Alissa Loyau

Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums can reduce the need for regular, full-blown sweeping, they don't substitute for traditional plug-in models. Maintaining them in good shape requires emptying the dust bin after each cleaning session, wiping down the cameras and sensors periodically and changing filters and side brushes when needed.

It comes with a decent-sized container and a quiet auto-empty. Its obstacle avoidance is still tangled in cords and socks and also misses dirt that is near baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses dual roller brushes (one bristle, the other rubber) to pick up dust, dirt and debris from flooring that is not bare. The Roomba 694 comes with a rotating brush that can remove debris from corners and wall edges. The Roomba 694 is quite effective in picking up pet hair, although it can leave some behind in carpet fibers if you let it go through several cleaning cycles.

The 694 is a good self-manipulator and doesn't get stuck in low furniture or cords. It's not equipped with advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and its battery could run out before it returns to its dock.

This is a good choice if you're looking for a basic robot cleaner that is easy to use. You can manually control it using the 'Clean "Dock," and the 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or by using voice commands transmitted through your preferred voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can be used to follow Siri commands in iOS Shortcuts.

You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from anywhere by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you design custom cleaning schedules as well as track the robot's status. You can also use the app to end cleaning jobs that are in progress, should you require it. The iRobot app will also notify users of errors if the robot encounters problems for instance, if he wedges himself into a crevice in furniture.

The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to maneuver stairs or narrow paths. It also does a terrible job of vacuuming low-pile carpet, leaving many hair clumps and tufts left behind. It is possible to select another robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.

Unlike the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter, this model does not have an automatic bin for emptying. The dirt compartment is a moderate size, but it will need to be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you view a record of your Roomba cleaning tasks. This includes the date and time they were executed, the method used to initiate them (app or scheduling buttons on the best rated robot vacuum) as well as the duration and the finished status.

The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, incurs lower cost of operation and comes with a larger dust bin and charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles such as electrical cords with less difficulty, and performs better on carpet with a high pile and bare floors. Its companion app provides a more advanced suite of automation capabilities and features, too. The Roomba 694 doesn't match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, as it comes with a larger dirt compartment and lasts longer on charge, and includes physical boundaries to ensure it stays out of certain areas.

Roomba 960 by iRobot

The Roomba 960 best robot cleaner vacuum is one of the most advanced models. It has several characteristics that differentiate it from other models, including advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It also comes with a powerful cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. It is a fantastic option for those looking for an ultra-modern robot vacuum with outstanding cleaning capabilities and WiFi connectivity.

The 9960 is a round robot equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It is easy to raise and lower since it weighs just 3.9kg. It is available with docking stations or without one, based on your preferences. The docking station is crucial to keep the Roomba fully charged and connected when it isn't in use. It's a great method to keep the robot close at hand and ready to clean when you need it.

iRobot designed the 960 to be able to work on both bare floors and carpet. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable, and it can easily clean up pet hair. It is also adept at picking up large debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It is less effective on carpets with high pile. It is able to pick up pet hair and larger debris. But it is unable to handle smaller particles like sand. Sand gets caught between the brushes and dirt compartment.

In a test that used quaker oats the 960 did well, picking up the majority of the powder. The vacuum's robotic design is able of maneuvering through a variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular design allows it to fit snugly under chair legs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa, and can be controlled with voice commands. It can be programmed to auto return to its charging station.

The 960 requires a bit of maintenance that includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and the spinning brush. These components should be replaced every couple of months to ensure they are in good condition. It is also recommended to clean the sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. These parts will aid in making the Roomba perform at its peak and last longer if you keep them in good condition.

The 960 has some shortcomings, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It is fairly expensive, but it's worth the investment if you are looking for a robot with outstanding cleaning performance. It is also packed with features that make it a good choice for busy people. The iRobot App is simple to use and the Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It's also available in a range of colors and finishes, so you can match it with your home decor.

Roomba 960 by iRobot

The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum in iRobot's current lineup. Its full set of navigation sensors enables it to move between furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface brushes sift dirt and debris off any type of floor, while it accelerates debris to the suction channel.

iRobot's vSLAM technology captures the environment as it moves, creating visual landmarks that help it remember where it's been, and to avoid bumping into walls and objects. The camera can also detect dirtier areas. This causes the Roomba to automatically increase its suction power, and then move over these areas several times before moving on.

A new feature added to the app by October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones that stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home that they would prefer to remain unaffected. This feature is a fantastic addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive list of features and will prove to be useful to many people.

After a two-hour cleaning time the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. It is the only robot of its kind that comes with this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work while you are away for long periods of time. The app's remote control function lets you start and stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.

The Roomba app is fun to use and the interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main screen features an enormous clean button that is activated with a single tap, and the lower row of icons gives quick access to settings like cleaning preferences as well as a weekly schedule and more. You can also connect the app to your preferred best smart vacuum assistant to make voice commands.

It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a frustrating problem for a machine so dependent on its intelligent controls. And it's especially egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.

The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning capabilities and battery life of two hours, and intelligent features make it one of the top robot vacuums on the market. However, the absence of a remote control that is specifically designed for it and sluggish app mean it's not as flexible as the other models. The 980 is a great choice for anyone looking for an efficient vacuum that can take the burden off of you. Be prepared to pay an extra amount.