How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner
Technical progress successfully serves not only industry, but also helps the average person in everyday life - housewives actively use its latest achievements in the field of household appliances. Washing machines have long and firmly taken their place in our apartments and houses.
Later they were joined by kitchen assistants - dishwashers. Relatively recently, a new miracle of household appliances has appeared - miniature robotic vacuum cleaners, rushing to occupy their niche in our collection of useful gadgets that save energy and time.
A robot vacuum cleaner is an autonomous device for sweeping and cleaning floors that does not require operator participation in the process. All you need to do is plug the plug into the outlet, carefully read the instructions and do not forget to regularly clean the dust container. Not a device, but simply a magician!
However, despite the fact that many manufacturers have learned to make such automatic dust cleaners, and there are already a great many models available for purchase, this technique is still quite new and unknown for many. And given its relatively high cost and significant price range, the question of choosing a model sometimes confuses a potential buyer.
This article will help you understand the aspects of choosing the best robot vacuum cleaner for your home.
The content of the article
Types of robot vacuum cleaners
First, it’s worth paying attention to what types of robots are on the market today. Just as in the case of classic dust collection devices, there are 2 classes of automatic vacuum cleaners: regular and washing.
"Ordinary" robot Using small brushes mounted on the bottom of the housing, it sweeps dust and small debris from the floor surface into a special internal dust container. It has a small height, is designed for cleaning flat surfaces and can cope with coatings with a pile length of no more than 2 cm.
Washing vacuum cleaner, in addition to nozzles for sweeping away garbage and a container for collecting it, contains tanks for water (clean and dirty). During the cleaning process, the device wets the floor surface with water, collects wet dust and wipes the surface. The scope of application of such equipment is limited compared to conventional models, since it is larger and taller in size, and is also unsuitable for cleaning floors with soft surfaces such as carpet, rugs, and materials that do not allow prolonged contact with water (for example, laminate).
Attention! When choosing the type of device, first of all, be guided by the type of floor covering you intend to clean with it.
Main settings
The main parameters of robotic vacuum cleaners include:
- cleaning area;
- overcoming obstacles;
- dust container volume;
- suction power;
- battery type and capacity;
- noise level.
One of the main parameters is cleaning area, which can be processed without recharging. Obviously, this specification should not exceed the size of the living space you plan to clean.This parameter correlates with the continuous operating time of the device.
There is even empirical calculation formula, used by some experienced users:
S = t – 10, where
S – cleaning area;
t – battery life.
However, this formula is not applicable in some cases, so it is better to be guided by the actual value of the parameter S indicated in the technical data sheet of the device.
Overcoming obstacles characterized by a threshold height that the device can overcome during the cleaning process.
Dust container volume determines the amount of dust the robot can collect before the dust bin needs to be emptied. This characteristic depends on the time of continuous operation and the amount of dust in the apartment.
Suction power affects the quality of cleaning.
Battery type and capacity are decisive for the charging speed, operating time and continuous operation of the device. The most reliable are lithium-ion power supplies.
Noise level — It can be of fundamental importance if someone is sleeping during cleaning, for example, you have a small child, or you prefer night cleaning mode. Measured in decibels.
Additional functions
In addition to its main task - garbage collection - various models can implement certain additional functions that are useful for operation.
Air filtration. This function allows the vacuum cleaner to clean not only the floor surface, but also the air passing through the device. For this, specialized HEPA filters or simple paper filters can be used. The former are significantly more expensive and allow you to filter the air much better.
Cleaning according to schedule. The option is available in almost every modern model of famous brands. It allows you to configure your assistant so that it starts on its own in your absence. The owner will only have to monitor the condition of the dust container and carry out timely maintenance.
Wet cleaning improves the quality of the vacuum cleaner by using a damp cloth in addition to the working brushes.
Soft touch will protect your furniture from scratches, and animals sleeping in the path of the cleaner from stress. The function is implemented through a set of technical means, including a spring bumper, proximity sensors and a speed control system.
Height difference sensor useful for use in a private home to protect an expensive gadget from falling down the stairs.
Control and orientation in space
The vacuum cleaner in its basic version is controlled from buttons located on the top panel of the case. They can start work, pause it and send the device to the base. Advanced features are subject to availability remote control.
If you are used to controlling your equipment remotely, this option will be especially pleasant for you. With it, you don’t need to go to the base to start cleaning or look for a noisy device to urgently stop the procedure and send it for charging.
You can also program the device to operate using the “Scheduled Operation” function. Advanced versions of robotic dust collectors feature voice control.
Robotic vacuum cleaners navigate in space using infrared sensors, allowing them to avoid bumping into objects and preventing them from falling from a height.
These same controls allow the device to interact with the base and virtual walls that limit its geographic habitat.
Recommendations for choosing a robot vacuum cleaner
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, you must be guided by the following considerations.
- Floor surfaces. First of all, decide on the type of device. If you plan to run a vacuum cleaner under cabinets and beds, as well as sweep laminate floors, a device without a wet cleaning function is suitable for you. Otherwise, you may want to consider a detergent option.
- Budget. Since the cost of gadgets, depending on the set of functions and execution, can fluctuate within very wide limits, you should choose models with the right set of options in order to avoid unjustified costs. It is also recommended to avoid purchasing the cheapest models from unknown manufacturers - they may not live up to expectations and undermine faith in this inherently wonderful technology.
- Calculate the required performance (working time, processed area) based on the actual size of your home.
- Pay attention to the amount of operating costs: the frequency of replacing consumables (replacement filters, brushes, etc.) and their cost.
- Avoid unnecessary, marketing functionality. For example, a built-in ultraviolet lamp will not help in getting rid of bacteria - for this it needs to be exposed for a long time.
- Follow the “trust but verify” principle. Some little-known brands try to embellish their products by assigning them non-existent properties. For example, if such manufacturers claim to have HEPA filters, it is advisable to verify this with your own eyes.
- Don't take battery parameters lightly.It should be enough for a full cleaning, and it should quickly gain charge. The need to quickly replace this unit can again hit the budget and upset the owner. Lithium ion batteries are preferred.
