How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: an overview of types, their features and functions

Choosing a robot vacuum cleaner from among all the variety is quite difficult.

There is no single answer to the question of which vacuum cleaner is better.

Before buying it is worth to study the tips and reviews by experts on specialized resources, thematic forums.

The following is a detailed analysis of what you should pay attention to, choosing a robot vacuum cleaner for an apartment or country house.

Types of robot vacuum cleaners

All types of robot vacuum cleaners are divided into three types:

• for dry cleaning;
• for wet cleaning;
• mixed cleaning.

Robotic vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning

This type of vacuum cleaner works like an electric broom. It is quite simple to operate. There is a wide range of robot vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning at affordable prices.

The device under consideration will be able to collect dust, debris, pet hair from hard surfaces (laminate, tile, parquet). In addition, it can be used to clean carpets with short pile.

Vacuum cleaning robots for wet cleaning

These devices function on the same principle as the first option. However, they differ in that in addition to eliminating dust, the vacuum cleaner cleans the floors.

Included with the vacuum cleaner are containers for clean and dirty water.

From the disadvantages of these devices stand out the inability to clean carpeting. Therefore, you need to do your own dry cleaning before the work.

Mixed cleaning

This combines dry and wet cleaning. The device will cope with all the tasks associated with cleaning.

How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner

Choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to consider its main characteristics. Below they are discussed in detail.

Suction power

The greater the suction power, the higher the cost of the robot vacuum cleaner.

Lower and middle-price segment vacuum cleaners have low suction power - 1200-1500 Pa. This power is enough to remove dust and small debris.

Expensive models of robotic vacuum cleaners have a capacity of 2100-2500 Pa. This is enough for high-quality cleaning of the carpet, which has a small pile.

Cleaning area

The cleaning area is influenced by the battery capacity, as well as the device's ability to map the room.

More vacuum cleaners are capable of cleaning an area smaller than 60 square meters.

Volume of the dust canister

The choice of the volume of the dust canister is influenced by the size of the apartment.

If the area is up to 40 square meters, a 0.3 liter dust container will be enough. For an apartment with an area of 40 sq. m. to 80 sq. m., a device with a 0.5 liter dust canister is adequate. If the apartment has an area of more than 80 square meters, you should choose a vacuum cleaner with a dust bag capacity closer to 1 liter.

Noise level

The noise level of the robot vacuum cleaner should be below 40 dB. In this case, the vacuum cleaner during operation will not interfere with the rest.

If this value is 50 dB or higher, it can already cause discomfort. This level exceeds the allowable standards according to SanPiN, so such a device should not be turned on at night.

Care and maintenance

The robot vacuum cleaner requires constant care. It is necessary to properly clean the dust canister and moving wheels, wipe the sensors, removable filter, etc. from dust.

It is very important that all items are easy to get out and put back in without problems.

Some consumables of the device need to be changed periodically.

It is worth specifying that they are affordable and available. Such materials include: brushes, rags, filter.

Dimensions

More models of robots have a round shape. Due to this, they bypass different objects on the floor and bypass corners.

The smaller the size of the robot, the better it cleans in corners and under furniture. If it is important that the vacuum cleaner clean under the bed, it is worth choosing devices 6-8 cm in height. This characteristic is individual and depends on the height of the furniture legs.

Cleaning modes

Most robot vacuum cleaners (both budget and expensive) are equipped with different cleaning modes.

These modes mean the presence of options that will make the cleaning process more qualitative. For example, it can be the ability to install a cleaning plan, the presence of zone cleaning, which allows you to clean a specific place or room.

Filters

Filters in the vacuum cleaner can be disposable or reusable.

The first, paper filters. They are replaced as they get dirty. The second are synthetic. They can be washed. It is better to do this after each cleaning.

There are also robots with HEPA filters.. Dust on these filters settles on the fibers. At the same time, purified air comes out. However, if you use a dirty filter, old dust will enter the air when you clean.

Additional features

When choosing a vacuum cleaner model, many people find it difficult to select the features they need.

It is worth selecting those options that are appropriate for the conditions. It would not be rational at all to overpay for unnecessary functions.

The following is a review of the most popular options of robot vacuum cleaners.

Virtual Wall

Due to such a function as a virtual wall, the robot vacuum cleaner will be able to navigate in space. With the help of a virtual wall, the robot divides the room into zones. Vacuum cleaner, in this case, will not leave the room in which he cleans.

This feature is also useful when you want to limit the access of the robot to any fragile items.

Constructing a map of the room

The robot vacuum cleaner can build a map based on one of the techniques:

• Using a camera on the body. As the device moves, the camera captures the surfaces of the ceiling, walls, windows and doors. Then, due to the built-in software, the optimal trajectory of the movement is built;
• with the help of a laser rangefinder sensor. The device analyzes all surfaces with a laser distance meter, and then builds a route.

Due to the function in question, cleaning will become more efficient and of higher quality.

Self-cleaning based

Vacuum cleaners with a self-cleaning base function will be suitable for those who are discouraged by the need to clean the dustpan.

Currently, a robot vacuum cleaner has already been developed that is self-cleaning at the base and, in addition, rinses the wipes and dries them on its own after cleaning.

UV lamp

Robot with the presence of a UV lamp is suitable for those who believe that the UV lamp is able to eliminate harmful bacteria in a very short time.

Let's tell you a secret - a completely useless function, a ploy of marketers.

Turbo Brush

Turbo Brush - a special brush, due to which it is possible:

• clean the pile of carpets from small debris;
• remove dust;
• remove difficult stains;
• clean the floor of hair and hair.

Smartphone control

The mobile app can completely replace the remote control to control the robot vacuum cleaner.

A map of the apartment will be shown on the screen of the mobile device. The area can always be limited.

Electronic adjustment of the water supply

At the moment, a large number of models are equipped with the ability to electronically adjust the degree of wetting of the wipe. This is especially in demand if the house or apartment has wooden floors.

In addition, some models have an option to choose an individual degree of wetting of tissue for each of the rooms. For example, for a tile floor, you can choose a profuse wetting of the napkin, and in the living room and bedroom, where the floors are laminate, it is worth choosing a low level of water supply in order not to spoil the wooden flooring.

Recognizing Objects on the Floor

A small number of robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with this function.

With the front camera installed, the robot vacuum cleaner can recognize a variety of objects that may interfere with cleaning. These can be slippers, wires, socks or even pet products. The process of cleaning they will not interfere, as the robot will bypass them.

The device can be started from anywhere in the world.

Automatic increase of power on the carpet

If the area of the house is large and there are carpets, then it is worth paying attention to robot vacuum cleaners, which automatically increase the power when entering the carpet.

At the expense of this carpet will be better cleaned from hair, debris and dust, and the vacuum cleaner will not waste battery power.

On hard floors, the robot works in standard mode. This is enough for quality dry cleaning.

When you enter the carpet, the vacuum cleaner increases the power to the maximum. It then reduces the power accordingly when moving off the carpet.

Dry and wet vacuuming at the same time

Vacuuming and mopping the floor at the same time means that less time is spent cleaning.

Usually, models that have a dust canister and water tank installed at the same time have this feature. In this case, the device can first sweep the floor and remove dirt in one pass, and then wipe the floor with a wet wipe afterwards.

In this case, there is no need to turn on the dry cleaning first, and then change the dust canister to the water tank and start the cycle all over again.

Saving multiple cleaning maps

If you own a house with two or three floors, it is worth buying a robot vacuum cleaner that is able to store several maps in memory.

Thanks to this option, when you move the robot from floor to floor, the device will not need to study the floor again and build a map of the room. Cleaning will be faster and better.

This feature is also called MultiCard Support. It is supported by high-end robots.

Which company to choose

A good manufacturer produces quality appliances and smart electronics in one package.

Every robot vacuum cleaner brand positions itself as the best brand. Many firms consistently deliver classic functionality at a reasonable cost.

High-tech devices include those that can be easily integrated into a smart home system. Buy a robot vacuum cleaner of this class is worth it for those who use a variety of technologies in everyday life.

How to get your vacuum cleaner ready for use and how to maintain it

Proper care of your robotic vacuum cleaner is essential for years of trouble-free use. This requires regular cleaning. Some models work independently of humans.

After purchase, it is necessary to make sure that the movements of the vacuum cleaner on the floor were smooth, without jerks. Otherwise, it is worth contacting the service department.

After cleaning, it is necessary to carry out a thorough cleaning of the device.

It is possible to connect the robot vacuum cleaner to a smartphone. This allows you to control it remotely directly from your mobile device.

To do this, you need to download a special application to your phone, which supports wireless technology. Then the vacuum cleaner is connected to Wi-Fi.

In the application there is an opportunity to make such settings of the robot that it does not just clean the room, and itself determines the dirt that needs to be eliminated.

Cleaning the machine consists of several mandatory steps. All major components of the robot are cleaned of dust. You must do this on a regular basis. The service life of the robot depends on regular cleaning.

The dust collector must be cleaned regularly. It must be disassembled and thoroughly rinsed. These actions will prevent dust and dirt from getting into the battery.

In addition, it is important to monitor the cleanliness of the filters, and if necessary, change them. For this purpose, a special set of additional filters and brushes is provided with the robot vacuum cleaner.

The top 5 best robot vacuum cleaners by price/quality for 2021-2022.

The following is a ranking of five robot vacuum cleaners that have the best price to quality ratio.

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop (Global), white

This inexpensive model is the new version of the robot vacuum cleaner with visual navigation.

With the help of visual navigation information about the location of the vacuum cleaner is collected and a map is drawn.

The vacuum cleaner is protected from falls by 15 sensors. In addition, they improve the navigation of the device and allow you to avoid obstacles.

There are 4 modes of cleaning. Each mode has a different suction power.

Due to the small height of the robot, it freely gets under the bed, under the closet and other hard-to-reach places.

Characteristics:

• cleaning type: dry and wet;
• Working modes: zigzag movement or along the walls;
• WxHxH: 35.30x35x8.15 cm;
• weight: 3.6 kg.

Advantages:

• high quality of cleaning;
• easy operation;
• no jams;
• high suction power;
• high quality materials.

Disadvantages:

• Does not clean the filter on its own.

Roborock S5 MAX (RU), white

The presented model has a visual navigation.

Due to the fact that the water tank is equipped with an intelligent system, this protects it from leaks.

The presence of visual navigation allows the robot to collect information about the location and draw highly accurate maps.

The robot is protected from falls by 15 sensors. They also allow it to work correctly at any time of the day.

The vacuum cleaner has a small height, so it easily passes under the furniture. Climbing on the carpets allows high passability.

Features:

• type of cleaning: dry and wet;
• working modes: zigzag movement, local cleaning, movement along the walls;
• WxHxH: 35.30x35x8.15 cm;
• weight: 3.6 kg.

Advantages:

• high quality of cleaning;
• easy operation;
• no jams;
• high suction power;
• high quality materials.

Disadvantages:

• Doesn't clean itself.

Polaris PVCR 3200 IQ Home Aqua robot vacuum cleaner

This model conducts high-quality cleaning. Minimal user control is required.

The robot performs dry and wet cleaning in residential areas.

The body of the vacuum cleaner is equipped with a water tank. Due to the presence of cyclonic technology, it effectively removes dust and small debris from the flooring.

This model has no problem moving around obstacles. Memorizing the layout of the room provide 15 sensors.

To control the robot of this model allows you to branded mobile app. Using this application it is possible to specify cleaning zones and adjust various parameters.

Approximate operating time of the vacuum cleaner without a break on a full charge - three hours. At the end, the robot returns to the station for recharging.

Characteristics:

• type of cleaning: dry and wet;
• Working modes: local cleaning, quick cleaning, movement along the walls;
• WxHxH: 35x35x9.60 cm;
• weight: 3.5 kg.

Advantages:

• possible to connect to the smart home system;
• easy operation;
• no jamming;
• low noise level;
• high quality materials.

Disadvantages:

• high cost.

Robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Dreame F9, white

Dreame Dreame F9 has a classic round shape. The height of the body is only 8 cm. This allows him to get under couches, beds and other furniture.

This model has built-in gyroscopes and TOF lidar sensors. They allow you to navigate in space, draw a map of the room and measure the distance to objects.

Due to the presence of 15 different sensors, control is more accurate, and cleaning is better.

The trajectory of the vacuum cleaner is built so that to capture all places in the room. The device holds the trajectory of the Z-route.

At the end of cleaning, Dreame F9 handles the edges of the room, which guarantees quality cleaning over the entire area.

If the cleaning is complete, the device returns to the charging point. However, this only happens if the robot has been launched from the station.

Characteristics:

• type of cleaning: dry and wet;
• operating modes: zigzag movement, local cleaning, movement along the walls, quick cleaning;
• WxHxH: 35x35x8 cm;
• weight: 1.5 kg.

Advantages:

• low weight;
• easy control;
• does not jam;
• low noise level;
• high quality materials.

Disadvantages:

• high cost.

Robot vacuum cleaner iRobot Roomba 698, silver/black

This robot vacuum cleaner is made in a techno style. It has a lithium-ion battery.

Using a mobile app it is possible to program a 7-day cleaning cycle. In addition, through the application it is possible to send the robot to the cleaning from anywhere in the world at any time.

This model provides powerful suction, cleans along the walls and penetrates into hard-to-reach places.

Due to the presence of unique brushes, dirt is collected from corners and directed to the main rollers. Rubber rollers collect dust, dirt and hair and direct them into a powerful vacuum channel. From the vacuum channel, all debris is sent to the trash can.

Features:

• cleaning type: dry;
• Working mode: zig-zag movement, local cleaning, walking along the walls, quick cleaning;
• WxHxH: 33x33x9.40 cm;
• weight: 3.5 kg.

Advantages:

• low weight;
• easy operation;
• does not jam;
• low noise level;
• high quality materials.

Disadvantages:

• high cost.

A brief checklist for choosing a robot vacuum cleaner

When choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, you should be guided by the following recommendations:

1. If it is possible to pay more money, it is worth choosing vacuum cleaners with wet and dry cleaning.
2. It is important to consider the battery capacity. Its choice is influenced by the area of the apartment.
3. It is necessary that the suction power was at least 30-40 watts. If you take 20 watts, there will be a lot of trash.
4. It is worth choosing a vacuum cleaner with optical and ultrasonic sensors. They are less likely to encounter obstacles.

Thus, there are a variety of robot vacuum cleaner models on the market. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. When choosing this device, it is important to consider all the parameters so that it brings the maximum benefit.

Useful video

Good tips on how to choose a robot vacuum cleaner are given in the video: