While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular, full-blown sweeping, they can't replace the traditional plug-in models. To keep them in top condition requires emptying the dust bin following every cleaning session, wiping the cameras and sensors occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes when required.
It comes with a large bin, and an auto-empty system that is quiet. Its obstacle-avoiding capabilities are tangled in cords and socks, and it misses dirt on baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that has two brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to remove dirt, dust, and debris from bare floors. It also comes with three-spoked rotating brushes that picks up debris from walls' edges and corners. The Roomba 694 is quite effective in picking up pet hair, though it may leave some in carpet fibers if you let it run through multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 is a good self-manipulator, and doesn't get caught in low furniture or cords. However, it doesn't come equipped with the latest obstacle avoidance technology and its battery could be exhausted before returning to its dock.
It's still a good choice when you're looking for an affordable robot vacuum that is simple to operate. You can manually control it using the 'Clean' "Dock," and the 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or by using voice commands transmitted through your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can follow Siri commands from iOS Shortcuts.
You can also manage the Roomba 694 remotely from any place by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you design customized cleaning schedules, as well as track the robot's performance. You can also use the app to end cleaning jobs that are in progress, if needed. The iRobot Home app will also provide error notifications when the robot encounters an issue for instance, if it wedges itself into an opening in furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does a good job of maneuvering itself around the house, it's not designed for stairs or narrow pathways. It does not do a great job of vacuuming low pile carpets and leaves behind a lot of tufts and hair clumps. You might want to consider an alternative robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.
Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter This model does not have a self-emptying bin. The dirt compartment is moderate size, but it will have to be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks as well as their time and date, how they were initiated (app, scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot) as well as their duration and their status as completed.
The iRobot is better than the Coredy R550, because it is more sturdy and durable and has lower recurring costs and a larger dustbin. It is also faster to charge, and can maneuver over obstacles such as electrical cords and is more efficient both on bare floors and on high-pile rugs. The companion app comes with an enhanced set of automation features and features, too. The Roomba 694 is not as good as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, which has a larger dirt compartment, lasts for longer on a single charge and comes with physical boundary strips that block it from certain rooms.
Roomba 960 from iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of iRobot's most advanced models. It has many features that distinguish it from other robots. It has advanced dirt detection technology and maps-saving technology. It also has a powerful cleaning system and is compatible with Alexa. This is a great option for those looking to purchase a high tech robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and excellent cleaning capabilities.
The 960 is a circular robot equipped with two rubber brushrolls as well as three caster wheels to ensure stability. It weighs 3.9kg making it simple to move up and down steps. It can be purchased with a docking station or without it, depending on your preference. The docking station keeps the Roomba fully charged and plugged in when it's not working. The docking station is a convenient and easy way to keep your robot clean and charged when it's not working.
iRobot created 960 to work on carpet and floors that are not bare. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable, and it can easily clean up pet hair. It also excels in picking up large pieces of debris like kitty litter and cereal. It isn't as effective well on carpets with high piles however. It is able to pick up pet hair, and larger particles. However, it has trouble with smaller particles, like sand. Some of the sand is stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test with Quaker Oats the 960 performed admirably and picked up the majority of the powder that was scattered. The robot vacuum can maneuver around a wide variety of furniture and obstacles, and the circular design allows it to fit snugly under the legs of chairs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled via 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 spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every few months or so to ensure that they are in good working order. You should also clean your dirt compartment sensors frequently. Maintaining these parts in good condition will keep the Roomba operating at its peak and will allow it to last longer.
The 960 is a good robotic vacuum, but it does have some flaws. It is expensive, but worth it if you want an item that cleans well. It also comes with features that make it a good option for busy people. The iRobot App is easy to use, and Roomba's cleaning schedule is set. It is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so that you can match the Roomba to your decor.
iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba 980 is the most sophisticated robotic vacuum in the current lineup of iRobot's. Its full suite of navigation sensors allows it to maneuver between furniture and along edges, and Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brushes let dirt slide off and collect it from any floor type, while accelerating debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology captures the environment when it moves, and creates visual landmarks to aid in recollecting the location it's been in and avoid bumping into objects and walls. The camera also spots dirtier areas, triggering the Roomba to automatically increase suction power and traverse these zones repeatedly before moving forward.
Users can set up digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba entering areas in the home that they do not want it to enter. This feature was added to the app in October 2019. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive set of features, and will prove useful to many people.
After a two-hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 comes back to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this category to offer such a feature, and allows you to allow it to do its work while you're gone for long periods of time. Remote control functionality within the app lets you to begin and stop cleaning sessions anywhere in the world.
The Roomba app is a joy to use, and the interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main screen is equipped with an enormous clean button that can be activated with just a single click. The bottom row of icons allows quick access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and more. You can even connect the app to your personal assistant to issue voice commands.
Issuing a command from the app isn't always a quick process, however it could take a while for Roomba to be able to recognize your request. It's a nagging flaw on the machine that is heavily reliant on its sophisticated controls, and it seems particularly unjust given that the 980 is expensive.
As iRobot's flagship model, the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a host of intelligent features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuums available. It's less versatile than others because it doesn't have an app that is specifically designed and remote control. That said, the 980 is a good choice for those looking for a high-powered automated vacuum that takes the burden off of itself. Be prepared to spend a little more.