Autonomous cleaning assistants: ranking of the popular 2019 robotic vacuum cleaners

A few years ago, robotic vacuum cleaners were considered too expensive and useless appliances. Limited functionality, slow cleaning, low power - this is not all the disadvantages found in the first models. But over time, new manufacturers appeared who improved these devices and made them more affordable. Now more and more people dream of buying a little helper who is able not only to vacuum, but also to wash the floors. Today we will tell you what kind of robotic vacuum cleaners are and how not to make a mistake with the choice.

What is the difference between robotic vacuum cleaners?

Unlike conventional vacuum cleaners, robotic models do not require host intervention in cleaning. They belong to the class of “smart” household appliances, which can be customized to any schedule. Even if nobody is at home, the appliance will turn on at the set time and clear all debris from the floor. Thanks to the flat body, the robot is able to move freely under a bed, sofa or other furniture. After cleaning, the owner will only have to clean the dust container from the debris and put the device on the dock for re-charging.

The first models of robotic vacuum cleaners were poorly oriented in space and often stuck near large furniture. Now, manufacturers use special algorithms to bypass items. If the appliance still gets stuck and cannot continue cleaning, it will give the owner a loud beep to help him find himself. Some modern devices are equipped with HEPA filters that trap dust at the outlet. This is much more efficient and environmentally friendly than the use of aquafilters in conventional vacuum cleaners.

Principle of operation

Modern robotic vacuum cleaners are in the form of a flat disk with a diameter of 27 to 36 centimeters. On the front of the device there is a large sensor that detects obstacles and helps to get around them. Non-removable batteries (lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, etc.) are used for autonomous cleaning. They need constant recharging from a special dock connected to the mains. The vast majority of devices are able to automatically find a "station" and join it. A single charge takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the type and capacity of the battery.

The device is controlled by buttons on the case, remote control, electronic display or buttons on the charging station. In addition to lengthy cleaning, you can also turn on “local”, in which the vacuum cleaner quickly removes debris on a small area of ​​the floor, and then turns off. This is a convenient solution for the kitchen or hallway.

Despite its functionality and compactness, robotic vacuum cleaners cannot be a full replacement ordinary vacuum cleaner or a mop. They help maintain cleanliness in the home, but cannot completely get rid of dust and debris. This is due to the low power and lack of accuracy of the navigation system.

Kinds

Robotic devices have more functionality than conventional vacuum cleaners. They can be divided into 6 types: traditional, with a turbo brush, with a double turbo brush, wet polisher, dry polisher, washing robot vacuum cleaner. They differ in the way of cleaning and the availability of additional features. We discuss each view separately:

1. Traditional robotic vacuum cleaners. They use only suction power in cleaning, like conventional devices.There is a small hole in the bottom of the case through which dust and small debris enter the container. Such vacuum cleaners have a budget cost, but they are not able to cope with serious pollution. Suitable for cleaning flat floors from dust particles, light debris, as well as wool. They can’t cope with the full cleaning of the apartment.
2. Traditional type devices with a turbo brush. Such devices have the same characteristics as ordinary ones, but have a special brush on the bottom that constantly moves and helps to drive the dust into the container. Turbo-brush robots are versatile, suitable for almost any kind of contamination.
3. Double turbo brush vacuum cleaners. Effectively clean high-pile coatings. While one brush sweeps out the trash, another brushes the pile.
4. Wet polisher. Such robots have a soft cloth on the bottom, which is constantly moistened with a small container of water. Before using the device, it is necessary to carry out dry cleaning, otherwise dirty stains will remain on the floor. Most often, they are not separately working devices and simply use interchangeable nozzles.
5. Dry floor polisher. It does not use suction power and simply wipes the floor with a dry cloth. It is often called a mop robot.
6. The washing robot. The rarest type of robotic vacuum cleaners. It is more functional than a wet polisher, but requires special maintenance. To clean the floor using water from a separate tank.

Functionality

In addition to cleaning the floor, robotic vacuum cleaners can be equipped with other useful functions. Here are some of them:

1. The function of air ionization. Helps purify air from harmful fumes and saturate it with aero ions. Assumes a built-in ultraviolet lamp. With the help of ionization, you can improve the quality of sleep, get rid of allergens, dust and gas molecules.
2. Aromatization of air. There are devices that can distribute aromatic oils throughout the apartment. To do this, buy replacement cartridges.
3. Filtration. Most robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with HEPA filters, which help protect the device from dust emissions.
4. Musical accompaniment. When cleaning plays unhurried music.
5. Additional nozzles. Additional nozzles for collecting wool, large debris, combing the pile, etc. can be included.

Functionality is highly dependent on the cost of the robot cleaner. The higher the price tag, the more capable the device is. The good news is that most functions, like aromatizing the air, are useless. Better pay attention to device power and navigation accuracy.

Do not forget that, in addition to the device itself, the kit should also have additional devices. Here are the most necessary of them:

1. Universal brush for different surfaces.
2. Remote control if the device does not have a display or buttons.
3. Tape and sensor to limit work space.
4. A beacon that helps you find the docking station (often built into the vacuum cleaner itself).

Options may vary by model and device type. Make sure that all the necessary nozzles are included, not sold separately. Some robots require consumables (replaceable filters or cartridges). They must be inexpensive and of high quality.

Pros and cons of robotic vacuum cleaners

High-quality robotic vacuum cleaners appeared on the market relatively recently - about 10 years ago. Therefore, most people still treat them ambiguously. Let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these devices, in comparison with conventional vacuum cleaners:

Benefits:

1. The robot vacuum cleaner carries out cleaning automatically, without the need for constant adjustment and manual movement. The only thing you need to do yourself is to clean the dust bag from the collected garbage or change the water.
2. Cleaning at any time of the day. The vacuum cleaner can be adjusted so that it is cleaned at a specified time. It will maintain cleanliness while you are at work, on a walk, on vacation, etc.
3. Some models can not only vacuum, but also wash floors.This significantly saves time.
4. Robotic devices are so compact that they easily pass under sofas and armchairs. You no longer have to push back heavy furniture to remove accumulated dust.
5. Most instruments are protected against dust emissions using HEPA filters. It's great allergy solution and small children.
6. Some robotic vacuum cleaners are capable of aromatizing and ionizing air. This is an additional prevention of viral diseases.

Disadvantages:

1. Regardless of functionality, a quality robot vacuum cleaner will cost you more than a regular one. This is due to the use of many different sensors and an intelligent movement system.
2. Due to the rounded body, such devices are not able to remove debris from corners without a special nozzle.
3. For efficient operation of the vacuum cleaner on the floor should not be small objects, extension cords or wires.
4. Compared to conventional devices, robotic devices have a small dust collector that needs to be cleaned after each cleaning.
5. The battery life often does not exceed two hours, so the robot vacuum cleaner is not suitable for a house with a large area.
6. Despite the functionality, such devices still can not get rid of all the pollution. Therefore, once every 2 weeks it is necessary to carry out cleaning with an ordinary vacuum cleaner or a mop.
7. Vacuum brushes must be constantly cleaned of wool and adhering debris.

How to choose a device

When choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, you should focus not only on cost and functionality, but also on technical characteristics, such as power, noise level, dust collector volume, type of battery, dimensions, cleaned area and type of flooring. And now in more detail:

1. Suction power. This parameter determines how efficiently it will work. The higher the power, the faster and more debris the vacuum cleaner can collect. The most ordinary models are suitable for dust and wool, but for large garbage it is better to buy more powerful models. This parameter also affects the amount of energy consumed and battery life.
2. Noise level. The lower this indicator, the more comfortable the cleaning will be for you. The test showed that the optimal noise level is up to 60 dB.
3. The volume of the dust bag. For small apartments and houses (up to 60 square meters) it is better to choose vacuum cleaners with containers up to 0.4 liters. For medium rooms (up to 80 square meters), devices with a capacity of 0.5 liters are suitable. And for large apartments it is more convenient to use appliances with dust collectors up to 1 liter.
4. Battery type and capacity. In most budget models Nickel-metal hydride batteries installed. They wear out quickly and poorly hold a charge. It is preferable to choose devices with lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. They are more expensive, but are safer, more environmentally friendly and more durable. The optimum battery capacity is from 2500 mAh.
5. Dimensions Make sure that the selected vacuum cleaner moves smoothly around the room. It should pass under sofas and countertops and not get stuck.
6. The area of ​​the room. Most often, this parameter is indicated in the technical specifications of the device. The vacuum cleaner must clean the entire apartment before the battery runs out. Some people think that to calculate the harvesting area, you need to take the time and take ten. But this is rather a mistake, because devices have different algorithms.
7. Type of flooring. Linoleum and tile are universal coatings that are not afraid of moisture. But the cleaning of the laminate should be treated with extreme caution. For him do not fit washing robotsas such devices can easily spoil the coating. It is better to choose robots with a turbo brush. They will easily clean out the trash from all cracks and will not damage the tree. The wet polisher will do fine with wet cleaning, it is great for laminate flooring.

Rating of the best robotic vacuum cleaners

It is difficult to choose a good robot vacuum cleaner without the help of a specialist. The prices of some popular models are very high and do not match the quality. We've put together the top 10 best 2019 automatic vacuum cleaners based on user reviews and reviews.

PANDA X500 Pet Series

• Type of cleaning: dry
• Ultimate Suction Power: 50 W
• Dust collector: cyclone
• Dust box volume: 0.3 liters
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 50 dB
• Device weight: 3.5 kg
• Type of control: touch
• Purpose: for an apartment with animals, especially strong pollution and large garbage
• Optional: speech functions

iBoto Aqua X310

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Ultimate Suction Power: 60 W
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.3 liters
• Battery Type: Li-ion
• Capacity: 2600 mAh
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 54 dB
• Device weight: 1.9 kg
• Purpose: for dry and wet cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust

Clever & Clean AQUA Series-01

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Ultimate Suction Power: 24 W
• Dust collector: cyclone
• Dust box volume: 0.5 liter
• Battery: Nickel Metal Hydride
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 54 dB
• Device weight: 3.5 kg
• Type of control: electronic display and remote control
• Purpose: for cleaning pet hair, especially strong pollution and large garbage
• Optional: UV Disinfecting Lamp

PANDA X900 Wet Clean

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Ultimate Suction Power: 65 W
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.4 liters
• Battery Type: Nickel Metal Hydride
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 50 dB
• Device weight: 3 kg
• Purpose: for dry and wet cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Additionally: there is a disinfecting UV lamp

POLARIS PVCR 0926W EVO

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Ultimate Suction Power: 22 W
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.5 liter
• Battery Type: 2600 mAh Li-ion
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 60 dB
• Purpose: for dry and wet cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Extras: there is a cleaning timer

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner

• Type of cleaning: dry
• Ultimate Suction Power: 55 W
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.4 liters
• Battery Type: Li-ion
• Battery capacity: 5200 mAh
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 50 dB
• Device weight: 3.8 kg
• Purpose: for dry cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Optional: synchronization with a smartphone (Mi Home smart home system), distance sensor

iRobot Roomba 616

• Type of cleaning: dry
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Battery Type: Nickel Metal Hydride
• Battery capacity: 2200 mAh
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 60 dB
• Device weight: 3.6 kg
• Purpose: for dry cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Optional: upgraded battery

iRobot Roomba 980

• Type of cleaning: dry
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Battery Type: Li-ion
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 50 dB
• Device weight: 4 kg
• Purpose: for dry cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Additionally: spring-loaded and rubberized wheels, adaptation to any floor coverings, special carpet cleaning system with different pile

Philips FC8794 SmartPro Easy

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.4 liters
• Battery Type: Li-ion
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 45 dB
• Device weight: 2 kg
• Purpose: for dry and wet cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Additionally: there is a HEPA12 filter

iClebo Arte

• Type of cleaning: dry and wet
• Dust collector: cyclone filter
• Dust box capacity: 0.6 liter
• Battery Type: Li-ion
• Battery capacity: 2200 mAh
• Fine filter: yes
• Maximum noise level: 55 dB
• Device weight: 2.8 kg
• Purpose: for dry and wet cleaning of floor coverings, for cleaning wool and dust
• Optional: rag with microfiber, turbo brush, 2 side brushes

To summarize

Some models of robotic vacuum cleaners can also be included in the 2019 ranking. They are reliable, durable and help save time when cleaning. When choosing, it is better to focus on technical specifications and real customer reviews. Devices from trusted brands Provided with good service and a long warranty. If you want to save money, you can purchase a Chinese-made device. Do not overpay for unnecessary functionality, such as aromatization or ionization.