How to choose the right robot vacuum cleaner, TOP of the best models of 2019
Which robots are considered the best among vacuum cleaners, and why? Household cleaning units in the house have become intelligent, exclusively autonomous. Human interference in their work is excluded: the devices independently bring order, move around the apartment, clean carpets or laminate. Standard models are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to smart and compact models.
The most important parameters of the robot vacuum cleaner
To choose an assistant for yourself, to understand which robots are the best, you will need to study the hardware. The main criteria (that of compact vacuum cleaners, that of “big ones”) are the same. These include:
- area served, its size;
- the volume of the robot's dust collection bag;
- the noise emitted (its level in decibels and its compliance with standards);
- reliability and durability (including maintainability);
- availability of additional vacuum cleaner options.
For a device "untied" from the outlet, it's also important to know how long it can run on a single battery charge. Otherwise, the smart vacuum cleaner will stop useful activities in the middle of the process for a trivial reason: the batteries are dead. And the "intelligent" robots always return to the base for part of the electricity, this is an absolute plus.
Maximum cleaning area
Do not naively hope that a robot vacuum cleaner will appear in the house, it will remove dust everywhere and everything will go by itself. The "capabilities" of the wizard are strictly linked to a manufacturer, a specific product model. The territory served, its area is indicated in the data of the robot's passport.
This parameter is taken into account when choosing a vacuum cleaner in the same way as when buying a washing machine, the volume of the laundry tub is taken into account.
There are products with a working area of 50 (this is an average apartment) and 100 square meters (floor area in a private house). It is recommended to check the surface indicator using the empirical formula: subtract 10 from the battery life of the vacuum cleaner in minutes, this will be the desired value.
Maximum noise level
For an apartment, its inhabitants and neighbors, a critical indicator is the level of noise emitted by household appliances or inhabitants. It is not for nothing that the legislation restricts repairs and noisy cleaning in the evenings and on weekends. And for owners of a buzzing toy, its presence can bring some discomfort.
All vacuum cleaners on sale pass the noise test.Due to the design features, this indicator is much lower than that of stationary models. The standard figure is 60 decibels, while 40 is normal (not loud) human speech. In the higher price range, the manufacturers deliberately reduce the noise level emitted by the vacuum cleaner even more.
Ground clearance and ability to cross thresholds
Ground clearance is the ground clearance in a car. When applied to a robot vacuum, it is an indicator of its ability to cope with "rough terrain" - thresholds, wires, floor coverings . Again, these parameters differ from one robot model to another. Low-cost products are equipped with a minimum of sensors that report changes in floor height. The more advanced (and expensive) are able to climb stairs without any problem.
Management of obstacles and sensors
A set of integrated sensors is an important part of a robot cleaner. Without them, he will not be able to work normally. The automation measures the distance to the obstacle, transmits a signal to the drive and coordinates the movement of the vacuum cleaner. The location of the sensors is the bumper or the bottom of the robot. They help to determine which obstacle is allowed to be overcome and which will have to be circumvented.
This function is installed in all robot models, regardless of cost. Without them, the vacuum cleaner has serious problems, breakdowns.
Crash sensors under the bumpers
A group of sensors responsible for hitting obstacles. Most often it is hidden under a special protective rubberized case of the robot. This design enables intelligent behavior. Upon contact with an obstacle that cannot be circumvented or overcome, the robot receives the order first to stop and then to turn.
Infrared sensors
Moving inside, the robot probes the space for obstacles. For this, it is equipped with infrared sensors invisible to the eye. It is therefore possible to move in a space limited by walls and doors. Even if the robot vacuum collides with something, another group of sensors - mechanical - will work immediately and the unit will roll sideways. An infrared signal is also emitted from the docking station, from which the robot is powered. This is so that he can always find his way to the charging point.
Ultrasonic
Perfect and expensive products from leading manufacturers of vacuum cleaners are equipped with this type of sensors. In terms of reliability, it is not inferior to others, it is distinguished by the accuracy of its operation. At the same time, the moving speed is gradually reduced, the vacuum cleaner slowly rises to the obstacle, thus avoiding damage and impact to the body.
Pollution sensors
A useful option that not all robots have. Thanks to it, the vacuum cleaner itself determines from which places it should start cleaning and where to do it more thoroughly. In simpler products, the robot will have to be guided again to problem areas or manually removed. Such cases are also not uncommon.
Laser range finders
The most advanced type of distance sensor available. An ultra-precise light source (laser light-emitting diode) sends beams in front of the moving vacuum cleaner, facilitating orientation in space.
Dust bin capacity
One of the important parameters, along with the range indicator, affecting vacuum cleaner selection... directly related to its size. It's simple: the small models don't have big dust collectors, they won't fit.The more complex, perfect and expensive a vacuum cleaner is, the greater the capacity of its compartment to pick up trash. The minimum volume allowed is 0.3 cubic decimetres.
Built-in filters
This unit is necessary to separate the collected dust into fractions: everything, as in the large stationary units. The filter collects small particles, while protecting the robot's motor from debris. The absence of such an option automatically reduces the resources of the vacuum cleaner, compromising engine performance. The most efficient filters are considered to be produced using HEPA technology.
Cleaning methods
This function belongs to the know-how of the manufacturer and depends on the amount of mechanization that has been invested in the vacuum cleaner. The only circular brush moving in a horizontal plane is the lot of cheap or economical models.
For other products, it is complemented by a pair of rotaries, which are particularly effective in collecting threads, wool and hair.
In turn, the electronic unit sets to the vacuum cleaner a certain movement algorithm: zigzag, alternating or specific. Then the brushes are debugged below the surface, the degree of pollution.
As for the modes themselves, the following options are provided:
- "Simple". The robot is started by pressing the "Cleaning" button, and when finished, it automatically recharges.
- "Local cleaning". A vacuum cleaner serves a small area (up to 1 meter).
- "Program". The robot acts on the basis of a predetermined plan - on a certain day, at the time or in some way, at the discretion of the owners.
Of course, not all robotic vacuum cleaners come with such advanced controls.
Battery capacity
It is highly variable and affects the autonomous operation of the robot. It happens from 30 minutes to a few hours. The capacity of a lithium-ion battery is indicated in the passport of the vacuum cleaner, usually from 1.5 to 3 thousand milliampere-hours.
Parameter flexibility
This parameter affects the comfort of using the robot. For perfect models, the manufacturer offers a few basic programs, as well as an arbitrary program, which allows you to adjust the operation of the vacuum cleaner to specific conditions. The unnamed Chinese robots aren't very good at going back and forth and shoveling dust. But their price is appropriate.
Manufacturers
Several brands have established themselves in the market, under which products of decent quality and with guaranteed parameters are provided. Basically, these are Chinese and Korean brands, although there are European and even American brands.
i robot
An American company that specially develops special equipment for the army (sappers and reconnaissance robots), as well as household vacuum cleaners. The recognized leader among manufacturers of mechanized cleaners. These models are purchased first.
Robot Yujin
South Korean brand offering original, high-tech and comfortable vacuum cleaners. The units are equipped with a proprietary navigation unit. Users are familiar with the iClebo Omega series.
Neato
North American manufacturer. Proud experience in manufacturing robotic vacuum cleaners since 2010. The company's products are made in China, under license from developer.
Panda
The company takes an unconventional approach to cleaning, emphasizing pet hair and hair capture and intelligent control. Panda brand products embody precise mechanics and an abundance of robotic units, sensors.
Xrobot
Chinese brand with a range of more than 10 models of robot vacuum cleaners. The products are designed for dry and wet cleaning. In terms of equipment, they are not inferior to eminent colleagues.
Xiaomi
The brand is known as a manufacturer of original and high-tech gadgets, including vacuum cleaners. The company's products are distinguished by the use of the latest developments in the field of robotics, "smart" technologies. They enjoy justified popularity. The manufacturer's arsenal includes a vacuum cleaner, a dry cleaning robot and other solutions.
Assessment of budget models in 2019
Expert reviews conducted against the products of already recommended brands, leaders and outsiders help the consumer to make a choice, to buy a home assistant based on their own preferences. Among the evaluated criteria, the ability of the robot to serve a specific area, with a specified frequency and the presence of a set of interferences (objects) in the room, is considered. Filtration and the ability to deal with pet hair are also considered.
iPlus X500 Pro
An enticing version of a vacuum cleaner from the Panda brand. Focuses on dry cleaning, including contact with pet hair. There is no docking station, but there is a cable charger. There are 5 independent cleaning programs, including the work of a vacuum cleaner in the area.And there are only trifles - up to 7,000 rubles.
PUPPYOO WP650
Thoughtful and verified design. Classic chrome in case design. Double set of brushes, removable battery. According to the manufacturer, the robot calmly overcomes obstacles up to 15 centimeters high. There are 2 programs, the ability to control using a smartphone (mobile application). The price of a vacuum cleaner is about 7,000 rubles.
360 S6
New on the market. Claimed as "one of the best" for 2019. Equipped with docking station, wet mopping function. There is a laser designator, on its guidance a pinpoint strike is instantly delivered with a portion of purity. The robot has a full set of brushes - annular and rotating. Driven by applications. It costs up to 30,000 rubles.
Genio Deluxe 500
Can run in a zigzag, crawl on his stomach and at the same time clean the floor (and not just pick up dust). Wet cleaning is carried out "in the way of adults", a water tank is integrated into the vacuum cleaner. Combination brushes, they are included. Equipped with remote control and smart app for control from phone. The price is about 20 thousand rubles.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Some of the tasty buns offered to the consumer include turbo charging and 2.5 hour battery life. A laser range finder and an ultrasonic sensor (12 different types of sensors) fit into the robot body. The robot is equipped with a special cyclone filter, 2 brushes and costs 22,000 rubles.
TOP representatives of 2019
Here are the best possible candidates for the vacuum cleaner of the year. The competition is tough, many have been left behind, unable to withstand the exam selection.
Panda iPlus S5
And here is a Chinese robot bear who knows kung fu and knows how to use the right ionization. Equipped with a screen with display of operating modes, has double brushes and an improved filtration unit. There is a remote control, built-in programs. I agree to serve faithfully for 35,000 rubles.
ICIebo Omega
Model of a South Korean manufacturer. Not new, but still good.It is generously equipped with a video camera and an onboard touch screen. The filter type of the robot is HEPA. It is striking in the duration of "autonomous navigation" - up to 3 hours. Last year it cost up to 40,000 rubles.
irobot roomba 980
The iRobot Roomba 980 belongs to the family of American cleaning robots obsessed with cleanliness. Complete with docking station for charging, battery, spare filter and bin block. Dog or cat hair is not a problem for him. Equipped with a variety of sensors, 3 work programs. Costs like 2 "Xiaomi" - 54,000 rubles.
Dyson 360 Eye
Among the advantages of the model are a creative exterior and high dust suction power. Type of cleaning - dry. The robot will have enough battery life for 20 minutes, but during this time it will be able to do a lot of things. Navigation is carried out by video signal, control of the vacuum cleaner from a smartphone is provided. Not cheap, it is estimated at 80,000 rubles.
Neato Botvac D5 Connected
The manufacturer has equipped the vacuum cleaner with a wireless control function. In addition, the robot is equipped with a docking station, a fine filter and brushes. The robot's design ensures the collection of waste (including pet hair) in hard-to-reach places. The price is about 44,000 rubles.
Eefy RoboVac 11
Product of an American manufacturer; equipped with infrared response system, improved filter. Program control is limited - no more than one mode per day. Combined brushes. The robot has enough charge for 1.5 hours of work. It costs about 16,000 rubles.
How to use
There should be no particular difficulties in using the robot. It is necessary to fully charge the battery, launch one of the programs and monitor the work of the automated assistant (via the network or smartphone).And then clean the brushes, dust bin and filter.