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 to date. It vacuums, mops and self-empties and drys mop pads all without you having to do anything.
It isn't equipped with advanced cleaning modes and a larger docking station, but it delivers outstanding performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end robotic vacuums. It also boasts a compact design that can reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming using a robot hoover is a quick, easy way to keep your floors looking and feeling clean. The majority of the robots we've included in our top picks are designed to work without your input, so you can schedule them to work while you're out or trigger cleaning sessions using 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 falling down the stairs.
Certain models are better at removing pet hair from carpets than others, which is why it's important to select the right model that will efficiently and effectively clean all types of flooring. Find best home vacuum cleaner that has a large dust bin that will hold a lot of dirt in between emptyings and a nozzle that does not lose suction as it rotates.
The majority of robots require little or any maintenance, other than taking hair that has become tangled off the rotating brush (and wiping its cameras or sensors, when needed) after every cleaning session, and then emptying the dust bin or an automatic emptying base in the event that the robot has one. If you follow these simple routine maintenance steps, your robotic vacuum will last as long as a regular vacuum cleaner and keep your home cleaner for longer.
Robot mops are less versatile than vacuums but some can also remove puddles and spills. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of such a device, which is a good choice for people with wood floors or a combination of carpets and rugs. It's quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities that allowed it to avoid obstacles during testing, and the charging dock doubles as a trash bin.
To get the best results, select the robot that is capable of both vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. Karcher's RCV 5 is able to do that, and also has other useful features including live cameras that sends a blurry image to your app so you can keep an eye on your pet or kids and a remote control that's easily programmable. The navigation isn't as robust as other models we've reviewed however it is able to lift it over low thresholds and has a generous 500ml trash bin that doesn't have to be emptied often.
Mopping
Robots that vacuum and mop are a relatively new addition 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 that mop and vacuum also do a great job at cleaning bare floors and carpets. Several brands now offer all-in-one robots that do both tasks with ease. The Combo J9+ is one of the most efficient mopping machines that we have test. It uses docks that can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. This is a huge improvement over 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 another very great two-in-one. It's quiet and compact and has a clean, fuss-free appearance. In our test rooms, it cleans the floors quickly and thoroughly - it was particularly adept at cleaning rugs. However, it took several runs to scrub some areas of stained wood. Its LIDAR navigation system functions well too, avoiding bumping into furniture or tripping over power cords.
It's a little slow on the stairs but that's expected from a compact robot designed to work around obstacles. Its only downside is the mopping pad attachment, which was difficult and didn't stay in place during our tests. It also has a problem handling dust that has dried, making 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 plain carpets equally. It offers a decent amount of suction, which allowed it to clean fine dust and pet hair from carpets. A good feature is its automatic recognition of carpets, which boosts the power of the vacuuming to tackle dirt that has been embedded. It's also simple to use and comes with a convenient charging dock that automatically empties the dust bin when it's full, which is a huge benefit for those who live in flats.
Cleaning Apps
The majority of robot vacuums, mops, and sweepers come with an app that allows you to customize cleaning routines. You can also pick rooms to be cleaned, plan cleaning sessions and change settings like suction as well as scrub strength and water levels. Some robots offer intelligent dirt detection that utilizes maps and cleaning data to identify dirty areas.
A smartphone app can also allow you to set up virtual barriers and no-go zones to shield your robot from potentially dangerous objects like cords or pet water bowls and sharp objects. Some models have laser navigation sensors that allow you to create virtual barriers, while others feature small physical boundaries and barriers that can be put anywhere you'd like to limit your floor space.
There are still risks to be aware of even though the best robot vacuums can detect and maneuver around obstacles. The main brush of a robot can be caught in long cords or curtains and stop it in its tracks. You can prevent this by clearing the area of all cords and tying off any long curtains before running your robot.
Certain robots automatically update the software that governs their navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithms which improves performance and reduces wear and wear on the robot's internal components. It is a good idea to regularly to check the site of the manufacturer or your robot app for firmware updates.
If you own a large home, you should consider a model with multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for example, can vacuum and mop on carpeted floors as well as hard floor rooms with different suction levels. It can also automatically change to the highest power setting for carpets and boost its scrubbing power with SmartScrub.
If you're looking to be hands-free, a robot that has the ability to speak to a voice-activated assistant is a fantastic option. The iRobot Roomba 980, for instance, can be controlled by a single command from Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It has a small self-emptying docking station as well as powerful cleaning motor that will leave your floors sparkling.