums are great for routine midweek cleaning and daily touch-ups, but they're not able to replace an upright or canister on thick carpets or hard floors. They can still get caught in rugs, not be able to pick certain debris up and may fail to spot dirt spots on hard floors. It is crucial to clean your entire home prior to using a robotic vacuum. Also, ensure that all cords and clothes such as rug fringes, and window blind cords are kept away from the robot's sensors and charging contact points.
Battery life
A good robot vacuum should have a long battery lifespan and be able to hold its charge for the entire duration of a cleaning cycle. If you have a big home or plan to make use of the robot vacuum for multiple rooms, you'll want to choose one with a longer battery lifespan and possibly a larger dust bin as well. If you don't plan to clean your floors as often, a model that has an elongated battery will suffice.
During our tests, the X10 was able to map the entire room in one or two runs, and complete the floor cleaning in under two hours. It also features some of the most efficient mopping technologies we've seen in robots. It mops in the form of a scrubby scrubbing action that assists in getting rid of dried coffee stains as well as other stubborn marks on the floorboards. Eufy's top of the line object avoidance which is trained in the same way as an automobile to stay away from things such as socks and slippers.
One of the most important characteristics for a robot vacuum is its ability to navigate stairs and corners. This capability lets the robot not run into objects and stop it from falling down the stairs. A robot equipped with vSLAM navigation (found on higher-end models from iRobot) uses a camera to create a 3-D map of the surroundings while it moves.
Apart from corner and stairway navigation Other features that make a great robot vacuum include a low profile and the ability to get into tight spots. A few of our top robot vacuums, including the Shark iRobot vac and self-emptying base station, can be placed under the majority of furniture. These vacuums also have large chambers that can hold months or even weeks of debris prior to needing to be empty.
App navigation
When selecting a robot vacuum, take into consideration the amount of space you have to clean and what flooring types are in your home. You also need to think about what kind of navigation system the robot uses. Certain robots have sensors that detect obstacles, while others use sensor technologies to create maps and then update them. The number of sensors, and how they are used together, will determine the size of the area a robot can cover in one charge and also its ability to move between rooms.
The most effective robot vacuums to clean large spaces feature a range of mapping and navigation capabilities. They use sensors to recognize furniture and walls. They then navigate around them without damaging or spreading dirt. They also utilize cliff sensors to detect high thresholds and avoid falls. Bump sensors are another popular feature of robot vacuums and are typically found in the form of physical bumpers or pads that are touch-sensitive.
With a smartphone app you can customize the robot's map of your home and establish no-go zones. You can schedule cleanings, and track the robot's progress through your smartphone. Certain robots have a smaller battery lives, but most can clean up to 2000 square feet.
Most robots can't access tight spaces like the space between a toilet and bathtub or the gap between chair legs however, the SwitchBot K10 Plus has a slim design that can get into corners better than most. Its SLAM technology is among the top available, and its MyDyson app lets you view the areas that are cleaned.
This highly-featured robot is the most affordable option available in this price range. Its lidar mapping is swift and precise it divided my room into different zones the first time I tried it. Its ability to avoid obstacles was impressive, navigating through cables and shoes and even the fake dog poop that I placed in my test.