If you don't wish to get your hands dirty then robot vacuum cleaners are ideal. They save time and effort in comparison to manual cleaning, and are great for single-storey homes or flats.
Smart features are a nice bonus. This includes mapping technology that remembers the design of your house, avoiding furniture or carpets, and getting into those nipples underneath low furniture that larger robots have to struggle to reach.iRobot Roomba J7+
The iRobot Roomba J7+, an upgrade to the previous model made by the company, adds new technology that makes it more efficient in avoiding pet waste. It makes use of intelligent mapping and navigation to create maps of rooms and floors and tries to avoid obstacles such as charging cords, furniture and shoes. It can also detect dirt and prioritize cleaning areas that are heavily soiled. This is a significant improvement over previous models that may not notice dirtiest spots or only clean them for a brief time.
The robot vacuum is equipped with a self-emptying base that can put dustbin debris into its own 2.4L dirt bag. iRobot claims that the bag can store debris for up to 60 days, which means you'll only need to empty it and then replace it every three months. The base station also comes with an extra bag that can be used to replace the bag in a snap.
It's simple to set up and use the Roomba device, which is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and is fully controlled through the iRobot Genius app. The app allows you to select when to start and end the cleaning, as well as how long it will take to complete an individual task, and create a schedule.
During our testing during our testing, the iRobot Roomba J7+ cleaned hardwood and area rug surfaces in the family room, foyer and kitchen without a problem. It listened to our instructions and did its jobs quietly, recording just 64 decibels when it was in operation. It took it 90 minutes to clean a single space and the battery needed to be recharged following the cleaning for an hour and 58 minutes. The Combo J7 lets you expand your iRobot ecosystem by pairing it with the iRobot Mop M6. One can run while the other moves about the room.
Dyson 360 Viz Nav
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav is the best robot vacuum cleaner for anyone living in a multi-floored home. This model can make maps for different floors and save them in the app. It's then easy to switch between spaces without having to repeat the setup process. The robot can also be controlled via voice, with support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Dyson has adopted a different method of obstacle detection that is different from other robot vacs, using sensors and cameras. A panoramic camera mounted on the top of the robot, along with 26 other sensors will help to create a map of the space as it moves. This assists to avoid obstacles and furniture.
In our tests, we found that the Dyson 360 Vis Nav could reach all the way to baseboards and edges, and was able navigate around furniture with tight corners. The suction of the robot is strong and can take in every hair strand, dust particle and dried-out piece Playdoh we tossed its way. The vacuum took out the bin quickly and efficiently and reduced the time spent cleaning by half.
However, the Dyson 360 Viz Nav didn't do as well as other robots in our tests of obstacle avoidance. It was unable to avoid drying racks that were temporary that it repeatedly tried to maneuver under. It eventually became stuck and interrupted the cleaning process. It also struggled to evade some taller pieces of furniture such as the coffee table or a chair. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav also has a problem climbing stairs, which is a problem for a lot of people who live in multi-story homes.
Roborock
Roborock robotic vacuum cleaners have top-of-the-line cleaning features that are above the rest. Two mops are provided that spin and lift stains while pressing down. They also lift automatically when vacuuming carpets, stopping streaks of dirt from appearing and re-clogging vacuums. They are extremely suction with 5,500 Pa for outstanding dust and dirt removal. In addition to this they also have an intelligent water flow control that can ensure the proper amount of moisture for each flooring type.
Roborock's ability of mapping your entire home with laser technology is among its most impressive capabilities. The LiDAR system on a Roborock robot rotates continuously, emitting laser beams and calculating the time it takes for them to bounce back from surrounding objects. This data is used to create a real-time map of your home permitting the robot to navigate precisely and avoid obstacles.
Based on the model you choose depending on the model you select, you can modify your map to include No-Go zones, furniture placements and specific cleaning for rooms. You can also choose an option to clean only, mop only, or vacuum+mop, and schedule regular cleaning with an app-based cleaning routine that lets you set it and forget it.
Roborock offers a variety of options, from the budget-friendly S6 MaxV to the most expensive S7 MaxV Ultra. All models feature advanced mapping capabilities, high-performance battery life, and a huge capacity dustbin. They also come with docks that provide a variety of functions, including charging and hot water tank refilling. Lastly, they have a two-year warranty in the UK.
Beko RCV 5
The Beko RCV 5 may be an relative newcomer to the robotic vacuum and mopping industry but its sleek style and affordable price have already made it a huge hit. The Beko RCV 5 comes with a few tricks on its sleeves that distinguish it from the rest, such as object recognition and self-emptying functionality. It's also a breeze to install and use, with an easy app that lets you modify the settings to suit your preferences.
The navigation system of this model uses a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate your home, and it does a fantastic job of avoiding obstacles. The app allows you to alter the cleaning path so that certain areas can be cleaned more frequently. The app may initially be confusing, but once you've mastered how to use it, you will be able schedule cleanings, and manage the robot's power levels.
Despite its impressive array of features however, the RCV 5 is not without its flaws. It is a tiny water tank that can only hold 240 milliliters at any given time. This is sufficient for a basic wipe-clean but not the best option for tough stains. Additionally the wiping plate is quite basic and doesn't have a vibration or rotation function.
The battery life of the robots at this price is not as long as one would think. The battery of the RCV 5 only lasts for about a third cleaning cycle. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker however, it is something to be aware of when searching for the latest robotic vacuum cleaner.
Karcher RCV 5
The German manufacturer Karcher is most well-known for its pressure washers. However, it's now entering the robotic vacuum market with a model that both vacuums and mops. The RCV 5 offers an impressive range of features including excellent obstacle detection (with dual lasers) and mapping that can be monitored in real time through the app that is smart.
It can also detect carpeted surfaces, which automatically activates mopping mode when wet. The spot cleaning feature is extremely beneficial. It can be programmed to repeat weekly. The RCV 5 is a good robot cleaner with suction power of 2,500 pascals. It is able to clean hard and soft floors and can get into tight corners and underneath furniture with low levels.
As with many modern robots the RCV 5 has a smartphone-powered app called Karcher Home Robots. It can be used to initiate cleaning processes and to create and manage home maps. It's also possible to set up virtual walls and zones within which the RCV 5 can't drive, as well as a host of other controls.
The RCV 5 has a downside in that the dust bin is only a litre and will have to be cleaned regularly. This is unlike other models that have integrated disposal technology within their docking station. It's also heavier than some of its competitors which makes it less mobile, and thus requiring more space in the charging station. However, the test participants found the RCV 5 user-friendly and rated its app control as high. It performed well on our tests, though some struggled to get the voice tech to work properly and found the docking station difficult to place in an upright position.
