Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
If you're considering purchasing a robotic vacuum cleaner, to free up your precious time and help around the house, there are plenty of options you will need to weigh up. This guide is designed to cover all major points of consideration and help you decide which is the best robot vacuum for you. Learning more about robot vacuums and understanding their limitations and capabilities will help you to make an informed purchase.
What I need from my Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
First of all, you need to decide whether you're looking for a simple, lower priced robot to clean/dust all your hard flooring, or whether a higher priced unit with scheduler, memory, sensors to detect dirt, and better transitioning abilities from floor to carpet, is what would better suit your home. Decide on a price range, keeping in mind that special features do influence the price. While that's a great idea, there are a few choices of models, a wide range of prices from $100 to well over $1,000, and special features to consider.
Power & Charging Capabilities
Models differ in time they need to charge, and how long they can clean on a full charge. Just how much power these robots have is not usually stated, so check the unit over to ensure it is quality built, and that you're satisfied with the charging capacity. Units generally come with a 'home' base, however, a self-charging base is often an optional accessory - a very convenient one.
TOP TIP: Remember to follow the supplied instructions for the time required for that first important charge.
Performance Features
- Scheduler
If you're away from home for long periods of time it may be worth purchasing a model with a programmable schedular. Your little cleaning friend can they go about its duty at pre-programmed times throughout the day. - Surface Transitioning
Robotic vacuums work best on hard flooring. But some models that have transitioning capability will have no problem going from floor to low-level carpeting. They may work well on a thicker carpet, but will not be able to transition well from floor to plush carpet. - Virtual Walls
Virtual walls allow you to create invisible barriers that the robot will nor cross. Models usually come with at least one, so check if your intended model does as you may want to bar more than one doorway! - Stair Detection Abilities
Some units have sensors that can detect if they've come to the edge of stairs, and turn around at that point. - Cleaning Coverage & Dirt Detection
Will the model randomly clean an area, and assume it's done, or does it have the 'intelligence' to know there's a corner it missed, and continue until full area cleaning is achieved? Some models are even able to detect that the floor is very dirty, and they'll linger longer on that spot. - Storage
Is the robot supplied with a wall mounted storage bracket or does it have a chrging base? - Remote Control
Does the unit have remote control capabilities. No bending required!
Unit Bin Size
Not all dust bins are the same size and capacity, so it's more convenient to have a robot with a larger bin. Check how well it removes from the unit, as it will have to be emptied often for optimum performance, if not every time the robot works.
Maintenance & Replacement Parts
Maintenance is the key to keeping the unit performing well. A clean robot is a happy robot that will operate at maximum performance. Maintenance is simple, empty the bin, check for debris that can clog the brushes, and if required, replace the brushes and filter. Filter life-span will vary depending on the model so it may be worth investing in replacement brushes and filters with your initial vacuum purchase. This avoids 'down-time' for your robot as you wait for the new parts to arrive.
TOP TIP: Always compare service and warranties, especially high price luxary goods like robotic vacuums!