Best Robot Vacuum Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. If it's dogs or cats, you might have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the application).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to determine what is in front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be emptying less often than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. Look for automatic vacuum detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see a list of all available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Several popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will continue where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean an entire house in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to take on the entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with a built-in or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.