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
Ecovacs Deebot N8 robot vacuum cleaner and mop, $399 (usually $999), Amazon
It's with good reason the Ecovacs Deebot N8 is the 'no. 1 best seller' of vacuum cleaners on Amazon. 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. With scheduled cleaning, custom mop zone and custom water flow, plus a one-year warranty, this affordable model allows you to kick up your heels while all the work is done for you.
"Am so glad that I purchased this robot, it is the best thing ever. Once the mapping is done, which can take a couple of cleaning cycles, and you set up the boundaries and rooms plus the cleaning sequence this robot does the rest. It is brilliant how it navigates chairs and furniture while it vacs and mops," wrote a five-star reviewer.
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Ecovacs Deebot OZMO-T8AIVI robot vacuum, $599 (was $1099), Godfreys
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."
Roborock S8 robot vacuum and mop, $899 (usually $1299), Amazon
With 3D structured light and infrared imaging for obstacle avoidance and multi-level mapping, the Roborock S8 allows you to give extra TLC to rooms of your home in need - without putting in the elbow grease yourself. Featuring a duo roller brush, 6000Pa 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.
"It vacuums and mops my floors leaving them looking shiny new. I also have a long haired dog and the vacuum cleans up well after her collecting all the hair she leaves behind," wrote a five-star reviewer. "I do have to empty the dust bin after every use due to the amount of hair and dirt the dog leaves behind daily but that just shows me the Roborock is doing its job."
MyGenie smart robotic vacuum cleaner, $260 (usually $699), Appliances Online
Perfect for hard-to-reach places like under the couch or bed, the MyGenie robot vacuum boasts intelligent obstacle avoidance technology for convenience. With a large dustbin capacity, powerful suction and dual side brushes to clean every corner, plus a one-year warranty, stress is taken out of cleaning. 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, "I have had the MyGenie robot cleaner for several weeks now and love it! I have it programmed to come on every day. It works well particularly on hardwood floors. I found it slightly tricky to contect to the WiFi. Very happy with my purchase."
Roborock S7 Plus robot vacuum and mop with cleaning dock, $999 (usually $1279), Amazon
Coming in as the second Roborock robotic vacuum to make the list (and deservedly so), is the S7 Plus. With sonic vibration mopping technology scrubbing up to 3000 times a minute, auto-lifting convenience to switch between mop and vacuum without wetting carpet, multi-layer air filtration and a self-empty dock system, and a one-year warranty, squeaky clean floors are easily within reach.
"After doing lots of research and comparisons online, I finally decided on the Roborock S7+. It definitely has not disappointed," wrote a five-star reviewer. "The app is easy to set up and the Roborock S7+ does a truly good job of vacuuming and mopping the house real well."
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