Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This top-of-the-line bot from Eufy is the best hands-off model we've tested to date. It vacuums, mops, self-empties its bin and washes and dry mop pads without your intervention.
It doesn't feature advanced cleaning functions or a larger docking system, but it provides stellar performance at less than half the price of the top robotic vacuums. It also has an incredibly compact design that can reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming using a robot hoover is a simple, quick method to keep your floors clean and tidy. The majority of the robots we've included that we recommend are designed to work without your intervention So you can schedule them to work while you're away or initiate cleaning sessions from your phone. But, you must choose a model that has excellent navigation and obstacle detection so that it will not get stuck on the stairs or beneath furniture.
Some models are better at removing pet hair from rugs than others, so it's important to select an item that is able to efficiently and effectively clean all flooring types. Look for a model with an empty bin that can hold plenty of dirt between emptying and a nozzle that does not lose suction when it rotates to get rid of debris.
Most robots require little to any maintenance, other than removing tangled fur from the rotating brush after each cleaning session (and wiping its camera or sensors as required) and regularly emptying the bin or using the robot's self-emptying base. If you follow these easy routine maintenance steps, your robotic vacuum will last the same amount of time as a traditional vacuum cleaner and keep your home cleaner for longer.
Robot mops aren't as flexible than vacuums but some can also pick up puddles and spills. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of a machine which is a great option for those who have wood floors or a combination of rugs and carpets. It is quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities, which helped it avoid obstacles during testing. The charging dock can also function as a trash bin.
For the best results, pick an appliance that can do both vacuuming and mopping at the same time. Karcher's RCV 5 does this, and it also comes with other features that are beneficial including a live camera, which broadcasts a grainy picture to your app so you can monitor your pet or children as well as remote controls that are easily programmed. Its navigation may not be as efficient as some of the other models in this selection however, its 500ml dustbin is large and doesn't require frequent emptying.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are relatively new to the market. They are more expensive and require a separate tank of water, unlike standalone robots. However, find more information might be worth the extra cost for those who have staining that is difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the best robots can clean carpets and floors as well as vacuum. Many brands are now offering all-in-one machines that can do both tasks extremely well. The Combo J9+, as an example, is among the top mopping machines we've tested. It has an impressively large dock that can hold up to 60 days worth of dirt. This is a huge improvement over the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping 30 days of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is another excellent two-in-one. It is compact and quiet, with an elegant, easy-to-use look. In our test rooms, it scrubbed the floors thoroughly and precisely and efficiently. It was particularly effective on rugs, but it required multiple runs to fully clean some areas of soiled wood. Its LIDAR navigation system functions well, avoiding bumps into furniture or running over power cords.
It's a bit slow on the stairs however that's to expected from a small robot that's designed to overcome obstacles. official statement is its mopping pad attachment which was difficult and didn't stay in the right position during our tests. It is also not capable of dealing with dust that has dried on which makes it more of an ordinary vacuum cleaner than a robot mop.
It's a great option for those who prefer a hands-free experience and want to clean low-pile or unfinished carpets equally. It has a decent amount of suction, which helped it to pick up fine dust and pet hair from carpets. A good feature is its automatic carpet recognition which boosts the power of the vacuum to take on dirt that is embedded. It is easy to use, and the charging dock automatically empty the trash bin when it's full. This is a great feature for those who live in apartments.
Cleaning Apps
The majority of robot vacuums, mops, and sweepers come with an app that allows you to customize cleaning routines. You can also pick rooms to be cleaned, schedule cleaning sessions and adjust settings such as suction levels, scrub strength and water levels. Certain robots also provide intelligent dirt detection, which makes use of past cleaning data and map information to prioritize areas of dirt and optimize cleaning mode.
A smartphone app can also allow you to set up virtual barriers and no-go zones to keep your robot away from dangerous items, such as cords, pet water bowls, and sharp objects. Certain models have laser navigation sensors that permit you to create virtual barriers while others have small physical barriers and boundary strips can be put anywhere you wish to restrict your floor space.
There are still risks to be aware of even though the top robot vacuums can recognize and avoid obstacles. The principal brush of a robot can become stuck in long cords or curtains, and stop it dead in its tracks. You can prevent this by clearing the area of any cords and tying off any curtains that are long before operating your robot.
Some robots automatically update their software which controls the navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This enhances performance and reduces wear and tear of the robot's internal parts. It's a good idea periodically to check the site of the manufacturer or your robot's app for updates to firmware.
If you own a large home, look for a model with multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for instance, can be used to mop and vacuum on carpeted floors as well as hard floor rooms that have different suction levels. It can also switch automatically to the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets, and boost its scrubbing strength by using SmartScrub.
A robot with the ability to speak is a fantastic option for those who want to be hands-free. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, is able to be operated by a single command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It has a small, self-emptying docking station and a powerful cleaning engine that will leave your floors sparkling.