Why Robot Vacuum Reviews Is Harder Than You Think

· 6 min read
Why Robot Vacuum Reviews Is Harder Than You Think

Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums cut down on the need for periodic thorough sweeping, they aren't able to substitute for traditional plug-in models. Maintaining them in good shape requires emptying the dust bin after each cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors periodically, and replacing filters and side brushes when required.

It has a decent-sized bin and an auto-empty. Its obstacle avoidance remains tied to cords and socks and dirt that is near baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that uses dual roller brushes (one bristle, one rubber) to pick up dust, dirt and other debris from bare flooring. The Roomba 694 has an adjustable brush that can clean up debris from the corners and walls edges. The Roomba 694 is quite effective at picking up pet hair, but it will leave some in the carpet fibers, if you let it go through multiple cleaning cycles.

The 694 does a good job at maneuvering itself and does not get stuck on things like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It does not have advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and the battery may drain before it returns to dock.

This is a good choice when you're looking for a basic robot cleaner that's simple to use. You can control it manually using the 'Clean 'Dock', and  the 'Spot Clean' button on the top of its cover or by using voice commands transmitted through your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to Siri commands through iOS Shortcuts.

You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from any location by downloading the iRobot Home app on your tablet or smartphone. The app lets you create customized cleaning schedules and track the robot's health. You can even use the app to end cleaning jobs that are in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app can provide error notifications when the robot is faced with an issue, such as if it gets stuck in the crevices of furniture.

The Roomba 694 is a great vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to navigate stairs or narrow paths. It also does a terrible job of vacuuming carpets with low pile leaving a number of tufts and clumps of hair in its wake. You might want to consider a different robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.

Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter however, this model doesn't have an auto-emptying bin. The dirt bin is of a moderate size, however it will need to be emptied after each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you view a History of the cleaning tasks that Roomba has completed, including their time and date, how they were initiated (app or scheduling or using the physical buttons on the robot), their duration, and their completed status.

The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower recurring costs and comes with a larger 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 it comes with offers a range of more sophisticated automation features. The Roomba 694 isn't quite as efficient as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a bigger dirt compartment, lasts for longer on a single charge, and comes with physical boundaries that keep it out certain areas.

Roomba 960 by iRobot

The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums made by iRobot. It comes with a variety of features that distinguish it from other models, including advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It has an impressive vacuum system and is compatible Alexa. It is a great option for those who want an advanced robot vacuum that has high-quality 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 is easy to raise and lower since it weighs just 3.9kg. You can purchase it with or without docking systems, depending on what you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba fully charged and plugged in even when it's not in use. It is a convenient way to keep the robot close at the ready to clean whenever you need it.

iRobot created 960 to work on carpets and bare floors. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it can easily get rid of pet hair. It is also good in removing large particles like kitty litter and cereal. It does not perform as well on high pile carpet. It is able to pick up pet hair, as well as some larger debris, but has trouble with smaller particles, such as sand. Some sand gets stuck between the brushes and dirt compartment.



In a test with the oats of quaker the 960 performed admirably and picked up the majority of the scattered powder. The robot vacuum is able of maneuvering through a variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular design allows it to be tucked away under chair legs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled by voice commands. It can be programmed to return automatically 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 that they are in good shape. Also, you should clean your sensors in the dirt compartment regularly.  click to read  will aid in making the Roomba run at its best and last longer if you keep them in good condition.

The 960 is a great robot vacuum, but it has some shortcomings. It's costly but it's worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It also offers a variety of features that make it a good alternative for those with busy lives. The iRobot app is simple to use, and the Roomba can be scheduled to clean at certain times. It comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can make it a part of your decor.

Roomba 980 from iRobot

The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner in iRobot’s current line-up. Its full suite of navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, and Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brush brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any flooring type, while accelerating debris into the suction channel.

iRobot's vSLAM captures the surroundings as it moves. It creates visual landmarks that aid in identifying its position and avoid bumping into walls and objects. The camera is also able to detect areas with dirtier surfaces. This causes the Roomba to automatically boost its suction power and then traverse these zones multiple times before moving on.

A new feature added to the app via October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to keep the Roomba from entering rooms that they would prefer to remain untouched. This feature is an important addition to the already impressive set of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a useful tool for many consumers.

After a two-hour clean-up the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. It is the only robot of its kind that has this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work when you're away for long durations. Remote control functionality in the app allows users to start, stop and schedule cleaning sessions anywhere in the world.

The Roomba app is enjoyable to use and the interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main screen has the big clean button that can be activated by a single touch, and the bottom row of icons offers quick access to settings, such as cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and more. You can also connect the app to your preferred smart assistant to issue voice commands.

It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize the need for. This is a major issue for the machine that relies on its sophisticated controls. And it's especially egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.

The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its impressive cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a variety of smart features make it a top pick among the top robot vacuums available. However, its absence of a dedicated remote control and slow app make it not as user-friendly as other models. That said, the 980 is still a great option for anyone who wants a high-powered automated vacuum that takes care of itself. Just be prepared to set aside a little extra money.