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 so far. It vacuums, mops and self-empties and drys mop pads all without your intervention.
It doesn't have advanced cleaning modes or a more powerful docking system, but it delivers amazing performance for less than half the cost of the top robotic vacuums. It also has the ability to reach under furniture.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming with a robot hoover is a simple, quick way to keep your floors clean and tidy. A lot of the models we've chosen are designed to operate without your involvement and you can set them up to clean your floors while you're away, or even trigger a session from your smartphone. However, you'll want to choose a model that has superior navigation and obstacle detection so that it will not be stuck on the stairs or underneath furniture.
It is crucial to select the right robot vacuum to effectively and efficiently clean all types of flooring. Find a model with a an empty bin that can hold plenty of dirt between emptying and an nozzle that does not lose suction when it rotates to get rid of debris.
Most robots require minimal to any maintenance, other than taking out tangled fur from the rotating brush after every cleaning session (and wiping its camera or sensors as needed) and periodically emptying the bin, or using the robot's self-emptying base. If you follow these simple routine maintenance steps, your robotic vacuum will last as long as a full-size vacuum cleaner and keep your home cleaner for longer.
While robot mops tend to be less flexible than their vacuum counterparts Some have the ability to clean up spills and puddles while they're at it. The iLife V3s Pro is an example of such a machine, which is a good option for those with wood floors or a combination of rugs and carpets. It's quiet and has excellent navigation capabilities that allowed it to avoid obstacles during testing, and the charging dock can also double as a trash bin.
To get the best results, pick a robot that can handle mopping and vacuuming at the same time. Karcher's RCV 5 is able to do that, and has other features that are beneficial including live cameras, which sends a blurry image to your app so you can keep an eye on your kids or pet, as well as a remote control that's easily programmed. Its navigation isn't as solid as other models in our collection however, it can elevate it over low thresholds and has an ample 500ml trash bin that doesn't have to be emptied often.
Mopping
Robots that mop and vacuum are a fairly new addition to the market. These robots are more expensive and require a separate tank of water than standalone robots. However, best robot floor cleaner could be worth the extra cost for those who have stains that are difficult to clean or pets.
Some of the top robots that vacuum and mop also do a great job in cleaning floors that are not clean and carpets. Many brands are now offering all-in-one machines that can do both jobs extremely well. The Combo J9+ is among the most efficient mopping machines that we have tested. It comes with a dock that can store up to 60 days worth of debris. This is a significant improvement over the Qrevo Pro, which ran out of water after mopping only 30 days worth of dirt during our tests.
The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is another excellent two-in-one. It's small, quiet and has a neat, fuss-free look. In our test rooms, it was able to clean the floors thoroughly and precisely - it was particularly good on rugs, however it took several runs to completely remove soiled areas from wood. Its LIDAR navigation system performs well, avoiding bumps into furniture or tripping over power cords.
It's a bit sluggish on the stairs but that's expected from a compact robot designed to work around obstacles. The only issue is the mopping pad attachment, which was a challenge and wouldn't stay in its place during our tests. It is also not capable of handling dust that has dried, making it more like an ordinary vacuum cleaner than a robot mop.
Despite these issues, it's still a solid option for those looking for a hands-off cleaning experience. It can handle carpets with equal ease. It had a good amount of suction, which allowed it to remove fine dust from pet hair and carpets. Automatic recognition of carpets is a fantastic feature because it boosts the vacuuming power to tackle dirt that has been embedded. It's also simple to use and has a handy charging dock that automatically empty the dust bin once it's full, which is a great benefit for those who live in flats.
Cleaning apps
Almost every robot vacuum mop, sweeper, and vacuum comes with an app that lets you customize cleaning routines, choose rooms to clean, schedule cleaning sessions, and alter settings like suction, water level and scrubbing power. Certain robots have intelligent dirt detection, which uses maps and previous cleaning data to prioritize dirty areas.
You can also utilize an app to design virtual barriers and no go zones to protect your robot from dangerous objects, like cords and pet water bowls. Some models let you create these virtual barriers using laser navigation sensors, whereas others come with small physical boundaries or barriers that to place wherever you'd like to keep your floor.
The best robot vacuums and mops are smart enough to detect obstacles and navigate around them However, there are certain risks to be aware for. The principal brush of a robot may get stuck in long cords or curtains, and stop it from moving. To avoid this it is possible to remove the cords and tie up any long curtains.
Some robots automatically update their software, which regulates navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This improves performance and reduces the wear and tear on the robot's internal parts. It is recommended to periodically check the website of the manufacturer or the app on your robot for firmware updates.
If you live in a huge home, select a model with several cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max, for example, can mop and vacuum on carpeted and hard flooring rooms that have different suction levels. It also has the ability to automatically change to the highest power setting on carpets and boost its scrubbing power with SmartScrub.
A robot that has a voice assistant is a great option for those who want to be hands off. The iRobot Roomba 980 can be controlled by Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact, self-emptying docking station and powerful cleaning motor that makes your floors sparkling.