Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums reduce the need for periodic full-blown sweeping, they can't substitute for traditional plug-in models. Maintaining them in good shape requires emptying the trash bin after each cleaning session, wiping down the cameras and sensors occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes as needed.
It has a large bin and an auto-empty feature that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still gets tangled up with cords and socks and it misses dirt near 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 collect dust, dirt and debris from floors that are not covered. It also has three-spoked rotating brushes that can remove debris from the wall's corners and edges. The Roomba 694 is quite effective in picking up pet hair, but it can leave some behind in the carpet fibers, if you let it go through multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 is a good self-manipulator, and doesn't get caught in furniture that isn't level or with cords. However, it doesn't come equipped with the latest obstacle-avoidance technology, and its battery can be exhausted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good choice for those who want an affordable robot vacuum that is easy to operate. You can control it manually using the 'Clean 'Dock', and the 'Spot Clean' button on its top cover or with voice commands relayed through your favorite voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can also follow Siri commands from Shortcuts for iOS.
You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from any location by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app allows you to create customized cleaning schedules and track the robot's health. The app is able to stop a cleaning task in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app will also provide error notifications when the robot encounters a problem, such as if it gets stuck in a furniture crevice.
The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to use narrow pathways or stairs. It also does a terrible job of vacuuming carpets with low pile leaving a lot of tufts and clumps of hair behind. You might want to consider another robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.
Unlike the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have an automatic bin for emptying. The dirt compartment inside is a moderately-sized one, but you will have to empty it after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you look back at the record of your Roomba cleaning tasks. This includes the date and time they were completed as well as the method used to start them (app, scheduling or physical buttons on the robot) as well as the duration and the status of completion.
The iRobot is superior to the Coredy R550, because it is more robustly built and has lower recurring costs, and a bigger dustbin. It is also more efficient in charging, can navigate around obstacles such as electrical cords, and performs better on plain floors as well as on high-pile rug. The companion app comes with the most advanced set of automation features as well. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, though, which has a much bigger dirt compartment and lasts longer on a charge, and has physical boundaries to keep it out of certain areas.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of iRobot's most advanced models. It comes with a variety of features that set it apart from other robots. It has advanced dirt detection technology as well as map-saving technologies. It comes with an efficient vacuum system that is compatible with Alexa. This is an excellent choice for those looking for a high tech robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and excellent cleaning performance.
The 960 robot is a circular one with two brushrolls made of rubber for stability and three casters wheels. It weighs 3.9kg making it simple to carry up and down stairs. You can choose to purchase it with or without docking system based on what you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba connected and charged even when it's not in use. The docking station is an efficient and simple way to keep your robot in good condition and charged when it's not working.
iRobot created the 960 to work on floors with no floor and carpet. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it's able to easily remove pet hair. It also does a good job of picking up large amounts of debris, such as Kitty litter and cereal. It does not perform as well on carpets with high piles however. It can remove pet hair and larger debris. But it struggles with smaller particles such as sand. Some of the sand is stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test with Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well in capturing the majority of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum can maneuver around furniture and obstacles. Its circular design also allows it to be placed under chair legs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled via 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 the spinning brush. The components need to be replaced every few months to keep them in good shape. You should also clean your sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. Keeping these parts in good working order will keep the Roomba functioning at its best and make it last longer.
The 960 is a good robot vacuum, but it is not perfect. It is fairly expensive, but it's worth the investment if you are looking for a vacuum that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. It also offers a variety of features that make it an excellent alternative for those with busy lives. The iRobot App is easy to use, and Roomba's cleaning schedule is set. It comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can make it a part of your home decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba is the most advanced robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current lineup. The Roomba 980's comprehensive suite of navigation sensors allow it to navigate under and around furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect stops it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface brushes sift dirt and debris from every kind of floor, while moving debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology records the surrounding as it moves, creating visual landmarks to aid in recollecting where it's been and avoid hitting objects and walls. The camera also detects dirtier areas, which triggers the Roomba to automatically increase suction power and traverse these zones repeatedly before moving on.
A new feature pushed to the app via October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones that prevent the Roomba from entering areas of the home in which they would like it to remain inaccessible. This is a great 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. This is the only robot of its kind with this feature. It allows you to let your robot work when you're away for extended durations. Remote control functionality in the app enables you to begin cleaning, stop and schedule sessions from anywhere in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and easy to understand. The main screen features a large clean button which can be activated by a single touch. The lower row of icons provides quick access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and much more. You can even link the app to your preferred smart assistant to issue voice commands.
The ability to issue a command through the app isn't always a quick process, however, and it can take some time for Roomba to be able to recognize your request. It's a frustrating problem for a machine so dependent on its intelligent controls. And it's particularly embarrassing when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model is a powerful piece of equipment. full report and battery life of two hours and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuums in the industry. However, its lack of a dedicated remote control and slow-running app mean it's not as user-friendly as some of the competition. However, the 980 is still a great option for anyone who wants a high-powered automated vacuum that can take the burden off of itself. Make sure you set aside a little extra cash.