Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums tend to be much less powerful than regular vacuums. They also tend to have smaller bins, which need to be emptied more frequently.
They can be stuck on furniture legs or have to struggle to cross thresholds or stairways. This can be avoided by selecting a model that has no-go zones in the app or physical barriers.
1. They're more efficient
The top robot vacuums we tested show impressive results on carpets with low pile, hard floors and sticky spills. They also catch metal screws, nuts, and fluffy pet hair. However, they're not able to completely replace a vacuum cleaner that plugs in, particularly on rugs and in tough to clean crevices in which debris accumulates like under the sofa's legs. While many robotic vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that assist them in avoiding obstacles and maneuver around furniture, most still struggle to clean dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots can quickly trace your home's layout and are smart enough to avoid getting stuck, and are robust enough to tackle the majority of cleaning tasks. They also come with a wide range of features, such as HEPA filters and self-emptying bins that make them more efficient than traditional vacuum cleaners.
Most robotic vacuums use surprisingly less power than traditional vacuum cleaners. They can use up to three times the amount of electricity as a robot. They also are relatively quiet, which makes the perfect option for homes with pets or children of a small size.
For more convenient hands-free cleaning, look for an item with a rechargeable battery built-in and a dust bin which can hold multiple cleaning sessions. And if you want to be able to schedule your bot's work, most robots connect to apps that let you schedule regular cleaning sessions or connect with digital voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. Many robots are able to return to their charging docks to recharge between cleaning sessions or resume the same session from where they started even in a different room.
2. They are more affordable.
The savings are not huge, but robot vacuums are more affordable than other vacuum cleaners. You still need to buy consumables like mop pads and filters and lithium-ion batteries will eventually wear out. Repairs and replacements can be costly as well and that's why it's crucial to think about how much your robovac will be used.
In our tests, even the least expensive robots struggled to reach those difficult-to-access areas under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power, and often do not see dirt in carpets that are soft and in close proximity to baseboards.
When you purchase a low-cost robot, look for a model that has a high-efficiency motor as well as powerful suction to ensure that the smallest of particles are removed from your floors. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be capable of avoiding obstacles and creating an outline of your home. Those that can't do this are slower and more susceptible to get stuck or miss parts of the room.
Many cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, which allows you to plan cleaning sessions and control the device via apps on your smartphone or voice commands through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is particularly useful if you are pets or children in the home that you want to keep out of certain areas. Some models have physical barriers can be used to prevent the vacuum from going in areas where it shouldn't be.
If you decide to purchase a Wi-Fi connected robot, make sure to read the fine print. Certain brands might collect information regarding your usage and then transfer it to third parties. You'll also have to give consent to allow the device to keep information about your location as well as how long you've been using the device.
3. It's more versatile
While they can't replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning thick carpets, robot vacuums are excellent to keep floors clean and looking good. They can remove crumbs, dust bunnies and pet hair from hard surfaces like tiles and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Many robot vacuums also come with features that help them navigate around obstacles, like furniture and stairs. Additionally, certain robot vacuums can be programmed to run on a schedule so you don't need to worry about them. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy lives.
The downside of this versatility is that robot vacuums generally aren't as effective on bare flooring or heavily-used areas with lots of dirt and debris. They might be better suited for rooms with a low amount of traffic or for maintenance that is scheduled regularly. Certain models come with an "no go" zone option, which allows you to create virtual barriers in the application to ensure that the bot will not enter these zones. These settings can be useful for homes with pets, children or a lot of clutter.
Most of the top robot vacuums also come with rechargeable batteries as well as large dust bins for longer cleaning sessions. They can also be programmed to pause, recharge and then pick up where they stopped which is beneficial for homes with larger spaces. Many robot vacuums can be used with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which means you can control them with your voice. This provides a level of convenience that makes these robot cleaners worth the price. You can set them up to clean your home even when you are away. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your home will be kept in good order.
4. It's More Safe
Robot vacuums are less dangerous than traditional vacuum cleaners because of the technology they utilize. Robots are less likely to become caught in furniture or rugs because of the sensors, computer brain and integration with apps. They also stop stooping and bends which could lead to back injuries and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums do not come without flaws. Some robot vacuums can be unpredictable, causing chaos in your home. They're also more prone to break down than traditional vacuums and are more costly to repair. If you're looking for a robot vac for your home, you need to look over reviews and look at features to determine the most suitable one for your needs.
Even the top robot vacuums will have issues with sagging area rugs and carpets with high pile. These types of materials can slow down the vacuum and drain its battery. You can try to fence off these areas physically, or make use of an electronic barrier (in the robot vac's application) to avoid them.
Additionally, it is important to keep the vac dry and clean. Emptying the bin often and making sure it's free of dust can prolong its lifespan. It is also recommended to remove the battery from the robot vacuum when it is not being used, or keep it in a dry place. This will help protect the electronics and ensure the sensors are working properly.
Robot vacuums are an excellent option to keep your floors clean without having to spend the time and energy to clean them manually. They're also a great option for busy households or those with health considerations that would make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also great for homes with a single-level layout that has flat floors with little or no obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the best things about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're genuinely fun to use. Whether you're watching the bot scoot around the floor, or preparing it to run in the evening while you're away, a robotic vacuum is a little like having a magical assistant that does the chores for you. It's a great way to teach children how important it is to clean and responsibility, and you can encourage them to keep an eye on the robot and keep it running smoothly.
That said robot vacuum cleaners are not perfect and do have their disadvantages. One of the major drawbacks is that they're less powerful than conventional vacuum cleaners. Also the bins that are built into them are smaller than a standard bag or canister. This could result in a lower capacity for dirt and a need to empty it more frequently particularly if you own pets. In addition robot vacuums are prone to getting stuck or entrapped on small obstacles that get in the way of the brush roll, including socks, slippers or even larger power cords. It is essential to get these items out of the area prior to vacuuming and then take dry cloths to the inside of the dustbin to get rid of any debris that's stuck to the walls.
In the end robot vacuums are excellent choice for those who are looking for the convenience of automated cleaning, without losing performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners and offer additional flexibility such as the possibility of scheduling cleanings with your smartphone or a smart-home app. They're not a substitute for vacuum cleaners and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for homes with large or cluttered furniture.