Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner UK
If you don't wish to get your hands dirty, then robot vacuum cleaners are a great choice. They are more efficient than manual cleaning and are perfect for flats and single-storey houses.
Smart features are an added bonus. They include mapping technology that will remember your home's layout, and avoidance of rugs and furniture, and getting into those nipples under low furniture that larger robots struggle with.
iRobot Roomba J7+
The iRobot Roomba J7+ is an upgrade to the company's previous model and includes a new feature to make it more effective at avoiding pet waste. It makes use of intelligent mapping and navigation to make maps of rooms and floors and tries to avoid obstacles such as charging cords, furniture and shoes. It also detects dirt and prioritise areas for cleaning that are filthy. This is a major improvement over older models which often ignored dirtiest spots or cleaned them for only an insignificant amount of time.
The robot vacuum is equipped with a self-emptying base which can deposit dustbin debris into its own 2.4L dirt bag. iRobot claims that the bag can store debris for up to 60 days, so you only have to empty it and replace it every three months. The base station can also store bags for spares and quick replacements.
The Roomba is simple to set up and use. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and can be controlled using the iRobot Genius App. Utilizing the app, you can decide to start or end cleaning, set the duration it should be able to spend on each task and set up a schedule.
During our tests in our lab, the iRobot Roomba J7+ was capable of cleaning areas rug and hardwood floors without issue in the foyer, kitchen and family room. It was quiet and listened to us while it performed its task. The decibel meter recorded only 64 decibels in the operation. It took approximately 90 minutes to complete one cleaning and its battery took an hour and 58 minutes to recharge following the cleaning. The Combo j7 allows you to extend your iRobot ecosystem by pairing it with the iRobot Mop m6. One can run while the other moves around the room.
Dyson 360 Viz Nav
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav robot vacuum cleaner is the best choice for anyone living in a multi-floored residence. This model can create maps for several floors and save them to the app. It is then easy to move between spaces without having the setup process repeated. The robot can be controlled by voice commands, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Dyson has developed a unique approach to obstacle detection than most other robot vacuums, employing sensors and cameras. A panoramic camera mounted on the robot's top, together with 26 sensors external, helps create an image of the area as it moves. This allows the robot to avoid obstacles and furniture.
In our tests, we found that the Dyson 360 Vis Nav could reach up to baseboards and edges, and was able to navigate through furniture with tight corners. The suction of the robot is strong and can take in every dust particle, hair strand, and dried-out piece of Playdoh we tossed its way. The vacuum also pulled the bin away easily and quickly, reducing cleanup time by half.
However the Dyson 360 Viz Nav didn't do better than other robots in our tests of obstacle avoidance. best budget robot vacuum had a difficult time with a drying rack that it kept trying to move under, but ended up getting stuck and disrupting the cleaning process. It also had difficulty getting around some taller furniture pieces such as a chair or a coffee table. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is also unable to climb stairs, which can be a problem for many homeowners who live in multi-story homes.
Roborock
Roborock robot vacuums are equipped with top-of-the-line features that help them stand out from the crowd. This includes dual mop heads that spin while pressing down, and then effortlessly lift the stains. They also automatically lift when vacuuming carpets to avoid leaving dirty streaks and cleaning the vacuum of dirt. They are able to suction up to 5,500 Pa to ensure superior dust and dirt removal. They also have sophisticated water flow controls to make sure the proper amount of moisture is absorbed by each floor type.
Roborock's ability to map out your entire home with laser technology is among its most impressive features. The LiDAR system on a Roborock robot is constantly rotating emitting laser beams, and calculating the amount of time they take to bounce back off surrounding objects. The data is then used to create an accurate map of your home's layout which allows it to navigate with precision and avoid obstacles.
Based on the model you choose, you can customize your map to include no-go zones, furniture placements, and cleaning for specific rooms. You can also select the cleaning routine to include mop only, mop by itself, or vacuum+mop. You can schedule regular cleanings by using an app-based cleaning system that allows you set it and forget it.
Roborock offers a variety of options, from the budget-friendly S6MaxV to the most expensive S7 MaxV Ultra. All models come with advanced mapping, a long-lasting battery, and a huge dustbin. The docking station offers many functions, such as charging and refilling the hot water tank. Lastly, they are covered by a two-year guarantee in the UK.
Beko RCV 5
The Beko RCV 5 may be a relative newcomer in the robotic vacuum and mopping world, but its sleek design and reasonable price have already made it a huge hit. This robot has a few tricks in its sleeve to make it stand out from the competition, including self-emptying capabilities and object recognition. It's also simple to set up and use, using an easy app that allows you to modify the settings to suit your preferences.
The model's navigation system makes use of sensors and a combination of mapping to help you navigate your home. It does a great deal of avoiding obstacles. You can also alter the cleaning route using the app, making it simple to clean certain areas more frequently than other areas. The app may be confusing at first, but once you've mastered how to use it, you'll be able schedule cleanings, and also manage the robot's power levels.
The RCV 5 has some flaws despite its impressive list of features. It is a tiny water tank, which can only hold 240 ml at a time. Although this is sufficient to get the basic wipe clean, it's not ideal for removing staining that is difficult to remove. The plate that wipes is also devoid of a rotation or vibration function.
Finally, the battery life isn't as long as one would expect for a machine at this price. The RCV 5's battery only lasts for about a third of a cleaning cycle. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it is something to be considered when looking for a brand new robotic vacuum cleaner.
Karcher RCV 5
The German manufacturer Karcher is best known for its pressure washers but it's entered the robot vacuum market with a model that vacuums and mops. The RCV 5 has a range of impressive features, including excellent obstacle detection using a dual-laser system, and mapping that is monitored in real time via the smart app.
It's also able to sense carpeted surfaces, and automatically initiates wet mopping mode. The spot cleaning feature is also extremely beneficial. It can be programmed to repeat weekly. The RCV 5 is a reliable robot cleaner with a suction capacity of 2,500 pascals. It is able to clean both hard and soft flooring and can reach into corners and even under furniture that is low.
As with many modern robots the RCV 5 has a smartphone-powered app called Karcher Home Robots. It can be used to initiate cleaning and manage maps of your home. It's also possible to set up virtual walls and zones which the RCV 5 isn't able to drive, as well as various other options for controlling.
One drawback to the RCV 5 is that its dust bin can only hold about a litre and will need regular emptying, unlike some models that have integrated disposal technology built into their docking stations. It's also heavier than some of its rivals which makes it less mobile, and thus requiring more space in the charging station. The RCV 5 was highly rated by the testers for its ease of use and app control. It performed well on our tests, though some users had difficulty getting the voice technology to work well and found the docking station difficult to place in the flat position.