Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This high-end bot from Eufy is the most hands-free model we've tested so far. It vacuums, mop, self-empties, and washes and dry mop pads without you having to do anything.
It doesn't come with advanced cleaning modes or a larger docking system, but it delivers outstanding performance for less than half the price of the top robotic vacuums. It also features an incredibly compact design that can be able to reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming using a robot hoover is a fast, simple way to keep your floors clean and tidy. Many of the robots we've selected are designed to operate without any involvement from you, so you can set them up to clean while you're away or trigger the session using your smartphone. You'll want to select a robot with excellent navigation and object detection to avoid getting stuck under furniture or falling down the staircase.
It's important to select a robot vacuum that can effectively and efficiently clean all kinds of flooring. Look for a robot with a large dustbin that will hold a large amount of dirt between emptyings, and a nozzle which does not lose suction when it rotates.
Most robots require little to no maintenance other than removing tangled hair from the rotating brush (and wiping down its sensors or cameras, when needed) after every cleaning session, and then emptying the trash bin or using a self-emptying base when the robot is equipped with one. If you follow these simple maintenance steps, your robot vacuum should last as long as full-size vacuums and help keep your home tidy for longer.
While robot mops tend to be less versatile than vacuums Some have the ability to suck up spills and puddles while working. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of such a machine, which is a good option for those who have wood floors or a combination of rugs and carpets. It is quiet and has good navigation capabilities, which allowed it to avoid obstacles during testing. The charging dock can also double as a trash bin.
Pick a robot vacuum cleaner that has the ability to mop simultaneously. That's what the Karcher RCV 5 can do and also comes with other handy features like live cameras that stream an image that is grainy to your app so you can check on your pet or kids, as well as an easily programmable remote control. Its navigation isn't as reliable as the other models in our selection however it is able to lift it over low thresholds and comes with a large 500ml dustbin that doesn't need to be cleaned frequently.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are relatively new to the market. These machines are more expensive and require an additional tank of water, unlike standalone robots. However, they may be worth the cost for those with staining that is difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the best robots that vacuum and mop also be very effective cleaning floors with no carpets. Many brands offer robots that can perform both tasks extremely well. The Combo J9+, as an instance, is among the top mopping machines we've tested. It comes with 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 30 days' worth of dirt in our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is a great two-in-one. It's compact, quiet and has an elegant, easy-to-use look. In our test rooms, it scrubbed the floors thoroughly and accurately and efficiently. It was particularly effective on rugs, however it took several runs to completely remove soiled areas from wood. Its LIDAR navigation is effective as well. It prevents hitting furniture or running over power cables.
It's a little slow on the stairs but that's to be expected from a compact robot that's designed to overcome obstacles. The only downside is that its mopping pads are fiddly to attach and didn't stay in place during our tests. Additionally, see this here isn't equipped to deal with dirt that has dried that makes it more like a vacuum cleaner rather than a full-fledged robot mop.
It's still a great choice for those who prefer a hands-free experience and want to clean low pile or plain carpets equally. It offers a decent amount of suction, which allowed it to clean fine dust and pet hair from carpets. One of the most appealing features is its automatic carpet recognition, which boosts the power of the vacuum to tackle dirt that has been embedded. It is simple to use, and the charging dock automatically emptyes the trash bin when it's full. This is a fantastic feature for those who live in apartments.
Cleaning apps
Nearly every robot vacuum, mop, and sweeper comes with an application that lets you modify cleaning routines, choose rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and change settings like suction, water level, and the power of scrubbing. Some robots also have intelligent dirt detection, which makes use of the data from previous cleaning sessions and maps data to prioritize dirty areas and optimize cleaning mode.
Having an app also allows you to set up virtual barriers and no-go zones to protect your robot from potentially dangerous objects like cords and pet water bowls and sharp objects. Some models come with laser navigation sensors that permit you to create virtual barriers, while others feature small physical barriers and boundary strips that you can place anywhere you want to block the floor area.
There are still risks to be aware of, even though the best robot vacuums are able to detect and navigate around obstacles. For example, a robot's main brush could get stuck in long cords or curtains and stop the machine dead in its tracks. You can avoid this by clearing the area of all cords and tie up any curtains that are long before operating your robot.
Some robots will automatically update the software that controls their navigation and obstacle avoidance techniques, which improves performance and reduces wear and tear on the robot's internal components. It is recommended to periodically check the website of the manufacturer as well as the app of your robot for firmware updates.
If you live in a big home, you should choose one that comes with several cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max can clean and mop hard and carpeted floors using different suction settings. It can also switch automatically to the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets, and also boost its scrubbing strength with SmartScrub.
If you're looking to remain hands-off, a robot with a voice-activated assistant is a great option. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, is able to be operated with a simple command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact, self-emptying docking station and an efficient cleaning engine that makes your floors sparkling.