Robot Vacuum Reviews
Robot vacuums can reduce the need to sweep regularly, but they cannot replace plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the trash bin after each cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors periodically as well as replacing filters and side brushes as needed.
It has a decent-sized bin and an auto-empty. But its obstacle avoidance still gets tangled up with cords and socks and it doesn't catch 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, the other rubber) to pick up dust, dirt and other debris from floors that are not covered. It also has three-spoked spinning brushes that can remove debris from wall corners and edges. The Roomba 694 does an excellent job of picking up pet hair. However, it can leave a few hairs in carpet fibers after multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a good job at maneuvering itself, and it isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It's not equipped with advanced obstacle-avoidance technology, and its battery can be depleted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good choice for those who want a basic robot vacuum that's easy to use. It can be controlled manually by using the Clean, Dock and?Spot Clean buttons at its top, or with voice commands using your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to Siri commands through 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 make custom cleaning schedules and track the robot's health. The app can be used to stop a cleaning task in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app can send out error alerts when the robot encounters a problem like when it gets stuck in an opening in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does a great job of maneuvering itself around the house, it's not designed for narrow or sloping paths. It doesn't perform well at cleaning carpets with low pile and leaves behind a lot of tufts and hair clumps. 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 an automatic bin that emptys itself. The dirt compartment inside is not large however, you'll have empty it after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you view a History of your Roomba's cleaning jobs as well as their time and date, when they were initiated (app, scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot) as well as their duration and the status of their completion.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, incurs lower recurring costs and comes with a larger dust bin that charges faster, moves over obstacles such as electrical cords with less difficulty and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The companion app comes with the most advanced set of automation capabilities as well. The Roomba 694 is not quite as efficient as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a bigger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a single charge, and comes with physical boundary strips that prevent it from entering certain areas.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It has a number of characteristics that differentiate it from other models, including advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It also comes with a powerful cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. It is an excellent choice for people who want an ultra-modern robot vacuum with high-quality cleaning performance and WiFi connectivity.
The 960 is a circular robot equipped with two rubber brushrolls as well as three caster wheels to ensure stability. Robot Vacuum Mops weighs 3.9kg making it simple to move up and down steps. It is available with docking stations or without one, based on your preferences. The docking station is important to keep the Roomba fully charged and connected when it isn't in use. The docking station is a convenient and easy way to keep your robot tidy and fully charged even when it's not in use.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and bare floors. Its performance on hard surfaces is impressive and it's able to clean up pet hair. It is also adept in picking up large pieces of debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It performs less well on high pile carpet. It can pick up pet hair, as well as larger debris. But it is unable to handle smaller particles, like sand. Some of the sand is stuck 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 robotic vacuum can maneuver through a variety of furniture and obstacles and the circular design allows it to fit snugly under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa, and can be controlled with voice commands. It can be programmed to return automatically to its charging station.
The 960 needs some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and spinning brush. The components need to be replaced every few months to keep them in good condition. You should also clean the sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. These parts will aid in making the Roomba perform at its best and last longer if they are kept in good condition.
The 960 is a good robot vacuum, but it has some shortcomings. It's expensive, but worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It also comes with features that make it a good choice for busy people. The iRobot app is simple 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 to allow you to match the Roomba with your decor.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba is the most advanced robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current line-up. The Roomba 980's comprehensive suite of navigation sensors let it navigate under and around furniture, and along edges. Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface brushes sift dirt and debris from any type of floor, while moving debris into the suction channel.
iRobot’s vSLAM captures the surrounding environment as it moves. It creates visual landmarks that assist in keeping track of its location and avoid bumping against walls and other objects. The camera also detects dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically boost suction power and move over these areas multiple times before moving on.
Users can set up digital Keep Out zones to prevent the Roomba accessing areas of the home they do not want it to be able to enter. This feature was added to the app by October of 2019. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's impressive set of features, and will prove to be beneficial for a lot of consumers.
After a two hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 comes back to its docking stations to recharge. This is the only robot of its kind with this feature. It lets you leave your robot at work even when you are away for extended periods. Remote control capabilities in the app enables you to start, stop and schedule cleaning sessions anywhere in the world.
The Roomba app is enjoyable to use and the interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main screen has a big clean button that can be activated by a single touch, and the lower row of icons gives quick access to settings such as cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and more. You can link the app to your smart assistant and issue voice commands.
Issuing a command from the app isn't always an instant process, however it could take some time for the Roomba to be able to recognize your request. It's a problem that frustrates the machine that relies on its sophisticated controls. And it's particularly embarrassing considering the 980 costs so much.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its serious cleaning power and battery life of two hours and a host of intelligent features make it a top pick among the top robot vacuums in the industry. It's not as versatile as others due to the lack of a dedicated app and remote control. That said, the 980 is still a great alternative for anyone looking for an automated vacuum that takes care of itself. Be prepared to spend an extra amount.