The Shark i Robot Vacuum

The Shark i robot vacuum is a excellent mid-range robot. It is a great vacuum cleaner, with some unique features.

It is able to clean floors thoroughly and utilizes a row-by -row pattern. It also works well on rugs and can maneuver over rug tassels.

Features

Shark i is a robot vacuum cleaner that has a variety of standout features. These include its intelligent navigation system and self-emptying dock. Its IQ navigation system uses a matrix grid to clean each room, which means that no area of your home gets overlooked. It also emptys its trash bin into the bagless base following each cleaning, which makes it completely hands-free.

The i can be controlled by both the SharkClean app and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it using your voice, without the need for an extra remote. The vacuum also has a button on the top of the unit to operate the vacuum.

The app allows you to create the profile of your vacuum and label it, schedule cleans and look at the history of your cleaning. You can also set virtual boundaries to block the i from entering areas it could be stuck in or even knock over fragile objects. You can also select different power modes to save energy when doing tough jobs.

Other important features include its NeverStuck technology as well as two grippy wheels that allow it to get over obstacles such as stairs or floor transitions. It can detect and avoid obstacles such as electrical cords. This is beneficial for pet owners who have small shed dogs or cats.

The i has three power settings: an energy-saving Eco mode, the default Normal mode and a high-power max mode. You can also design custom cleaning schedules to individual rooms or home robot vacuum floors. This is ideal if you live in an enormous home that requires frequent cleanings.

It is possible to program it to return to its dock on a regular basis and empty its trash bin. However, you must be aware of its battery life since it can overestimate how much time is left. It is also possible to confuse and restart if you tell the i to 'Clean Entire Home' which is why you need to be cautious when you begin or end it.

Design

The Shark i robot is sleekly designed and has a premium appearance. The main wheels are covered in rubber treads which give it great maneuverability. Its footprint is tiny and can be tucked away under the majority of furniture. It is able to climb up high-pile carpets and reach under couches despite its size.

The robot is equipped with numerous sensors that help identify your home robot vacuum (special info) including cliff and boundary sensors. It also has a module that detects and avoids obstacles. The app lets you alter the robot's settings, schedule cleaning sessions and view its cleaning history. The app is easy to use, however it does not permit you to create virtual no-go zones.

The Shark i robot can be an ideal choice for unfinished floors. However, it is not able to take in large amounts of debris, like hair from pets. It also gets stuck on cluttered surfaces. The dirt compartment can also become full and make it difficult to empty it after cleaning. The vacuum doesn't come with a self-emptying dock. You'll need empty the bin manually when it becomes full.

The battery in the vacuum is short and runs out often before it can return to the base. It's also noisy and the app does not allow you to choose particular areas to clean. This is why it should be used in combination with another robot vacuum, not as a stand-alone device. However, the benefit of delegating your vacuuming to an automated machine is evident. The iRobot Roomba, on the other hand, has superior navigation and mapping capabilities, as well as self-emptying docks. It's also a bit cheaper than the Shark i robot.

Cleaning Performance

While it can be tricky to adjust to the robotic sound that comes with every robot vacuum The Shark IQ seems to be pretty good in the vacuuming department. It doesn't lose its way and then retrace its steps, like older Shark robots (like the ION 85 or the RV871). The iQ does an excellent job of mapping your home. It makes maps within the app, which allows you to identify the rooms so it knows where it's moving.

However, it struggles with carpets and floors that are not clean. While it can pick up small debris, it can be overwhelmed by pet hair and bulkier items like cereal and rice. Moreover, its dirt compartment gets filled quickly and can start to lose suction power as it fills up which makes it not the best choice for flat floors or high-pile carpets. It also gets blocked when it comes into contact with furniture that is tangled or furniture with a tipped edge.

It's a breeze to get rid of these issues by emptying the bin in its base. It also automatically empties itself into the bin when it's full. This eliminates the hassle of emptying the bin after every run. The extra-large bin needs to be empty every 30 days, which reduces ownership costs over the long run.

The SharkClean App allows you to create different cleaning modes, check the battery life, make schedules, look up your cleaning history, and create virtual boundaries that keep it out of areas where it may get stuck or knock fragile objects over. The iQ can also be operated manually using its remote control, which features the ability to direct it around your home.

Battery Life

Even when in its high-suction "Max" mode the robot vacuum has a long battery life. It can last for an hour in this mode which is plenty of time for the majority of cleaning sessions. It also has a more efficient energy-efficient Eco mode that extends its maximum runtime to over 160 minutes. This feature is helpful if you frequently switch between rooms or are worried about running out of battery while using the robot.

Like many of its rivals this vacuum cleaner comes with an impressive set of automation features. The companion app lets you see the remaining battery life, direct the vacuum to a specific area, stop or restart cleaning, and choose different power modes. It can also be controlled via voice commands, if you own an Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa device that works with it. It comes with physical boundary markers to keep the robot from certain areas.

Although it's maneuverable but it isn't the most maneuverable model. Shark model has trouble sucking up bulky debris, especially when its dirt compartment is full. It's also susceptible to getting stuck on tassels of the rug and electrical cords, and it can get stuck between the legs of chairs.

Overall all, the Shark IQ robotic vacuum is an excellent option for those seeking an entry-level robot with decent mapping capabilities and easy-to-use features. However it's not a superior option than the roborock robot vacuum and mop S7 for most purposes. The Roborock S7 is more durable and has fewer maintenance requirements. It also has lower costs. It recharges faster, has an extended battery life and is more efficient when used on carpets and bare floors.