Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums can reduce the need for regular, full-blown sweeping, they can't replace traditional plug-in models. To ensure they are in good condition, empty the dust bins after each cleaning session. Wipe down the camera and sensors frequently. Replace filters and side brushes as needed.
It has a decent-sized bin and an auto-empty. However, its obstacle avoidance gets caught in socks and cords, and it misses dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694"
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to remove dirt, dust, and debris from bare floors. It also has three-spoked rotating brushes that removes debris from the wall's corners and edges. The Roomba 694 is fairly effective in picking up pet hair, though it can leave some behind in the carpet fibers if you let it run through several cleaning cycles.
The 694 is a good self-manipulator, and doesn't get caught in furniture that isn't high or around cords. It does not have advanced obstacle-avoidance technologies, and the battery can be drained before it can return to dock.
It's still a great choice if you want an inexpensive robot vac uum that's easy to use. You can control it manually by using the Clean, Dock and Spot Clean buttons on its top, or with voice commands through your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can also follow Siri commands via iOS Shortcuts.
Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to control the Roomba 694 remotely. 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 it is necessary. The iRobot Home app can provide error notifications when the robot is faced with an issue for instance, if it gets stuck in an opening in furniture.
The Roomba 694 is a good vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to use stairs or narrow paths. It doesn't do a great job of vacuuming carpets with low piles, leaving behind many tufts and hair clumps. It is possible to select another robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.
This model, unlike the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. Its internal dirt compartment is not large however, you'll have empty it at the end of every cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you view a history of your Roomba cleaning jobs. This includes the time and date they were completed, the method used to initiate them (app or scheduling buttons on the robot), the duration and the completed status.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower annual costs and has a bigger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles like electrical cords with less difficulty and performs better on bare floors and high-pile carpet. The software that comes with it offers a suite of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 isn't 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 boundaries that prevent it from entering certain areas.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It comes with a variety of features that make it stand out from other robots. They include advanced dirt detection technology and map-saving technologies. It also has a robust cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. It is an excellent option for those looking for an ultra-modern robot vacuum with excellent cleaning performance and WiFi-connectivity.
The 960 robot is a circular model that has two rubber brushrolls to provide stability and three caster wheels. It weighs 3.9kg making it simple to carry up and down steps. You can purchase it with or without docking systems, depending on what you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba plugged in and charged even when it's not being used. The docking station is a convenient and easy way to keep your robot clean and powered when it's not.
iRobot created 960 to work on carpets and floors that are not bare. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it is able to easily get rid of pet hair. It also does a good job of removing large amounts of debris, such as cereal and cat litter. It does not perform as well on high-pile carpet, however. It picks up some pet hair as well as larger particles, but it is troublesome with smaller particles, such as sand. Some sand gets caught between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test that used Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well in capturing the bulk of the powder. The robot vacuum is able of maneuvering around a wide variety of furniture and obstacles and the circular design allows it to be tucked away under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa and can be activated with voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.
The 960 requires some maintenance which includes regular replacement of the filter, dust bin and the spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every few months or so to ensure that they are in good working order. You should also clean your dirt compartment sensors regularly. These parts will aid in making the Roomba perform at its best and last longer if you keep them in good shape.
The 960 is a great robot vacuum, but it is not perfect. It is fairly expensive, but it's worth the investment if you are looking for a vacuum with exceptional cleaning performance. It is also loaded with features that make it a great alternative for busy individuals. The iRobot App is easy to use and the Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can make it a part of your home decor.
iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner available in iRobot's current lineup. Its full set of navigation sensors allow it to maneuver under and around furniture and along edges, while Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface brushes grab dirt and debris from every kind of floor, and it accelerates debris to the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM captures the surrounding environment as it moves. It creates visual landmarks to aid in identifying its location and avoid bumping against walls and other objects. The camera is also able to detect areas with dirtier surfaces. This triggers the Roomba to automatically boost the suction power of the room, and move over these zones several times before moving forward.
A new feature added into the app in October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones that prevent the Roomba from entering rooms that they would prefer to remain untouched. This feature is a fantastic addition to the Roomba 980's impressive array 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 is the only robot in its class that has this feature. It allows you to leave your robot to work while you are away for long periods of time. The app's remote control functionality allows you to start or stop cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and simple. The main screen has a big clean button that is activated by a single touch and the bottom row of icons provides quick access to settings, such as cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and much more. You can also connect the app to your personal assistant to make voice commands.
It could take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a frustrating flaw in the machine that is heavily reliant on its sophisticated control, and it's particularly egregious given that the 980 is so expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of machinery. Its powerful cleaning capabilities and long battery life of two hours, and smart features make it one of the top robot vacuums on the market. It's not as versatile as other models because it doesn't have an app specifically designed for it and remote control. The 980 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful, automated vacuum that takes the burden off of you. Be prepared to spend a little more.