11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Do With Your Best Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make an important distinction in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use objects detection to identify what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.
In addition to reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. To maintain optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they get to their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. However, robot vacuum cleaner cheap require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
In addition to basic features such as a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price range.
We have the best robotic vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.