How to Choose the Best Robot Cleaner for Your Home

You'll have to do some work to keep your robot's home in order. This means removing the clutter, removing loose cords and rug rugs that are tangled.

Look for a model with a self-emptying bin. This will make it easier to clean up spills. You may want an all-in-one vacuum and mop.

Features

You can select a robotic vacuum cleaner with smart features based on the needs of your home. Certain models can use maps of your home to make floor plans while others have an integrated camera that displays live video feeds. These cameras can also be used to spot issues and assist in problem-solving. Certain robots come with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions or alter the frequency.

Find a robot that has a self emptying dustbin if you want it to to vacuum and mop. Ecovacs' Deebot Pro is one of our top picks since it has both features at an affordable price. It has a small suction opening similar to those found on upright vacuums, which helps to collect debris more efficiently than other robots. It also has side brushes with three bristles that move dirt and hair into the path of the robot. This model is among the best of its kind for a variety reasons including its mopping capabilities, efficient navigation and low price.

The most effective robovacs come with large dust bins which can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. The Narwal Freo X Ultra is an excellent example of a high-end robot with a self-emptying dustbin and intelligent features to provide hands-free operation. It comes with a tiny mopping mat that is able to remove dirt that has gotten stuck to the floor. It can also glide over mats and rugs that are too light for other robots. Its sensors help locate dirtier areas and it can mop and vacuum simultaneously which makes it ideal for keeping your home clean.

The Eufy Clean X10 is another popular choice, and the app has an easy-to-use interface which makes setting up customized options quick and simple. The lidar-powered mapping it uses is fast and precise, and it easily divides rooms for a thorough clean. It has great technology for avoiding objects that suckers up Cheerios and dodges fake dog poop, however it struggled a bit with stairs. The square front design, however, allowed it to get into corners more effectively than other robots we've examined. It's also capable to edge-hugging which allows it to sweep across baseboards with ease.

Cleaning performance

Robots aren't as effective as vacuums at cleaning carpets deep and cleaning up dirt that's been buried. However, they are able to collect small particles like dust and baking soda as well as heavier debris such as screws made of metal and pet fur. They also can sweep up crumbs and spills. Making sure that your robot is maintained with regular maintenance like emptying the dustbin and cleaning or changing the filter, and cleaning the cameras and sensors will ensure it has the longest lifespan possible.

The best robots do a great job of picking up fine particles from carpets with low piles and hard floors and are particularly adept at sweeping up orzo, sand and wood shavings. They can also take cat litter and screws made of metal, though they tend to struggle with slower items like coffee grounds or baked flour. They're less impressive when climbing stairs, and they don't always grab everything on the edges.

A few models are great at mopping also. The iRoborock Roomba 900, for example is a model that can do a great cleaning job on hardwood flooring. It can get rid of coffee spills and other liquids as well as dried or sticky food messes. The robot's spot and area cleaning modes allow you to set up the area it is to focus on. This means that the robot doesn't be wasting time vacuuming areas which are already clean. The Dreame X40 is another bot that does a good job of mopping, and it has an extra advantage over the Roborock: the option to first vacuum and then mop, which is better at cleaning up spills on high pile carpets.

The Dyson V8 Absolute is a different top mopping robot. It's more expensive than the Roomba however it comes with superior suction and is able to handle more floor types and textures. It's smart enough to return to the charging dock when running low on water and then resume cleaning where it left off. The app comes with a lot of other conveniences, too, including an option to automatically schedule periodic cleaning sessions. It's also extremely quiet, making it a great option for homes with pets or children.

Cost

The top robot cleaners work well at a reasonable price and a lot of them have clever features that can help you save money over the long term. Think about how much you'll pay for a vacuum cleaner and a mop to get the best bang for your money. Some models have features you don't need but you will find useful. For instance the self-emptying trash bin or a navigation system that's efficient.

It is recommended to invest in a model that does both vacuums and mops is the most economical option. It is essential to remember that a robot cleaner will only be as good as the dirt they pick up.

It is possible to pay around $500 on a robot that can do both vacuuming as well as mopping, such as the iRobot Combo j9+. The robot scored high in the tests conducted by CR and is able to clean bare floors as well as carpets. It has an intuitive application that allows you to view its cleaning route and to set no-go areas. Jaclyn found that the mopping process could be improved, as it is based on gentle pressure and a dragging motion rather than scrubbing.

If you're budget-conscious, you can get a good deal on a robot vacuum that is highly rated and only does one thing, such as the Eufy 11S. Its streamlined design is slim and quiet. It also excels on hardwood floors, tile carpets, and carpets with low pile. It was also extremely effective in removing pet hair, and litter.

Some budget-friendly robotics have rudimentary bump navigation, but it doesn't create a map of coverage, and is more likely to fall on furniture or miss specific spots. While these robots are able to clean your floors but they're not as efficient and aren't able to navigate around household obstacles.

Shark IQ XL is another alternative. It's a budget-friendly machine which has received top marks for its cleaning capabilities as well as price-to value ratio. It's not as smart as the Combo J9+, but it's user-friendly and does a great job on both bare floors and carpets. It's also light and can be pushed under furniture without getting stuck.

Maintenance

A robot cleaner is a great way to keep your home tidy, especially if you have children or pets. However, it requires some attention to ensure it is in top condition. Keeping up with regular cleaning tasks, like emptying the trash bin and washing or replacing the filter and wiping down cameras and sensors can prolong the longevity of your robot.

Vacuums need more frequent maintenance than mopping robots, but you can extend the life of your vacuum by observing guidelines from the manufacturer on cleaning and emptying the brush roll, dust bin and filter. You should also wipe down the robot's sensors and charging contacts with a damp cloth to prevent them from becoming clogged with dirt.

This model is a great choice if you're looking for a robust, intelligent robot that's also easy to use. Its ultra-slim and sleek design lets it be placed under couches that are low and ottomans to collect dirt that's been hidden. The app lets you schedule a cleaning and select rooms. You can also create zones that are not allowed to be used, and also adjust the intensity of cleaning.

Although it's more expensive than other models on this list, this model comes with a variety of features that can make up for the cost. Its mapping speed is quick, and it can store four maps of your home in 3D or 2D. It's also one of the quieter robots that we tested, and its battery lasts about three hours per charge.

The Romba 11s is a versatile vacuum cleaner that performs well against walls. In our tests, it cleared up to 1.3 inch from the wall. This is more than any other robots we tried. It comes with a variety of smart features including a spot cleaning feature as well as an Automatic Vacuum Cleaners boost mode. It uses random navigation so that it doesn't have to clean the same spots repeatedly.

This robot has one drawback It is unable to recognize floors that aren't bare and is easily confused by thick carpets and rug. It's perfect for small apartments or homes that have narrow hallways with lots of furniture and narrow hallways.