Buying a robot vacuum cleaner: how to choose the right device for the home and what characteristics to look for

Today, a robot vacuum cleaner is an indispensable tool for modern families who value their time. This gadget is able to perform all cleaning work on floor coverings independently, in accordance with a given program.

The device carefully travels around various obstacles on the way, while qualitatively absorbing dust and hair, or rubbing the floors. After cleaning, the “smart assistant” returns to the docking station for recharging.

So that you don’t have problems when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, in our article we have collected useful buying tips, pluses and minuses of different models, and also reviewed the best cleaning gadgets.

Types of robotic vacuum cleaners

For dry cleaning

Vacuum cleaners with dry cleaning function perfectly collect dust and wool from animals around the room, including the space under the furniture and in the corners. They are also an excellent cleaning assistant if the gadget owner suddenly sprinkles salt, spices, etc.

These helpers are suited for coatings such as linoleum, tiles and short pile rugs. The principle of operation of robots for dry cleaning is based on vacuum absorption, as well as the actions of the built-in side and electric brushes.

It is worth noting that vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning floors have one significant minus - they do not replace full-fledged cleaning, therefore after the gadget works, a person will have to wash the pier himself.

For wet cleaning

A great helper for the home is a robot vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning. The device saves owners from constantly washing floors, crevices and corners.

The work of such gadgets is based on the action of special built-in mops, or wet disposable wipes. The latter option is inconvenient in that the owner of the robot will often have to spend money on these same napkins.

For dry and wet cleaning

The best option for cleaning linoleum, parquet or tile. One robot vacuum cleaner includes a combination of devices for dry and wet cleaning, that is, it independently performs all the functions of cleaning floors.

Since the assistant is multifunctional, you will first need to set a mode for it.The disadvantage of such units is too high a cost, although it is justified.

Operating principle

Considering the principle of cleaning vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning, the following features can be noted:

1. One or two brushes that are located on the sides remove wool, dust, hair, dirt that are in the corners, near the baseboards or under the furniture, and direct it to the central brush.
2. The central brush plays the role of a broom, as it has a fleecy structure and collects absolutely all the dirt. She removes all dust and wool in the waste bin.
3. In a dust collector, due to an air stream, all dust and pollution is pressed. After that, air from the engine moves through the filters, out.

The principle of operation of robots for wet cleaning:

1. A washing vacuum cleaner collects all contaminants.
2. Water is sprayed from a special reservoir.
3. A special brush rubs the floor.
4. The scraper removes dirty water from the coating that is sucked into the tank.

Advantages and disadvantages

Consider the main advantages of a robot for cleaning flooring over conventional vacuum cleaners:

• low noise - an important parameter, especially if there are small children in the house;
• saving time and effort - the only thing to do is to clean the dust collector in time and press the power button, the robot will do the rest;
• lease of care - the owner will only have to empty the dust bag, sometimes change the batteries and clean the brushes;
• compact and stylish design - To store the device you need very little space, besides it is convenient to carry;
• good navigation system - Models have powerful sensors that are able to detect sharp corners, stairs and other obstacles.

Like any device, robotic vacuum cleaners can not do without the disadvantages:

• clean only flat surfaces;
• high price;
• because the appliance is cleaned thoroughly; more cleaning time is required.

Popular Brands

Among the manufacturers of robotic vacuum cleaners, the following stand out:

• iRobot. The manufacturer of smart appliances is the United States. The company's models are distinguished by high quality cleaning and good maneuverability. The quality of all parts of the devices is at their best, although they are made in China. In the company's lineup there are three lines of robotic vacuum cleaners: Roomba - for dry cleaning, Scooba - for wet cleaning, Braava - floor polishers for cleaning on smooth surfaces.
• iClebo. The company from South Korea, Yujin Robot, produces aggregates for cleaning. There are several lines of vacuum cleaners, including O5, Omega, Arte and Pop. These devices feature stylish designs, low noise, versatility and high build quality.
• Xiaomi These robotic vacuum cleaners have collected the best qualities of competitors, while setting the price tag on their products is half the price. The most expensive device of the company costs only 27 thousand rubles (Xiaomi Mi Roborock Sweep One).
• Neato. Manufacturer - Neato Robotics company from Silicon Valley (California). The devices of the company are distinguished by an improved navigation system, as well as the ability to lay the most rational cleaning route. Robots have a non-standard shape - on the one hand the body is round and on the other - square.
• Ecovacs. Chinese manufacturer of Deebot robots. The devices are equipped with advanced navigation technologies, have all possible technical characteristics and reliability.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

When buying a "smart assistant", it is important to pay attention to some technical features, namely:

Type of cleaning

A vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning is suitable for cleaning floor coverings for every day. A washing vacuum cleaner is inconvenient in that you will still have to sweep the floors before working.

Device height

In order not to miss the height of the gadget, it is necessary to measure the height of the "gap" between the floor and the lowest furniture on the legs.

The “thinnest” models have a height of 7–8 cm, more “thick” - 9-10 cm. It is important not to forget that the vacuum cleaner needs a “margin” of at least half a centimeter so that the device does not get stuck

Battery life

The battery is the most expensive element in a robot vacuum cleaner, so it is directly responsible for the functionality of the device.

By technical parameters, “smart” gadgets are divided into the following types:

• Low cost, with nickel-metal-hybrid batteries.
• Medium, with lithium power supplies.
• Higher, lithium-ion, lithium-polymer and lithium-iron-phosphate power sources.

Lithium batteries usually last longer than nickel batteries, almost do not fail, but after 3-4 years of use, they lose 25-30% of their capacity. Nickel batteries require frequent replacement, exactly once a year.

Timer

A timer, or programming the robot's runtime, is a very convenient option. You just need to set a cleaning schedule for the week and not remember that you need to turn on the vacuum cleaner.

Using a timer, the robot can be cleaned in the absence of hosts. The timer function is necessary for busy people and families with small children.

Container volume

The size of the waste bin is a very important indicator, especially when there are animals in the apartment.

Type of sensors

The principle of operation of robotic vacuum cleaners largely depends on which navigation system the device uses:

• Laser - the most advanced system. The robot is equipped with a laser range finder - lidar, which determines the presence of certain objects in the room, the distance to them. The vacuum cleaner remembers these parameters, while making a map. The device moves in straight marked lines.
• Internal sensors those. beacons located under the body and in the bumper of the vacuum cleaner. Using them, the device detects various changes in the room and decides how to continue cleaning. Those. lighthouse operation - moving the robot to the other side, room, etc.
• External sensors are small plastic boxes that deliver an infrared signal invisible to the eye. When using a beacon, two infrared lines are sent, thanks to them, the device determines the location of the beacon. To navigate the vacuum cleaner use magnetic tape, or a virtual wall. They create a “barrier” for the device, beyond which the gadget will no longer pass.
• Camera, which is installed on top of the case. In this case, the robot vacuum cleaner removes all parameters from the ceiling and all walls.

Fine filter

In order to keep the air in the room clean during cleaning, it is best to choose a device equipped with a multi-layer Hera filter.

There are also robotic vacuum cleaners in which there are two filters - this option is more optimal.

Building a room map

The room map and its construction are an important option in the operation of a robot vacuum cleaner.

This process is carried out according to two principles:

• Camera: a robot vacuum cleaner photographs a room, starting from the ceiling and ending with doorways, and thus draws up and remembers a cleaning plan.
• Laser rangefinder: a special turret is mounted on the front panel of the gadget body, into which a laser is built. A light beam measures the apartment and the distance from the vacuum cleaner to any object in the room.

Smartphone Control

Rating TOP 5 best models

The best robotic vacuum cleaners

Xiaomi Mi robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuum cleaner designed for dry cleaning. The device has a dust container, volume 420 ml. Thanks to the fine filter, the device prevents the ambient air from becoming contaminated.

The 55 W vacuum cleaner has a Li-lon battery with a capacity of 5200 mAh. Thanks to this, the robot will clean the apartment for up to 150 minutes. Infrared and ultrasonic sensors help the gadget navigate in space and create a map of the room.

Moving in a zigzag and along the wall, the device has a viewing angle of 360 degrees. The vacuum cleaner gives a signal when it gets stuck, it goes to the base after cleaning, programs the schedule and calculates the working time. The device can be controlled in the application from a smartphone.

The dimensions of the vacuum cleaner robot: 34.50 * 34.50 * 60 cm, weight - 3.8 kg.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning - dry;
• dust collector volume - 0.42 l;
• battery power - 5200 mAh;
• working time - 150 minutes.

Roborock sweep one global version

Robot vacuum cleaner for dry and wet cleaning of white color. It has two containers: for dust, a volume of 480 ml, and for water, with a volume of 140 ml. The fine filter helps not to pollute the air, and the battery, power 5200 mAh, is able to work up to 150 minutes.

The gadget scans the room and builds a map using a laser and infrared and ultrasonic sensors. The kit includes: a docking station, cable, moisture-resistant mat, washing nozzle, 2 microfiber rags, HEPA filter, 4 capillary filters, an electric brush and a side brush (for dry cleaning).

Of the features it is worth noting: a signal when the battery is low, cleaning modes, programming a weekly schedule, a timer, a remote control, an application for a smartphone. Dimensions of the gadget: 35.30 * 53 * 9.65 cm, weight - 3.5 kg.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning - dry and wet;
• dust collector volume - 0.48 l;
• water container volume - 0.14 ml
• battery power - 5200mAh * h;
• working time - 150 minutes.

Xiaomi Xiaowa E202-00 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Lite

Smart assistant for wet and dry cleaning with a stylish design and decoration in white.

Has a dust container with a capacity of 640 ml. Consuming 54 watts, and having a 2600 mAh battery, the robot is able to work up to 1.5 hours without recharging. The device builds a map of the room, while moving in a zigzag fashion along the wall.

Included with the gadget are: electric brush, side brush. Among the additional features it is worth highlighting: calculation of cleaning time, schedule programming, timer, control from a smartphone.

Dimensions of the robot vacuum cleaner: 35 * 35.30 * 9.05 cm, weight - 3 kg.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning - dry and wet;
• dust collector volume - 0.64 l;
• battery power - 2600mAh * h;
• working time - 90 minutes.

Roborock S6 / T6

The robot vacuum cleaner for dry and wet cleaning, has two containers - for dust and water, as well as two brushes - side and electric.

Low noise level (67 dB) will allow you to turn on the device even at night. For wet cleaning, disposable wipes are used. The battery capacity of 5200 mAh lasts up to 150 minutes.

Optical sensors help the device build a map of the room. Additional features: timer, schedule programming, control from a smartphone.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning - dry and wet;
• noise - 67 dB;
• battery power - 5200mAh * h;
• working time - 150 minutes.

iRobot Roomba 676

A compact robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning an apartment, a representative of the 6th generation of robots of the company. Device It has a round shape and black color in the design.

The gadget will be an excellent assistant for dry vacuum cleaning. The vacuum cleaner has a Li-lon-battery, the power of which is enough for an entire hour of cleaning. At the end of work, the device will automatically return to the charging station. The device moves in a spiral, as well as along the wall.

Roomba 676 has a 600 ml dust collector, fine filter and height sensors - infrared and ultrasonic. Due to convenient side and electric brushes, the robot will clean laminate, tile, parquet, and also a short-pile carpet from dust and dirt.

Of the additional options you can highlight: a timer, the ability to control from the application on the phone. The robot vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning weighs 3.6 kg and has dimensions: 33.5 * 33.5 * 9.3 cm. A battery and a charging base are supplied with the device.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning - dry;
• the amount of the dust bag is 0.60 l;
• noise - 58 dB;
• battery power - 1800 mA * h;
• working time - 60 minutes.

Customer reviews

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