How to choose the best robot vacuum for your household
Though, with options on the market now aplenty...choosing the best model for your household can seem a daunting experience. Expert Colin Jones notes there are a few factors to take into consideration before investing in a robot vacuum.
Flooring
“One of the first factors to consider when purchasing a robotic vacuum is what type of flooring your home has. If your home has all tiles and timber flooring then dirt on your floor will be collected by even the most basic robotic vacuum cleaner, such as Eufy Robovac 11S Slim or Ecovacs Deebot OZMO-T8AIVI."
Mopping function
"For medium to larger households, customers may want to consider purchasing a robotic vacuum that has a few more features such as sweeping, vacuuming and mopping capabilities. These units with dual functionality are great for those families that have a larger space and perhaps young kids.
"There are always spills, so having the mopping functionality takes the pain away from having to bring out a large mop and bucket. Simply, switch on your robotic vacuum and it will detect the wet surface and automatically turn on its mopping capabilities, such as the Roborock S5."
Auto-mapping
“Another factor to consider is if your household has any avoidance systems. These avoidances can be a rug, table or most commonly your stairs. Some models have laser auto mapping capabilities that will allow the unit to scan and analyse your home and automatically adjust to any avoidances in the room (however you can also let the unit know of these avoidances beforehand through the app).
"Many people worry that if they have stairs in their homes that the vacuum will fall down, that will definitely not happen. Robotic vacuums are great at knowing when there is a shift in the flooring, so they will stop right below or above your stairs."
The best robot vacuum cleaners and mops in Australia
1. Coredy R750-W robot vacuum, $319.99, Amazon
Shop now at Amazon
It's with good reason the Coredy R750-W bears the title of 'Amazon's Choice' for robot vacuums currently on the market. Not only does this nifty gadget take the fuss out of vacuuming with it's high suction power across carpet and hard floors, it is also fit with an intelligent wet to dry mopping system. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, this affordable model offers voice and app control - meaning you can kick up your heels while all the work is done for you.
"The Coredy 750 exceeded all my expectation..." wrote one reviewer.
"Vacuumed with ease long hairs both kids and pet dog. Gets to the skirting boards perfectly with the brushes. After a recharge and feeling very pleased with my choice, I filled up the water tank and set to mop... My now most prized possession."
2. Ecovacs Deebot OZMO-T8AIVI robot vacuum, $499.99 (usually $749.99), Ecovacs
Shop now at Ecovacs
A spotless floor is achieved in almost no time with the Deebot model from Ecovacs that simultaneously mops as it vacuums. With advanced AIVI technology that precisely detects and avoids objects to prevent collisions, household floor cleaning is effectively taken to the next level. This smart vacuum is compatible with smart speakers and works across tiles, carpets and hard floors - both wet and dry.
One five-star reviewer wrote, "The dust bin is easy to empty, the robot returns to charge when needed and will then continue cleaning. My floors are cleanest they have ever been."
3. Roborock S6 pure robotic vacuum and mop, $599 (usually $799), Catch.com.au
Shop now at Catch.com.au
With 13 types of advanced sensors and multi-level mapping, the Roborock S6 allows you to give extra TLC to rooms of your home in need - without putting in the elbow grease yourself. Featuring 2000Pa strong suction, a washable HEPA filter, ingenious carpet detection and flexible scheduling via the app, this all-in-one robotic vacuum and mop has got you covered in the cleaning department.
"I know it sounds cliché, but [it] has changed my life," a reviewer wrote, "This device saves me soooo much time. Always does it when I'm not home and so good to walk back in to clean floors! V highly recommended!"
4. Eufy RoboVac 11S Slim robot vacuum, $249 (usually $339), Catch.com.au
Shop now at Catch.com.au
Measuring just over 7cm in height, the 11S Slim model from Eufy lives up to its name and is perfect for hard-to-reach places like under the couch or bed. With pre-set vacuuming times and multiple cleaning modes, stress is taken out of cleaning, while the drop-sensing technology safeguards your trusty robot from any ill-fated falls from ledges. And at such an affordable price, you can invest in a reliable vacuum without having to break the bank.
One reviewer who gave five stars wrote, "Works amazing on both tiled and carpet floors; I couldn’t believe how much dirt dust and cat hair came out of my carpets".
5. 360 S6 robot vacuum and mop, $349, Kogan
Shop now at Kogan
Sit back and let the 360 S6 do its thing while it gives your floor a thorough runover with 1800Pa suction power and autopilot technology. First, dust is gathered with the two side brushes before the middle roller brushes the floor and then the mop finishes the deep clean. This model cleans autonomously after laser navigation has defined and mapped the surrounding environment, but you can always use the remote control via the app if you want to get in on the action!
"Great robot vac and mop," wrote a five-star reviewer, "uses the same mapping technology as the expensive brands. Mop works well, just keep pad wet enough and refill water for max clean. App works well to schedule regular clean".
6. MyGenie XSonic robotic vacuum and mop, $229.95, Myer
Shop now at Myer
Get bang for your buck with the MyGenie XSonic robotic vacuum and mop that is currently on sale for $194.95 from $229.95, featuring anti-collision and low-noise technology. This model is great for households with allergies and pets as hair is swiftly sucked up by the brushless motor, and the air filter keeps dust particles trapped within the removable dustbin. Best of all, the scheduling feature lets you set a clean for when you leave the house so that you can return to a spick and span floor!
"Cleans far more effectively than previous 'normal' (non-robot) vacuum cleaner and not noisy at all!" one reviewer who gave five stars wrote.
7. Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum and mop, $749, Kogan
Shop now at Kogan
Coming in as the second Roborock robotic vacuum to make the list (and deservedly so), is the S5 Max. With voice assistance, virtual barriers and advanced navigation, sparkling clean floors are easily within reach. The transition from vacuuming to mopping in your abode is made seamless with virtual no-mop zones and precision water control - talk about squeaky clean!
"The app is fantastic, the cleaning power is exceptional and the mopping is pretty good too," one reviewer wrote.
8. Electrolux Pure i9.2 robot vacuum, $680 (usually $980), Appliance Central
Shop now at Appliance Central
The triangular shape of the Electrolux Pure i9.2 means that dust in every tight spot and pesky corner is fair game when it comes to vacuuming. Dubbed as 'the Swedish mountaineer', this model can effortlessly cross thresholds up to 2.2cm; and thanks to the 3D navigation system, there's no need to remove objects from the floor before cleans. Plus, as you can manage the robot's work areas and scheduling via the app, vacuuming from wherever, whenever is possible.
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