Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This top-of-the-line Eufy bot is the top hands-off model we've tried so far. It vacuums, mop and self-empties and drys mop pads all without you having to do anything.
It isn't equipped with advanced cleaning modes and a bigger docking station, but it delivers outstanding performance for less than half the cost of premium robot vacuums. It also features a compact design that can reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming with a robot hoover is a fast, simple method to keep your floors clean and tidy. A lot of the models we've chosen are designed to run without any involvement from you and you can set them up to clean while you're away or trigger an appointment from your phone. You'll want to select an excellent robot that can navigate and object detection in order to avoid getting stuck under furniture or down the stairs.
Certain models are better at removing pet hair from rugs than others, which is why it's crucial to select an item that is able to effectively and efficiently vacuum all types of flooring. Look for a model with a dustbin that is able to hold plenty of dirt between emptyings and a nozzle that doesn't lose suction as it rotates to remove debris.
Most robots require little to no maintenance other than removing tangled hair from the rotating brush (and wiping its sensors or cameras, when needed) after each cleaning session and regularly emptying the dust bin or an auto-emptying base, if the robot has one. If you follow these easy steps to maintain your robot, the vacuum will last as long as regular vacuums and help keep your home tidy for longer.
Robotic mops aren't as versatile than vacuums, but they can also pick up spills and puddles. The iLife V3s Pro, a good example of this type of machine, is an excellent choice for people with carpets and rugs or wood flooring. It is quiet and has good navigation capabilities, which allowed it to overcome obstacles during tests. The charging dock can also double as a trash bin.
To get the best results, choose the robot that is capable of both vacuuming and mopping at the same time. That's what the Karcher RCV 5 can handle, and it also offers additional useful features, such as live cameras that send a grainy image to your app so that you can monitor your children or pets, as well as an easily programmable remote control. Its navigation isn't as reliable as the other models we've reviewed however it is able to lift it over low thresholds and comes with a large 500ml trash bin that doesn't have to be cleaned frequently.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are relatively new to the market. These robots are more expensive and require an additional tank of water compared to standalone robots. However, they could be worth the cost for those who have staining that is difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the top robots can clean floors and carpets as well as vacuum. There are a number of brands that offer all-in-one robots that do both tasks extremely well. The Combo j9+, for example, is one of the top mopping robots we've tested. It has an impressively large dock that can accommodate up to 60 days of dirt. That's a big improvement on the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping just 30 days of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is a fantastic two-in-one. It is compact, quiet and has an elegant, easy-to-use look. In our test rooms, it cleans the floors quickly and thoroughly - it was particularly effective in cleaning rugs. However, it required several runs to clean certain areas of wood that were stained. best automatic vacuum cleaner works well, too. It prevents hitting furniture and running over power cables.
It's a little slow on the stairs but that's expected from a compact robot that's designed to overcome obstacles. The only drawback is its mopping pad attachment which was difficult and didn't stay in the right position during our tests. It also lacks the ability of dealing with dust that has dried on and dust, which makes it more like an ordinary vacuum cleaner than a robot mop.
It's a great option for those who prefer a hands-off experience and want to clean low-pile or unfinished carpets equally. It had a good amount of suction which helped it pick up fine dust from pet hair and carpets. Automatic carpet recognition is a fantastic feature since it boosts the suction power to tackle dirt that has been embedded. It's also user-friendly and has a handy charging dock that automatically empty the dust bin when it's full, which is a huge benefit for those who live in flats.
Cleaning Apps
Almost every robot vacuum, mop, and sweeper has an app that lets you customize cleaning routines, pick rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and alter settings like suction, water level, and scrubbing power. Some robots provide intelligent dirt detection that uses maps and previous cleaning data to prioritize dirty areas.
You can also utilize an app to design virtual barriers and no-go zones to shield your robot away from dangerous objects, like cords and pet water bowls. Some models come with laser navigation sensors that permit you to create virtual barriers, while others have small physical barriers and boundary strips can be placed wherever you wish to restrict your floor area.
There are still risks to be aware of even though the top robot vacuums can recognize and navigate around obstacles. The main brush of a robot may get stuck in long cords or curtains and stop it dead in its tracks. You can avoid this by clearing the area of any cords and tying off any long curtains before running your robot.
Some robots automatically update their software which manages the navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This enhances performance and reduces wear and tear on the robot's internal parts. It is a good idea to regularly check the website of the manufacturer as well as the app of your robot for firmware updates.
If you have a huge home, look for models that offer multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for instance, can be used to vacuum and mop on carpeted floors as well as hard floor rooms that have different suction levels. It can also switch automatically to the highest power setting when cleaning carpets and increase the strength of its scrubbing with SmartScrub.
A robot with the ability to speak is a fantastic option when you want to keep your hands off. The iRobot Roomba 980 can be controlled by Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. It has a small self-emptying docking system and a powerful cleaning motor that leaves your floors sparkling.