Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they can't replace traditional plug-in models. Maintaining them in good shape requires emptying the dust bin after every cleaning session, wiping down the cameras and sensors periodically and changing filters and side brushes as needed.
It has a large bin, and an auto-empty system that is quiet. Its obstacle avoidance remains tangled in cords and socks and dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle, one rubber) to remove dirt, dust and debris from bare flooring. The Roomba 694 also includes an adjustable brush that can clean up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 is quite effective at picking up pet hair, although it can leave some behind in the carpet fibers, if you let it go through multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a good job of maneuvering itself and doesn't get stuck on things like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It doesn't have the most advanced obstacle-avoidance systems, and the battery can drain before it returns to dock.
It's still a good choice when you're looking for an inexpensive robot vacuum that's easy to operate. You can control it manually using the 'Clean "Dock" and 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or with voice commands relayed through your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can also follow Siri commands using iOS Shortcuts.
You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from anywhere by downloading the iRobot Home app on your tablet or smartphone. The app lets you design custom cleaning schedules for your needs and also monitor the robot's performance. The app can be used to end a cleaning project in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app can send out error alerts when the robot encounters a problem for instance, if it is pushed into a furniture crevice.
The Roomba 694 is a great vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to maneuver narrow pathways or stairs. It is not able to do a good job vacuuming carpets with low piles, leaving behind many hair clumps and tufts. You might want to consider another robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.
In contrast to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter, this model does not have a self-emptying bin. The dirt compartment inside is not large however, you'll need to empty it after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning jobs with their date and time. date, how they were initiated (app or scheduling or by pressing physical buttons on the robot) and their duration, and their status as completed.
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 that charges faster, moves over obstacles such as electrical cords with less difficulty, and performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet. Its companion app provides the most advanced set of automation capabilities, too. The Roomba 694 is not as effective as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, that has a larger dirt compartment, can last longer on a single charge and comes with physical boundary strips that prevent it from entering certain rooms.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot. It has many features that make it stand out from other robots. These include advanced dirt detection technology as well as mapping-saving technologies. It is equipped with an efficient vacuum system and is compatible Alexa. It is a great choice for people who want an advanced robot vacuum that has high-quality cleaning performance and WiFi connectivity.
The 960 robot is a circular one that has two rubber brushrolls for stability and three casters wheels. It weighs 3.9kg which makes it easy to lift up and down the stairs. You can buy it with or without a docking system based on the features you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba plugged in and charged even when it's not being used. It's a good method to keep the robot close at the ready to clean whenever you need it.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpet and bare floors. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it is able to easily remove pet hair. It also does a great job of removing big pieces of food debris like cereal and kitty litter. It performs less well on carpets with high pile. It is able to pick up pet hair, and larger particles. However, it has trouble with smaller particles such as sand. Some of the sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using quaker oats The 960 performed well in capturing the majority of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum can move through obstacles and furniture. Its circular design allows it to fit under the legs of chairs. 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 some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and spinning brush. The components need to 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 on a regular basis. Maintaining these components in good shape will keep the Roomba functioning at its best and will allow it to last longer.
The 960 has a few flaws, but overall, it is a great robotic vacuum. It is expensive but it's worth it if you are looking for a robot that can clean well. It also offers a variety of features that make it an excellent alternative for those with busy lifestyles. The iRobot App is easy to use and Roomba's cleaning schedule is set. It's also available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can match it to your home decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current lineup. The Roomba 980's complete suite of navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges. Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brush brushes loosen and grab dirt 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 that help it remember the location it's been in and avoid bumping into objects and walls. The camera can also detect dirtier areas. This triggers the Roomba to automatically boost the suction power of the room, and then move over these areas multiple times before moving on.
Users can designate digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba accessing areas of the home that they do not want it to access. This feature was added to the app in October 2019. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive array of features and will prove to be useful for many consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning session, the Roomba 980 automatically returns to its docking station to recharge. It's the only robot in this category to offer such a feature, and allows you to leave it alone to work even when you're away for long periods of time. Remote control functionality within the app lets you to begin and stop cleaning sessions from 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 by a single touch. The bottom row of icons gives easy 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 the need for. This is a frustrating issue for a machine that is so heavily dependent on its intelligent controls, and it's particularly egregious given that the 980 is incredibly expensive.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model is a powerful piece of equipment. Its impressive cleaning power and two-hour battery life and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the best robot vacuums on the market. It's not as versatile as other models due to the absence of a dedicated app and remote control. That said, the 980 is still a great option for anyone who wants an automated vacuum that takes the burden off of itself. Be prepared to pay some more.