Currently, we have different types of robot vacuum cleaners available for both high-end and affordable prices; therefore, you can quickly get one to clean your house or office. To help find the best option, we have featured about five robot vacuum cleaners you will appreciate.
How to Select the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
You would think that shopping for a robot vacuum cleaner would be complicated, but it is quite simple in reality. Here are a few things to remember:
Type of Surface
Robot vacuum cleaners can clean hardwood floors much more efficiently than carpeted floors because they can hover and pick up dirt with little suction.
However, some models in the market are designed to work with carpeted floors and tricky areas like staircases, but they are expensive.
Carpeted areas trap dirt under the fibers, so robot vacuums need powerful suction to dislodge the particles.
A robust model with such suction is the iRobot Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum, which operates by voice command and is compatible with the iRobot Braava Jet M6 (6110) Robot Mop. This way, you can cater to all floor types with ease.
You can maintain clean hardwood and carpeted floors all day because once its smart map feature understands the layout of your house, you can order the vacuum to clean on a whim through the app.
If you don’t want to spend as much, don’t worry, some affordable models offering various cleaning modes are easy to find.
Size of the robot vacuum
When you think of buying a robot vacuum, you need to consider the space that you have. If your house has low-profile furniture, you cannot select a robot vacuum of a considerable height because it will not access some areas well.
It is better to work with a robot vacuum with a low-profile design to navigate tricky spots with ease. Also, the size of the vacuum is affected by its collection capacity; the larger the capacity, the bigger the vacuum will be.
Look around in your space, especially areas that may be hard to reach, and select a model that can effectively clean those areas. Chances are, if it can handle the problematic areas, the rest of the house or office will be easy to clean.
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Running time
Robot vacuums rely on batteries to operate; therefore, the capacity of the batteries is essential. The higher the capacity of the batteries, the longer the running time available.
Most robot vacuums offer between 30min-over 2 hours, depending on the quality. High-end models usually have a longer running time because the quality and the capacity of the batteries are higher.
This does not mean that you cannot get an affordable model with a decent running time. There are plenty of models like the eufy by Anker BoostIQ RoboVac, but they won’t offer a longer running time like the Roborock S8 MaxV Robot Vacuum Cleaner.
At best, the eufy by Anker model has a running time of around 75 minutes while the Roborock S6 robot vacuum offers more than 150 minutes.
Those with large spaces will appreciate a robot vacuum with a longer running time because the areas are cleaned with no recharging interruptions.
Robot vacuums take more than an hour to recharge, with some taking as much as three hours. To avoid any interruptions while cleaning, choose a robot vacuum that can clean the area you want within the time frame specified by the manufacturer.
Suitable filters
Like in regular vacuums, filters are essential in trapping fine dust particles and fibers. A good quality filter traps even the finest of dust particles, while substandard filters can only successfully trap larger particles.
If you have a pet or are sensitive to allergies, experts recommend using models with HEPA filters. They trap over 99% of particulates in the air hence reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
A good recommendation for a suitable model for those with allergens and pet owners is the Neato Robotics Botvac D7 Robot Vacuum.
This model’s HEPA filter is guaranteed to provide superior performance, while its LaserSmart mapping and navigation ensure areas needing cleaning are attended to.
Collection bin capacity
Depending on the surface area that needs cleaning, you can purchase a large or small collection capacity model. A model with a collection capacity of under 0.5L is suitable for small-medium areas, while a capacity of over O.8L- is ideal for larger spaces.
Robot vacuums don’t need frequent emptying unless the capacity is small. However, there are models with self-emptying-based features like the Shark IQ XL RV101AE Robotic Vacuum.
This robot vacuum is bagless and will contain dirt for a month before needing emptying. It is an affordable model that offers powerful suction and can be controlled through voice commands or the phone app.
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Programmable schedule
On high-end models, you find a programmable timer to set running times or cleaning routines as required. This means that you can have your space clean without having to touch the robot vacuum. Because we use phones frequently, this is an excellent way to control things from the comfort of your seat.
Effective mapping and navigation
Robot vacuums work better with advanced mapping features as they can quickly learn the layout of your space. To assist the robot vacuums in mapping areas well, some will have laser or camera functions fitted. A camera with a 360-degree capturing scope is becoming a standard feature, especially in high-end models.
You need a robot vacuum with reliable mapping and navigation features, particularly if you have several floors to clean. Even if the batteries run out, the vacuum will remember where on the map it last cleaned and continue when recharged.
Most robot vacuums navigate through obstacles through the different sensors fitted to the machine. High-quality sensors are costly, but they offer more convenience, such as avoiding getting tangled in electric cords or adjusting the cleaning mode according to the level of dirt recorded.
An excellent model at an affordable price is the Roborock S4 Max Robot Vacuum which offers Lidar navigation. The remote sensing technology featured in the vacuum allows it to map different levels and navigate, avoiding obstacles on the way or no-go zones.
Ease of use
Some robot vacuums are engaged manually, while some utilize wireless networks or remote controls. Many people prefer vacuums that rely on applications because we spend a lot of time on our phones.
Robot vacuums that respond to voice commands can be integrated into smart homes easily. This way, you can command the vacuum to start cleaning whenever required.
Some manufacturers offer different cleaning brushes to attach to the vacuum cleaner for dealing with different surfaces. Also, you may find additional filters, boundary tape, and mop cloths, among others.
Noise level
Loud robot vacuums can be distracting, especially if you need to get some work done or to soothe the baby to sleep. To solve this problem, there are robot vacuums that operate at a considerably low decibel rating.
Please make a point to look at the noise rating of any product, which is usually indicated by (dB); the higher the number, the more noise it is likely to produce.
Try models like the iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal-Empties Itself, which features a brushless motor that operates silently while providing adequate suction.
FAQs
Are robot vacuum cleaners durable?
Yes, robot vacuum cleaners are durable structures that will serve for 4-6 years if you carry out proper maintenance.
Every robot vacuum comes with its specifications; hence if you do any repairs, make sure the spare parts are of good quality and suitable for the model.
Do you need to supervise the robot vacuum cleaner?
No, you do not. As long as the robot vacuum cleaner has good mapping and navigation features, it should operate automatically and get the work done without hitting obstacles.
High-end robot vacuum cleaners have intricate timers; hence you can select when the robot vacuum operates to save time.
Can I find spare parts for a damaged robot vacuum?
Yes, you can easily find spare parts for the model you have but contact the manufacturer. However, it is essential to point out that not all models have spare parts within reach because some are made in foreign countries or discontinued after a while.
It is always a good idea to check if spare parts are available before purchasing a specific model.
What is the meaning of virtual walls?
Taking the form of boundary strips, virtual walls are infrared/magnetic barriers that help differentiate different areas for the robot vacuum.
These walls prevent the robot from colliding with precious objects or from going out of the designated path.
A device emitting infrared rays several feet in specific directions allows the robot vacuum sensors to pick up the infrared beams and alter their course depending on the objects ahead.
Final Thoughts
Robot vacuums are evolving into powerful cleaning machines; hence, future models will be a lot more fun to work with. The best robot vacuum cleaner that indicates what the future has to hold in terms of features is the iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020) Robot Vacuum.
While it is not the cheapest model in the market, it certainly is worth the hype as it presents superior suction, a decent running time, and a HEPA filter for those with allergies.
If your pocket is a bit restrained, worry not; a model like the eufy by Anker BoostIQ 30C RoboVac is a decent bargain.
It offers powerful suction of 2000Pa, operates silently, is equipped with ten sensors for mapping, and you can schedule when you want it to run.
If you want an affordable model with decent mapping and navigation, the Roborock S4 Max Robot Vacuum might serve you best.
Its Lidar technology and running time of 180 minutes will clean large spaces adequately with few interruptions. Have you picked out your best robot vacuum cleaner? Let us know in the comment section below.
