How to Choose the Best Robot Cleaner for Your Home
You'll need to put a bit of effort in the home maintenance of your robot. This means removing the clutter, removing loose cords and rug rugs that are tangled.
Select a model with an auto-emptying container. This makes it easier to clean up spills and mess. You might also consider two-in-ones that vacuum and mops.
Here are a few examples of
Based on the needs of your home, you can choose the best robot cleaner with smart features. Some models are able to map your home's layout to create floor plans, while some have an integrated camera that displays live video feeds. These cameras can be used to identify obstructions and assist with problem solving. Some robots have an option to plan cleaning sessions and alter the frequency.
If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, look for a model with a self-emptying dustbin. Ecovacs' Deebot Pro is one of our top choices because it offers both features for a reasonable price. It has a suction opening that is similar to upright vacuums. This helps it pick up debris more efficiently than other robots. It also has side brushes that have three bristles that push hair and dirt into the robot's path. This model is the top in its class for numerous reasons, including its high-quality mopping capabilities, its navigation capability, and low price.
The best-performing robovacs have large dust bins that last for weeks without needing to be emptied. The Narwal Freo X Ultra is an outstanding example of a premium robot with a self-emptying dustbin and clever features that allow for a hands-free experience. It comes with a tiny mopping mat that is able to remove dirt that is stuck to the floor. It can also glide over mats and rugs that are too light for other robots. Sensors help it find dirtier areas, and it can also mop and vacuum simultaneously.
Eufy Clean X10, with its user-friendly app, is another great choice. Its customization options are simple and quick to install. Its lidar mapping technology is fast and accurate. It also lets you divide rooms easily for a thorough cleaning. It has a fantastic device for avoiding objects that can eat Cheerios and even avoid fake dog poop. However, it did have some issues with stairs. The square-front design of the robot helped it to get into corners more efficiently than the majority of robots we've tested. It also has the ability to edge-hug which allows it to easily sweep across baseboards.
Cleaning performance
Robots aren't as effective as vacuums when it comes to cleaning deep into carpets and sweeping up dirt that has been hidden. However, they can pick up fine particles like dust and baking soda as well as larger debris like metal screws and pet fur. They can also sweep up crumbs and spills. Maintaining your robot through regular maintenance, such as emptying the dustbin cleaning or changing the filter and cleaning the cameras and sensors will ensure that it will last for the longest time possible.
The best robots are great at removing fine particles from hard carpets and floors that have low pile. They are also adept at picking up orzo, sand, and wood shavings. They can pick up metal screws and cat litter, however they struggle with slower items like coffee grounds or baked flour. They are less impressive on stairs, and do not always grab everything that is around the edges.
Some models excel at mopping as well. The iRoborock Roomba 900 is one of them and is a fantastic tool for taking off coffee spills and other liquids as well as dried-on or sticky food messes from hardwood. Its spot and zone cleaning modes allow you to set up a specific area that the robot will focus on, so that it doesn't spend time cleaning areas that are already clean. The Dreame X40 also does a excellent job at mopping but it has a distinct advantage over the Roborock. It can vacuum first and then mop to clean up spills and stains that are on high-pile carpets.
The Dyson V8 Absolute is another top mopping robot. It's more expensive than Roomba but it has superior suction. It's also able to handle a wider range of flooring types and textures. It's smart enough to return to the charging dock if it's getting dry and then resume cleaning the point it was when it left. Its app comes with a myriad of features, such as the ability to schedule periodic cleaning sessions. It's also very quiet, which makes it an ideal option for homes with children or pets.
Cost
The best robot cleaners perform well for a reasonable cost and many come with clever features that can help you save money in the end. You'll need to think about the price of mop and vacuum to get the most value for your buck. Certain models have features you might not need but you will find useful. For instance the self-emptying trash container or a navigation system that is efficient.
The most cost-effective option is to buy one that is able to do both mops and vacuums. It's important to note that the robot vacuum is only as good as the dirt it picks up therefore it's not recommended to abandon regular manual vacuuming in favour of using a robot vacuum.
A robot that costs $500 capable of both vacuuming as well as mopping is not unreasonable. A good example is the iRobot Combo j9+. This robot scored highly in CR's testing and can clean carpets and bare floors. It has an intuitive application that allows you to see its cleaning route, and set no-go areas. Jaclyn found that the mopping feature could be improved as it is based on light pressure and a dragging movement rather than scrubbing.
If you're on the budget, you can get a good deal on robot vacuums that are rated highly and does only one thing, such as the Eufy 11S. Its slim and quiet design excels at cleaning hardwood floors, tiles, and low pile carpets. It also did a great job when it came to cleaning up pet hair and litter.
Some budget-friendly robots feature rudimentary bump navigation systems that do not provide a coverage map, and are more likely to get stuck on furniture or miss spots. These robots can still clean your floors, but they are not as efficient or capable of navigate around household obstacles.
Shark IQ XL is another alternative. It's a budget-friendly model that has received high marks for its cleaning capabilities as well as its price-to-value ratio. It's not as efficient as the Combo j9+, however it's user-friendly and performs admirably on both floors that are unfinished and carpets. It's also lightweight and can be moved underneath furniture without getting stuck.
Maintenance
A robot cleaner is a great method to keep your home spotless, particularly in the case of children or pets. It will require some care to keep it in top condition. Maintaining a regular schedule of cleaning tasks like emptying the dust bin and washing or replacing the filter, and wiping off cameras and sensors can extend the lifespan of your robot.
Vacuums need more frequent maintenance than mopping robots, however you can extend the life of your vacuum by following guidelines from the manufacturer on emptying and cleaning the dustbin, brush roll and filter. Also, you should clean the robot's sensors and charging contacts with a damp cloth to keep them from becoming clogged with dirt.
This model from Eufy is a great choice if you want a smart robust, sturdy robot that is easy to use. Its ultra-slim and sleek design allows it to fit under low couches and ottomans to collect dirt that's hidden. The app makes it simple to pick rooms and schedule the cleaning schedule, as well as to set areas that are not allowed to be cleaned and adjust the cleaning intensity.
Although it's a little more expensive than some models on this list, this model comes with a variety of features that will make up for the cost. Its mapping is fast, and it can store four maps of your home in 3D or 2D. It's also one of the quieter robotics devices we tested. The battery life is about three hours.
The Romba 11s is a versatile vacuum cleaner that works well on walls. In our tests, it cleaned up to 1.3 inch from the wall. This is more than any other robots we test. It comes with a variety of smart features, including a spot-cleaning feature as well as an automatic boost mode. It also uses random navigation, so it doesn't re-clean the same spots over and over.
This robot has one drawback It is unable to recognize bare flooring and is easily confused by thick carpets and rug. It's an excellent choice for those who live in a small house or apartment with narrow hallways and plenty of furniture.