10 Apps To Help Manage Your Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner UK
If you don't want your hands dirty then robot vacuum cleaners are ideal. They are more efficient than manual vacuum cleaners and are ideal for single-storey homes and flats.
Smart features are a plus. They include mapping technology that will remember your home's layout, staying clear of furniture and rugs, and avoiding those nipples under low furniture that larger robots have to contend with.
iRobot Roomba j7+
The iRobot Roomba J7+, an upgrade to the previous model made by the company, adds new technology that makes it more effective in avoiding pet waste. It makes use of smart mapping and navigation to make maps of rooms and floors and works hard to avoid obstacles like furniture, charging cords and shoes. It also can detect dirt and prioritise cleaning areas that are heavily filthy. This is a major improvement over previous models that may not notice dirty spots or only clean them for a brief period of time.
The robot vacuum comes with a brand new self-emptying base station that can deposit debris from the dustbin into its own 2.4L dirt disposal bag. iRobot's claims this can hold up to 60 days of debris, meaning you only need to empty and replace the sack once every three months. The base station can also hold a spare bag for quick replacements.
It's simple to set up and use the Roomba that is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and is fully controlled through the iRobot Genius app. Utilizing the app, you can choose to start and end cleaning, set the amount of time it should spend on each job and then create a timetable.
In our tests during our testing, the iRobot Roomba J7+ cleaned hardwood and area rug surfaces in the foyer, family room and kitchen with no problem. It was quiet and listened to us as it did its job. The decibel meter measured only 64db during the process. It took around 90 minutes to complete one cleaning, and its battery required an hour and 58 minutes to recharge afterward. You can also expand your iRobot ecosystem with the Combo J7, which allows you to pair it with the iRobot mop m6 and have one run while the other moves around the room.
Dyson 360 Viz Nav
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav is the best robot vacuum cleaner for anyone living in a multi-floor house. This model can create maps for different floors and save them into the app. It's then simple to switch between rooms without having to repeat the setup procedure. The robot can be controlled by voice commands, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Dyson has adopted a different method of obstacle detection that is different from other robot vacuums, employing sensors and cameras. A panoramic camera that is mounted on the robot's top, together with 26 sensors that are external, help create an image of the area as it moves. This helps the robot to avoid furniture and obstacles.
In our tests, we found that the Dyson 360 Vis Nav could reach all the way to baseboards and edges, and was able navigate around furniture with tight corners. The robot's suction is strong and it can pick up every hair strand, dust particle, and dried-out piece of Playdoh we tossed its way. The vacuum also pulled the bin out effortlessly and quickly, reducing clean-up time by half.
However, the Dyson 360 Viz Nav didn't do as well as other robots in our tests of obstacle avoidance. It had a tough time with a temporary drying rack that it was unable to scoot under, eventually getting stuck and disrupting the cleaning process. It also had a hard time avoiding some furniture pieces that are taller such as chairs or tables. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is also unable to climb stairs, which can be a problem for many people who live in multi-story houses.
Roborock
Roborock robot vacuums that mop vacuum cleaners offer high-end cleaning features that are above the others. Dual mops are included that spin and lift dirt while pressing down. They also automatically lift when vacuuming carpets to avoid leaving dirty streaks and making the vacuum clog again with dirt. They are able to suction up to 5,500 Pa for outstanding dust and dirt removal. In addition to this, they have intelligent water flow control to ensure the right amount of moisture for every floor type.
One of the most remarkable things about Roborock is its capability to map out your complete home's layout using laser technology. The LiDAR system of Roborock is a Roborock robot vacuum and mop arm rotates continuously emitting lasers and determining how long it takes to bounce off of surrounding objects. This data is used to create a real-time map of your home allowing the robot to navigate precisely and avoid obstacles.
Depending on the model you choose You can alter the map to include no-go zones, furniture placements and a specific room's cleaning. You can also select a routine to vacuum only mop, or mop and vacuum, and schedule regular cleanings using an app-based cleaning routine that allows you to set it and forget it.
Roborock offers a variety of options, ranging from the budget-friendly S6 MaxV to the top-of-the-line S7 MaxV Ultra. All models come with advanced mapping, a long-lasting battery, and a large dustbin. They also come with a dock that offers various features, including charging and refilling hot water tanks. In the UK, they also have a two-year warranty.
Beko RCV 5
The Beko RCV 5 is a relative newcomer to the robotic vacuum and mopping market, but it's already making waves due to its sleek design and a reasonable price tag. The robot has a few tricks up its sleeves that set it apart from the competition, including self-emptying capabilities and object recognition. It's simple to set up and use with an easy-to-use application that lets you to customize a variety of options.
The navigation system in this model makes use of a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate your home and does an excellent job of staying clear of obstacles. The app allows you to alter the cleaning path so that specific areas can be cleaned more often. The app may be confusing at first, but once you learn how to use it, you will be able to schedule cleanings and control the robot's power levels.
Despite its impressive array of features however, the RCV 5 is not without its faults. It has a tiny water tank that can only hold 240 ml at a given time. This is enough for a basic wipe-clean but not the best option for staining that is difficult to remove. The plate that wipes is also devoid of an ability to rotate or even vibrate.
Finally, the battery life isn't as long as you would expect for a machine at this price. In reality the RCV 5 only lasts for approximately a third of the cleaning cycle before needing a recharge. This isn't a dealbreaker however it is something to be considered when looking for a brand new robot vacuum cleaner.
Karcher RCV 5
Karcher is a German manufacturer best known for its pressure washers, has entered into the robot vacuum market with a model which vacuums and mop. The RCV 5 offers an impressive range of features including excellent obstacle detection (with dual lasers) and mapping that can be tracked in real-time using the app that is smart.
It also detects carpeted surfaces and triggers mopping mode when wet. The spot cleaning feature is also extremely beneficial. It can be programmed to repeat every week. The RCV 5 is a good robot vacuum robot cleaner with suction power of 2500 pascals. It is able to clean both hard and soft flooring and can get into tight corners and under low furniture.
As with many modern robots the RCV 5 has a smartphone-powered app called Karcher Home Robots. It can be used to begin cleaning and manage maps of your home. It is also possible to set up virtual walls and zones which the RCV 5 can't drive, along with numerous other controls.
The RCV 5 has a downside in that its dust bin is only a litre, and it'll require regular emptying. This is unlike other models which have integrated disposal technology in their docking station. It's also heavier than many of its rivals, making it less mobile and needing more space in the charging station. The RCV 5 was rated highly by testers for its user-friendliness and app control. It was a great performer in our tests, however some testers had trouble getting its voice technology to function properly.