Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular full-blown sweeping, they don't replace traditional plug-in models. To keep them in top condition requires emptying the dust bin following every cleaning session, wiping down the sensors and cameras occasionally as well as replacing filters and side brushes as required.
It has a decent-sized bin as well as an automatic emptying. However, its obstacle avoidance gets tangled up in cords and socks, and it doesn't catch dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry-level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle, one rubber) to remove dust, dirt and other debris from bare flooring. It also comes with three-spoked spinning brushes that can remove debris from the wall's edges and corners. The Roomba 694 is fairly effective in picking up pet hair, though it will leave some 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 doesn't come with advanced obstacle-avoidance technologies and the battery may run out before returning to the dock.
This is a good option when you're looking for a basic robot cleaner that's easy to use. It can be controlled manually by pressing the 'Clean "Dock" and the 'Spot Clean' button on its top cover, or by using voice commands transmitted through your favorite voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can follow Siri commands from Shortcuts in iOS.
You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from any location by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you create customized cleaning schedules and monitor the robot's condition. You can also make use of the app to stop the cleaning task in progress, if you need to. The iRobot Home app can send out error alerts when the robot encounters an issue, such as if it wedges itself into a furniture crevice.
While the Roomba 694 does a good job of maneuvering itself around the house, it's not designed for narrow or sloping paths. It also does a poor job of vacuuming carpets with low pile, leaving many tufts and clumps of hair behind. If you have many carpets with low pile in your home, you might need to think about buying a different robot vacuum.
This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. The dirt compartment is moderate size, however it must be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you look back at the history of your Roomba's cleaning jobs as well as their time and date, how they were initiated (app, scheduling or using the physical buttons on the robot) as well as their duration and their status as completed.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower recurring costs and has a bigger dust bin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles like electrical cords with less difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The software that comes with it provides an array of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 is not quite as efficient as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a larger dirt compartment, lasts for longer on a single charge and is equipped with physical boundary strips that prevent it from entering certain areas.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot. It has many features that distinguish it from other robots. It has advanced dirt detection technology as well as map-saving technologies. It also has a robust cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. This is a great choice for those who want a high tech robot vacuum with WiFi connectivity and outstanding cleaning performance.
The 9960 is a round robot with two rubber brushrolls and three caster wheels for stability. It is easy to raise and lower since it weighs only 3.9kg. It is available with docking station or without it, depending on your preference. The docking station keeps the Roomba plugged in and charged even when it's not being used. The docking station is an efficient and simple way to keep your robot clean and powered when it's not.
iRobot designed the 960 to work well on floors that are not bare and carpet. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable and it is able to clean up pet hair. It also excels at picking up large debris like cat litter and cereal. It isn't as effective well on high-pile carpet, however. It can remove pet hair and larger particles. But it struggles with smaller particles, like sand. Some of the sand is stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using quaker oats the 960 did well, picking up the majority of the powder. The robotic vacuum is able of maneuvering around a wide variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular shape allows it to fit snugly 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 needs some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter, and the spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every couple of months or so to ensure they are in good condition. Also, you should clean your sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. These components will make the Roomba perform at its peak and last longer if you keep them in good working order.
The 960 has some shortcomings, but overall it is a great robotic vacuum. It's quite expensive, but it is worth the investment if you are looking for a robot that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. It also comes with features that make it a good choice for busy people. The iRobot App is simple to use and Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It is available in a variety of finishes and colors so you can match the Roomba with your home decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum in iRobot's current lineup. The Roomba 980's full suite navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges. Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface rubber brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any floor type, while accelerating debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology captures the environment as it moves, forming visual landmarks to help it remember the location it's been in and avoid bumping into walls and objects. The camera also detects dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically increase suction power and move over these areas multiple times before moving on.
A new feature added to the app by October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home where they want it to remain unaffected. This is an excellent addition to the already-strong suite of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a useful device for many people.
After a two-hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 returns to its docking stations to recharge. This is the only robot of its kind that comes with this feature. It allows you to leave your robot to work even when you are away for long durations. The app's remote control function lets you start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere in the world.
The Roomba app is a joy to use, and the interface is simple and easy to use. cleaning robots 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 more. You can link the app to your smart assistant and make voice commands.
Issuing a command from the app isn't always an instant affair, though, and it can take some time for Roomba to understand your request. It's a frustrating flaw in the machine that is heavily reliant on its sophisticated controls, and it seems especially awry considering that the 980 is so expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and suite of smart features make it an ideal choice among the best robot vacuums in the industry. However, the absence of a dedicated remote control and slow-running app mean it's not as user-friendly as other models. That said, the 980 is a good alternative for anyone looking for an efficient vacuum that takes the burden off of itself. Just be prepared to set aside a little extra cash.