Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums reduce the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they don't replace traditional plug-in models. To keep them in good shape take the dust bins out after every cleaning session. Clean the sensors and camera periodically. Replace filters and side brushes as required.
It has a decent-sized bin and an auto-empty. Its obstacle avoidance is still getting caught in socks and cords and dirt that is near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle, the other rubber) to pick up dirt, dust and debris from floors that are not covered. The Roomba 694 also has a rotating brush that is able to clean up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 does a great job of removing pet hair. However, it could leave a few hairs in carpet fibers after several cleaning cycles.
robot cleaner robotvacuummops does an adequate job at maneuvering itself and doesn't get stuck on things like low furniture or cords. However, it's not equipped with advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and its battery may be exhausted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good option for those who want a basic robot vacuum that's easy to operate. You can control it manually using the 'Clean' "Dock" and 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or with voice commands relayed through your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to 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 create customized cleaning schedules and also monitor the robot's performance. The app is able to stop a cleaning task in progress if it is necessary. The iRobot app will also issue error alerts if the robot has a problem for instance, if he wedges himself into a crevice in furniture.
The Roomba 694 is a great vacuum cleaner, but it's not designed to maneuver narrow pathways or stairs. It also does a terrible job of cleaning carpets with low pile leaving a lot of tufts and clumps of hair in its wake. You might want to consider an alternative robot vacuum if you have low-pile flooring in your home.
In contrast to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have an auto-emptying bin. The dirt compartment is moderate size, but it will need to be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks as well as their time and date, when they were initiated (app scheduling, app or by pressing physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and the status of their completion.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower recurring costs, has a larger dustbin that charges faster, moves over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on carpet with a high pile and bare floors. Its companion app offers the most advanced set of automation features, too. The Roomba 694 does not match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, though, which features a bigger dirt compartment and lasts longer on a charge, and comes with physical boundaries to ensure it stays out of certain rooms.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It comes with a variety of characteristics that differentiate it from other robots, including advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It comes with a powerful vacuum system that is compatible with Alexa. This is a great choice for those looking to purchase a high tech robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and excellent cleaning capabilities.
The 960 is a circular robot with two rubber brushrolls and three caster wheels for stability. It weighs 3.9kg which makes it easy to carry up and down steps. You can choose to purchase it with or without docking system based on the features you prefer. The docking station is essential to keep the Roomba fully charged and connected when it isn't in use. It is a convenient way to keep the robot on hand and ready to clean whenever you require it.
iRobot designed the 960 to work well on floors that are not bare and carpet. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable and it is able to clean up pet hair. It also does a good job of picking up large amounts of debris, such as cereal and kitty litter. It is less effective on carpets with a high pile. It is able to pick up pet hair and some larger debris, but has trouble with smaller particles, such as sand. Some sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well and picked up the majority of the powder that was scattered. The robotic vacuum is capable of maneuvering across a wide range of furniture and obstacles, and the circular shape allows it to be tucked away under chair legs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa and can be activated using voice commands. It can be programmed to auto return to its charging station.
The 960 requires some maintenance that includes regular replacement of the filter, dust bin, and spinning brush. You should replace these parts every few months or so to ensure that they are in good condition. You should also clean the sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. Keeping these parts in good working order will keep the Roomba running at peak performance and help it to last longer.
The 960 is a great robotic vacuum, but it does have some flaws. It is fairly expensive, but it's worth the investment if you are looking for a vacuum with outstanding cleaning performance. It is also loaded with features that make it a great option for busy people. The iRobot App is simple to use, and Roomba's cleaning schedule can be set. It comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can make it a part of your decor.
iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is the most advanced robotic cleaner in iRobot’s current lineup. The Roomba 980's complete suite of navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect stops it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any floor type, while accelerating debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology can record the surroundings as it moves, creating visual landmarks to help it remember where it's been and avoid bumping into objects and walls. The camera can also detect areas that are dirty. This causes the Roomba to automatically increase its suction power and move over these zones multiple times before moving forward.
A new feature pushed to the app by October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home that they would prefer to remain inaccessible. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive list of features and will prove beneficial for a lot of consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning time the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. It's the only robot in this category to offer such a feature, and allows you to allow it to perform its task even when you're away for long periods of time. The app's remote control function allows you to start and stop cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and intuitive. The main screen has a big clean button that can be activated by a single touch and the lower row of icons gives easy access to settings such as cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and more. You can also connect the app to your personal assistant to make voice commands.
It could take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a frustrating flaw in an appliance that is so heavily dependent on its smart controls, and it's particularly unjust given that the 980 is incredibly expensive.
The flagship model from iRobot, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power and long battery life of 2 hours, and clever features make it one of the top robot vacuums on the market. However, the absence of a separate remote control and slow-running app mean it's not as user-friendly as the other models. That said, the 980 is a good choice for those looking for an automated vacuum that can take the burden off of itself. Make sure you set aside a little extra money.