Five Robot Vacuum Reviews Lessons From The Professionals
Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums reduce the need for regular, full-blown sweeping, they can't replace the traditional plug-in models. To keep them in top condition requires emptying the dust bin following every cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors periodically as well as replacing filters and side brushes as required.
It comes with a large bin, and an auto-empty system that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still gets tangled up in socks and cords, and it doesn't catch dirt close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses two brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to sweep up dust, dirt and other debris from bare floors. The Roomba 694 also includes a rotating brush that is able to pick up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 is fairly effective in picking up pet hair, but it may leave some in carpet fibers if you let it go through multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a decent job of maneuvering itself, and it does not get stuck on things like low furniture or cords. It's not equipped with the latest obstacle-avoidance technology and its battery could be depleted before returning to its dock.
This is a great option when you're looking for a basic robot cleaner that's simple to use. You can control it manually by using the Clean, Dock, and Spot Clean buttons on its top, or with voice commands via your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can follow Siri commands via iOS Shortcuts.
Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to manage the Roomba 694 remotely. The app allows you to design custom cleaning schedules for your needs and track the robot's health. The app is able to stop a cleaning task in progress if necessary. The iRobot app will also notify users of errors when the robot encounters problems for instance, if he wedges himself into a crevice in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of navigating around the house, it is not designed for narrow or sloping paths. relevant website is not able to do a great job of vacuuming carpets with low piles leaving behind numerous hair clumps and tufts. You may want to choose an alternative robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.
Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have a self-emptying bin. Its internal dirt compartment is not large however, you'll need to empty it after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you view a History of your Roomba's cleaning tasks with their date and time. date, when they were initiated (app, scheduling or using the physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and the status of their completion.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, incurs lower cost of operation, has a larger dustbin, 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 an array of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 is not as good 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 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It has many features that set it apart from other robots. These include advanced dirt detection technology as well as maps-saving technology. It is equipped with a powerful vacuum system and is compatible Alexa. It is an excellent option for those who want an ultra-modern robot vacuum with outstanding cleaning capabilities and WiFi connectivity.
The 960 is a circular robot with two rubber brushrolls and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It is easy to lift and lower, as it weighs only 3.9kg. It can be purchased with a docking station or without, depending on your preferences. The docking station is essential to keep the Roomba charged and plugged in when it isn't in use. The docking station is a practical and simple method of keeping your robot tidy and fully charged even when it's not in use.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and floors that are not bare. Its performance is exceptional on hard surfaces, and it can easily get rid of pet hair. It also does a great job of removing big pieces of food debris like cereal and kitty litter. It doesn't perform as well on high-pile carpet, however. It is able to pick up pet hair and larger debris. 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 did well in capturing the bulk of the powder. The robotic vacuum is able of maneuvering through a variety of furniture and obstacles and the circular design allows it to fit snugly under chair legs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa and can be controlled with voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.
The 960 requires some maintenance, including 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 working order. You should also clean the dirt compartment sensors regularly. These parts will aid in making the Roomba perform at its peak and last longer if they are kept in good working order.
The 960 is a good robotic vacuum, but it has some shortcomings. It is expensive however, it is worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It is also loaded with features that make it a good option for busy people. The iRobot App is simple to use, and Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It is also available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can match it with your decor.
iRobot Roomba 960
The Roomba is among the most advanced robotic cleaner available in iRobot's current lineup. Its extensive set of navigation sensors allow it to maneuver between furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect keeps it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface brushes can remove dirt and debris off any kind of floor, while accelerating debris to the suction channel.
iRobot’s vSLAM captures the surrounding environment as it moves. It creates visual landmarks to aid in identifying its position and avoid bumping against walls and other objects. The camera can also detect areas that are dirty. This triggers the Roomba to automatically boost the suction power of the room, and then traverse these zones repeatedly before moving on.
Users can create digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home they do not want it to enter. This feature was added to the app by October, 2019. This feature is a welcome addition to the already robust set of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a useful tool for a lot of consumers.
After a two-hour clean-up the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. This is the only robot of its kind that comes with this feature. It lets you leave your robot at work when you're away for extended durations. Remote control capabilities in the app enables you to begin and stop cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.

The Roomba App is simple to use and easy to understand. The main screen has a large clean button which can be activated with one touch. The bottom row of icons allows quick access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules and much more. It is possible to connect the app to your smart assistant and make voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize an instruction. It's a frustrating flaw in the machine that is heavily dependent on its smart controls, and it's especially awry considering that the 980 is incredibly expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power, long battery life of up to two hours, and intelligent features make it one of the top robot vacuums on the market. However, its absence of a dedicated remote control and slow app make it not as versatile as other models. The 980 is a fantastic option for those looking for a powerful automated vacuum that will take the burden off of you. Be sure to put aside a bit more money.