It’s undeniable that having a vacuum robot makes home maintenance much easier. After all, you simply have to press a button (more or less) and voilà: it takes care of vacuuming your house with more or less skill. However, in the market, we find vacuum robots ranging from just over 100 euros to others that exceed four figures. In this article, we will try to break down what features somewhat justify that price difference and which models are the most interesting in terms of quality-price ratio.
Our curated selection of vacuum robots, at a glance
- ROPVACNIC Robot Vacuum Cleaner with 3000Pa Cyclone Suction
- iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum with three brushes for better results”
- Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base and Alexa
Design plays a crucial role in cleaning efficiency. While most are flattened cylinders, there are also D-shaped designs like Neato’s or iRobot’s flagship, the Roomba.
Beyond shape, their height and wheel size determine obstacle navigation. Larger ones handle thick carpets better but struggle with tight spaces. Navigation quality also matters.
Finally, it’s crucial to consider the composition and materials of the brushes. At the most basic level, we find a central roller – previously, some models lacked this, relying solely on a suction slot – to trap dirt and hair. Entry and mid-range models typically feature helically distributed bristles, but those that use materials like rubber handle hair tangles better. It’s also common for them to come with one or two side brushes to direct dirt to the center.
Cleaning capacity: Pay attention to power and filter type
The essence of any vacuum, regardless of type, lies in its ability to trap dirt through suction and contain it in its dustbin. This ensures not only the removal of hair, dirt, and general debris but also captures and retains dust and other microparticles. Thus, we achieve not only a “macroscopic” level of cleanliness but also, if the vacuum is powerful enough and equipped with a high-efficiency filter, we can minimize the effect of allergens, highly recommended for those with respiratory issues.
In practice, entry-level models typically operate around 1,500 pascals, with suction power increasing as we move up the range, reaching exceptional levels of up to 10,000 pascals. However, be mindful that the flip side of increased suction power is noise.
Nevertheless, one of the common features in many models is the ability to select from various suction power levels, allowing us to tailor cleaning sessions to the floor’s dirtiness or the desired noise level.
A Look at Replacements
Unfortunately, vacuum robots haven’t been made with infinite lifespans. They contain components that wear out over time, like brushes, filters, and mops, necessitating future replacement.
That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the brand provides a reliable replacement parts distribution service for its models, guaranteeing their availability and support.
Likewise, device maintenance is crucial for preserving its original condition. Components like the filter, roller, and battery are the ones that require the most attention on a daily basis. They should be cleaned regularly, and it’s also advisable to check sensors or the dustbin to keep the vacuum robot in pristine condition for as long as possible.