Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums tend to be less powerful than regular vacuums. They also tend have smaller bins that need to be empty frequently.
They can become stuck on furniture legs and have to struggle to climb stairs or across thresholds. If you choose a model with no-go zones in the app or physical barriers may help prevent these issues.
1. They're more efficient
The best robot vacuums we tested show impressive results on carpets with low pile, hard floors and sticky spills. They also collect metal screws, nuts and fluffy pet hair. However, they're not able to completely replace a traditional vacuum cleaner that plugs in, particularly on rugs and in tough to clean crevices in which debris accumulates like under sofa legs. While many robotic vacuums have sophisticated navigational systems that help them avoid furniture and obstacles, they still struggle to clean up dirt near thresholds and baseboards.
The best robots can quickly identify your home and are smart enough to avoid getting stuck, and robust enough to tackle the majority of your cleaning chores. They're also equipped with a variety of features, including HEPA filters and self-emptying bins, that can make them more efficient than conventional vacuum cleaners.
Contrary to traditional vacuum cleaners which can use up three times the power to run as a robot, most robot vacuums consume very little electricity. They're also fairly quiet, which makes them a good option for homes with small children and pets.
For a more comfortable hands-free cleaning experience choose an item with a rechargeable battery built-in and a large capacity dustbin which can hold multiple cleaning sessions. If you'd like to to schedule your robot's tasks the majority of robots are connected to apps that let you set up regular cleaning sessions, or sync 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 began even in a different space.
2. You'll find them more affordable
The savings aren't that great, but robot vacuums are cheaper than the majority of other vacuum cleaners. Mop pads and filters are still needed, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually degrade. Repairs and replacements could add up also, which is why it's important to consider how much your robo-vac will be used.
In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggled to reach those difficult-to-access areas under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power, and often fail to see dirt that is buried in plush carpets and in close proximity to baseboards.
Choose a robot with strong suction and a motor which is high-efficiency to ensure that even the smallest particles are removed. We also test the navigation system of the robot, which should be able of avoiding obstacles and generating the map of your home. The ones who aren't able to do this will be slower and more likely to become stuck or miss areas of the room.
A lot of cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, which allows you to plan cleaning sessions and control the device via apps on your phone or voice commands through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is helpful if there are pets or children in the house which you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Some models have physical barriers you can install to stop the vac from going where it should not.
If you choose to buy a Wi-Fi-connected robot, be sure to check the fine print. Some brands collect data about your usage and may transmit that data to third parties. You'll have to accept the device keeping information about your location and the amount of time you've been using it.
3. They're More Versatile
While they're not able to replace a traditional vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning carpets, they are great for keeping floors clean and looking good. They can eliminate pet hair, crumbs and dust bunnies from surfaces such as tile and wood. They can also clean low pile carpets and rugs. A lot of robot vacuums come with features that assist them in getting 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 need to worry about them. This feature is particularly useful for those with busy lives.
This versatility has a downside however. Robotic vacs won't work as well in places with bare floors or areas that are covered with dirt and debris. They are more suited for rooms with a low amount of traffic, or for periodic maintenance. Some models have the "no go" zone option, which lets you set up virtual barriers within the application to ensure that the bot will not enter these zones. These settings are great for homes with kids, pets or a lot of clutter.
Most robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries, as well as an enormous dust bin to accommodate longer cleaning sessions. They can also be programmed to pause, recharge and then return to where they started, which is helpful for homes with larger spaces. In addition, many robot vacuums work with home smart systems, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant which allows you to control them with your voice. These robot cleaners are worth the price since they offer a high level of convenience. They can even be set to clean while you're away, which will give you a peace of mind knowing your home is always being maintained.
4. It's safer
The technology used in robot vacuums makes it a safer tool than the more mechanical equipment that are used by traditional vacuum cleaners. Robots are less likely to get trapped in furniture or rugs due to the sensors, computer brain, and app integration. They also stop stooping and bends that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
Robot vacuums don't come without flaws. Certain robot vacuums are unruly, causing chaos in your house. They're also more prone to fail than traditional vacs and are more expensive to repair. It's important to compare features and read reviews to choose the right robot vacuum for your home.
Even the best robot vacuums could have problems with shaggy carpeting and high-pile area carpets. These types of materials slow the vac down and drain its battery. You can fence off these areas physically or create an electronic barrier (in the robot vac's application) to avoid them.
It is also essential to keep your vacuum clean and dry. It is possible to extend the life of the vac by regularly emptying the bin and making sure it's dust-free. You should also remove the battery from your robot vacuum when it is not in use or store it somewhere dry. This will help protect the electronics and make sure the sensors are working properly.
Robot vacuums are a great 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 households with busy schedules and who have health issues that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also ideal for homes with an open, flat floor plan and a few obstacles.
5. They're More Fun
One of the most appealing aspects about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're simply enjoyable to use. Whether you're watching the bot scoot around the floor, or preparing it to run at night while you're away, a vacuum is a bit like having a magic helper that takes care of the chores for you. It's also a great way to show kids the benefits of keeping their homes clean and being responsible, as they can help monitor the bot and encourage them to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
That said, robot vacuum cleaners aren't ideal and have disadvantages. For instance, they generally have less power than regular vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are smaller size than bags or canisters that are standard. This can lead to reduced capacity for dirt and a need to empty it more frequently particularly if you own pets. Robot vacuums are also prone to becoming stuck or clogged up by small obstacles like slippers or socks that can block the brush roll. It's important to remove these items from the area prior to vacuuming and then apply dry cloths to the inside of the bin to remove any debris that's stuck to the walls.
Ultimately, robot vacuums are a good choice for people who are looking for the convenience of automated cleaning without losing performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners and they offer extra flexibility, such as the ability to schedule cleanings using your smartphone or smart-home app. They're not an alternative to a vacuum cleaner and their limited functionality makes them not suitable for homes with a lot or cluttered furniture.