Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums can reduce the need for regular thorough sweeping, they aren't able to replace the traditional plug-in models. To keep them in good condition, empty the dust bins after each cleaning session. Wipe down the sensors and camera periodically. Replace filters and side brushes as needed.
It comes with a large bin and an auto-empty that is quiet. However, its obstacle avoidance gets tangled up in socks and cords, and it is unable to detect dirt close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle and one rubber) to remove dust, dirt and other debris from flooring that is not bare. It also has three-spoked rotating brushes that picks up debris from the wall's corners and edges. The Roomba 694 does a good job of removing pet hair. However, it can leave a few hairs in carpet fibers after several cleaning cycles.
The 694 does an adequate job of moving itself around, and it doesn't get stuck on things such as cords or furniture. However, it's not equipped with advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and its battery could be depleted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good choice when you're looking for a basic robot vacuum that's easy to use. It can be controlled manually by using the Clean, Dock and Spot Clean buttons on its top or by voice commands through your favorite voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can be used to follow Siri commands in Shortcuts for iOS.
Download the iRobot Home App on your smartphone or tablet to control the Roomba 694 remotely. The app allows you to make custom cleaning schedules and monitor the robot's condition. The app can be used to end a cleaning project in progress, if needed. The iRobot app will also notify users of errors in the event that the robot has a problem like if it gets stuck in a crevice in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does a good job of maneuvering itself around the house, it is not designed for stairs or narrow pathways. It does not perform well at vacuuming low pile carpets and leaves behind a lot of tufts and hair clumps. If you have a lot of low-pile carpet in your home, you might want to consider using a different robotic vacuum.
Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have an auto-emptying bin. The dirt compartment inside is a moderately-sized one however, you'll need empty it after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you view a record of your Roomba cleaning tasks. This includes the date and time they were performed, the method used to initiate them (app or scheduling buttons on the robot), the duration and the completed status.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower recurring costs and has a bigger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles such as electrical cords with less difficulty and performs better on carpets with high piles and bare floors. The application that comes with it offers an array of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 doesn't match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, as it has a much bigger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a charge, and comes with physical boundary strips to keep it out of certain rooms.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot. It comes with a variety of features that make it stand out from other robots. It has advanced dirt detection technology as well as maps-saving technology. It is equipped with a powerful vacuum system and is compatible with Alexa. It is a great option for those looking for an ultra-modern robot vacuum with outstanding cleaning capabilities and WiFi connectivity.
The 960 robot is a circular one that comes with two rubber brushrolls for stability and three casters wheels. It is easy to raise and lower, as it weighs only 3.9kg. You can buy it with or without docking system, depending on what you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba fully charged and plugged in even when it's not being used. The docking station is a convenient and easy way to keep your robot tidy and fully charged when it's not working.
iRobot designed the 960 to work well on both bare floors and carpet. Its performance is exceptional on hard surfaces, and it can effortlessly remove pet hair. It also does an excellent job of removing big pieces of food debris like cereal and cat litter. It does not perform as well on carpets with high pile. It can remove pet hair, as well as larger particles. But it is unable to handle smaller particles, like sand. Sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test with the oats of quaker the 960 performed admirably in capturing the majority of the powder that was scattered. The robot vacuum is able to move over obstacles and furniture. Its circular design allows it to be placed under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa, and can be activated using voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.
The 960 requires 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 they are in good condition. Also, you should clean your dirt compartment sensors frequently. These parts will aid in making the Roomba run at its best and last longer if they are kept in good condition.
The 960 is a good robot vacuum, but it is not perfect. It's quite expensive, but it is worth the cost if are looking for a machine that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. 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 can be scheduled to clean at certain times. It comes in a range of colors and finishes to allow you to match the Roomba to your home decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba 980 is the most sophisticated robotic vacuum in iRobot's current lineup. The Roomba 980's full suite navigation sensors allow it to navigate around and under furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down the stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brushes let dirt slide off and collect it from any floor type and then push debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology records the surrounding when it moves, and creates visual landmarks to aid in recollecting where it's been and avoid bumping into objects and walls. The camera can also detect areas with dirtier surfaces. This triggers the Roomba to automatically boost the suction power of the room, and move over these zones repeatedly before moving forward.
A new feature pushed to the app via October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to prevent the Roomba from entering areas of the home where they want it to remain inaccessible. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive set of features, and will prove beneficial for a lot of consumers.
After a two hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 returns to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this class that has this feature, and allows you to allow it to perform its task when you're away for extended periods of time. vacuum deals within the app lets users to start and stop cleaning sessions anywhere in the world.
The Roomba app is enjoyable to use, and the interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. 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 like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and more. You can link the app to your smart assistant and issue voice commands.
It may take a long time for the Roomba app to recognize a command. This is a major issue for the machine that relies on its smart controls. And it's especially egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
The flagship model from iRobot, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its high-powered cleaning power and long battery life of two hours, and clever features make it one of the best robot vacuums available. However, its absence of a dedicated remote control and slow-running app mean it's not as versatile as the other models. The 980 is still a great option for anyone who wants a high-powered automated vacuum that can take care of itself. Be sure to put aside a bit more cash.
