Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums can reduce the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they can't substitute for traditional plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the trash bin after each cleaning session, wiping the sensors and cameras occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes when required.
It has a decent-sized bin as well as an automatic emptying. However, its obstacle avoidance gets caught with cords and socks and it misses dirt that is close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that has dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to clean dust, dirt and other debris from unfinished floors. It also comes with three-spoked spinning brushes that can remove debris from the wall's edges and corners. The Roomba 694 does an excellent job of removing pet hair. However, it can leave some hairs in the carpet fibers after multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a good job of moving itself around, and it isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It doesn't come with advanced obstacle-avoidance technologies, and the battery can run out before returning to the dock.
It's still a good option for those who want an inexpensive robot vacuum that's easy to operate. You can control it by hand by using the Clean, Dock and?Spot Clean buttons at its top, or with voice commands via your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can also follow Siri commands through iOS Shortcuts.
Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to manage the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you create customized 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 Home app will also provide error notifications when the robot is faced with an issue, such as if it gets stuck in an opening in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of maneuvering itself around the house, it's not built for stairs or narrow pathways. It does not do a good job vacuuming low pile carpets and leaves behind a lot of hair clumps and tufts. If you have many carpets with low pile in your home, you may need to think about buying an alternative robot vacuum.
This model, unlike the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, doesn't have an automatic emptying bin itself. Its internal dirt compartment is not large however, you'll have empty it after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks, including their time and date, how they were initiated (app, scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and their status as completed.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower annual costs and has a bigger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles like electrical cords with less difficulty and performs better on both carpets with high piles and bare floors. The app that comes with it provides a range of more sophisticated automation features. The Roomba 694 doesn't match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, as it comes with a larger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a charge, and includes physical boundary strips to ensure it stays out of certain rooms.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It comes with a variety of features that set it apart from other robots. These include advanced dirt detection technology as well as maps-saving technology. It is equipped with a powerful vacuum system and is compatible with Alexa. This is an excellent choice for those looking for an advanced robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and superior cleaning capabilities.
The 960 robot is a circular one that has two rubber brushrolls for stability and three casters wheels. It is easy to lift and lower since it weighs just 3.9kg. It is available with docking station or without one, based on your preference. The docking station keeps the Roomba fully charged and plugged in when it's not working. The docking station is a convenient and simple way to keep your robot tidy and fully charged when it's not working.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and floors that are not bare. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable and it is able to clean up pet hair. It also does a good job of picking up large debris like cereal and kitty litter. It does not perform as well on high-pile carpet however. It can pick up pet hair as well as larger debris, but it has trouble with smaller particles such as sand. Some sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test with Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well and picked up the majority of the powder that was scattered. The robot vacuum can maneuver over obstacles and furniture. The circular shape allows it to be placed under the legs of chairs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled by voice commands. It can be programmed to auto return to its charging station.
The 960 needs some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and spinning brush. You should replace these parts every couple of months or so to ensure that they are in good working order. Also, you should clean your dirt compartment sensors frequently. These parts will help the Roomba perform at its peak and last longer if you keep them in good working order.
The 960 is a great robotic vacuum, but it does have some flaws. It's expensive but it's worth it if you are looking for a robot that can clean well. It is also packed with features that make it a great choice for busy people. The iRobot app is simple to use and the Roomba can be scheduled to clean at certain times. It's also available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can match it to your home decor.
iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba 980 is the most sophisticated robotic vacuum in the current line-up of iRobot's. Its full set of navigation sensors enables it to move between furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down the stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any flooring type and then swells debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology records the surrounding as it moves, creating visual landmarks to aid in recollecting the location it's been in and avoid hitting objects and walls. The camera also can detect dirtier areas. This causes the Roomba to automatically boost the suction power of the room, and then traverse these zones repeatedly before moving on.
Users can designate digital Keep Out zones that prevent the Roomba accessing areas of the home that they do not want it to enter. This feature was added to the app in October, 2019. This feature is a welcome addition to the already-strong suite of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a beneficial tool for many consumers.
After a two hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 comes back to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this class to have this feature, and allows you to allow it to work even when you're away for long periods of time. The app's remote control feature allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba App is easy to use and intuitive. The main screen has a large clean button which can be activated by one touch. The bottom row of icons gives quick access to settings such as cleaning preferences, weekly schedules and more. The app can be linked with your smart assistant to issue voice commands.
It could take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. This is a major issue for an appliance that is so dependent on its smart controls. And it's particularly embarrassing when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model is a powerful piece of equipment. Its impressive cleaning power and battery life of two hours and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuum cleaner amazon vacuums available. However, the absence of a dedicated remote control and slow-running app mean it's not as flexible as some of the competition. The 980 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful automated vacuum that will take the burden off of you. Be prepared to pay some more.