Everything you need to know before you buy a robot vacuum

Everything you need to know before you buy a robot vacuum cleaner

Godfreys stocks a wide range of cleaners because floorcare isn&#;t a one-size-fits-all operation, and different homes and lifestyles will benefit from different types of cleaners. Traditional barrel vacuums and cordless stick vacuums are still the perfect options for a lot of people, but the ever-growing popularity of robot vacuum cleaners throws another, more innovative horse into the race.

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If you&#;re considering bringing a robot vacuum cleaner into your home but aren&#;t sure whether to take the leap, here are some of the benefits of these autonomous little cleaners.

They do all the work for you

This is the crux of a robot vacuum&#;s appeal. They whip around your house and clean up your mess without you having to lift a finger. This is a real game changer for busy people and lazy people alike, as it saves a lot of time and effort without sacrificing a clean home environment. Whether you&#;re out at work all day, you&#;ve got a new baby occupying your time or you just really hate vacuuming, a robot vacuum is the closest thing to a professional live-in cleaner that a lot of people will experience.

They eliminate physical strain

For some, vacuuming is a physically draining activity. Opting for a vacuum you don&#;t have to push around or carry from room to room is a great option for people with injuries or low mobility. Besides the occasional bend to pick your robot up, these cleaners come with a lower chance of causing or aggravating conditions like back strain. Bonus points if they have remote control capabilities or can be ordered around via your . 

They&#;re easy to store

Compared to a classic barrel vacuum or even a lightweight stick vacuum, a robot model takes up very little space. A sleek, compact design makes them convenient to store even if you&#;re tight on space. Many models also come with their own hybrid charging-storage stations, so while they&#;re not in use they&#;re less likely to get in anyone&#;s way.

They&#;re easy to control 

While manually pushing your vacuum around is the most straightforward way to determine exactly where and how well your floor gets cleaned, a robot vacuum gives you almost complete control at the touch of a button. Features like app integration allow you to remotely control and monitor your robot, including setting up recurring cleans at the same time every day so you never have to think about it again. Meanwhile, the remote control handles things like water flow, suction level and manual direction control if you want to get particular.

They can clean hard to reach spots

For a thorough, really satisfying clean, you&#;ve got to suck the dust up from every bit of floor in your house &#; yes, including the bits under your furniture. Where you might otherwise have been shoving the couch aside or getting down on your knees to wriggle a vacuum head around under your bed, a robot vacuum is slim and low enough to slip underneath furniture and deliver a more reliable clean.

How to choose the right robot vacuum for your home

At Godfreys, we have a range of robot vacuums available from several great brands. Which model is right for you is going to depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the type of flooring you have and your budget. Robot vacuum prices start as low as $399 &#; for the entry-level DEEBOT OZMO U2 Robot &#; and rise as they&#;re packed with more and more innovative features.

Here&#;s our guide to the features to look out for, how they can benefit you and which models offer them.

Mapping technology

One of the major benefits of a robot vacuum is its autonomy, allowing it to make its way around your home without you manually controlling it. This is achieved by technologies that create a virtual map of the space, including any walls, furniture or obstacles the cleaner could run into. Models like the Hoover Ranger and Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI use laser detection to scan your home, create a map and transmit it directly to your user app. The robots then use those maps to navigate each room and determine the most effective cleaning path.

Mopping functionality

Certain robot models are designed to get all your cleaning done at once and simplify your daily routine. Technology like Ecovacs&#; OZMO&#; oscillation system, featured in models like the DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI, allow your robot to vacuum and mop simultaneously as it moves across your floor. This may not be a necessity for everyone, but can cut cleaning time in half.

Sensors

Along with virtual mapping, many robot vacuums are equipped with a series of sensors to keep your vacuum on track and out of danger. It&#;s rare for a room to be completely empty or for floor to be completely level, so a robot that can safely navigate your home in its cluttered, lived-in glory is essential. Sensors that detect stairs and drops are vital for keeping your vacuum in one piece and will lead your robot to turn heel and go the other way when it reaches a step it could otherwise fall down. Anti-collision sensors will stop the cleaner from bumping into any furniture, people or animals it encounters, protecting itself as well as the things and creatures you care about.

App integration

These days convenience is essentially synonymous with &#;accessible via smartphone&#;, which extends to cleaning your floors. While all our robot vacuums come with handy remote controls, a majority of them are also equipped with smart app integration. Models like the Hoover Ranger and the entire Ecovacs DEEBOT range allow you to sync your robot and using Wi-Fi to control and monitor its operations. Once your robot is connected and has mapped out your home, you can use the app to schedule cleaning times and send the cleaner back to its charging station. The app also controls cleaning zones and no-go zones, stopping it from entering certain rooms or mopping your carpet.  

Filtration

Filtration is an important factor in choosing any vacuum, not just a robot model. While all cleaners are equipped with some form of filter to catch dust, dirt and other particles, they&#;re not all created equal. Certain filters are specially designed to improve air quality and are incredibly beneficial for people with allergies or homes with pets, for example. A HEPA filter or similarly powerful filtration system can eliminate micro particles and allergens to create a healthier environment.

Runtime

As with any cordless vacuum, convenience and manoeuvrability come at the cost of a corded vacuum&#;s endless runtime. How long you need your robot to keep kicking between charges depends on the size of your home. Nobody wants to stop mid-clean and wait for their cleaner to recharge, but a one-bedroom apartment won&#;t take nearly as long to clean as a full family home. Our robots range from a runtime of 110 minutes to 230 minutes, with the longest being the Wertheim Elegance. Keep in mind, however, that these estimates are based on each cleaner&#;s lowest power function and raising the power or suction will reduce the expected runtime. One of the benefits of a robot vacuum over other cordless models, however, is that many are programmed to head straight back to their charging stations once they&#;ve finished cleaning, so they&#;re charged up ready for your next use.

Not certain which robotic vacuum cleaner is right for you? You are not alone! Today's robot vacuums aren't just automated dust gatherers; they're advanced, feature-packed partners in the fight against dirt, and this is why 70% of consumers in the US own one. From mopping to AI voice assistance and auto-empty, the choices are vast and varied. But with choice can come confusion. How to choose the right auto vacuum? Don't worry &#; we've got your back. This buying guide will discuss what to look for in a robot vacuum, must-know features of a robot vacuum cleaner, and what to consider when buying a robot vacuum. Let's dive in!

Why Consider a Robot Vacuum?

Wondering why smart vacuums have become such a household favorite? The answer lies in their unparalleled benefits over traditional vacuums. Firstly, they offer unmatched convenience. Imagine having a device that cleans your home while you're out or even sleeping, and no more dragging a heavy machine around or bending over to reach those tricky corners. Robot vacuums are designed to regularly clean the space with no missing spots, without you lifting a finger. Furthermore, they are incredible time-savers. Instead of spending hours vacuuming, you can rely on these smart devices to do the job efficiently, giving you back precious moments to spend on what truly matters.

Key Features to Know Before Buying a Robot Vacuum

As a buying guide, we have sorted 14 features of a robot vacuum cleaner to look for, so you don&#;t have to worry about how to pick a robot vacuum.

1. Navigation Technology & Obstacle Detection

The first feature to consider is navigation technology, as it determines how smoothly a robotic vacuum cleaner navigates your home. There are three main types of navigation: LiDAR-based, which uses lasers to scan and map rooms, ensuring high precision and efficiency. Next, camera-based systems use built-in optical cameras to form a visual map, but they may have difficulties in dim lighting. On the other hand, sensor-based vacuums employ a &#;bump and move&#; approach to detect obstacles, but they can miss hard-to-reach areas and lack the detailed mapping capabilities of the other two. It is also worth mentioning the cliff sensors, which are a standard feature in most models. It blocks your automatic vacuum from falling off the stairs and other edges.

Efficient mapping and navigation technology guarantees thorough cleaning and prevents the robot from damaging items like sofas or walls. ECOVACS utilizes advanced AIVI 3D and TrueMapping technologies on their DEEBOT, the same technology to those in self-driving cars, allowing effective obstacle detection and precise mapping even in dark environments.

2. Cleaning Modes

Smart vacuums come equipped with various cleaning modes, which you can easily manage through the compatible app. The 'auto' mode is a general cleaning setting for everyday use, while the 'spot' mode targets selected areas with intensified cleaning, such as high-traffic kitchens and living rooms. For those tricky edges and corners, the 'edge' mode is designed to target them, leaving no hard-to-reach spot behind. Selecting the right mode helps achieve optimal cleaning results tailored to different areas of your home. Even better, you can preset cleaning sessions to suit your schedule.

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3. Smart Features

Thanks to technological advancements, smart vacuums are becoming even smarter with features such as app control, voice commands, and scheduling. The app serves as a one-stop control center to monitor and manage your auto vacuum. For instance, the ECOVACS HOME app allows you to start, pause, or schedule tasks for your DEEBOT with just a few taps. Moreover, DEEBOT's YIKO voice assistant, a breakthrough in AI that understands natural voice commands, simplifies the process. This makes it possible for those who might struggle with the app, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities, to use robotic vacuum cleaners effortlessly.

4. Suction Power

The suction power of a robot vacuum determines its strength and efficiency in cleaning the floor. Measured in Pascals (Pa), the higher the Pa, the more dirt it can collect. To choose a robot vacuum based on suction power, check the type of floorings at home &#; different flooring types require varying suction levels; hard floors and tiles typically need less suction compared to plush carpets. The latest DEEBOT models boast a remarkable 8,-11,000Pa suction2, significantly higher than the market average of 3,000-5,000Pa, making it adept at tackling even the most stubborn dirt patches.

5. Mopping

To enhance the cleaning experience, consider opting for an automatic vacuum with a mop feature, which streamlines the cleaning process by tackling dirt, dust, and fine particles in one-go. Not only does this save time, but mopping also helps pick up those tiny particles that can trigger allergies.

It's also worth mentioning ECOVACS' Auto-lift Mopping technology. The intelligent mop automatically lifts when it detects a carpet, ensuring it remains dry while vacuuming. The mop is lowered when it returns to hard floors, therefore you don&#;t need to worry about your precious rugs being ruined.

6. Noise Level

The next feature to consider is the noise level that a vacuum make, typically stated in the specifications. Wonder why is your smart vacuum so loud? A quieter vacuum promotes a peaceful and tranquil living environment, especially essential for homes with thin walls, babies, or pets. Imagine the convenience of scheduling your vacuum to operate at night, so you can always wake up to a clean floor. For the remote workers among us, a less noisy vacuum ensures that work calls go smoothly and concentration remains intact.

7. Self-Emptying Capability

Another crucial element to consider when purchasing a robot cleaner is whether it is a self-emptying robot vacuum. There's nothing wrong with manually emptying your robot. However, for larger houses, the need to empty it multiple times before completing the job might be inconvenient.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a smart vacuum is that it cannot be stored just any place. You may ask: where can I store my vacuum cleaner? A flat wall with some empty space around it is excellent for a robotic vacuum cleaner's home base, which also functions as its charging station. This allows your robotic vacuum cleaner to return to its docking station when the battery is low, or the dustbin is nearly full.

Some self-emptying robot vacuum can automatically empty the dustbin. After each clean, it even washes and blow dries the mop head, ensuring the auto vacuum is ready for the next session.

8. Battery Life

Robot vacuums can cover vast spaces thanks to their cordless design, and how far they can go depends on their battery life. Typically, most robotic vacuum cleaners can operate for over an hour before needing a recharge. However, those with larger homes should prioritize models with extended battery durations to prevent mid-session recharges. To make your robot vacuum's battery last, regularly update its software, clean its brushes and sensors, and avoid overcharging.

9. Filter System

Whether you are sensitive to allergies or not, an efficient filter system is crucial for creating a pristine living environment at home. But how to pick a robot vacuum with good filters? The gold standard is the HEPA filter, renowned for trapping over 99% of allergens. Our DEEBOT doesn't disappoint, using a three-layer filter system that effectively eliminates these particles. But it's not just about having the filter; maintaining it is equally essential. Regular cleaning and upkeep of these filters help enhance the air quality in your home and the longevity of the smart vacuum. And for pet owners, these robot vacuums for pet hair help prevent allergy triggers.

10. Maintenance

Looking for ways to keep your automatic vacuum performing at its best? Set a regular maintenance schedule. Empty the dust bin frequently, especially after cleaning high-traffic areas like kitchens. The same goes for filters; clean or replace them if they're dirty. Debris, especially pet hair, can get trapped in brushes and rollers and stop it from spinning, so check and unclog them often. If your vacuum includes a mop, wash it after each use to prevent odors. Moreover, consider models like DEEBOT, whose smart sensors alert users about needed replacements or clean-ups through the app.

11. Dustbin capacity

DEEBOT that come with an OMNI station, can automatically empty the dustbin into a large 3L disposable dust bag that lasts up to 60 days3. As a result, the robot can perform multiple cleaning sessions without requiring your intervention, enhancing the overall hands-free experience. 

The size of the dustbin directly determines how often you need to

empty your robot vacuum

&#; the larger the dustbins, the less frequent of manual emptying &#; which is why a

self-emptying docking station

is especially helpful. Advanced models, like, can automatically empty the dustbin into a large 3L disposable dust bag that lasts up to 60 days. As a result, the robot can perform multiple cleaning sessions, enhancing the overall hands-free experience.

12. Size and height

While we all love the advanced features of a robot vacuum, the size and height are equally important. In compact living spaces, a bulky vacuum may be difficult to store, particularly when it is necessary to have adequate clearance around the docking station for the device to function correctly. Always check the dimensions and buy a model that is compact and fits easily within your home, including tight areas and under furniture.

13. Round or Square

Among the many robot vacuum models on the market, most come in two shapes: round and square. Round models are more agile and can easily pivot around obstacles like chair legs; however, they may struggle to reach into corners effectively. Square models, on the other hand, are designed to clean better along walls and in corners thanks to their angular edges; yet, they require more open space to navigate because of their larger turning radius. How to choose between a round and square robot vacuum? Consider your home&#;s layout and take careful measurements.

14. AI integration

The trend of Artificial Intelligence is unstoppable, and if you're wondering whether robot vacuums use AI, the answer is: Absolutely. AI largely upgraded their navigation and adaptability. Take ECOVACS as an example: the AI-powered AIVI 3D feature allows the device to recognize and quickly react to indoor situations, such as children playing or doors opening, to avoid collisions. Through continuous learning, the smart feature helps protect both the vacuum and your furniture.

Finding a robot Vacuum That Matches Your Needs

Picking the right auto vacuum shouldn't be overwhelming. The question to 'What to look for in a robot vacuum?' is straightforward: Evaluate your needs based on the above buying guide, and you'll have a better idea. 
Since , ECOVACS has been committed to bringing robotic and intelligent technologies to the public. Our DEEBOT series provides a range of robot vacuum cleaners dedicated to meeting different needs. With continuous research and development, DEEBOT is equipped with the latest technologies that bring you a truly hands-free cleaning experience.

FAQ

Are robot vacuums worth it?

Absolutely! Robot vacuum are worth it, especially if you're swamped with work, have allergies, or just lack the time to sweep or vacuum, a robotic vacuum cleaner can lighten the load by automatically cleaning on preset schedules, ensuring clean floors at all time.

What features are important on a robot vacuum?

When shopping for a smart vacuum, consider its battery life, suction power, navigation technology, cleaning modes, filter system, noise level, ease of maintenance, smart features, and mopping capability. It is also important to consider the brand reputation.

How many robot vacuums do I need?

The size and layout of your home may require more than one robot vacuum. For those who have multiple floors, keep in mind that robot vacuums cannot climb stairs. While you can manually move a robot vacuum between floors, for a truly hands-free experience, consider having a dedicated robot vacuum for each floor.

Are robot vacuums efficient with pet hairs?

Yes, robot vacuums are effective at keeping pet hair under control. Their suction power is sufficient for picking up pet hair, and you can schedule multiple cleaning sessions throughout the day to stay on top of shedding. For best results, opt for models with tangle-free roller brushes to avoid hair getting caught in the machine.

Disclaimer(s):

For more information, please visit OEM robotic vacuum cleaner technology solutions.

1. 8,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT N20 PRO PLUS can reach 8,000Pa.
2. 11,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT T30S Blackcan reach 8,000Pa.
3. 60 days: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The large 3L disposable dust bag can be used for up to 60 days. Actual results may vary according to the home environment.