Admit it: the robot that cleans the house is a small/big dream! If you are thinking of buying a robot vacuum cleaner, there are some things you need to know. Does it really work?
In this article, we will answer this and other questions: will you clean it thoroughly? Will it fall from the stairs? Will it hang if it finds an obstacle? What if I have a pet at home? Let’s clarify once and for all on the subject, first trying to understand how they go and the functionality, and then we will pass on to present you the models that most convinced us among those currently on the market.
Robot vacuum cleaner: how do they work?
For a reasoned choice, we see some basic features of these particular vacuum cleaners.
Let’s start … from the start: the charging base. Most models start cleaning from the base and back to it when it starts to run out of battery, to be able to charge again for a new cleaning session. We like very much the models that after being recharged, they return to the point where they stopped cleaning because of the low battery: even for large surfaces, they will proceed to the total cleaning, in more sessions.
The battery is not a fundamental aspect to consider. In principle, the average autonomy is around 1 hour and a half, even if the most powerful models can even exceed 2 hours, but with the automatic return to base in case of low battery, the autonomy is virtually always unlimited! If anything, it is limited by the capacity of the dirt collection tank.
Usually, the new range of robotic vacuum cleaners is equipped with a camera that allows you to map the house and understand what are the points that have already been cleaned, and those where you still need to go. In addition, the camera helps robots to avoid furniture or fall from the stairs: a sensor will warn them of these problems, making them go back.
On navigation, know that most models have two types of settings: the automatic one, to clean the robot when you’re out, and the manual one, to get it to clean in the areas you want. In some cases, the automatic settings can also be controlled from your smartphone thanks to the dedicated apps, or by setting them directly on the display at the top of the product, and that works a bit like a talking window.
We close with the most important aspect: how do they clean? If for the navigation at home, we are now at excellent levels, unfortunately, these devices cannot bring with them a real powerful suction system, which is why the cleaning is mostly carried out by rotating brushes.
Always better systems, but do not expect the type of cleaning of a ” bin “: these robots are designed for the daily cleaning of the house, to keep clean and not for ” spring cleaning “.
To consider before buying
It is difficult to make a real classification of these products because much depends on the type of house you have, ie the type of surface you intend to clean and how far it is extended. For example: if you do not have particular surfaces such as carpeting but only the simple floor, you can opt for simpler and less-expensive models, equipped with generic brushes. Another example is if you have a very large house: try to check the capacity of the robot tank.
Check also the noise: it is true that the latest generation of robots is very quiet, but still take a look at this feature, to avoid that the neighbor downstairs you are playing annoyed.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner: Recommended models
The most powerful
Among the best on the market. iRobot Roomba technology often surpasses the many other models on the market. Let’s start with the brushes: they are produced with a special rubber (and not with traditional bristles) that prevents the hairs, dirt, and hair from getting stuck to them instead of flowing into the vacuum cleaner. Thanks to special filters, even the smallest particles of dust are trapped, improving air quality for the benefit of those suffering from allergies.
Let’s move on to the movement of the robot: thanks to the Dirt Detect sensor. It is able to detect, which are the dirtiest surfaces of the house, and move towards them to clean them thoroughly. Really! The same applies to the Spot button that allows the robot to clean a circumscribed area of one meter to remove the ” thicker ” dirt, such as the crumbs under the table.
For daily cleaning, Roomba checks and examines the surface of the house first, in order to know it and move accordingly: in this way, it optimizes cleaning times and avoids areas where it should not enter, thanks to the IR sensor.
The robot also recognizes the walls: when it passes near them, it touches them by activating the special brushes to remove the dirt that is nestled next to the skirting board. Moreover, thanks to the ” Anti Tangle ” technology, the robot will not get stuck between the carpets, without risking damaging them or damaging them. For those who appreciate the daily cleaning of the house, can set days and hours when the robot will start at a time of dirt.
Recommended for: those looking for the top of the range regardless of price. For those who have pets and look for a robot that thoroughly cleans even the most difficult dirt.
![Irobot Roomba Automatic Vacuum Cleaner Rumba 871 Pewter Gray 871 [Japan Specification Genuine] Jp Post Ems Fast Shipping Japan Import](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hVLj6aHdL._SL160_.jpg)
Right Quality / Price ratio
A right compromise between quality and price. We are talking about an Ecovacs product, a brand specializing in small and medium appliances. Before starting the cleaning for the first time, the robot uses its anti-drop & anti-collision sensors to go to the discovery of the house, thus optimizing the phases of the aspiration, so that they prove as quick and effective as possible. Auto&Clean + 3 Specialized Cleaning Modes: Smart motion guided auto-clean mode, plus single room & spot mode for targeted cleaning, & edge mode for hard-to-clean edges.
The cleaning is done with two rotating brushes, perfect for daily house cleaning. It can also be programmed up to 24 hours before use. The particularity of this product is that it is low-powered: with only 3.07 inches of height, it will pass safely under the furniture and under the armchairs to clean more thoroughly.
Recommended for: those looking for a product that is not too expensive for daily cleaning.
- Max Mode Cleaning: Increase your cleaning power by 2x whenever you need using the app...
- Smart App & Voice Controls: Use Alexa or Google Home voice commands to direct...
- Auto-Clean plus 3 Specialized Cleaning Modes: Smart motion guided auto-clean mode,...
The Cheap
Pyle offers a much cheaper product than many other robot vacuum cleaners. Let’s start with the battery: Pyle gives its best in small and medium-sized homes so that in just under an hour, it can clean all surfaces.
This Smart Automatic Vacuum Cleaner by Pyle has an obstacle detection feature that lets it clean all areas of the room & its low profile design allows it to slide under furniture. Makes chores a lot easier & faster
The product features 3 cleaning modes for the level of cleaning that you desire. It is equipped with top touch panel buttons to let you choose from 10 Min, 20 Min, & Max Mode 90 minutes of cleaning operation depending on the room size.
Recommended for: those looking for an ultra-economical product that takes away superficial dirt.
Our Choice
This robot is not of a known brand, but it is very sold and works well. It does not cost too much, but it is powerful and efficient, especially on the most difficult surfaces such as carpets and rugs. The central brushes remove dirt from the softer surfaces, while the side brushes are ideal for floors and skirting boards. To remove the most difficult dirt, it is possible to set the Max program, suitable for removing the larger grains, including the crumbs.
It is equipped with a system that avoids collision with the furniture and prevents it from falling down the stairs: moreover, if it gets stuck somewhere, it is equipped with a wheel that allows it to reverse.
The battery has an autonomy of about 2 hours, but it is interesting for the Mini function that allows you to optimize the cleaning in one room, avoiding the dispersion of the charge in rooms already cleaned the previous day. It is possible to program it so that it cleans when you are away from home.
Recommended for: those looking for a concrete, efficient product on the most difficult surfaces such as carpets and carpets with a fair compromise quality/price.
- The Gen 3 CyclonePower cleaning system with a strong suction provides thorough and...
- Superior battery-group brings up to 100mins cleaning time which makes work easily and...
- Multiple smart sensors avoid bumping around or falling off stairs. The A4s even...
Final Opinion on Vacuum Cleaners
The robot vacuum cleaners work and are suitable for daily cleaning of the house, but currently do not replace the best traditional vacuum cleaners.
The robots are an extra help for those who are often away from home and have little time to devote to daily cleaning: they are also recommended for those with children or pets and need frequent ” passes “. But the technology is constantly evolving, and we are sure that in a few years we will retire all the classic home cleaning appliances!
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.
