Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums tend to be less powerful than regular vacuums. They also have smaller bins, which require emptying more frequently.
They may be entangled on furniture legs and struggle to get up and down stairs or over thresholds. These issues can be prevented by choosing a model that does not have no-go zones on the app or physical barriers.
1. They're more efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested have impressive results on hard floors, low-pile carpets and sticky spills. They also catch metal screws, nuts, and fluffy pet hair. But they aren't able to fully replace a traditional vacuum cleaner that plugs in, particularly on rugs and in tough to clean crevices that debris accumulates like under sofa legs. While many robotic vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that help them avoid obstacles and furniture, they still struggle to pick-up dirt near baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots are quick to map out your home, smart enough to not be stuck too often, and capable enough to handle the majority of your cleaning requirements. They also have numerous features, such as HEPA filters and auto-emptying bins that help them to be more efficient.
Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, which require up to three times the power to run as a robot, most robotic vacs consume surprisingly small amounts of energy. They're also quiet, which makes them an ideal option for homes with young pets and children.
For more convenient hands-free cleaning, look for models that have an integrated rechargeable battery and a large capacity dustbin which can hold multiple cleaning sessions. If you wish to program the robot's tasks, you can connect it to applications that let you organize regular cleaning sessions. You can also connect your robot with digital voice assistants, such as Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. Most robots can return to their charging stations and recharge between cleaning sessions, or even continue the session from where it left to begin in a different place.
2. They're Cheaper
The savings aren't that great but robot vacuums are more affordable than other vacuum cleaners. Mop pads and filters are needed and the lithium-ion battery will eventually deteriorate. Repairs and replacements can be expensive, so it's important to consider the frequency at which your robo-vac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the least expensive robots had trouble reaching those hard-to reach places under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power, and often fail to see dirt that is buried in soft carpets and close to baseboards.
If you are looking to purchase a robot that is cheap be sure to choose one with a high-efficiency motor and strong suction to ensure that even the tiny of particles are cleared from your floors. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be capable of avoiding obstacles and creating a map of your home. If it isn't, you will be slower and more likely to get stuck or miss certain areas of the room.
A lot of cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to plan cleaning sessions and control the robot using apps on your smartphone or voice commands through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is useful if there are children or pets in the house that you want to keep from certain areas. Some models even have physical barriers you can install to stop the vac from going where it isn't.
If you could try this out opt for a Wi-Fi connected robot, make sure to be aware of the fine print. Certain brands can collect data on your usage, and pass it to third parties. You'll have to accept the device keeping information about your location and the length of time you've been using it.
3. They're More Versatile
Robot vacuums are an excellent option to keep the floors clean and fresh. They aren't able to replace regular vacuum cleaners but they can be a great option for cleaning thick carpets. They can remove dust bunnies, crumbs, and pet hair from hard surfaces like wood and tile as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Many robot vacuums have features that assist them in getting around obstacles like stairs and furniture. In addition, some robot vacs can be set to run on a specific schedule so that you don't have to worry about them. This feature is particularly useful for those with hectic lives.
The downside of this versatility is that robot vacuums generally aren't as effective on bare flooring or heavily-used areas that are prone to dirt and debris. They are more suited for rooms with low traffic or for regular maintenance. Some models have the "no go" zone option, which lets you set up virtual barriers in the software so that the bot does not enter these areas. These settings can be useful for homes with pets, kids or a lot of clutter.
The majority of robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries, as well as an enormous dust bin to accommodate longer cleaning sessions. You can also set them up to stop and recharge, and then resume cleaning where they have left off. This is useful for homes with large areas. Many robot vacuums can be used with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and you can operate them with your voice. The robot cleaners are well worth the price because they offer a high level of convenience. You can program them to clean your home when you are away. This provides you with peace of mind knowing that your home will be maintained.
4. They're safer
Robot vacuums are more secure than traditional vacuum cleaners due to of the technology they use. The computer brain, sensors, and apps make robots less prone to getting caught in furniture or rugs. They also stop stooping and bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacs still have their quirks. Certain robot vacuums are unpredictable, causing chaos in your home. They are also more likely to malfunction than traditional vacuums and more expensive to fix. It's important to compare features and read reviews to find the best robot vacuum for your home.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will have issues with shaggy area rugs and carpets with high pile. These substances slow down the vacuum and consume its battery. You can choose to create a physical barrier or make use of an application to create an imaginary barrier.
In addition, it's essential to keep the vac dry and clean. It's possible to do this by regularly emptying the bin and making sure it's free of dust. It is also recommended to remove the battery from the robot vacuum when not in use, or keep it in a dry place. This will safeguard the electronics and also make sure that the sensors are functioning correctly.
Overall, robot vacs are a great option to maintain your floors without the effort and time is required to manually clean them. They're also a great choice for busy households and those with health considerations that would make it difficult to vacuum manually. They're also great for homes with an open floor plan and few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the great things about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're simply fun to use. A robotic vacuum cleaner is like having a magical assistant who takes care of your chores. It's also a great way to teach children the benefits of keeping their homes clean and taking responsibility, as you can ask them to be a part of the monitoring process and encourage them to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
That said, robot vacuum cleaners aren't 100% perfect and do have drawbacks. One of their main drawbacks is that they are not as powerful than traditional vacuum cleaners. Also the bins they are constructed into them are smaller than a standard bag or canister. This can result in less dirt capacity and a need to empty it more frequently particularly if you own pets. Robot vacuums are also prone to becoming stuck or blocked by small obstacles like slippers or socks that can block the brush roll. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth on the interior of the dustbin walls to get rid of any debris.
In the end robot vacuums are good choice for people who would like the convenience of automated cleaning without losing performance. They're also cheaper than regular vacuum cleaners and offer some extra flexibility, such as the capability to set cleaning schedules with your smartphone or smart home application. They're not a substitute for vacuum cleaners, and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for homes with large or furniture that is cluttered.