Robot Vacuum Reviews
Robot vacuums may reduce the need to sweep regularly however they are not able to replace plug-in models. To keep them in top condition requires emptying the dust bin following every cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes as needed.
It has a decent-sized bin and a quiet auto-empty. But its obstacle avoidance still is entangled in socks and cords, and it is unable to detect dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses dual roller brushes (one bristle and one rubber) to collect dirt, dust and debris from bare flooring. It also comes with a three-spoked spinning brush that can remove debris from the wall's edges and corners. The Roomba 694 does a good job of picking up pet hair. However, it could leave some hairs in the carpet fibers after multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a good job of moving itself around and isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles like low furniture or cords. It's not equipped with the latest obstacle avoidance technology and its battery may be exhausted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good option for those who want an affordable robot vacuum that is simple to operate. It can be controlled manually by using the Clean, Dock, and?Spot Clean buttons at its top or by voice commands through your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can follow Siri commands from Shortcuts for iOS.
You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from any place by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you make custom cleaning schedules and track the robot's health. You can also use the app to cancel a cleaning job in progress, if you need to. The iRobot app will also issue error alerts if the robot encounters a problem for instance, if he wedges himself into a crevice in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of maneuvering itself around the house, it's not made to be used on narrow paths or stairs. It also does a poor job of cleaning carpets with low pile leaving a number of hair clumps and tufts in its wake. You might want to consider a different robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.
This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. Its internal dirt compartment is moderately sized however, you'll have empty it at the end of every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you view a History of the cleaning tasks that Roomba has completed as well as their time and date, the method by which they were initiated (app or scheduling or using the physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and their status as completed.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, incurs lower annual costs 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 both carpets with high piles and bare floors. Its companion app provides the most advanced set of automation capabilities and features, too. The Roomba 694 is not quite as efficient as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a bigger dirt compartment, can last longer on a single charge, and comes with physical boundaries that keep it out certain areas.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums made by iRobot. It comes with a variety of characteristics that differentiate it from other models, including advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It also has a robust cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. It is a great choice for people who want an ultra-modern robot vacuum with high-quality cleaning performance and WiFi connectivity.
The 960 is a circular robotic equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It is easy to lift and lower as it weighs only 3.9kg. You can purchase it with or without a docking system based on the features you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba connected and charged when it's not working. The docking station is a practical and easy way to keep your robot tidy and fully charged when it's not working.
iRobot created the 960 to work on floors that are not bare and carpet. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it is able to easily remove pet hair. It is also adept in picking up large pieces of debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It does not perform as well on high-pile carpet, however. It is able to pick up pet hair, as well as larger debris. But it struggles with smaller particles, like sand. Some sand gets caught between the brushes and dirt compartment.
In a test with quaker oats, the 960 performed well, picking up most of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum can move over obstacles and furniture. Its circular design also 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 return automatically to its charging station.
The 960 requires a bit of maintenance, including regular replacement of the filter, dust bin and the spinning brush. The components need to be replaced every couple of months to keep them in good condition. You should also clean the sensors in the dirt compartment on a regular basis. These parts will help the Roomba run at its best and last longer if they are kept in good working order.
The 960 has a few shortcomings, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It's quite expensive, but it is worth the money if you are looking for a vacuum that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. It is also loaded with features that make it an ideal choice for busy people. The iRobot app is easy to use and Roomba is also easy to use. Roomba can be scheduled to clean at certain times. It is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can match the Roomba with your home decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum in iRobot's current lineup. The Roomba 980's complete suite of navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface brushes sift dirt and debris from every kind of floor, while accelerating debris to the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology can record the surroundings as it moves, forming visual landmarks that help it remember where it's been and avoid bumping into walls and objects. The camera also can detect areas with dirtier surfaces. This causes the Roomba to automatically boost its suction power and move over these zones repeatedly before moving on.
A new feature added to the app via October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home that they would prefer to remain untouched. This is a welcome addition to the already-strong suite of features on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a beneficial tool for a lot of consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 goes back to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this class to have this feature, and it lets you to leave it alone to perform its task while you're gone for long periods of time. The app's remote control functionality allows you to begin and stop cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.
review is fun to use, and the interface is straightforward and easy to use. The main screen features an enormous clean button that can be activated with one touch. The bottom row of icons allows easy access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules and much more. The app can be linked with your smart assistant to make voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize the need for. This is a frustrating issue for an appliance that is so heavily dependent on its intelligent control, and it's particularly egregious given that the 980 is so expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its serious cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a host of intelligent features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuums on the market. However, the absence of a separate remote control and slow app make it not as flexible as some of the competition. The 980 is a great choice for anyone looking for an efficient automated vacuum that takes care of itself. Make sure you save a bit of money.