What You Can Do To Get More From Your Best Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and automatic floor cleaner plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots 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 best robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you might have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier using the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in low and optimal light conditions to see what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide great value. Both models have a high level of suction and come with a large self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good robot vacuum level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot or have the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to standard features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the auto vacuum cleaner with your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.