Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner UK
Robot vacuum cleaners are great if you don't like to get your hands messy. They are more efficient than manual cleaning and are great for single-storey homes and flats.
Smart features are a plus. websites include mapping technology that will remember your home's layout, and avoidance of rugs and furniture, and avoiding those nipples underneath furniture that larger robots struggle with.
iRobot Roomba J7+
The iRobot Roomba J7+ is an upgrade on the previous model of the company and adds some new technology to make it more efficient at avoiding pet waste. It uses smart mapping and navigation to make maps of rooms and floors and is able to navigate around obstacles such as charging cords, furniture and shoes. It can also detect dirt, and prioritise areas of cleaning that are particularly dirty. This is a significant improvement over previous models that often ignored dirtiest spots or only cleaned them for the shortest amount of time.
The robot vacuum is fitted with a self-emptying base which can deposit dustbin debris into its own 2.4L dirt bag. iRobot's claims this can hold up to 60 days worth of debris, meaning you only have to empty and change the bag every three months. The base station also comes with a spare bag that can be used for quick replacements.
It's simple to set up and use the Roomba that is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can be controlled via the iRobot Genius app. With the app, you can choose to start or stop cleaning, set the amount of time it should spend on each job and then create a timetable.
During our tests during our tests, the iRobot Roomba J7+ was capable of cleaning hardwood and area rug surfaces without issue in the foyer, kitchen and family room. It listened to our instructions and carried out its tasks in a quiet manner, registering only 64 decibels when it was in operation. It took it 90 minutes to clean a single room and the battery needed to be recharged following the cleaning for an hour and 58 minute. The Combo j7 allows you to extend your iRobot eco-system by combining it with the iRobot Mop m6. One can run while the other moves about the room.
Dyson 360 Viz Nav
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav is the best robot vacuum cleaner for those who live in a multi-floor home. This model can make maps of floors across multiple floors and save them to the app, making it easy to switch between different rooms without having to repeat the setup process. The robot can also be controlled with voice, and can be controlled by Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Dyson's robot vacuum makes use of sensors, cameras and other technologies to detect obstacles. A panoramic camera at the top of the robot together with 26 sensors externally will help to create a map of the space as it moves. This helps the robot avoid obstacles and furniture.
In our tests during our tests, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav was able to reach right up to edges and baseboards. It could also be easily guided around furniture pieces with extremely tight corners. The suction of the robot was powerful, and it was able to pick up every dust speck hair, strand of hair, and dried-out bit of Playdoh we tossed at it. The vacuum also took the bin out easily and quickly, reducing cleanup time by half.
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav did not perform as well as the other robots we tested during our obstacle avoidance tests. It had a difficult time avoiding a temporary drying rack, which it kept trying to maneuver under. It eventually got stuck and interrupted the cleaning cycle. It also had a hard time avoiding some furniture pieces that are taller such as the coffee table or a chair. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is also not able to climb stairs, which could be a problem for a lot of homeowners who live in multi-story homes.
Roborock
Roborock robot vacuum cleaners provide the highest quality cleaning features and are a cut above the other. Dual mops are included that spin and lift dirt while pressing down. They also automatically lift when vacuuming carpets to keep streaks of dirt from being left behind and cleaning the vacuum of dirt. They have suction that is up to 5,500 Pa which is the best for dirt and dust removal. They also have sophisticated water flow controls to ensure that the right amount of moisture is absorbed by every floor type.
Roborock's ability to map your entire home with laser technology is one of its most impressive capabilities. The LiDAR system of a Roborock robot arm rotates continuously, emitting lasers and measuring how long it takes them to bounce off surrounding objects. The data is then used to build a real-time map of your home's layout which allows it to navigate precisely and avoid obstacles.
Depending on the model you pick, you can customize your map to include no-go zones, furniture positions, and specific cleaning for rooms. You can also choose a cleaning schedule for vacuum only, mop alone, or vacuum+mop. You can schedule regular cleanings with an app-based system for cleaning that lets you set it and forget.
Roborock offers a variety of options, ranging from the budget-friendly S6 MaxV up to the top-of the-line S7 MaxV. All models feature advanced mapping as well as a battery that lasts for a long time and a large dustbin. They also have docks that offer a variety of functions, including charging and refilling hot water tanks. In the UK, they also have a two-year warranty.
Beko RCV 5
The Beko RCV 5 is a relative newcomer to the robotic vacuum and mopping market however, it's already making waves due to its sleek design and decent price tag. It has a few tricks up its sleeves that set it apart from other robotic vacuums, such as self-emptying functionality. It's easy to set-up and use using an application that lets you customize many options.
The navigation system in this model utilizes a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate your home and does a great job of staying clear of obstacles. The app lets you adjust the cleaning path, to allow certain areas to be cleaned more frequently. The app may initially be confusing, but once you've mastered how to use it, you will be able schedule cleanings, and also manage the robot's power levels.
The RCV 5 has some flaws despite its impressive list. For starters, it uses a relatively small water tank that can hold up to 240ml of water at one time. While this is enough to get a basic wipe clean, it's not the best for getting rid of the most stubborn stains. Additionally the wiping plate itself isn't very sophisticated and doesn't include the ability to rotate or vibrate.
The battery life of a robot in this price range isn't the length one would imagine. The battery of the RCV 5 only lasts for about a third cleaning cycle. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it is something to be considered when shopping for a new robotic vacuum cleaner.
Karcher RCV 5
The German manufacturer Karcher is most famous for its pressure washers, but it has entered the robotic vacuum market with a model that vacuums and mops. The RCV 5 offers an impressive range of features including excellent obstacle detection (with a dual laser system) and mapping that can be monitored in real time through the smart app.
It can also detect carpeted surfaces and automatically start the wet mopping function. The spot cleaning feature is also very useful. It can be programmed to run weekly. The RCV 5 is a good robot cleaner with a suction power of 2500 pascals. It is able to clean hard and soft floors and can reach into tight corners and under low furniture.
Karcher Home Robots is an application that runs on smartphones, and, like other robots today it can be used to start cleaning processes and make maps of your home. It's also possible to create virtual walls and zones within which the RCV 5 isn't allowed to drive, and a host of other controls.
The RCV 5 has a downside in that its dust bin is just a litre and it'll have to be cleaned regularly. This is unlike other models that have integrated disposal technology into their docking station. It's also heavier than a few of its rivals which makes it less mobile, and thus requiring more space in the charging station. However, users found the RCV 5 very user-friendly and gave its app control high. It did well in our tests, but some struggled to get the voice technology to function properly and the docking station was difficult to set in an upright position.