Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews
Robot vacuums are usually less powerful than larger vacuums. They also have smaller bins, which have to be cleaned more often.
They may become stuck on furniture legs and struggle to navigate stairs or thresholds. If you choose a model with no-go zones on the app or physical barriers may aid in avoiding these issues.
1. They're more efficient
The most effective robot vacuums we have tested in our tests have impressive results in picking up dirt on carpets with a low pile and hard floors as they capture dust particles, sticky spills and food particles, metal screws and nuts and even fluffy pet hair. But they aren't able to completely replace a plug-in vacuum cleaner, especially on carpets and in hard to clean crevices that debris accumulates like under the sofa's legs. And while many robotic vacs have sophisticated navigation systems that assist them in avoiding obstacles and navigate around furniture, most still struggle to clean dirt near baseboards and thresholds.
The best robots can quickly trace your home's layout and are smart enough to avoid getting stuck, and powerful enough for the majority of cleaning tasks. They also have numerous features, such as HEPA filters and auto-emptying bins that can make them more efficient.
Most robotic vacuums use surprisingly low power when compared to traditional vacuum cleaners. They can use three times as much power as robots. They're also quiet and make them an ideal choice for homes that have pets or small children.
Look for models with rechargeable batteries that can be used multiple times and has a large trash bin. If you wish to program the robot's work, you can connect it to apps that allow you to set up regular cleaning sessions. You can also sync your robot with digital voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. The majority of robots can also go back to their charging docks to recharge between cleaning sessions, or restart the same session from where they left off even in a different room.
2. They are more affordable.
The savings aren't huge, but robot vacuums are cheaper than the majority of other vacuum cleaners. Consumables such as mop pads and filters are required, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually wear out. Repairs and replacements are also expensive, so it's essential that you consider how often your robo-vac will be utilized.
In our tests, even the cheapest robots were unable to reach those difficult-to-access areas under sofas, tables and bed frames. They also have less suction power and often miss dirt that is embedded in rugs and close to baseboards.
If you are looking to purchase a robot that is cheap, look for a model with a high-efficiency motor and strong suction to ensure the most tiny particles are eliminated from your floors. We also test the navigation system of a robot, which should be able of avoiding obstacles and generating a map of your home. The ones that don't are slower and more susceptible to get stuck or miss areas of the room.
A lot of cheaper robots are Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and control the device using apps on your phone or through Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. This is helpful if there are pets or children in the house that you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Some models have physical barriers that can be used to prevent the vacuum from going in places it shouldn't.
Be sure to read the fine print before buying an item that is Wi-Fi connected. Certain brands collect information regarding your usage and transfer that information to third-party companies. 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
While they can't replace a regular vacuum cleaner for deep cleaning thick carpets, robot vacuums are great to keep floors looking and feeling clean. They can get rid of dust bunnies, crumbs and pet hair from hard surfaces such as wood and tile as well as carpets with low pile and area rug. Many robot vacuums have features that allow them to navigate around obstacles like stairs and furniture. Some robot vacuums can be programmed to operate according to the schedule, so you don't need to worry about it. This is a particularly useful feature for people with busy lives.
The drawback to this versatility is that robot vacuums generally don't perform as well on flooring that is bare or heavily used areas with a lot of dirt and debris. They are more suited for rooms with low traffic, or for periodic maintenance. Some models come with an "no-go" zone setting which allows you to create virtual barriers within the app so the bot doesn't move into these zones. These settings are useful for households with children, pets or a lot of clutter.
The top robot vacs also have rechargeable batteries as well as an enormous dust bin for longer cleaning sessions. They are also able to pause, recharge and then resume where they stopped which is useful for homes with large spaces. Many robot vacuums can be used with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can operate them with your voice. This adds a degree of convenience that makes these robot cleaners worth the price. They can be programmed to clean while you're away, which will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is always being maintained.
4. It's more secure
The technology in robot vacuums makes it a safer device than the more mechanical equipment employed 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 prevent stooping and bent postures that can cause back pain and workplace injuries.
However, robot vacs still have their quirks. Some robot vacuums can be unruly, causing chaos in your house. They are also more susceptible to malfunction than traditional vacuums and they are more expensive to fix. It's essential to evaluate features and read reviews to find the best robot vacuum for your home.
Even the best robot vacuums may have trouble with shaggy carpeting and high-pile area carpets. These substances can slow the vac's performance 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 stay clear of them.
In addition, it's important to keep the vac dry and clean. Cleaning the bin frequently and making sure that it's free of dust will prolong its life. When not in use take out the battery of your robot vacuum and store it somewhere dry. This will safeguard the electronics and also make sure that the sensors function correctly.
Robot vacuums are an excellent way to maintain your floor without the time and energy required to clean them manually. They're an excellent option for families with busy lives or health concerns that make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also great for homes with a single-level layout that has an open floor plan and only a few obstacles.
5. It's More Fun
One of the best things about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're genuinely enjoyable to use. A robot vacuum cleaner is like having a magic assistant who handles your chores. It's also a great way to teach children about the benefits of cleaning and being responsible, since you can have them be a part of the monitoring process and encourage them to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
But, robot vacuum cleaners aren't perfect and do have their disadvantages. For instance, they generally have less power than conventional vacuum cleaners, and their built-in bins are fraction of the size of bags or canisters that are standard. This can result in less dirt capacity and the need to empty it more often particularly if you own pets. Also, best rated robot vacuum can be vulnerable to getting stuck or entangled in small obstacles that block the path of the brush roll, such as socks, slippers or power cords that are thicker. Remove these items before vacuuming. Use a dry cloth to the inside of the walls of the dustbin to clean any debris.
Robot vacuums are a great option for those looking to automate their cleaning process without sacrifice quality. They are also more affordable than traditional vacuum cleaners, and they offer extra flexibility like the possibility of scheduling cleanings with your smartphone or smart-home app. They're not an alternative to vacuum cleaners, and their limited functionality makes them unsuitable for homes with lots or clutter in furniture.