What to Look For in a Good Robot Vacuum

A robot vacuum can keep you on the top of pet hair and lint on a regular basis. Many use apps that allow you to schedule cleaning sessions and define virtual boundaries or "walls" to keep them from areas that you don't want to be cleaned.

This smart vacuum and mop creates a home map after its first trip, and then it will remember your home's layout for future tasks. It comes with a huge dust bin that automatically emptys and a self-cleaning, brush roll.

Object Detection

When picking a robot vacuum, look for one that can pick up large objects, such as lamp cords and toys, as well as dust particles. This will ensure that they don't get stuck in the roller brush or strewn across your floor. This is particularly crucial if the robot will be cleaned frequently by pets or children.

A model that has an engine that is powerful and lots of suction is also a good option. This will make it more efficient in removing pet hair, dust and lint off your carpets and hardwood floors.

The size of your house is another crucial factor to consider. If you have a large home, you might choose one with multiple cleaning zones that can cover your entire house in one go. Some models also come with mopping capabilities that can be used to keep your floors looking fresh and clean.

Robot vacuums are tough but they need to be cleaned properly and regularly. Cleaning the rotating brushes and emptying the dust bin and wiping down the sensors on a regular basis will keep your machine functioning efficiently for many years to come. Many of the owners of robot vacuums we have spoken to have been using their machines for 10 years or longer (and have replaced motors, brushes, and batteries with time).

A basic robot is less expensive than a full size vacuum cleaner. They'll still do an excellent job of cleaning dirt from surfaces pet fur, lint and other debris. You can use them to sweep your floor several times a day. However, they don't come with as technological innovation, and may be susceptible to becoming stuck or requiring human intervention.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums use sensors, cameras or lasers to help you navigate your home, avoiding getting stuck or falling down the stairs. Certain models are able to return to their base or dock when their batteries are low. They can also stay clear of obstacles like furniture cords and legs. Some of the more expensive models have mapping capabilities that allow them to memorize your home's layout and therefore spend less time bouncing against walls.

There is no need to spend a lot of money on the most expensive robotic vacuums. There are models that do a fantastic job at picking up pet hair and dirt from hard surfaces such as tiles, wood, and brookstone robot vacuum low-pile rugs. They also be capable of handling larger objects such as metal screws, rusty staples or abandoned toys. Some come with self-emptying bases which is helpful if you don't want to empty the dustbin after every cleaning session.

Some robotic vacuums have clever features, making the traditional stick vacuum look old-fashioned. These include scheduling, zone-targeting and the capability to control them via an app or voice assistants, such as Alexa. You can also set up cleaning zones as well as 'virtual walls to block off areas you do not want the robot to venture.

Certain robotic vacuums like the Eufy 11S and my former top pick Roborock S8 Roborock S8, have obstacle avoidance technology that prevents them from derailing by running into furniture or getting caught in cords. Some robot vacuums, such as the iRobot Roomba j7+ have more advanced shark ai ultra robot vacuum with self empty base obstacle-avoidance technology which uses cameras, processors and algorithms to stay clear of items like lamp cords as well as pet waste. It's a little more expensive than the other bots I've tested, however, it did a great job of avoiding obstacles within my home and rarely got stuck or tangled while working on my floors.

The iRobot J7+ was a fantastic obstacle avoidance robot however it didn't always do a good job at avoiding crumbs and dirt on my rugs. It also had a tendency to over-vacuum some areas, resulting in an abundance of dust in the filter and an unclean home.

Smart Mapping

Some of the best robot vacuums come with an app that can help you set up cleaning modes set schedules, and view an outline of the flooring area that the machine covers. This is a handy feature that some competitors lack altogether. This lets you create profiles that automatically start the robot at specified times, and keep it running continuously. For example, it could be cleaning the living room each day, or just before dinner.

A good app can let you control your robot via voice commands. Some models are compatible with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, which allows you to control your Brookstone Robot Vacuum through voice commands.

To enjoy a hands-free and effortless experience, opt for models with a large dust bin that can accommodate many cleaning sessions before needing to be empty. You can also find models that self-empty which takes a portion of the work out of emptying the robot after each run of vacuuming.

If you're looking for a machine that can do more than just vacuum, you'll want to look into the possibility of a model that can mop your floors. These are usually larger than robotic vacuums, and have a water tank that can store multiple cleaning sessions worth of dust and dirt before having to be emptied.

Robots that are more advanced can create their own maps and remember the arrangement of your home from one cleaning session to the next, which prevents them from getting lost or brookstone robot vacuum stuck. This can make a significant difference in the speed at which your robot vacuums, since it won't be spending time going back to the beginning of the room when it comes into contact with walls or furniture.

Our testers found that robots that had this feature were very efficient. They could watch TV or do other things while the robot cleaned. Certain models utilize laser navigation to create an outline of your home. You can then program them to clean your bedroom after dinner, or all rooms while you are at work.

App Control

If you're looking to change the frequency with which the robot cleans your house and select a cleaning mode you should choose one that is compatible with a mobile app. You can also see the status of the vacuum and the condition of its dust bin in the app. Some of the best vacuums that are robotic can be controlled using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri Shortcuts.

A robot that has a self-emptying bin and washable filters makes it easy to keep clean, especially when you are able to easily access the filter and then remove it to wash it. Another feature that is great is a powerful brush that can be found in corners and along baseboards, making it easier to get rid of dirt and hair. Some robots are more adept at avoiding chair leg than others. Others come with a sensor that automatically cleans brushes to prevent obstruction.

Certain robo-vacs come with navigational tools to assist them in navigating around obstacles and to learn about your home. High-end models have sensors and cameras that detect obstacles such as furniture, stairs and cords. On the other hand, less expensive models often use boundary strips you place on the floor to mark off areas where you don't want it to enter. Object avoidance is especially important for families with children who throw socks and toys scattered across the house, as it assists your robot in capturing the objects instead of scattering them.

Robots are increasingly equipped with mops. This is beneficial for those with hard floors who need to mop frequently. They come with a water tank built into the chassis or a separate piece which you can change out when you're ready to mop. They may need to be filled more frequently than other types of robots, however they're ideal for homes with hard floors that aren't easily cleaned with a vacuum.

We've seen some amazing technology packed into these little robots and they're less expensive than you might imagine. You can find a decent one under $200, which does a decent job cleaning on hard floors and can be scoured around the edges of carpets and area rug. The robot can be programmed to vacuum the room at regular intervals. It can also be controlled remotely using an app or by pressing buttons.