Many robot vacuums can be used with apps that let you control the device without holding it. These apps can help you plan cleaning sessions, establish boundaries and define no-go zones.
Several of the robots we tested can automatically return to their base and recharge during a cleaning session which is beneficial when you have a huge house. Some come with an automatic emptying of the dust bin and water tank to keep the robot clean and help reduce allergens in your home.Battery Life
If you have a large home, look for an appliance that can last for an hour or more in normal operation. Many models also have an "eco" or lower-power cleaning option that saves battery life but still does a great job of removing dirt and debris from carpets and floors.
If your home is a small space, you can still find many options to keep your home neat. For example, our top pick for small spaces is the Neato Botvac 11S Max, can run for about 60 minutes on floors that are unfinished in normal mode, and up to 90 minutes when using Eco mode. It's shorter than many of the other robots that we tested which makes it easier to slip under furniture and into corners.
It is a good idea to choose a model with smart features that let you customize your robot's cleaning preferences based on how much traffic certain areas get. You can set up zones that are prone to traffic to ensure better suction and higher levels of water, for example. Some apps offer the option of changing the settings per room or even floors of your home.
In addition to selecting a robot that meets your specific cleaning requirements, it's important to keep up with routine maintenance tasks, such as emptying and refilling the bin for dust, checking brushes for hair tangles and draining and rinsing the tank of water. You should also make use of the software updates offered by your manufacturer. These updates can help improve navigation algorithms and decrease unnecessary power consumption, which can extend the life of your battery robot.
Depending on how busy your family is, it may be required to run your robot as often as three to four times per week. Emily Rairdin is a vacuum expert from University Vacuum & Sewing. She claims that a machine should last anywhere between three and five years. However, the lifespan of yours depends on the way you maintain it and how often you use it.
Some of the more advanced models that we have reviewed in our best robot vacuum reviews are able to connect to smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which allows them to operate completely hands-free. This is a great convenience, but you will have to share some personal data.
App Control
Many robots offer a variety of control options via apps that let you organize specific cleaning tasks, alter preferences, and plan sessions. Some robots also work with digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other home automation systems.
Robots use a mix of sensors, lasers and cameras to navigate your space. They're designed to search for and remove pet hair dirt, crumbs, and other messes from hard floors such as laminate, tile, and wood as and carpets with low pile and area rugs. They're also built to avoid obstacles, such as furniture legs and pet food bowls, when they move through your home.
As with any electronic device, it's important to keep up with the routine maintenance of your robot to ensure that it is operating correctly. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use and maintain your robot, replace the batteries as well as the filters and wheels, and clean the rotating brushes (they can become tangled up with pet hair and dirt) Most models will last as long as traditional full-size vacuums.
Most robots can identify and understand your surroundings using sensors. This lets them plan an efficient cleaning route. Some models that are more expensive permit you to define 'no-go zones' in case there are certain areas you would like the robot to skip over, such as your pet's food bowls, or expensive carpets.
A growing number of robots also have 'targeted rooms' that allows you to tell the robot to concentrate on one or more specific areas of your home. This is a good option if you have a lot of clutter that you'd like to get rid of, or if you have an area that requires more attention, like an extra bedroom for guests.
In addition to allowing you to modify the robot's map and cleaning preferences, many app-controlled robots also offer an array of automated features to help with maintenance tasks. For instance, some come with self-emptying bins which return to their docks and empty themselves automatically once they're full.
The app-controlled Dreametech L10s Ultra navigated our test course very well, however it had trouble spotting obstacles that were in its way. It also was not able to handle rug tassels which were clogged. Despite this, it's an affordable and effective choice for keeping a studio apartment or small home tidy.
Cleaning Options
If the wheels of your robot become soiled or covered in dust, hair or other particles, they can no longer move smoothly, and could cause the robot to slow down or even get stuck. To ensure they remain in good working order, wipe them down with a soft cloth periodically. It's crucial for mopping robots to remove the pads after each cleaning, wash them with water and let dry before reinstalling. If you're worried about keeping up with this maintenance pick a model that automatically washes and dry mopping pads following each cleaning session.
Certain robots are built to automatically empty their dust bins when full and this could be a real boon if you have pets or kids. For the majority of models, it is best to empty the dustbin manually to make sure that it is ready to receive the next load. Select a model with an enormous bin, which is easy to empty and empty. Also, make sure that the base is able to hold the bin comfortably without being obstructive.
One other factor that can impact how long your robot lasts is the quality of its sensors. These are the devices that sense furniture, walls, obstacles, and other items in your home and assist the robot to navigate around them. Look for a robot with high-quality sensors that are quick to respond to changes in floor surface and are accurate enough to avoid getting stuck in tight spaces like the nook between the bathtub and toilet or under your desk chair legs.
Depending on the budget you have and how often you want to make use of your robot, it's also worthwhile to invest in a robot that can charge itself and then resume cleaning from where it stopped off when the battery is low. This is especially useful for homes with larger spaces, and helps maintain a consistent cleaning throughout the house.
Noise Levels
The noise level of robot vacuums varies by model and can be affected by other factors too. Manufacturers may advertise an option for low-noise operation or a quiet operating speed. However, you will have to know the rating of the machine to know what this number really means. In general, sounds that exceed 85 decibels are considered very loud and could cause hearing damage over time.
Look for models that use advanced noise reduction technology or have a low-noise mode. These features can dramatically reduce the operational noise and make it easier to carry on conversations or even to take a nap during cleaning.
Some models are also designed with sound-absorbing or insulated materials to further decrease the operational noise. These features can be important for those who reside in noisy areas or have children at home.
Other factors that influence the level of noise are the navigation system and obstacle detection capabilities of a robot vacuum cleaner. Some robots use the use of lasers or cameras to prevent hitting furniture or walls when cleaning. These technologies can help reduce the amount noise that a robot cleaner makes during its cleaning process. They accomplish this by avoiding unnecessary collisions and bumps.
While the latest robot vacuums are becoming much quieter, they still produce significant amounts of noise during normal operation. The noise they generate can be distracting to those who have children or work from home, in particular. Continuous exposure to high-level sound is known to cause stress, and also to raise blood pressure.
If you notice your robot vacuum producing a lot of noise, there are a few options you might try prior to calling the customer support of the manufacturer. First, you should check the machine for visible damage. A cracked or loose component can amplify the volume of noise and cause it to sound like freight train. Make sure to clean and replace filters regularly because they can get blocked by dirt and debris, which can increase the noise.
A sensor that is dirty or damaged can also be a cause of abnormal noise. Dirty or damaged sensors can send the robot vacuum on a shaky, confused travel across your floors which will lead to hitting objects and creating an eerie noise. If this happens, clean or replace the sensors and reconnect to your Wi-Fi, if necessary.
