Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner UK
Robot vacuum cleaners are perfect for those who don't want to get your hands messy. They are more efficient than manual cleaning and are perfect for single-storey homes and flats.
Smart features are a bonus. These include mapping technology that will remember your home's layout, and avoidance of rugs and furniture, and getting into those nipples beneath furniture that larger robots have to contend with.
iRobot Roomba J7+
The iRobot Roomba J7+, an upgrade over the previous model made by the company, incorporates new technology that makes it more efficient in preventing pet waste. It uses smart navigation and mapping to create maps of rooms and floors and is able to navigate around obstacles like charging cords, furniture and shoes. It can also detect dirt and prioritise cleaning areas that are heavily filthy. This is a major improvement over previous models that frequently ignored the dirtiest spots or cleaned them for only a short period of time.
The robot vacuum is equipped with a self-emptying base which can deposit dustbin debris into its own 2.4L dirt bag. The company claims that it can hold up to 60 days of trash, which means you only have to empty and change the sack once every three months. The base station also includes an extra bag that can be used to replace the bag in a snap.
It's easy to set-up and use the Roomba, which is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can be controlled via the iRobot Genius app. The app allows you to decide when to begin and stop the cleaning, how it should take to complete the task at hand and also create a schedule.
In our tests during our tests, the iRobot Roomba J7+ was capable of cleaning the floors of area rug and hardwood without issue in the kitchen, foyer and the family room. It was quiet and listened to us while it worked. The decibel meter measured only 64db during the operation. It took about 90 minutes to finish a single cleaning and its battery took an hour and 58 mins to recharge following the cleaning. You can also extend your iRobot ecosystem with the Combo j7, which allows you to pair it with the iRobot mop m6 to have one run while the other moves around the room.
Dyson 360 Viz Nav
The Dyson 360 Viz Nav robot vacuum cleaner is the best option for those who live in a multi-floored home. The model can create maps of different floors and save them to the app, making it easy to switch between spaces without having to repeat the setup process. The robot can also be controlled by voice, and can be controlled by Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Dyson has adopted a different method of obstacle detection than most other robots, employing a combination of sensors and cameras. A panoramic camera on the top of the robot along with 26 external sensors can help create a map of the space as it moves. This helps the robot avoid obstacles and furniture.
In our tests, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav was able to reach right all the way to the edges and baseboards, and could also be easily guided through furniture pieces with very tight corners. The suction of the robot was powerful, and it was able to take every dust speck hair, hair strand and dried-out bit of Playdoh that we threw at it. The vacuum removed the bin quickly and easily, cutting down on cleaning time by half.
However the Dyson 360 Viz Nav didn't do as well as other robots in our obstacle-avoidance tests. It had a hard time with a temporary drying rack that it repeatedly tried to scoot under, eventually getting stuck and disrupting the cleaning cycle. It also had difficulty avoiding furniture pieces that are taller like the chair or coffee table. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav also isn't able to climb stairs which is a concern for many people 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. They have dual mop heads that spin while pressing down to effortlessly lift staining. They also lift automatically when vacuuming carpets, stopping dirty streaks from appearing and re-clogging vacuums with dirt. They have suction that is up to 5,500 Pa which is superior in the removal of dirt and dust. In addition to this, they have sophisticated water flow control to ensure the right amount of moisture for each flooring type.
One of the most remarkable things about Roborock is its capability to map out your complete home's layout using laser technology. The LiDAR system in a Roborock robot constantly rotates emitting laser beams, and measuring the time it takes them to bounce back against surrounding objects. This information is used to create a real-time mapping of your home, permitting the robot to navigate precisely and avoid obstacles.
Depending on the model you select, you can customize your map to include no-go zones, furniture placements and cleaning for specific rooms. You can also pick the cleaning routine to include mop only, mop on its own, or vacuum+mop. You can schedule regular cleanings by using an app-based system for cleaning that lets you set it and forget it.
Roborock has a broad range of options, from the budget-friendly S6 MaxV up to the top-of-the-line S7 MaxV Ultra. All models feature advanced mapping as well as a battery that lasts for a long time and a large dustbin. The docking station offers many features, including charging and refilling the hot water tank. In the UK, they also come with a two-year warranty.
Beko RCV 5
The Beko RCV 5 may be an relative newcomer to the robotic vacuum and mopping world but its sleek style and reasonable cost have already made it a huge hit. The Beko RCV 5 has a few tricks up its sleeves that set it apart from the competition, including self-emptying capabilities and object recognition. It's easy to set up and use with an application that lets you customize many options.
The navigation system in this model uses a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate your home and does a fantastic job of getting around obstacles. You can also alter the cleaning path using the app, making it easy to clean certain areas more frequently than other areas. The app can be confusing at first, but once you've mastered how to use it, you will be able schedule cleanings, and also manage the robot's power levels.
Despite auto vacuum of features and features, the RCV 5 is not without its flaws. It has a tiny water tank, which can only hold 240ml at any given time. While this is enough to perform the basic wipe clean, it's not the best to remove stubborn stains. The wiping plate also lacks the ability to rotate or vibrate.
In addition, the battery's lifespan isn't as long as one would expect for a machine that's priced at this level. In fact the RCV 5 only lasts for about a third of a cleaning cycle before needing to recharge. It's not a huge issue however it is something to keep in mind when looking for the latest robotic vacuum cleaner.
Karcher RCV 5
Karcher, a German manufacturer best known for pressure washers, has entered into the robot vacuum market with an RCV 5 model that vacuums and mop. The RCV 5 offers an impressive variety of features, including great obstacle detection (with the dual laser system) and mapping that can be viewed in real-time via the smart app.
It's also able to sense carpeted surfaces and initiates mopping mode when wet. It also has a spot cleaning function that intensely cleans a localised area of about 3 feet and can be programmed for weekly repetition. The RCV 5 is a good robot cleaner with suction power of 2,500 pascals. It is able to clean hard and soft flooring and can reach into tight corners and under low furniture.
Karcher Home Robots is an app that runs on smartphones as with other robots of today, it can be used to begin cleaning processes and make maps of your home. It is also possible to set up virtual walls and zones within which the RCV 5 can't drive, along with a host of other control options.
The RCV 5 has a downside in that its dust container is just a litre and will have to be cleaned regularly. This is unlike other models that incorporate disposal technology within their docking station. It's also heavier than many of its competitors which makes it less mobile and requiring more space in the charging station. However, the test participants found the RCV 5 easy to use and rated its app control high. It performed well in our tests, but some testers had difficulty getting its voice technology to work effectively.