Janna Wakefield

Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums can reduce the need for periodic full-blown sweeping, they don't replace the traditional plug-in models. To ensure they are in good shape, empty the dust bins after each cleaning session. Clean the sensors and camera periodically. Replace filters and side brushes as required.

It has a decent-sized bin and an auto-empty. However, its obstacle avoidance gets tangled up with cords and socks and it is unable to detect dirt that is close to baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle, the other rubber) to pick up dust, dirt and debris from bare flooring. The Roomba 694 also includes a rotating brush that can pick up debris from walls and corners. The Roomba 694 is quite effective in picking up pet hair, though it can leave some behind in the carpet fibers, if you let it go through multiple cleaning cycles.

The 694 does a decent job of maneuvering itself, and it isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles such as cords or furniture. It doesn't have the most advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and the battery may drain before it returns to dock.

It's still a good option when you're looking for an inexpensive robot vacuum that's easy to operate. It can be controlled manually by pressing the 'Clean "Dock" and the 'Spot Clean' button on its top 5 robot vacuum cover, or by using voice commands transmitted through your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to Siri commands using iOS Shortcuts.

You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from any place by downloading the iRobot Home app on your tablet or smartphone. The app allows you to create customized cleaning schedules and also monitor the robot's performance. The app can be used to cancel a cleaning task in progress if it is necessary. The iRobot Home app can relay error notifications when the robot is faced with an issue, such as if it wedges itself into a furniture crevice.

While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of navigating itself around the house, it is not built for stairs or narrow pathways. It also does a poor job of cleaning carpets with low pile, leaving many hair clumps and tufts in its wake. You may want to choose a different robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.

This model, unlike the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. Its internal dirt compartment is a moderately-sized one however, you'll have to empty it after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning jobs as well as their time and date, when they were initiated (app scheduling, app or using the physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and their completed status.

The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, incurs lower recurring costs and has a bigger dust bin and charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both carpets with high piles and bare floors. Its companion app offers an enhanced set of automation features and features, too. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, it comes with a larger dirt compartment and lasts longer on charge, and comes with physical boundaries to ensure it stays out of certain areas.

iRobot Roomba 960

The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of iRobot's most advanced models. It is equipped with many features that distinguish it from other robots. It has advanced dirt detection technology as well as map-saving technologies. It comes with an impressive vacuum system that is compatible with Alexa. It is a fantastic option for those who want an advanced robot vacuum that has outstanding cleaning capabilities and WiFi connectivity.

The 960 is a circular robot equipped with two rubber brushrolls as well as three caster wheels for stability. It weighs 3.9kg making it simple to move up and down stairs. It is available with docking station or without, depending on your preferences. The docking station is crucial for keeping the Roomba charged and plugged in when it isn't in use. The docking station is a convenient and simple way to keep your robot tidy and fully powered when it's not.

iRobot designed the 960 to work well on both bare floors and carpet. Its performance is impressive on hard surfaces, and it is able to easily get rid of pet hair. It also excels at picking up large debris like cat litter and cereal. It isn't as effective well on high-pile carpet, however. It is able to pick up pet hair as well as larger debris, but is troublesome with smaller particles like sand. Some of the sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.

In a test that used quaker oats the 960 did well, picking up the majority of the powder. The robot vacuum can maneuver through obstacles and furniture. Its circular design also allows it to be placed under chair legs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa and can be activated with voice commands. It can be programmed to auto return to its charging station.

The 960 requires a bit of maintenance which includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter, and spinning brush. The components need to be replaced every couple of months to keep them in good shape. You should also clean the sensors in the dirt compartment on a regular basis. These parts will help the Roomba run at its best robot vacuum under 200 and last longer if you keep them in good condition.

The 960 has a few shortcomings, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It's expensive however, it is worth it if you are looking for an item that cleans well. It also comes with features that make it a good alternative for busy individuals. The iRobot App is simple to use and the Roomba's cleaning schedule can be set. It is also available in a variety of finishes and colors so you can match it with your home decor.

iRobot Roomba 960

The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum in the current line-up of iRobot's. The Roomba 980's complete suite of navigation sensors allow it to navigate around and under furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface rubber brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any automatic floor cleaner type and then push debris into the suction channel.

iRobot's vSLAM technology captures the environment as it moves, forming visual landmarks to help it remember where it's been and avoid hitting walls and objects. The camera can also detect dirtier areas. This causes the Roomba to automatically boost its suction power and then traverse these zones repeatedly before moving forward.

A new feature that will be added to the app via October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to prevent the Roomba from entering areas of the home in which they would like it to remain unaffected. This is a great addition to the Roomba 980's impressive set of features, and will prove useful to many people.

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

The Roomba app is a joy to use, and the interface is straightforward and intuitive. The main screen has a large clean button which can be activated with just a single click. The bottom row of icons allows quick access to settings such as cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and more. You can link the app with your smart assistant to issue voice commands.

It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize an instruction. This is a frustrating issue for the machine that is heavily reliant on its sophisticated controls, and it seems particularly unjust given that the 980 is so expensive.

As the flagship model of iRobot the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its powerful cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the best amazon vacuum robot vacuums available. It's less versatile than other models because it doesn't have a dedicated app and remote control. The 980 is a fantastic option for anyone who is seeking a powerful, automated vacuum that will take the burden off of you. Just be prepared to set aside a little extra money.