Robot vacuums take cleaning convenience for the millennial to the next level. They pack all the features of a traditional manual vacuum cleaner and one more – autonomy. They work completely hands-free and depending on the models, can even empty their dustbins themselves. Robot vacuums are basically cleaners in your home who don’t get tired, you won’t need to pay, and are ready to work at any time.
Initially, we gave you an outline of the best robot vacuums on the market that stand out from the bunch with great qualities, but you may still be unsure of which to choose. We’re still here to help.
In the rest of this buying guide, we run through a list of considerations you want to make and qualities to look out for in a robot vacuum so that you can hone in on the particular one that suits your needs.
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Robot Vacuum?
Robot vacuums come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing one for your needs will pool a number of considerations you want to make.
Types of Robot Vacuums
The first consideration you want to make is the type of robot vacuum you want to go for. Robovacs are classified according to their features, their navigation ability, intended use, etc.
Dedicated vs Multipurpose Robovacs
According to their features robot vacuums are classified as dedicated and multipurpose robot vacuums.
Dedicated or niche-specific robot vacuums are designed to work with particular floor profiles, types of dirt, etc.
Multipurpose robot vacuums are the jack-of-all-trades of robot vacuums. They come with different features that make them versatile to different floor and dirt profiles.
Conventional vs Smart Robot Vacuums
The next thing you want to decide is whether to go for a conventional or smart robot vacuum cleaner. Conventional robot vacuums do all the cleaning with basic preprogrammed functions.
Smart robot vacuums add the quality of mobile connectivity. Via a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection and a mobile app, you can create cleaning schedules, monitor cleaning in real-time for vacuums with cameras, and with assistants, can even use voice control.
Based on Their Navigation
One key quality that separates robot vacuums is their navigation ability. Some robot vacuums don’t have a particular navigation system and are designed to just bounce off obstacles and clean in an irregular pattern. Higher-end robot vacuum cleaners will typically come with cameras or laser-based navigation systems and may also include smart mapping that ensures the most efficient cleaning in the shortest time frames.
Floor Material
Another key factor you want to consider is the material of your floors. Some robot vacuums clean better on hardwood or smooth floors and others, better on carpets and rugs. This is an extension of the point on dedicated or hybrid robot vacuums.
Most robot vacuums, however, will still perform sufficiently well on different floor profiles and automatically make adjustments to the suction power, brush speed, etc. depending on the floor texture.
Noise
Like with all machines that are used indoors, the noise levels on your robot vacuum is one factor you should consider. The quieter the better. Noise levels are specified in decibels and will be provided by the manufacturer.
Self-charging Bots
You certainly want to go for a self-charging robot vacuum to get the most functionality but this feature will typically come with higher-end vacuums. They are designed to find their way back to their charging pods once they are done cleaning and save the hassle of having to always carry them there.
Your Budget
Robot vacuums sit in a very wide price range and your choice will depend on your budget.
Cheap
Cheap robot vacuums sit anywhere between $100-300 and typically come with the least smart features.
Mid-range
Mid-range robot vacuum cleaners sit between $250-1000. They come with more smart features and are great for most purposes.
Pricey
High-end robovacs pack the smartest features from navigation to self-emptying bins. You can expect to get one from between $750-3000.
Size of the Space
The size of your home or space is another factor to consider. The larger the cleaning space, the longer the robot vacuum will have to work and this will also affect other factors like the size of the dust bag. This will in turn require a larger vacuum.
Battery Life
Most robot vacuums are battery-powered making them compact and reliable. The higher the battery capacity, the longer the robot vacuum can work before it needs a recharge. Larger batteries, however, mean a heavier unit overall. For self-charging robot vacuums, the battery capacity may not be a serious problem.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a robot vacuum and a Roomba?
A: All Roombas are robot vacuums but not all robot vacuums are Roombas. Roombas are robot vacuums made by the company iRobot. Roombas come with features characteristic of high-end robot vacuums and are renowned for their performance.
Q: Are vacuum-mop hybrids worth it?
A: The short answer – not really.
A: The long answer – robot vacuums that come with mops are typically designed to be able to handle both hardwood floors and carpets. But performance tests have shown that dedicated robot vacuum cleaners perform the best.
Q: Are robot vacuums better than traditional vacuums?
A: Robot vacuums and traditional vacuum cleaners each have their pros and cons. Robot vacuums boast of hands-free performance and are compact. Traditional vacuum cleaners, even though bulkier, boast of much more powerful suction and can handle large debris that robot vacuums can’t. Traditional vacuum cleaners also perform better than robot vacuums when cleaning carpets.
Q: Are robot vacuums great for cleaning pet hair and litter?
A: If you have pets in the house, a robot vacuum may be a great investment to make. Many modern vacuums are coming with features that make short work of sweeping up pet hair. Some models may even take care of pet litter but these will typically require more frequent maintenance to keep them clean.