Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums reduce the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they don’t replace traditional plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the dust bin following each cleaning session, wiping the sensors and cameras occasionally and changing filters and side brushes when required.

It comes with a decent-sized container and an automatic emptying. But its obstacle avoidance still gets tangled up in socks and cords, and it misses dirt near baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694″

The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that has dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to clean dirt, dust, and debris from bare floors. The Roomba 694 also has a rotating brush that can clean up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 is fairly effective at picking up pet hair, but it may leave some in the carpet fibers if you let it run through several cleaning cycles.

The 694 does an adequate job of moving itself around, and it isn’t a problem to maneuver around obstacles like cords or furniture that aren’t high enough. It’s not equipped with the latest obstacle-avoidance technology, and its battery can run out before it returns to its dock.

It’s still a great choice for those who want an affordable robot vacuum that is easy to use. You can control it by hand by using the Clean, Dock and?Spot Clean buttons on its top, or with voice commands via your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to Siri commands through iOS Shortcuts.

Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to control the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you create custom cleaning schedules as well as track the robot’s performance. You can even use the app to cancel cleaning jobs that are in progress, if you need to. The iRobot app can also issue error alerts when the robot has a problem like if it gets stuck in a furniture crevice.

While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of navigating itself around the house, it is not built for narrow or sloping paths. It also does a poor job of cleaning carpets with low pile leaving a lot of hair clumps and tufts in its wake. You may want to choose an alternative robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.

This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, doesn’t have a bin that automatically empties itself. The dirt compartment inside is moderately sized, but you will have empty it at the end of each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you view a History of your Roomba’s cleaning jobs, including their time and date, the method by which they were initiated (app, scheduling or by pressing physical buttons on the robot) and their duration, and the status of their completion.

The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower cost of operation and has a bigger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The companion app comes with an enhanced set of automation capabilities and features, too. The Roomba 694 isn’t as effective as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a larger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a single charge and comes equipped with physical boundaries that prevent it from entering certain rooms.

iRobot Roomba 960

The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It has several characteristics that differentiate it from other robots, including advanced dirt detection and a map-saving technology. It also comes with a powerful cleaning system and is compatible with Alexa. It is a great choice for people who want an ultra-modern robot vacuum with excellent cleaning performance and WiFi-connectivity.

The 9960 is a round robot equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It weighs 3.9kg which makes it easy to carry up and down stairs. It is available with a docking station or without one, based on your preference. The docking station is important for keeping the Roomba running and plugged in even when it’s not in use. It’s a good way to keep the robot on the ready to clean whenever you require it.

iRobot created 960 to work on carpet and floors that are not bare. Its performance on hard surfaces is impressive and it is able to get rid of pet hair. It also does a great job of picking up large amounts of debris, such as cereal and cat litter. It doesn’t perform as well on carpets with high piles however. It can pick up pet hair as well as larger debris, but it has trouble with smaller particles, such as sand. Some of the sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.

In a test with Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well in capturing the majority of the powder that was scattered. The robot vacuum can move over obstacles and furniture. auto vacuum allows it to be placed under the legs of chairs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled with voice commands. It can also be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.

vacuum deals requires some maintenance that includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and the spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every couple of months or so to ensure they are in good condition. Also, you should clean your dirt compartment sensors regularly. These parts will help the Roomba perform at its peak and last longer if you keep them in good condition.

The 960 has some issues, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It is fairly expensive, but worth the investment if you are looking for a robot with exceptional cleaning performance. It is also loaded with features that make it a good option for busy people. The iRobot App is easy to use, and Roomba’s cleaning schedule is set. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes to allow you to match the Roomba to your decor.

Roomba 980 from iRobot

The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner available in iRobot’s current lineup. Its extensive set of navigation sensors enables it to navigate between furniture and along edges, while Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface rubber brushes let dirt slide off and collect it from any floor and then swells debris into the suction channel.

iRobot’s vSLAM technology captures the environment when it moves, and creates visual landmarks to aid in recollecting where it’s been, and to avoid hitting objects and walls. The camera also detects dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically boost suction power and move over these zones repeatedly before moving on.

A new feature pushed to the app via October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones to prevent the Roomba from entering rooms where they want it to remain unaffected. This is a great addition to the Roomba 980’s impressive array of features and will prove useful to many people.

After a two hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 comes back to its docking stations to recharge. It’s the only robot in this category to offer such a feature, and it allows users to let it to work even when you’re away for extended periods of time. The app’s remote control functionality allows you to begin and stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.

The Roomba App is simple to use and easy to understand. The main screen has a big clean button that is activated by just a single tap and the lower row of icons gives quick access to settings like cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and much more. You can even connect the app to your preferred smart assistant to issue voice commands.

Sending a command via the app isn’t always a quick procedure, however, and it can take a while for Roomba to recognize your request. It’s a problem that frustrates an appliance that is so dependent on its sophisticated controls. And it’s especially egregious given that the 980 costs so much.

The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power and two-hour battery life and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuums in the industry. It’s not as versatile as some of its competitors due to the lack of a dedicated app and remote control. That said, the 980 is a good option for anyone who wants an efficient vacuum that can take the burden off of itself. Be prepared to spend a little more.