How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner?

How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner? - A couple of decades ago, this question would have been bewildering, because robotic vacuum cleaners seemed from the category of fantastic things. But scientific progress does not stand still. Since the early 2000s, they have been a rarity available to the elite. Now they can be found among household appliances in all cities.

Robot vacuum cleaners are designed to make life easier for advanced housewives. And if you are one of them, then you should familiarize yourself with all the features of these “helpers” in order to know how to choose a robot vacuum cleaner for an apartment. Sales consultants will not always truly help you in this matter. Usually they are guided by other motives: to sell a model more expensive or one that is stale and not in demand. Therefore, you need to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge and deal with the internal structure of the robot vacuum cleaner, get acquainted with the manufacturers, their model range, know the features of your apartment and decide what tasks your robot should perform. Our article will help you with this.

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The choice of a robot vacuum cleaner. The main criteria:

1. Measure the area of ​​the part of the apartment to be cleaned. It makes no sense to take a powerful robot vacuum cleaner with a large volume of a garbage container if you have a one-room apartment, laden with furniture.
2. Carefully inspect your floor: are there high thresholds, carpets with pile longer than 1.5 cm, steps, floor height differences, lying wires and the like. Not all models of robotic vacuum cleaners are able to overcome such obstacles.

Important! Practice shows that many robotic vacuum cleaners, bumping into wires, pull them along, gradually becoming entangled in them.

3. If you have a cat or dog at home, you need to know how to choose a robot vacuum cleaner for an apartment with animals. If you are constantly struggling with wool, then the device should have a spacious rubbish bin and good quality brushes that can be easily removed and cleaned if necessary.
4. If there are antique vases and other fragile objects on the floor or your furniture is made of such a material that dents easily appear on it, then definitely consider more expensive robot models. They have a large set of necessary sensors and a soft touch system.
5. If you decide to buy a model of a robot vacuum cleaner with a base, then consider where it will be located. This should be a place near the outlet, where it will not interfere with your walk, but at the same time, the robot should be easy to find and drive up freely.
6. Think about what to choose a robot vacuum cleaner: for dry cleaning, washing or universal.
7. Before buying, familiarize yourself with the variety of models and their configuration on the official websites of manufacturers. Also pay attention to the availability of service centers of the selected manufacturer in your area.

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The internal structure of the robot cleaner

Now we will consider important nuances in detail to choose the really best robot vacuum cleaner.

Dimensions:

• Most often, these “cleaners” are disk-shaped, although there are square models or in the shape of the letter “D”.
• The diameter is usually 30-40 cm.
• Height - about 10 cm.

Important! Measure if your robot is stuck under the sofa, for example.

• Weight from 2 to 4 kg.
• On the top cover is a display and a power button.

Brushes:

• On the bottom in the center is the main brush - “turbo”.There may be two of them, then they rotate towards each other and collect dirt more efficiently.
• If one of the brushes is silicone, then it will be better to collect wool and hair.

Important! Please note that turbo brushes must have a protective cover.

• 1-2 side brushes are located on the edge, their function is to rake garbage in the corners and along the baseboard. To choose the best robot vacuum cleaner, choose a model in which the brushes are made of hard pile, and not of fishing line. Then they will not have to be changed for a long time.

Important! In cheap models, such brushes may not be.

Dust collector:

• This item is inside the robot. Its volume is from 0.25 liters to 1 liter.
• A small volume is suitable only for small rooms, where it is not so dirty and there are no animals.
• If the area is more than 40 square meters. m. and you have “wool” pets, then take models with a volume of 0.5 l or more.

Filter

Ideally, the best robot vacuum cleaner should have a multi-layer HEPA filter. This is important if you have a dusty area or are allergic.

Important! When buying, take a look inside yourself, otherwise - instead of the HEPA filter declared in words, find a thin paper filter.

Battery:

• Budget models use Ni-Mh (nickel metal hydride) batteries. They are not as durable as Li-Ion (lithium-ion). The second is enough for 800 charge cycles, and they give up to 3 hours of work without recharging.
• When choosing, look, first of all, not at the power, but at the battery capacity. On average, the capacity should be 2200-3000 mA / h.

Important! Robots with good batteries may not be cheap, but they will be tidied up quickly and will not charge for 3 hours after 20 minutes of cleaning. 3000 mAh gives approximately 3 hours of continuous use.

Sensors

They help to orient the robot vacuum cleaner indoors. They can be infrared, ultrasonic, laser.

Important! The more expensive the model, the larger the range of sensors it has.

To determine the best robot vacuum cleaner and understand which one to choose, consider the following features of each type of device:

• Models with infrared drop sensors. They are located on the bottom and inform the robot that the floor height (threshold, steps) has changed, then it changes the direction of movement.

Important! Inexpensive models are not able to overcome such obstacles. If a threshold above 1 cm is encountered on their way, then the robot, stumbling upon it, will turn in the other direction. That is, for cleaning in the next room you have to carry it over the threshold. They will not be able to overcome carpets with a pile of more than 1 cm.

• Touch sensors are located along the bumper. Their rays, reflected from large objects, return to the receiver, and the “brain” of the robot corrects its movement. In low-cost models, these collision sensors are contact sensors, that is, the robot changes its path only when it collides with an object, which is not very good if the object is fragile or dents can remain on it.

Important! Many models have a “soft touch” function - a special sensor detects the approach to an object and gives the robot a command to slow down.

• Robotic vacuum cleaners are more expensive equipped with laser sensors that scan the room, creating a “map of the area”. Such a navigation system allows him to efficiently clean without colliding with interior items.

Important! Some models also have pollution sensors. The robot itself adjusts the cleaning mode: if there is little debris, then it removes faster.

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The principle of the robot cleaner

To make the right choice, you need to understand how a robot cleaner works. It should be noted that garbage is collected in the container more due to the rotation of the brushes, rather than air intake, as with conventional vacuum cleaners. Therefore, the robot vacuum cleaner will maintain cleanliness in your home, but once every few weeks you still have to carry out a general cleaning with an ordinary vacuum cleaner.

What determines the trajectory of movement?

Low-cost robotic vacuum cleaners incorporate standard drop and collision sensors. Usually there are no additional functions in order to keep the price low.These models simply randomly move and change direction after a collision with an obstacle.

Important! Such robots can leave uncleared places.

Many manufacturers, trying to reduce the cost of their device, save on the quality of the case, brushes and other components. Therefore, crashing into obstacles, the robot can not only damage your furniture, but also itself. Low-cost “cleaners” finish cleaning when the battery runs out.

The more expensive models have certain cleaning programs. According to them, the robot vacuum cleaner moves according to a given algorithm: zigzag, spiral, diagonal, snake, squares, and so on. The functions have “regular”, “quick” and “local” cleaning.

Important! More advanced models have the “Wall Follow” function - cleaning along walls and furniture, “Full-Go” - a program according to which the robot vacuum cleaner after recharging returns to the place where it interrupted the cleaning. Also included in the package is a timer and the ability to program by day of the week.

Types of cleaning

Depending on the type of flooring in your room and the frequency of the intended cleaning, you have the best robot vacuum cleaner from the following options.

Dry cleaning

Most robotic vacuum cleaners have only dry cleaning. That is, they collect garbage, wool, dust from the flooring only with brushes.

Dry and wet cleaning

In the configuration of modern models there is a microfiber cloth that is attached to the bottom of the vacuum cleaner, it must be moistened periodically manually.

Wet cleaning

In washing models there is a special compartment for water (you manually dial it). First, the robot collects large debris from the floor, then sprays water and rubs the floor with a brush. After - a special scraper collects dirty water and supplies it to the suction device.

Important! This function is not suitable for carpets, laminate and parquet.

Base

To recharge the battery, the robot vacuum cleaner must either connect to a power source using an adapter, or come to charge itself to the base.

In low-cost models, the base is not included in the package, but robots of the middle and expensive segment are equipped with a base. The following is important here:

• It should be near the outlet and positioned so that the vacuum cleaner can easily find it and drive up unhindered.
• The base constantly emits an infrared signal, so the robot vacuum cleaner keeps it in the “field of view". As soon as the charge level decreases, he goes to the base to recharge.
• Many charging stations are equipped with a garbage container (it is “sucked” from a vacuum cleaner). Although such bases take up more space and dirt during unloading can scatter around.

Important! The charging time of the robot depends on the type and capacity of its battery.

• Inexpensive models can be charged from 3 to 8 hours, premium robotic vacuum cleaners last 20-30 minutes.

Equipment

When buying, pay attention to what goes with the “cleaner” in the load. In addition to the base station, spare brushes, replaceable HEPA filters, accessories for cleaning the vacuum cleaner and movement limiters should be included.

Important! Often, a remote control is also included, but judging by customer reviews, this is not the most necessary thing.

But we’ll tell you more about traffic limits. They come in two forms: magnetic tape and “virtual wall”.

• Magnetic tape is placed on the floor, limiting the area where the vacuum cleaner does not need to go (for example, a corner where a dog or cat eats).

Important! The tape is quite convenient, but usually they put a small length and you have to buy it.

• A virtual wall consists of several beacons that limit the movement of the robot in a certain direction using infrared rays.

Important! In such beacons, batteries need to be changed if necessary.

Additional functions:

• Some “cleaners” are equipped with add-ons such as room scenting and UV lamp disinfection. If the first is just a nice addition, then the second is dubious.In order to disinfect a section of the floor with an ultraviolet lamp, it is necessary to shine with it for at least 10-15 minutes in one place, and the robot vacuum cleaner is constantly moving, so the effect of this lamp is minimal. These functions are more likely a marketing ploy.
• A really useful feature is the self-diagnosis of malfunctions: if the robot vacuum cleaner finds a violation, it displays it.
• Also a useful feature would be a trash can full indicator.

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Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers

To choose a robot vacuum cleaner, you need to know who produces them and where.

iRobot

The American company iRobot is the leader in today's market. At the moment, the lineup is represented by three lines:

• Roomba - for dry cleaning;
• Scooba - for wet cleaning;
• Braava is a robot polisher for smooth surfaces.

Yujin Robot

The South Korean company Yujin Robot is also popular. Her models are called iClebo (Arte, Pop). They are distinguished by high-quality assembly, thoughtful set of functions, stylish design and quiet operation.

NEATO ROBOTICS

Also a popular American manufacturer, from the collection of which they are of particular interest:

• The first model is “XV” (11.21).
• “D” - a series of robots - they are more advanced.

Other brands

There are brands that specialize not only in the production of robotic vacuum cleaners:

• LG Home Bot VR;
• Karcher Robocleaner 3000 and 4000;
• Samsung: Navi Bot, Platronics, Robzone.

Inexpensive models of robotic vacuum cleaners are presented by numerous Chinese manufacturers. There are quite a lot of them. Here are some of them:

• Сlever & Clean (good quality and affordable price);
• xRobot;
• Qwikk;
• Deebot
• Panda;
• Ecovax;
• Kitfort and others.

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Rating of models of robotic vacuum cleaners according to users

Decided to purchase a robot vacuum cleaner? Which is better, according to users, will not be superfluous information before buying. We have made a rating of the most recommended devices.

Roomba -960 (iRobot)

Many buyers prefer this model. Her characteristics:

• Designed for dry cleaning up to 100 square meters. m
• It has optical and infrared sensors, rubber turbo brushes, HEPA filter, remote control.
• The Li-ion battery, whose operation is designed for 2 hours of continuous operation.
• It has 2 navigation systems: visual and mapping.
• The robot remembers the already removed areas. After recharging, he will continue cleaning from where he left off.
• Noise level - 50 dB, which is an indisputable advantage of the device.
• Height - about 9 cm, which allows him to clean up under sofas and beds.
• There is a timer and cleaning programming by day of the week.

Important! This “assistant” can be controlled using the display, remote control and smartphone using a special application.

 

Scooba-450 (iRobot):

• Designed for cleaning about 85 square meters. m
• Garbage bin with a volume of 1 liter.
• This robot is equipped with everything necessary for independent and intelligent cleaning and has been enhanced with a drying function.
• The robot is perfectly oriented in space and recognizes the types of flooring.
• Easy to maintain and fit into any interior.

iClebo Arte Carbon (Yujin Robot):

• Using advanced navigation algorithms, information from numerous sensors and a built-in cartographer, the robot is perfectly oriented in space and is suitable for cleaning even in homes with a complex layout.
• On one charge, it cleans up for 2.5 hours.
• It overcomes thresholds and nap up to 2 cm, and if the “obstacle” mode is on, then up to 5 cm.
• This robot has 6 cleaning modes, including wet.
• Modes and time of cleaning can be planned according to the days of the week.

iClebo Omega - 2016 New:

• It increased the power of suction of garbage, added an antibacterial filter, equipped with additional sensors, a widescreen camera and a touch screen.
• Turbo brushes are worn on a floating base, so their movements completely follow the contour of the floor, providing close contact.
• Brushes have rubber petals, so hair and wool do not get stuck on them.

Important! This model collects 95% of garbage.

Neato Botvac D-85 (Neato Robotics)

This is a pretty powerful robot equipped:

• Can clean up to 150 square meters without recharging. m
• Laser scanning technology allows him to orient himself as accurately as possible in the house.
• Equipped with a corrugated HEPA filter, which traps the smallest dust.
• The main brush is made of silicone, which prevents hair and hair from being wound.
• There is only one side brush, but the robot cleans corners well along baseboards.

Neato Botvac Connected

The model has the maximum configuration and control function via a mobile device from anywhere in the world.

Clever & Clean Z-series Black Diamond

Among the budget options, it is worth noting this model:

• Pretty stylish and equipped robot vacuum cleaner at an affordable price.
• He performs dry cleaning of various floor coverings, but there is also a rag for wet cleaning.
• This robot has all the necessary sensors, a rubberized bumper, which minimizes collisions with furniture.
• It is designed for cleaning up to 100 square meters. m, but the waste bin has a small volume of 0.4 liters.
• Battery Ni-Mh.
• There is a fine filter.
• This model has a touch screen, the ability to program by day of week, base, remote control, virtual wall and UV lamp for disinfecting the floor.

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Stock footage

Now you know all the wisdom and you can choose the best robot vacuum cleaner. These “helpers” save a lot of time for modern busy people, but still they do not eliminate the need for general cleaning once a month, especially if there are animals or small children in the house. And it should be noted that robotic vacuum cleaners are quite safe for both the first and second.