The 10 Scariest Things About Best Robot Hoover

Vacuuming With a Robot Hoover is the Best Hands-Off Model We've Tested

This top-of-the-line bot from Eufy is the best hands-off model we've tested so far. It vacuums, mops and self-empties and drys mop pads all without you having to do anything.

It isn't equipped with advanced cleaning modes and a larger docking station but delivers a stellar performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end robotic vacuums. It's compact and can be positioned to reach under furniture.

Vacuuming

A robot vacuum is a convenient and quick method of keeping your floors tidy. A lot of the models we've picked are built to operate without the involvement of you, so you can set them up to sweep while you're away or trigger the session using your smartphone. You'll need to choose one that has excellent navigation and object detection to avoid it getting stuck under furniture or falling down the staircase.

Certain models are better at removing pet hair from rugs than others, which is why it's also important to choose an item that is able to efficiently and effectively clean all types of flooring. Look for a robot cleaner with a large dust bin that will hold plenty of dirt between emptying and a nozzle that does not lose suction when it rotates.

The majority of robots require little or no maintenance other than taking hair that has become tangled off the rotating brush (and wiping down its cameras or sensors, as needed) after each cleaning session and periodically emptying the dust bin or using an automatic emptying base when the robot is equipped with one. If you follow these easy routine maintenance steps, your robotic vacuum will last the same amount of time as a traditional vacuum and help keep your home clean for longer.

While robot mops are generally less versatile than their vacuuming counterparts, some have the added ability to clean up spills and puddles while they're at it. The iLife V3s Pro, a great example of machine, is an excellent option for those who have carpets, rugs, or wood flooring. It's quiet and has solid navigation capabilities that helped it avoid obstacles during testing, and the charging dock can also double as a trash bin.

To get the best self cleaning vacuum results, select a robot that can handle both vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. That's exactly what the Karcher RCV 5 does and also comes with additional useful features, such as live cameras that stream an unreliable image to your app so you can monitor your children or pets as well as an easily programmable remote control. Its navigation isn't as reliable as the other models we've reviewed however it is able to lift its own thresholds to a certain level and has an ample 500ml trash bin that doesn't have to be emptying often.

Mopping

Robots that vacuum and mop are relatively new to the market. These machines are more expensive and require a separate tank of water compared to standalone robots. However, they could be worth the extra cost for those with staining that is difficult to clean or pets.

The Best robot Hoover robots that vacuum and mop can also be very effective cleaning floors with no carpets. Several brands now offer all-in-one robots that do both tasks with ease. The Combo J9+ is among the most efficient mopping machines that we have tested. It has a dock that can store up to 60 days' worth of dirt. This is a huge improvement over the Qrevo Pro which ran out water after only mopping 30 days of dirt during our tests.

The Tapo RV30 Plus from networking giant TP Link is a great two-in-one. It's compact quiet and has an elegant, easy-to-use look. In our test rooms it cleaned the floors efficiently and thoroughly. It was particularly good at cleaning rugs, but it required several runs to scrub some areas of stained wood. Its LIDAR navigation system functions well, avoiding crashing into furniture or tripping over power cords.

It's a bit slow on the stairs however, that's to be expected in a compact robot that's designed to work around obstacles. The only drawback is that the mopping pads can be difficult to attach and didn't stay put during our tests, and it isn't equipped to handle dried-on dirt, which makes it more like a vacuum cleaner rather instead of a full-fledged mop.

It's still a great choice for people who prefer a hands-off experience and want to clean low pile or unfinished carpets equally. It offers a decent amount of suction, which allowed it to remove dust and pet hair from carpets. A good feature is its automatic recognition of carpets, which enhances the effectiveness of the vacuuming to take on dirt that is embedded. It's also user-friendly and has a handy charging dock that automatically empty the bin once it's full, which is a huge benefit for those who live in flats.

Cleaning Apps

Most robot vacuums, mop and sweepers have an app that allows you to customize cleaning routines. You can also choose rooms to be cleaned, schedule cleaning sessions, and alter settings such as suction levels, scrub strength and water levels. Certain robots also provide intelligent dirt detection, which makes use of the data from previous cleaning sessions and maps data to identify areas that are dirty and optimize cleaning mode.

The app allows you to set up virtual barriers and no-go zones to shield your robot from potentially hazardous items, such as cords, pet water bowls, and sharp objects. Some models come with laser navigation sensors that allow you to create virtual barriers while others have small physical barriers and boundary strips that can be put anywhere you'd like to limit your floor area.

The most effective robot vacuums and mops are smart vacuum enough to detect obstacles and maneuver around them, but there are still certain dangers to be on the lookout for. For instance, a robot's main brush can get stuck on long curtains or cords and stop the machine dead in its tracks. You can avoid this by clearing the area of any cords and tie up any long curtains before running your robot.

Certain robots automatically update their software which manages the navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithm. This improves performance and reduces the wear and tear of the robot's internal components. It is a good idea to regularly to check the manufacturer's site or your robot's app for firmware updates.

If you have a large house, consider models that have multiple cleaning modes. The iRobot Roomba 11S Max can sweep and vacuum carpeted and hard floors with different suction settings. It also has the ability to automatically switch to the highest power setting on carpets and increase its scrubbing power by using SmartScrub.

A robot with an integrated voice assistant is a great option for those who want to be hands off. The iRobot Roomba 980 can be operated by Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. It comes with a compact self-emptying docking device and a powerful cleaning motor that leaves your floors sparkling.