Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums cut down on the need for periodic full-blown sweeping, they can't replace the traditional plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the dust bin after each cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors occasionally and changing filters and side brushes when required.

It comes with a large bin, and an auto-empty system that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still gets tangled up in socks and cords, and it misses dirt close to baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum cleaner review vacuum that utilizes dual roller brushes (one bristle, the other rubber) to pick up dust, dirt and debris from floors that are not covered. The Roomba 694 also has a rotating brush that can clean up debris from corners and wall edges. The Roomba 694 is quite effective in picking up pet hair, but it may leave some in carpet fibers if you let it run through multiple cleaning cycles.

The 694 is a reliable self-manipulator and doesn't get stuck in furniture that isn't level or with cords. It does not have advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and the battery could drain before it returns to dock.

It's still a great choice when you're looking for a basic robot vacuum that's simple to operate. It can be controlled manually using the 'Clean' 'Dock', and 'Spot Clean' buttons on its top cover or with voice commands relayed through your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can also follow Siri commands via iOS Shortcuts.

Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to manage the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you design custom cleaning schedules as well as track the robot vacuum hoover's status. You can also make use of the app to stop a cleaning job in progress, if you need to. The iRobot Home app can relay error notifications when the robot encounters a problem like when it is pushed into an opening in furniture.

The Roomba 694 is a great vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to maneuver narrow pathways or stairs. It also does a poor job of vacuuming low-pile carpet, leaving many hair clumps and tufts in its wake. You might want to consider an alternative robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.

Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have an auto-emptying bin. The dirt bin is of a moderate size, however it will need to be cleaned out after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you review the record of your Roomba cleaning jobs. This includes the date and time they were completed and the method used to start them (app, scheduling or physical buttons on the robot) along with the duration of the job and the finished status.

The iRobot is superior to the Coredy R550, because it is more sturdy and durable and has lower recurring costs and a larger dustbin. It also charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles such as electrical cords and is more efficient both on bare floors and on high-pile rug. The software that comes with it offers a range of more sophisticated automation features. The Roomba 694 isn't as effective as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a larger dirt compartment, can last longer on a single charge and comes with physical boundaries that prevent it from entering certain rooms.

Roomba 960 from iRobot

The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It has many features that distinguish it from other robots. They include advanced dirt detection technology as well as mapping-saving technologies. It comes with a powerful vacuum system that is compatible with Alexa. This is an excellent choice for those who want an advanced robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and outstanding cleaning performance.

The 960 is a circular robotic equipped with two rubber brushrolls as well as three caster wheels for stability. It weighs 3.9kg, making it easy to move up and down stairs. It is available with a docking station or without one, based on your preferences. The docking station is crucial for keeping the Roomba charged and plugged in when it isn't in use. The docking station is an efficient and easy way to keep your robot in good condition and charged when it's not working.

iRobot created the 960 to work well on both bare floors and carpet. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable, and it can easily get rid of pet hair. It is also adept in picking up large pieces of debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It doesn't perform as well on carpets with high piles however. It can pick up pet hair and larger particles. But it struggles with smaller particles like sand. Some of the sand is stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.

In a test using Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well in capturing the bulk of the powder. The robot vacuum is capable of maneuvering through a variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular design allows it to be tucked away under the legs of chairs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled by voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.

The 960 requires some upkeep, including regular replacement of the filter, dust bin and the spinning brush. You should replace these parts every few months or so to ensure that they are in good condition. Also, you should clean your sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. Maintaining these parts in good working order will keep the Roomba functioning at its best home vacuum cleaner and help it to last longer.

The 960 is an excellent robotic vacuum, but it does have some flaws. It is fairly expensive, but it is worth the investment if you are looking for a machine that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. It also comes with features that make it a good choice for busy people. The iRobot App is simple to use and the Roomba's cleaning schedule is set. It is also available in a range of finishes and colors, so you can choose to match it to your home decor.

iRobot Roomba 980

The Roomba is among the most advanced robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current lineup. Its full suite of navigation sensors enables it to maneuver under and around furniture and along edges, while Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface brushes can remove dirt and debris from every kind of floor, while moving debris into the suction channel.

iRobot's vSLAM captures the environment while it moves. It creates visual landmarks to aid in identifying its position and avoid bumping into walls and other objects. The camera also spots dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically boost suction power, and then move over these zones multiple times before moving forward.

Users can designate digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home that they do not want it to be able to enter. This feature was added to the app in October of 2019. This feature is an important addition to the already-strong suite of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a useful device for many people.

After a two-hour clean-up the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. This is the only robot of its kind with this feature. It lets you leave your robot at work even when you are away for extended durations. The app's remote control feature lets you start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.

The Roomba app is a joy to use and the interface is simple and intuitive. The main screen has an enormous clean button that can be activated by a single touch. The bottom row of icons allows quick access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and more. You can also connect the app to your preferred smart assistant to issue voice commands.

Sending a command via the app isn't always an instant procedure, however, and it can take a while for Roomba to recognize your request. It's a problem that frustrates the machine that relies on its intelligent controls. And it's especially egregious given that the 980 costs so much.

As the flagship model of iRobot, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its powerful cleaning power and two-hour battery life and suite of smart features make it a top choice among the best robot vacuums in the industry. It's not as flexible as others due to the lack of an app that is specifically designed and remote control. That said, the 980 is a good choice for those looking for a high-powered automated vacuum that can take care of itself. Be sure to set aside a little extra money.