What Makes a Good Robot Vacuum?
A good robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of hassle when it comes to routine midweek cleaning. But what makes a good one?
Mopping systems, for instance, and real-time technology for hazard avoidance tend to be more expensive but they can also make your robot cleaner last longer. We'll discuss the most effective cleaning and maintenance practices, such as emptying the dust bin after each use and scrubbing off debris regularly.
Object Detection
A good robot vacuum should be adept at navigating and identifying obstacles. The top models use sensors, cameras and lasers to make to navigate through your living spaces, sucking up pet hair, crumbs and dirt from hard floors such as tiles and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Some of the top models have mopping abilities that let them sweep mop pads across the flooring boards to get rid of dried coffee spills as well as pet urine. It is important to select models that have Wi-Fi capability so that you can organize cleaning schedules and manage the machine from your smartphone. You should consider a model with an onboard dust bin that drains into an additional bin at the base. It also cleans and dries its own filter after each cleaning.
If you're willing to pay more than $500 the top robots come with advanced features like home mapping and enhanced obstacle detection. The most expensive iRobot j7 uses sensors to map your home while it cleans and can be assigned certain rooms or areas to cleaning. It also has fall-detection sensor to prevent the bot from falling down stairs. Other features of high-end models include self-emptying charging docks as well as the ability to clean your robot's mop pads.
Other models, like the Eufy X10, have smart mapping that recognizes your furniture, walls and other objects. Its sensor system can distinguish between surfaces that are hard and soft which prevents it from scratching or damaging your flooring. It can even detect changes in the height (like stairs or a sofa) and the edges of carpets. It can also use lidar to create an image of its surroundings in real-time, even at night.
Other aspects to look for in a robotic vacuum or mop include the size of the dustbin as well as the battery's lifespan and charging time. A large bin will require fewer trips to empty and the longer battery life and faster charging times will allow for more cleaning sessions. The suction power of a robot vacuum is measured in Pascal (Pa) which is a measurement of suction power, with higher numbers signifying more powerful vacuums. Choose a model with a high Pa rating that's compatible with your floor type.
Self-Emptying Base
A self-emptying vacuum base is a great option to add value and convenience to any robot vacuum that is compatible. The base is self-emptying, so you don't have to empty the bin on the robot vacuum each time. Instead, the debris is disposed of into a larger bin at the base. This reduces the reintroduction to the place that is home to dust and allergens. It is especially beneficial for those with sensitive family members.
This feature allows you to utilize the robot cleaner more often, as you will not be hesitant to use it again and again knowing that you won't need to empty it several times throughout every cleaning session. If you're considering a robot vacuum with this feature, make sure you choose one that comes with a large dust bin, at minimum 400ml.
Robot vacuums can be an amazing tool for those who have big homes and wish to simplify their cleaning routine. They are ideal for daily vacuuming and, more often, mopping. You can spend more time on other chores when you have a robotic vacuum at home. Many homeowners are amazed by how clean their floors appear after a regular use.
A robot vacuum is not expensive, but it's definitely worth it for those who can afford the initial expense. The most effective robot vacuums can be utilized regularly for minimal effort, and are simple to set up so that they can clean when you're at work or away from your home. Some robot vacuums can be programmed to run automatically.
Robot vacuums are a great addition to any home, but they're not perfect. They do require manual maintenance. If you don't care for them in a timely manner, they could become clogged with hair or other debris, which can hinder the machine's performance.
It's easy to maintain your equipment however it requires some time and effort. You must follow the instructions given by the majority of manufacturers on how to maintain their products. Outside of the scheduled maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check the robot vacuum's brushroll to be sure it's not blocked by pet hair or other particles.
Lidar Navigation
Unlike optical sensor-based systems, which need ambient light to navigate, lidar utilizes lasers to measure distances and dimensions for mapping and navigation. This is the reason why robots equipped with this technology are more adept at avoiding obstacles and cleaning tight spaces than those that don't have it.
Based on the model, you can view the maps in the app or use the built-in feature to create no-go zones and specific room selections, such as "clean living room and kitchen." More methods of robots equipped with lidar are able to map rooms in a matter of minutes, but it could take longer in more complex or larger homes. You'll want to make sure that your robot does not see any floor to ceiling mirrors. They reflect the laser, causing it to think that it's seeing an area that isn't there or even bump into its own self. It is best to cover these with drapes or paper before tracing your home for the first time.
A good robot vacuum is smart enough to avoid traps or tangled objects, even if they are covered by furniture. For example, if the vacuum sees a loose wire in the path, it will automatically change direction and attempt a different route. If it finds an accident hazard, the vacuum will stop and notify you either via an app or a device alarm.
While not all robots can do this, the top models can do this almost all the time. The iRobot Roomba 694, for example was among the most reliable robots during our tests that picked up every speck of hair and coffee grounds that it could reach on hardwood flooring. It was also impressive on carpets, removing all but a few grains of flour from corners it could reach.
It's not as powerful as our top choice Roborock Q5 Max+ but it is still a great value. It's easy to navigate and plan rooms quickly, just like the more expensive model. There are also options for creating no go zones and defining specific rooms. The bin is spacious, which means it doesn't need to go back to the self-emptying base as often and can cover more ground before requiring a refill.
Mopping
The best robot vacuums offer an excellent level of performance for the price. They are excellent at cleaning bare flooring and removing dirt and other debris that toys, furniture, and other obstacles have pushed into carpets. However, they lack the power to clean up dirt buried in carpets and rugs. They also tend to leave dust on baseboards and other edges. This is why a majority of people prefer to supplement their robot vacuum with a specific robot mop to do more thorough midweek clean-ups.
There are many kinds of robot mops available on the market, from mop-only mops to hybrid vacuum-and-mop designs that include a dustbin and a water tank. If you're in the market for a mop that is robot-powered, ensure that it has an auto-emptying base that spits the dirty water into a clean bin following each cleaning cycle. This makes them less maintenance intensive than robo-vacs which require you to empty their small dustbins into a larger self-emptying container yourself after each use.
You'll also want mops with pads that detect the carpet and then raise them enough to prevent the floor from getting wet. Find models that can be programmed to create a map of your home and identify certain areas that need special attention, like stairs or the kitchen. Many mop-and-vac models have side brushes that allow for more thorough cleaning of edges and corners.
A robot mop's suction power is a further factor to consider. Many manufacturers offer Pascal (Pa), with the more powerful the Pa the stronger suction. Some manufacturers even have a Max mode to help when dealing with dirt that is particularly difficult to remove.
The iRobot Braava Jet X8 Hybrid is our top choice in terms of user-friendliness is a mop and vacuum. This machine is quick to map out our test houses, and it easily defining no-go zones for flooring and carpets, and automatically empties its clean and dirty bins into its self-emptying dock after every mopping session. The only downside is that it didn't reach all the way to under our kitchen baseboards, which is a limitation that most robotic vacuums and mops have.