4 Things to Consider Before Buying A Robot Vacuum

These days, convenience is king. Technology has delivered us a plethora of revolutionary products and robot vacuums are a prime example of innovation making our day-to-day lives a little easier. But are they worth it and what do you need to know before you take the plunge?

 

What can the new generation of robot vacuums do?

We decided it was important to bring in the expert on this one to help give you an idea of robot vacuums and what one could do for you at your place.

Trevor Long, tech guru and editor at eftm.com told us that robot vacuum cleaners have come a long way in recent years.

“I can remember a robot vacuum I bought from Demtel, it just bumped into walls, and there was no certainty it would reach every corner of the home,” Trevor said.

“These day robot vacuums are very strategic with their cleaning patterns and navigation. They map your home to perfection, allowing you to set boundaries where they shouldn't go. Most importantly their suction and cleaning capabilities have dramatically improved in just recent years.”

The Advantages of Using A Robot Vacuum

• Compact and convenient

• Detects dirt using sensors

• Vacuums your floors while you're out

• Newer models can lightly mop as well!

• One less chore to do around the home

• Some models will pair up with Alexa or Google Assistant

• Works on a variety of surfaces (carpet, wood floors, linoleum and tiled floors)

•  Reaches under furniture or into areas that a regular vacuum can't

 

4 Things to Know Before Buying Your First Robot Vacuum

 

1. Do you need a high-end model?

Despite significant progress being made, good quality stick and bag vacuums are still superior on carpeted floors. This is worth considering if you have a lot of plush carpet in your home, which you know is important to keep as clean as possible.

Robot vacuums are wonderful for hard floors, making light work of your floor cleaning jobs.

It can be a daunting task when you decide to take the robot vacuum plunge. Not sure what features to look out for when choosing between advanced and budget-friendly options? Firstly, advanced models are able to detect things that have been left lying around on the floor and avoid them. A simpler model may suffice if you know you keep a relatively tidy home. If you have mixed flooring, it’s worth considering whether you want to invest in a pricier model with all the latest technology.

“Some higher-end models have advanced sensors and are also able to transition between bare floors and carpeted areas without manually switching settings,” Trevor said.

“Others allow you to control them through a smartphone app.”

 

2. Proper set-up is crucial for success

When you bring your robot vacuum home, don’t hide it away in a corner. Its home base/charging station usually needs to be against a flat wall with free space surrounding it (how much space depends on the model). This makes it easy for the robot to return ‘home’ after cleaning and recharge. Having the unit ready to get to work when you need it to is really important o maximise the unit's efficacy.

Don’t forget – the vacuum needs to do its thing on a daily basis. Most models will allow you to program it so that it starts its cleaning journey at the same time every day. It’s also easy to program the unit so that it remembers the layout of your space.

It can take a little trial and error for the robot to learn its way around your home. We recommend following it around the first couple of times to see where it gets stuck – usually a little furniture shuffling will do the trick.

With a little trial and error, the unit will be doing a great job of keeping your floors clean in no time.

 

3. Maintenance is important

Just like a regular vacuum, the robot vacuum needs to be shown a little love to work efficiently for you. You’ll need to remove the roller and get rid of any debris or hair in the bristles to ensure it continues to work effectively.

We recommend using the cleaning tools that come with most robot vacuums and following the manufacturer’s cleaning manual (if provided).

Your product should come with a warranty as well, so keep an eye out for what your individual warranty covers in case of damage or malfunction.

 

4. Find the right model for you

It can be tough knowing where to begin. While robot vacuums can be expensive, there are also affordable models available that will do an ample job looking after your floors.

Like most things, you will generally get what you pay for in regards to quality. It is definitely worth doing your research.

Trevor highly recommends Ecovacs for its range of options at differing price points. “They have the best technology in their latest Deebot Ozmo T8 model, which allows the robot to use an on-board camera to see things you might have left on the floor, and avoid them - reminding you later to move them. Plus, their mopping capabilities are exceptional.”

He also recommends LG’s R9 for its suction capabilities and Kogan Online’s range, which he says is affordable yet effective.

There are many products out there so it can be easy to get overwhelmed.