Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested
This high-end Eufy bot is the most hands off model we have tested so far. It vacuums, mop and self-empties and drys mop pads all without your involvement.
It's not equipped with the latest cleaning techniques and a bigger docking station but delivers a impressive performance at a fraction of the price of top-end robot vacuums. It also features the ability to reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming with a robot hoover is a fast, simple way to keep your floors clean and tidy. Many of the robots we've picked are built to run without your involvement You can set them up to sweep while you're away or trigger the session using your smartphone. You'll need to select a robot with excellent navigation and object detection to avoid it getting stuck under furniture or falling down the stairs.
Certain models are better at picking up pet hairs from rugs than others, which is why it's important to select the right model that will effectively and efficiently clean all types of flooring. Choose a model that has a an empty bin that is able to hold plenty of dirt between emptying and a nozzle that does not lose suction as it rotates to take debris.
Most robots need little to any maintenance, other than removing tangled hair from the rotating brush (and wiping down its cameras or sensors, as required) after each cleaning session and periodically emptying the dust bin or using an automatic emptying base if the robot has one. If you follow these easy maintenance steps, your robot vacuum will last as long as full-size vacuums and help keep your home tidy for longer.
Robotic mops aren't as versatile than vacuums, however some also clean up puddles and spills. The iLife V3s Pro, a excellent example of this kind of machine, is an excellent choice for people with carpets and rugs as well as wood floors. It's quiet and has solid navigation capabilities that allowed it to overcome obstacles during testing, and the charging dock doubles as a trash can.
Pick a robot vacuum cleaner that can also mop at the same time. That's exactly what the Karcher RCV 5 does, and it also offers additional useful features, such as a live camera that broadcasts an unreliable image to your app so you can check on your pets or children as well as an easily-programmable remote control. The navigation might not be as precise as some of the other models on this list, but its 500ml dustbin is large and doesn't require frequent emptying.
Mopping
Robots that mop and vacuum are a fairly new addition to the market. They are more expensive than standalone robots and require an additional water tank but the extra expense may be worth it for many people, especially those with difficult-to-clean stains, or pets.
Some of the top robots can clean floors and carpets as well as vacuuming. There are many brands that offer robots that can do both jobs extremely well. The Combo J9+ is among the most efficient mopping machines that we've test. It uses docks that can hold up to 60 days' worth of dirt. This is a huge improvement over the Qrevo Pro which ran out water after mopping only 30 days worth of dirt during our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is another excellent two-in-one. It's quiet and compact and has a clean, fuss-free appearance. In our test rooms, it cleaned the floors thoroughly and precisely - it did particularly well on rugs but it took several runs to completely remove soiled areas from wood. Its LIDAR navigation system performs well, avoiding crashing into furniture or running over power cords.
It's a bit slow on the stairs but that's expected from a compact robot designed to work around obstacles. The only issue is the mopping pad attachment, which was a challenge and wouldn't stay in its place during our tests. It is also not capable of dealing with dried-on dust, making it more like the vacuum rather than a mop.
It's still a great choice for people who prefer a hands-off experience and want to clean low pile or plain carpets equally. It was able to provide a lot of suction, which helped it pick up fine dust from carpets and pet hair. One of the most appealing features is its automatic carpet recognition which increases the strength of the vacuuming to better tackle embedded dirt. It is simple to use, and the charging dock automatically empty the trash bin when it's full. This is a fantastic feature for apartment dwellers.
Cleaning apps
Most robot vacuums, mops, and sweepers have an app that allows you to modify cleaning routines. You can also select rooms to be cleaned, schedule cleaning sessions, and alter settings like suction levels, scrub strength and water levels. Certain robots have intelligent dirt detection that uses maps and previous cleaning data to identify dirty areas.
You can also make use of an app to create virtual barriers and no go zones to keep your robot safe from potentially dangerous objects, such as 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 put anywhere you want to block the floor area.
The most effective robot vacuums and mops are intelligent enough to detect obstacles and maneuver around them, but there are still certain dangers to be on the lookout for. For instance, the main brush can become stuck on long cords or curtains, which can stop the machine from moving. To prevent this, you can remove the cords and tie up any curtains that are long.
Certain robots automatically update the software that controls their navigation and obstacle avoidance techniques, which enhances performance and reduces wear and tear on the robot's internal components. It is a good idea to periodically to check the site of the manufacturer or your robot's application for updates to the firmware.
If you live in a huge home, you should choose a model with several cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for instance, can mop and vacuum carpeted floors as well as hard floor rooms with different suction levels. It also has the ability to automatically switch the power setting to the highest level when cleaning carpets and increase its scrubbing strength by using SmartScrub.
If you're looking to remain completely hands-free, a robotic device with a voice-activated assistant is a fantastic option. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, is able to be operated using a simple voice command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact self-emptying docking system and a powerful cleaning motor that leaves your floors sparkling.