Should I buy a robot vacuum cleaner: the capabilities of units, opinions and reviews of the owners

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Antonina Turyeva
Last update: December 2024

Thinking about whether to buy a robot vacuum cleaner for the home, you have to evaluate your living conditions and compare them with the real capabilities of the unit.

Indeed, robotic equipment, which appeared on the market relatively recently, has not yet become an absolute substitute for the good old vacuum cleaner. Although with the right choice, you can significantly save time on cleaning.

In this article, we consider the capabilities of robotic vacuum cleaners, get acquainted with the opinions of the owners regarding the advisability of buying such an assistant for the home. We also give recommendations on choosing the appropriate model of a robotic assistant.

Key features of the robot

World-renowned manufacturers offer a wide variety of vacuum cleaner models. They differ not only in weight, shape, size and appearance, but also in a set of functions.

Moreover, it is the latter factor that is fundamental, directly affecting the price tag of each model.

In order to decide on the purchase of this kind of vacuum cleaner or close the question, completely abandoning the thought of acquiring, you should familiarize yourself with its capabilities. And then compare them with the real conditions in which the robot has to work.

It is worth noting that not every unit is able to cope with dried drops of juice or coffee. The ability to wipe stains is the prerogative of washing modifications of the vacuum cleaner. Only robots capable of processing the same place several times will be able to do this.

Also an important characteristic is the shape - round models do worse with cleaning in the corners of the room. An exception is models that have elongated side brushes.

Among the capabilities of robotic vacuum cleaners are the following:

  • ability to build a room map, so as not to encounter obstacles during subsequent cleaning;
  • installation of a virtual barrier - walls to prevent the unit from accessing a specific place / room;
  • inspection of the room with an optical cameraplaced on the case, and transferring the information received directly to the owner;
  • control some models with the remote control.

The newest representatives of robots from many manufacturers are synchronized with the user's gadgets. This will require the installation of a mobile application.

Virtual wall function
A virtual barrier - a wall - is an additional opportunity to optimize the work of a smart assistant. An accessory can have several modes of action, for example, you can limit the area that is a mini-dining room for a pug / Persian / other pet

The pros and cons of buying

Not all potential users will become happier after buying a robot vacuum cleaner - it may turn out to be another piece of furniture that reminds you of wasted money.

Pros of buying robotic vacuum cleaners

It is important to understand that a robotic vacuum cleaner is not able to 100% save the owner from cleaning his home. It only simplifies daily care by picking up small litter in a dust collector or wiping a laminate / parquet / linoleum with a napkin.

Therefore, the unit will be very useful for your beloved grandparents with disabilities - just give the user a remote control or set a cleaning schedule.

Robot syncs with smartphone
Smart models of robotic vacuum cleaners are able to report on the work performed, sending a report to the owner. In which there is a map with marked areas where it was possible to get out, and where not

Another argument is the presence of an animal in a fur coat. Even the shortest wool sheds and stays on a carpet, sofa, or accumulates under the legs of a sofa / chair. To get acquainted with the best robotic vacuum cleaners for carpets, please go this link.

Among the advantages from buying a robot, one should also note the following:

  • his presence disciplines - owners get used to hide wires, socks, children's toys, removing all unnecessary from under their feet;
  • clean kitchen after children’s meal - To collect crumbs from the floor in the kitchen, you can run a robot, and this time should be spent on a more pleasant task;
  • no need to take out the vacuum cleaner every day - It is enough to program the robot for daily cleaning, for example, while the hostess is walking with a pug;
  • cleanup time is reduced - weekly general cleaning is simplified, because almost clean rooms are easier to bring to shine.

A robotic assistant is able to free up a few hours per week, which can be spent usefully. Moreover, dust particles do not accumulate in the corners - the unit will regularly collect dust from the floor.

Arguments of opponents of such a technique

Ardent opponents call a robot vacuum cleaner just a toy. They give a number of arguments against buying it. First, the high price. It is difficult to argue with this - indeed, not everyone who wants to can buy household appliances for 40 or more thousand rubles.

Little helper cleans under furniture
There are cheaper analogues that can facilitate routine household tasks. In addition, the personal time of most working people is more expensive than a robot cleaner

Secondly, the preparation of the area. There is a need for preliminary cleaning of the floor from small objects and wires. Some models are able to get tangled up or pull the iron, laptop, hairdryer and other small household appliances onto the floor.

Thirdly, poor assembly and breakdowns. This sin cheap robots come from China. Many of them do not have a guarantee and a Russified instruction manual. Therefore, no one bears obligations to the buyer.

High-quality original robot vacuum cleaner
In order to protect yourself from falsification or low-quality equipment, it is better not to be tempted by a low price tag - such vacuum cleaners may not meet the declared parameters or even break down after a week

Fourth, possible problems with the quality of cleaning. Many opponents of robots retell the same story about products of cat / dog life, a thin layer smeared throughout the apartment.

Moreover, this counterargument is given, as a rule, by people who have not seen firsthand such vacuum cleaners. And thousands of cat / dog owners leave enthusiastic video reviews on their robotic equipment and there is only one such story.

Moreover, to avoid an incident is not difficult - you need to walk animals in a timely manner, and protect the place of feeding or a cat's toilet using a virtual wall.

Fifth, a cluttered apartment. The modest dimensions of the room, where every centimeter matters and the maximum of useful furniture is squeezed in, is not the best place for the robot vacuum cleaner to live.

He will not be able to rearrange the furniture, and the area for cleaning will not justify the funds spent on his purchase.

Carpet Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Owners of small apartments filled with furniture really do not need such a technique. And for large rooms with carpets and animals, categorically you can’t buy cheap Chinese robots - they will not cope with such tasks

Reviews of real users about robots

After evaluating reviews of robotic vacuum cleaners on specialized online platforms and forums, you can notice one pattern - if the purchase was deliberate, then there are no complaints.

Such owners are quite happy with the new housekeeper.

Robot vacuum cleaner in a house with animals
Many bachelors and pet lovers have been using a robot vacuum cleaner for 3-5-7 years and are happy from its presence in their home

They especially like these features:

  • set a cleaning schedule and come in the evening to a clean apartment, where there are no debris or wool of your favorite cat;
  • the unit is able to wipe the floor and vacuum under the sofa, where the owner himself gets once a week / month;
  • you can specify the cleaning location and the robot will not cross these boundaries.

As for the negative reviews, the people who received such equipment as a gift or bought under the influence of advertising or enthusiastic responses from a neighbor / friend played for a week or two and put the unit dusting in the far corner of the pantry.

Some opponents of robotic technology do not like the fact that for various types of tasks they have to acquire a separate unit: for the pool one robot for windows - another, for polishing parquet - a third and so on

They also do not like a number of points, among which are the following:

  • the robot can not clean in the corners and wash the skirting boards;
  • regularly need to clean your hair brushes, dust collector;
  • the unit may get stuck under low furniture, heating radiators;
  • the robot cannot make a full-scale general cleaning by washing and cleaning the entire apartment;
  • a working unit scares individual pets, and some like to ride on it;
  • this kind of equipment is too expensive.

Moreover, I do not like that for wet cleaning it is not enough to indicate the desired cleaning time and to fill the tank with liquid in advance - the owner will need to be in the next room.

Robotic cleaners need owners attention
From time to time, a robot vacuum cleaner may need help - add water, it is possible to put a virtual wall so that it does not climb onto the carpet, etc.

therefore before buying, it’s important to really evaluate your living conditions and select a model based on them.

Rules for choosing a robot cleaner

The choice of the potential owner is truly great - the robotic technology for the home is distinguished by functionality, height, shape, color and, of course, price.

Moreover, the latter in some cases is a consequence of the model belonging to the family of the eminent manufacturer. It is not surprising that when faced with such an assortment for the first time, it is easy to get lost.

Therefore, it is important to immediately identify the main criteria that should be guided when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner. If he has to rub the floor, then the polisher will cope with the task by type Irobot Braava Jet 240.

And if you need to vacuum the carpets and wipe the floor, you will need a more functional model.

ICLEBO Brand Cleaner Model
A robot from a famous brand is not only a higher price tag. A positive reputation is attached to it, the availability of service centers throughout the country, affordable consumables and other accessories

In addition to the estimated area of ​​the room and the type of flooring, attention will be paid to the following technical parameters of the unit:

  • suction power;
  • dust collector volume;
  • self-cleaning function and a base with a trash can - this option is justified for large rooms;
  • various operating modes;
  • number of brushes;
  • battery capacity and recharge time;
  • the ability to build a map of the room, planning their movements;
  • promptly and independently follow the base for charging the battery;
  • the ability not to get tangled in wires;
  • remote control / smartphone and the ability to schedule cleaning.

Not all robots are equipped with a base - this fact should be considered by the owners of small apartments. Sometimes it’s better to choose a model that charges directly.

If you plan to buy in the online store and there is no way to inspect the robot you like, then it will be useful to look for an online overview of this model. After all, brushes that are difficult to maintain and with a ton of extra parts can ruin the impression of even perfect cleaning.

IRobot Robot Model
Among users, house cleaning robots from iRobot are especially popular. The models are presented in a wide assortment and price range - from budget ones available to most buyers, to more expensive versions with lots of technical bells and whistles

Smart vacuum cleaners of such brands as:

The latter, by the way, differ in more than acceptable cost with an extensive set of functions and skills. One of the prominent representatives of this brand is Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum.

Another important criterion is ease of maintenance. It is advisable to immediately check how the cleaning brushes are removed, especially if family members with long hair or periodically molting pets live in the house.

Also an important criterion when choosing is the presence of /service availability in the hometown / village. So that, if necessary, there are no problems with warranty service.

It is advisable immediately, before buying, to study the market of accessories / accessories for availability - where you can buy everything you need and how much it will cost.

Well, if the model you like is not picky and agrees to work with cheap Chinese brushes for the price of 1-2 dollars per pair.

Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner
You should approach the purchase carefully, taking into account your wishes and comparing them with real characteristics. Then there will be no disappointment in the operation

Having picked up the optimal robot vacuum cleaner that best meets the stated requirements, you need to study the reviews on it by the real owners.

But it’s worth looking at forums and specialized platforms, paying special attention to the negative ones and evaluating them for adequacy.

It is important to check before buying that the operating instructions and the manufacturer's warranty are included.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Do I need a robotic dust cleaner in the house, testing models:

A video about the advisability of buying a robot. Owner shares his emotions from his work:

Rules for choosing an automated home assistant - a vacuum cleaner robot:

The main mistakes that are made when choosing a robotic vacuum cleaner:

Pros and cons of a robot vacuum cleaner in a recall of a real owner living with a furry friend:

Having studied the reviews of the owners of robotic apartment cleaners, as well as the arguments in favor of buying this kind of equipment and the arguments of opponents, you can make your opinion on this.

Moreover, when deciding to purchase, it is important to carefully select the optimal model, taking into account the area of ​​the room, domestic features, type of flooring and other characteristics that affect the final decision.

Do you have questions about choosing the right model of a robot vacuum cleaner for your home? Or want to consult with our experts and other site visitors about the advisability of buying a particular model? Ask your questions in the comments section - our experts will try to help you. And the real owners of the model you like, if there are any among the visitors to our site, will share their impressions about the use of this robot vacuum cleaner, talk about the pros and cons seen during operation.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Personally, I am pleased with the purchase of the robot, since while my son and I are walking, he cleans the house. With a small child it is difficult to find time for cleaning, and cleanliness should be, because the absence of dust is the key to health. Yes, the robot cannot remove heavy dirt, but it’s much easier for me to walk with a damp cloth on a clean (i.e. dust-free) floor, this saves both my time and my energy. True, before turning on the robot I have to remove all the toys from the floor, but this is good, because discipline will not hurt anyone)

  2. Margarita

    Having read rave reviews of wonderful miracle robots, vacuum cleaners, I bought myself. But she was disappointed, but, to be honest, he is not worth his money. It is not an alternative to a conventional vacuum cleaner and will never replace it. There is always dirt in the corners; little is also removed from the long pile carpet. Only fine rubbish is within his power. First do the cleaning yourself, and then start the cordless vacuum cleaner. I rarely use it.

    • Maria

      Are you talking about a robot vacuum cleaner now? There are several firms in the review. Probably got a cheap Chinese like Xiaomi? Of course, cheap robots can not cope with the task, it is more like a toy. If you take it, then iRobot. I have 980 which year, is cleaned every day. If only for him, only consumables changed.

  3. lemon_girl_

    When I decided whether or not to buy a robot vacuum cleaner, I read the information available on the Internet, and watched videos with tips on choosing an automatic cleaner. I appreciated the capabilities of the device, thought for a long time whether I needed it at all or whether I could get by. Still, she bought the Xiaomi Mi Roborock Sweep One.

    The model is not cheap, but it removes dust with small debris and wipes the floor with a damp cloth. Thanks to laser sensors, it does not run into obstacles. It works after recharging 2.5 hours. I like it.

    • Gorgonops

      Not the best choice. Xiaomi would do what they do best, and these are phones. With vacuum cleaners, they are not so rosy.

      In particular, Roborock has a number of serious flaws. For example, a constantly breaking brush. A very unreliable lidar can calm down your electronic friend after some six months.

      If you think that warranty repairs will save you, do not expect. There are scratches and dents on the case, and they will, don’t hesitate, because when you make a map, your vacuum cleaner is well stoned about everything it finds and will serve as a reason for failure.

      In addition, even if you succeed in handing over the device as a guarantee, repairs can take a very long time. There are no components for these vacuum cleaners, and delivery from China will have to wait. The conclusion is that it’s better to buy something more reliable, for example, iRobot.

    • mirry

      Well, and how is it already broken?)) There are a lot of negative reviews about Xiaomi. They do not really clean, and break quickly. And if they break, then often they have to repair it themselves. The official service, under all pretexts, refuses the owners, he himself read more than once.

  4. Pashka

    Tell me, is it worth buying the iRobot Roomba 980. The description is straightforward perfect. I want to buy, but since it’s worth the money, I don’t want to make a mistake with the choice. Thank you so much!

    Thanks for the article too! But doubts in each case still remain.

    Attached photos:
    • Yuri V.

      Just yesterday I ordered myself this after a long reception. Now they have a new model - Roomba i7, and the 980th has already been removed from production. It seems to be quieter at the same level of absorption. Plus, he can build a map at home - you can tell him to use the smartphone to “flush the kitchen”, and he will say a lot of work.

      Why did you get 980 anyway? Because at home, the cat and the 980th seem to do better with wool. Yes, it is noticeably louder, but I will turn it on anyway when we leave home. But it seems to clean better.

      And if you compare with other brands - then xs, but rumba seems to have worked very well. Yes, and the model is top-end, with the latest technology.

      p.s. if you don’t have any pets, then take i7, it will stumble less on furniture, there is a newer navigation system.

    • Gorgonops

      Worth it. But it’s better to take the most modern model of this company at the moment, i7. It's a little more expensive than the 980th, but the functionality of the new model will satisfy the wildest expectations. The main thing is not to be stingy and do not take Chinese or Korean “analogues”. Short-term savings can result in very unpleasant costs for you in the future.

  5. I would still think about the operation of a vacuum cleaner, I have it at home, but I changed it, because over time it ceases to suck in small debris and its container is still small. Brushes should be constantly cleaned if there is a lot of long hair on the floor (applies to women).

  6. Darya

    I completely like my robot, it was not in vain that they chose painfully and for a long time. They took Clever & Clean AQUA-Series 01, it washes well, it does dry cleaning with 4 ++.

  7. I have the cheapest irobot. Ideally collects dust, removes all corners. Husband vacuuming worse 🙂 I love this vacuum cleaner!

  8. Sergei

    They took Xiaomi. : (((

    At first, they connected with the application. I had to enrich my knowledge with such an indispensable thing as sql.

    Then, already in the process of operation, they realized that the card that the robot is building is just a trick for the owner. The robot does not use it in work. He blindly pokes around all corners and obstacles. Almost immediately, it became clear that his battery was not enough to clean the entire apartment.

    They also found out that after recharging he might not remember that he had not finished cleaning. The route, by the way, was different each time. He moved chaotically, without a system.

    He cleaned poorly. We have cats in the apartment. Wool was not an easy test for him. She clogs the bin, sticks to the brush and roller. As a result, having passed the floor of the room, he stops cleaning because the brushes are no longer sweeping.

    And then it generally died out, and we carried it in for repair. But in the repair we were told that we need to buy spare parts, despite the current warranty. They have no spare parts.

    Here is such a sad story.

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