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iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Cleaning Robot Review
This is the future of house cleaning. Nowadays when I visit a relative or friend it’s not unusual to find a robot vacuum whizzing through their house clearing carpets, rugs and hard floors whilst we catch up. The biggest advantage when you buy a robot vacuum cleaner is never needing to worry about cleaning your floors after a busy day or at the weekend when you want to chill out.
The iRobot Roomba 650 robot is a diligent vacuum that you can set up in your home and let it do the rest whilst you relax or get on with your day. It’s that simple.
The Roomba was one of the first robot vacuums on the market, there’s the assurance that iRobot has been designing high-performance cleaning appliances for a long time. The ergonomic design allows it to reach underneath furniture, sofas and beds thanks to the slim body height which pitches the Roomba 650 at just 3.6 inches tall.
The Roomba robot vacuum features a unique 3 stage cleaning system designed to lift all types of dirt including animal hair, spilt food, dust and anything else in its way.
What I love about the Roomba 650 is that you can stay on top of daily floor cleaning with very little effort. The machine can be programmed to clean around your schedule so it does not get in the way. I find that it works best when programmed to clean during the day when nobody is at home. I enjoy coming home to fresh clean carpets every day. Trust me, the novelty of a machine cleaning up after you will not wear off anytime soon.
Here are some features that you can look forward to when you buy the Roomba 650 robot vacuum:
It is equipped with a feature called iAdapt Navigation which houses various sensors that adapt to your home’s environment even when furniture is rearranged.
Roomba 650 is easy to schedule up to 7 programs per week, or simply manually press the CLEAN button and off it goes.
Never worry about charging the machine because it docks and recharges automatically when it detects a low battery.
Roomba 650 is capable of adjusting to different floor types automatically including rugs, carpets, tiled floors, hardwood and laminate.
A 3-Stage cleaning system comes as standard. Dirt is agitated, brushed and sucked up efficiently from carpets and hard floors.
Clever Design
Roomba 650’s low profile body gives it the distinct advantage to reach underneath areas that would normally be difficult to reach. Do you ever get put off moving your sofas to reach the dust that gathers behind them? Roomba will keep on top of this on a daily basis to stop dust from accumulating.
Another bonus about purchasing a Roomba 650 is that you will be supplied with Virtual Walls. The technology helps to create boundaries for the robot vacuum cleaner so that it stays within the confines that you set up.
The Roomba robot features a spinning side brush that sweeps wall edges and corners with great efficiency.
Roomba 650 is Easy to Get Started
The one-button operation lets the Roomba vacuum start cleaning immediately with no delays. You can always create a convenient cleaning schedule later. The iRobot Roomba 650 can be pre-set to clean up to 7 times every week.
How Powerful is the Roomba 650?
Okay, now that we know about the arsenal of features packed inside the Roomba 650 how did it actually perform in a real-life situation? My household is busy. I have a dog (Haimish) and messy kids (husband included). I wasn’t sure if the Roomba 650 robot could keep up and keep on top of the mess.
My dog, Haimish, sheds hair everywhere which can be a mammoth task to get rid of from my carpets and rugs. I thought the best case scenario would be the Roomba cleaning some of the hair then I would go over the rest with a full-sized vacuum.
Surprisingly the first time I turned on the Roomba robot it sucked up all of Haimish’s hairs like a champ and now my carpets are hair-free every time I get back home. The way I see it if Roomba 650’s suction power can eliminate stubborn pet hair it can take on any type of dirt.
Maintaining the Roomba 650 is much easier than cleaning the floors yourself. The machine collects dirt from the rear, so what you need to do is inspect the rear regularly and remove hair that might accumulate on the filter. Doing this will ensure that the Roomba robot doesn’t lose its suction power. I would also recommend washing the filter every week (takes less than 5 minutes).
The very fact that the Roomba 650 robot can clean hard to reach areas will mean that it collects a lot of unsightly dirt, dust and hair that you couldn’t normally clean with a full-sized vacuum. It’s astonishing to see the heaps of dirt collected on the first few cleanups, I kept asking myself where all that dirt was hiding. After several cleaning rounds the mess calms down.
What to watch out for with Roomba 650
Overall the Roomba 650 is a superb high-performance vacuum cleaner but I think you already get that impression. I‘ll point out a few things that could be improved so that you can get a balanced review. It could do with a larger dirt bin as seen on rival machines such as the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79.
The cleaning patterns should be optimised to avoid Roomba 650 going over the same areas more than once. It doesn’t appear to follow a predictable pattern although, in its defence, my floors are always spotless. Kudos to iRobot Roomba 650!
He occasionally gets stuck between furniture and objects lying around. Make sure that your floors are clear of obstacles before sending him off to clean.
Roomba 650 Product Rating
The iRobot Roomba 650 is a machine that is highly favoured by the majority of robot vacuum owners.
If you’re looking for a premium mid-range robot vacuum cleaner that won’t cost you a fortune then the iRobot Roomba 650 is a suitable choice. The machine is built to last and scored plenty of positive ratings from happy customers.
I’ll summarize the review with some helpful advice and guidelines for the Roomba 650:
Give the Roomba a bit of time to adapt to your home’s surroundings. Keep a watchful eye on the machine when it’s turned on for the first time to make sure it doesn’t get stuck somewhere.
Clean the dirt bin regularly to prevent loss of suction power.
I would recommend that he doesn’t vacuum sticky substances i.e. porridge, dog excrement or vomit to avoid damaging the machine.
Ensure that the charging dock is secure against a wall to avoid the Roomba knocking it over.
Keep lose cables and electric cords off the floor whilst Roomba 650 is hard at work.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂
If space in your home is limited, you should consider a compact vacuum cleaner. What is the best robotic vacuum cleaner for a small apartment or home? Before we look at robot technology it’s a good idea to keep a note of the type of space you are working with. Do you have an open-plan space or is it a cosy studio apartment?
Robot vacuums work better in rooms with fewer obstructions. Whether your home is large or small it’s best to clear away clutter so the robot can move freely. Here are a few reasons why robot vacuums are the perfect cleaning tool for small apartments and homes.
Robot Vacuum 3 Stage Cleaning System
Unlike uprights or canisters, modern robot vacuums are fitted with a 3 stage cleaning system. At stage 1 you will find a single or double side brushes that sweep debris and dust towards the vacuum. Stage 2 is a brush that rotates quickly to deep clean your floors.
The final stage is a powerful motor that efficiently sucks up dust and dirt into the collection bin. Robot vacuums might be small appliances but the 3 stage system delivers a thorough clean in small and large homes.
Why is a Robot Vacuum cleaner a good investment:-
It’s fascinating to see a robot vacuum cleaner working through your home. From the moment you switch in on it will cleverly work out the best route and remembers which parts of the house it has already cleaned. Robot vacuums will scan the surrounding area and quickly adapt to avoid collisions and falling off stair edges.
Leave it to work autonomously whilst you are out at work or shopping and you will come back to a clean home every time. Cleaning your floors is now one less thing to worry about. Most modern robot vacuums are designed to be compatible with your smartphone. This function lets you control everything from cleaning modes and battery charging to cleaning schedules.
All of this smart navigation is made possible with the use of proximity and cliff sensors (more on this below).
The robot always knows where to go and can find its way back to the charging dock when the battery is running low.
Given all this clever technology how do you decide what is the best robotic vacuum cleaner for a small apartment or home?
They are highly efficient and require little energy to charge batteries.
Requires less storage space than a full-sized vacuum.
Simple to set up cleaning programs.
A robot vacuum can easily adapt to your home surroundings.
Purchasing a robot vacuum won’t cost you a fortune. There’s plenty of choice ranging from premium to budget to suit every wallet.
Machine parts are easily replaceable and affordable.
Limitations of a Robot Vacuum:-
Unfortunately, robot vacuums cannot clean the stairs. Current technology hasn’t figured out a way for robots to climb or descend stairs. If you live in a small apartment or bungalow then this won’t be an issue.
Certain robot vacuums struggle to clean dark surfaces because the sensors mistake them for cliff edges.
This limitation won’t apply to most homes but it’s worth noting that robot vacuums will not work on inclines more than 30-degrees.
Not all robot vacuums are created with identical navigation systems and sensors. Below is a summary of the different types of navigation technology you can expect to find in modern robots.
Sensor Mapping– This type of mapping system relies entirely on sensors meaning that the robot will navigate through your home freely without a planned route. The disadvantage is that the robot can end up cleaning the same areas more times than necessary and waste battery power by doing so. The robot cannot remember where it has cleaned thus if it needs to recharge, it cannot resume where it left off. This inferior mapping system is normally found in cheap robot vacuums such as CleenMate or Robomaid. Ensure you choose your robot wisely.
Camera Mapping- arobot vacuum equipped with this system will use a combination of cameras and sensors to map out its route. The camera allows the machine to plot its bearings and remember the areas that it has already cleaned. This system is much more efficient than sensor mapping because the robot will not continue to go over areas that it has already cleaned thus saving on power and cleaning your home faster. If the robot needs to recharge its battery halfway through a clean routine, the camera mapping system will guide it to pick up from where it left. Camera mapping will be found on mid-range and premium models.
360 Eye Mapping– a clever type of mapping technology that relies on a camera placed above the robot for a 360 degrees’ field of vision of the surrounding area, this together with various sensors enhances the navigational capabilities of the robot vacuum. Similar to camera mapping, the robot will know exactly where it has cleaned already to avoid cleaning the same area. The most common robot with 360 mapping is the Dyson 360 Eye robot.
Laser Mapping– the robot will use a laser placed above the robot and a variety of sensors to determine where the obstacles are. The robot will know which parts of the house it has already cleaned and it can resume where it left off if it needs to stop midway to recharge. Laser Mapping is popular amongst robot vacuums such as Neato and Ecovacs Deebot.
Extra Features of a Robot Vacuum
Not all robot vacuums are created equal, their features vary depending on which brand and model you get. Manufacturers are constantly adding great functions to improve the convenience and autonomy that users enjoy from owning a robot cleaner. What extra features should you look out for when you decide to buy a robot vacuum?
Cleaning schedules
This is a must-have feature and thankfully most robots are equipped with a scheduling function so that you can plan which days and times you would like your robot to clean. Setting a schedule is a good way of ensuring the house is vacuumed regularly whilst you’re out and you can always return to a clean home.
Self-Emptying Bin
This clever feature is relatively new and addresses the issue of the dirt bin filling up partway through a cleaning routine. Robot vacuum bins are small and require emptying frequently. If you’re not around to empty the bin, the robot can return to the dock where the bin will be emptied into a bigger collection bin that can be emptied less frequently. That way the robot can always get on with the job at hand.
Mop Feature
What’s better than a robot that can clean floors? A robot vacuum that can mop floors as well. Robots such as the iLIFE V5s will vacuum floors and are equipped with a wet feature to mop hard floors.
This is made possible by including a water tank that works together with the auto damp mopping spa. This dual function is a great way of getting more cleaning tasks done.
Robot Vacuums Can Reach Small Areas
Small spaces that are normally difficult to clean are easily accessible to robot vacuums thanks to their portable low profile bodies.
Some robots can even adjust their height to navigate into limited spaces underneath furniture and beds. If you live in a small apartment or home you should take advantage of this great technology that requires little storage space and always keeps your home clean.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂
Is Ecovacs Deebot N79 the best robot vacuum for hard floors and carpets? Why are people suddenly fussing over robot vacuum cleaners? In recent years these tiny gadgets have enjoyed a surge in customer demand and there’s a good reason why.
Unlike the earlier models, robot vacuums are becoming a household staple. Manufacturers have refined the minuscule technology with cleaning power that is almost equivalent to a full sized vacuum cleaner. Who doesn’t love the idea of outsourcing floor cleaning duties at little cost? I’ve done this and have never looked back.
More importantly are the continuous improvements in the way that you communicate with your robot vacuum. In this scenario, the DEEBOT N79 is equipped with smartphone functionality to make operating the device a seamless experience (more on this later).
When I first heard about robot vacuums I shrugged off the idea thinking that it wouldn’t catch on. I thought that the notion of an autonomous vacuum cleaner was too gimmicky and might become an expensive disappointment.
I couldn’t have been any further from the truth. Everything from navigation to bin capacity has been ramped up to take advantage of every inch of space within the small robot vacuum cleaner.
So how does the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 stack up against its rivals? Does it perform just as good as premium robot vacuums such as the Dyson 360 eye or the Roomba variants?
I’ll break it down feature by feature within the next few paragraphs so you can decide if the N79 is the right choice for your home. Side note- automated cleaning is time-saving and awesome.
ECOVACS app and Connectivity
ECOVACS has upgraded the N79 to wirelessly connect with your smartphone via the ECOVACS app. There’s no need to be at home to wake up the robot, control and monitor it from anywhere. Within the app you can schedule cleaning times, set a specific cleaning mode and monitor cleaning progress.
If you prefer not to use your smartphone, there’s a remote provided that can be used to program the robot from a close distance.
Sensors and Navigation
The DEEBOT N79 is fully loaded with the best set of sensors to ensure that it safely navigates across your rooms and avoids knocking into obstacles. The N79 robot is fitted with three different anti-drop sensors to avoid stair edges and drop-offs bugger than 3.1 inches. You never need to keep an eye on the machine worried that it might fall of a stair edge.
The N79 is also fitted with advanced anti-collision sensors that detect obstacles and work out an alternative route. The robot can safely avoid objects and calculate an optimum route without any delays. It’s impressive to see how far the DEEBOT has come, it delivers unrivalled cleaning performance.
Cleaning Modes
Deebot N79 can be programmed to perform different cleaning modes. The standard mode is Auto Mode which delivers all-around cleaning through your home. Single room mode will concentrate on one room to blitz the dirt completely. Edge Mode focuses on problematic corners and edges. Spot cleaning mode is designed to target specific areas where the robot will devote its efforts.
DEEBOT N79 is designed to deliver a higher level of suction thanks to the brushless motor which increases the rotation speed for a noticeable increase of power. This robot vacuum packs a punch and provides suction power of up to 1000Pa. It works best on hard floors but performs well on all floor types.
The primary brush features a 3-in-1 V-shaped design that works better at sweeping up more dirt from carpets and digging deeper to provide a thorough clean.
The high rotation speed and advanced brush design make sure that no dirt or dust gets left behind. By now you can start to see how the cleaning technology works hand in hand to keep your home clean 24/7. This is why robot vacuums are this year’s most favoured purchase.
The advanced MOTION technology and different cleaning modes ensure that the DEEBOT N79 tackles the floor spaces in your home more efficiently than ever. The features and benefits of a robot vacuum cleaner ensure that you save plenty of time and constantly keep the house clean.
Bin Capacity
The dirt bin capacity is 300ml which is a decent size for regular cleaning. Emptying it out will take you a few seconds thanks to the easy ejecting slot. I would recommend emptying the dirt bin after each cleaning cycle to keep the machine running at its best and it helps to stop blockages.
Battery
I like that the Deebot N79 requires very little maintenance. It is equipped with a high capacity lithium battery that keeps the robot vacuum cleaning for up to 100 minutes on a full charge. When the machine detects a low battery it simply returns to the docking station automatically and once fully recharged it will return where it left off.
Deebot N79 Accessories Provided
ECOVACS are generous with their accessories. You are supplied with:
A standalone remote to program the robot.
A sponge filter.
A high-efficiency filter.
2 side brushes.
A charging dock.
Power adapter.
A bonus accessory set is supplied and includes:
2 extra side brushes.
An extra sponge filter.
An extra high-efficiency filter.
Additionally, a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty is provided as standard.
Product Rating:
Considering that the DEEBOT N79 costs less than $200 I’m impressed that it scored such a high mark for the product rating. You will find plenty of strong customer reviews vouching for its outstanding performance.
Is the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 a good appliance for automatic cleaning? absolutely. The designers took all the good bits from its predecessors and upgraded the technology to deliver a low cost, high-performance robot vacuum.
The best function has got to be the smartphone connectivity that allows you to control the robot wherever you are.
Are you considering purchasing the DEEBOT N79 or do you already own one? Please drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂
Is EUFY Robovac 11 the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner in 2017? To answer this question lets look at why robot vacuums have become one of the most sought after household appliance over the past few years. Automation seems to be the direction consumer appliances are headed. Our lifestyles are more hectic than ever and busy households can benefit from programming their appliances to perform repetitive chores.
Nowadays you can automate everything from lighting, heating, cooking, washing etc. Why wouldn’t you automate floor cleaning as well, considering that it’s one of the most mundane and time-consuming chores?
Once upon a time, it was ludicrous that someone would buy a machine to wash their dishes. Now it’s commonplace to own a dishwasher and most of us do.
This is no different with a robot vacuum. Set it to vacuum your floors when you are out shopping or at work and you will always come back to a clean house. This is the biggest appeal of a robot vacuum.
Not all robot vacs are created equal. The market is flooded with cheap models with inferior sensors and batteries that are more trouble than a convenience.
So where does the EUFY Robovac 11 fit into the mix? Here are a few reasons why this robot vacuum sits among the best of them.
EUFY Robovac 11 Cleaning Performance
Where most robot vacuums are designed with a dual cleaning system, the Eufy Robovac features a triple cleaning system that takes advantage of the side brushes, a roller brush, and 1000Pa of suction power.
The roller brush will agitate dirt that in nestled deep within the carpet and directs it towards the suction vent where its sucked up into the collection bin.
The side brushes sweep dirt into the suction vent and makes sure that no nothing is left behind. The side brushes will also sweep areas where the machine can’t reach such as corners and edges.
The machine is designed to clean multiple surfaces and can automatically adapt between hard flooring, carpets and rugs. The Eufy 11 performed consistently on tiled flooring, wooden and laminate flooring. My home has a combination of level loop piled carpets, laminate, and tiled floors.
My dog sheds pet hair everywhere and I wasn’t confident that the Eufy 11 would get rid of animal hair as effectively as my bigger vacuum cleaner. I programmed it to clean daily during the day whilst nobody was at home. I was satisfied with the results as I came home to a hair-free home.
The obvious limitation with all robot vacuums is that they cannot clean stairs so you still need to have a separate vacuum for this. It’s a small trade-off and to be honest its easier to vacuum a few stairs rather than the whole house.
EUFY Robovac 11 Filtration
The EUFY Robovac 11 is fitted with a 3 part filter system. The HEPA filter needs to be replaced occasionally and we like that the machine is supplied with an extra HEPA filter. There’s 2 extra layers of filtration- a primary filter to catch hair, breadcrumbs and larger particles and a foam filter to catch dust particles. The primary and foam filter can be washed, I recommend washing the filters every 2 weeks to keep the Eufy 11 running at its best. An extra foam filter is supplied.
EUFY Robovac 11 Sensors
Eufy Robovac is fitted with 11 dual anti-collision sensors that work together with a pressure sensitive bumper for better navigation.
Robot vacuums are not perfect and there’s a learning period where it might occasionally bump into furniture as it learns its surroundings. A cliff sensor prevents the robot from falling off stair edges.
EUFY Robovac 11 Battery
Eufy 11 is fitted with an advanced high grade Li-ion battery that won’t diminish after a few months like the batteries found on cheaper models (this is a common problem with low quality robot batteries). The Eufy 11 battery maintains maximum runtime and charging performance for years.
The robot can charge itself automatically by docking directly onto the charging base or you can manually charge it by plugging the adapter into the side of the machine. When fully charged the Eufy 11 will show a solid blue light.
Spot cleaning mode for the robot to focus on vacuuming a small parameter efficiently before it moves onto other parts of the house.
Max Concentrate cleaning mode to concentrate on problem areas with demanding dirt.
EUFY Robovac 11 Scheduling
The different cleaning programs on Eufy 11 are highly customizable. You can schedule it to clean daily at specific times or if you prefer it to vacuum on specified days it can be set to do that as well.
The remote control features a digital display that simplifies changing the different cleaning modes and functions. You can schedule cleaning times directly from the remote.
EUFY Robovac 11 Dimensions
The dimensions of the machine are 13 x 12.8 x 3.1 inches which make it one of thinnest robot vacuums out there. The low profile gives the Eufy Robovac a distinct advantage to be able to venture underneath furniture and sofas where a bigger vacuum simply couldn’t reach. A lot of dust collects under furniture but a robot can reach those areas with ease.
The machine weight is a mere 6.7 pounds. If the machine ever gets stuck or needs to be carried upstairs it’s light enough to lift. Can you see why robots vacuums are a big deal?
EUFY Robovac 11 Dirt Bin
This model is fitted with a Dirt bin that is 33% bigger than its predecessors. The size of the dirt bin is 0.6 litres and is the same size or bigger than handheld vacuums.
After the initial clean you won’t need to empty the vacuum as often although I would recommend that you check the bin at the end of each day to ensure there’s enough room to collect the next day’s dirt. The bin slots out and back in easily, emptying it takes a few seconds.
What comes in the box
EUFY Robovac 11 unit.
4 Cleaning Brushes are supplied.
Extra HEPA Filter and Sponge Filter.
Cleaning Cutting Brush Tool.
Remote Control ( No Batteries ) Needs Two AAA Batteries.
Docking Charging Base.
Power Adapter.
Quick Start Guide and Manuals.
Warranty and Satisfaction Card.
Pros:
It’s cheaper than most high-end robot vacuums but provides equivalent cleaning performance.
HEPA style filter comes as standard.
We like that a remote control is provided for convenient programming.
Long running time up to 90 minutes.
Stylish design build from high-quality materials including anti-scratch tempered glass cover.
Customizable cleaning modes to depending on the room size and floor type.
Cons:
Remote batteries are not provided.
It doesn’t work with a smartphone.
Watch the EUFY Robovac 11 in Action
EUFY Robovac 11 Pricing:
Prices for the EUFY Robovac 11 have reduced considerably. You can find one for less than $220.
Long operating time, powerful suction and a premium design throughout earns the EUFY Robovac 11 a high consumer rating.
Product Rating 9/10
Conclusion
EUFY Robovac 11 robot is one of best robot vacuum cleaners for 2017, it has enjoyed plenty of raving reviews from satisfied users and it’s easy to see why. You are buying a premium robot for less than $220 but enjoying the same benefits for a fraction of the price of high budget robots like the Dyson 360 eye that costs $999.
The only feature you are not getting is controlling the unit via your smartphone but would you pay an $780 for this? The EUFY Robovac 11 is equipped with HEPA filtration, a remote control, low profile cleaning, a 3-point cleaning system and long battery running times amongst some of its great features.
Do you want to buy the EUFY Robovac 11 robot vacuum cleaner or have you already got one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear about your experiences and why a robot vacuum appeals to you. Thanks for reading.
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two 🙂
If you’ve heard about autonomous cleaners and wondering what is a robotic vacuum cleaner then read on to discover some of the great benefits of using one to free up some of your time. Robot vacuums were originally introduced over 10 years ago but a lot has happened since then and we are now starting to see cutting edge technology fitted into these little helpers.
Manufacturers have refined robot vacs to the point where they can be controlled via an app on your phone. The original models were unreliable and would not survive for more than a few months but the latest versions are vast improvements. Let’s dive right in and check out what robot vacs are capable of and what they can do for you.
Navigation
The initial questions I get asked about robot vacuums is how do they know which direction to go? Will they fall off the edge of my stairs or knock into my furniture. 3 words- sensors, sensors, sensors. Modern robots are fitted with smart sensors that will scan the surrounding area including the room size and obstacles. It maps out the best possible routes and plans efficient patterns so it clean in less time. Below is a demonstration of various patterns a robot will use to cover all sections of the house.
Cliff sensors help the robot to detect edges and stops it from falling down a flight of stairs. This would be a costly mistake and most certainly break the machine.
Proximity or anti-collision sensors are fitted around the robot so it can avoid hitting into walls, chair or table legs, furniture and other obstacles.
Nowadays the majority of robot vacuums are supplied with a charging station that the machine returns to when it completes a cleaning cycle or if it detects that the battery needs charging.
Ideally you want to choose a robot vacuum that can automatically mount itself back onto the charging dock.
Charging times vary but these range between 2 – 3+ hours. If a machine requires charging part way through a cleaning cycle it can remember where it left off and normally return to complete the job when it’s fully charged.
Modern robot vacuums are designed with approximately 1000Pa of powerful suction which is plenty of power required to seek out dirt from deep within the carpet. A robot vacuum is fitted with additional side brushes that work together with the suction. The brushes will sweep dirt directly into the air inlet to ensure that nothing is left behind.
You might have wondered how a circular device can clean corners and edges? The side brushes deal with this problem because they are designed to reach past the confines of the robot’s body to reach into corners brush dirt towards the suction vent.
What type of accessories should you expect with your robot vacuum? In addition to the charging dock look out for a remote control to conveniently program the machine from a distance without the need to bend down or lift it up.
Side brushes should be supplied as standard. The best brushes are 3 pronged and certain manufacturers will supply an extra set of brushes as a bonus for purchasing their robot vacuum.
Filters to look out for include HEPA filters, foams filters, and a primary filter. Ideally you want a robot vacuum with triple layer filtration for the best possible clean.
Robot vacuum machine weight varies between around 7.9 pounds to 9 pounds. This is comparable to the weight of a handheld vacuum. You’ll have no difficulty lifting the vacuum if it were to get stuck or when it needs to be lifted upstairs to vacuum the top floor.
The width of a robot vacuum is between 13″ and 14″ and height ranges from about 3″ to 3.9″. The key dimension to look out for here is the height of the vacuum. A shorter height makes it easier for the vacuum to roam underneath sofas, cabinets and beds.
Top Tip: Look out for height adjustable models particularly the Neato brand that will lower themselves to get underneath sofas and furniture. Check out our Top 8 best performing robot vacuums to find the best robot for your home.
Robot Vacuum Filtration
Is it possible to buy a robot vacuum with HEPA filtration? Absolutely. Allergy sufferers can rest assured that their robot vacuum will purify the air from airborne allergens as it works diligently throughout the house.
Not all vacuums are fitted with HEPA filters but models such as the Dyson 360 Eye are equipped with this level of filtration. Why not check out our Top 8 best performing robot vacuums to find the perfect robot vac that suits your lifestyle.
In addition to HEPA filtration, robot vacuums are designed with a primary filter that will catch larger dirt particles such as hairs and bread crumbs. There is also a foam filter to trap dust particles. Choose a robot with all 3 filters for cleaner air quality.
Given that robot vacuums are portable, the dirt bin capacity on them are a decent size. Times are moving quick, when I first reviewed robot cleaners the dirt bins could house between 340- 400 liters of dust and dirt. Nowadays that size has increased considerably with some models housing up to 600 liters which is comparable to stick and handheld vacuums.
Emptying dirt is incredibly easy because the bin simply pulls out from the slot and clips back in once emptied.
What type of battery running time can you expect from a robot vacuum? considering that they are as small as handheld vacuum they run for a lot longer. The average running time of a robot vac is between 60 to 120 minutes.
The batteries come in different grades including Lithium Ion and Nickel Metal Hydride. Stay clear of cheap models with poor quality batteries that cause more problems than their worth.
Programming a robot vacuum couldn’t be any easier. Each machine varies but the instructions are fairly similar. You can set the machine to clean at a specific time of the day when you are away from the house or program it to perform a manual clean. If you set it up to clean when nobody’s at home just ensure that the floor is as clear as possible from obstacles like children’s toys and electric cables. If it get gets stuck when you are not around it will stay
If you set it up to clean when nobody’s at home just ensure that the floor is as clear as possible from obstacles like children’s toys and electric cables. If the robot gets stuck when you are not around it will stay there until it’s rescued.
Robots like the Neato Botvac D5 can be connected to the home Wifi and controlled wireless via an app on your smartphone. You don’t even need to be at home to schedule a cleaning program. This feature is proving to be highly popular.
Obviously a robot vacuum cannot clean or lift itself up a flight of stairs yet. Maybe sometime in the future a clever manufacturer will think of a genius way for a robot to work the stairs but for now we just have to accept its limitations.
Certain cheap models are fitted with inferior battery technology that burns out after a few months. I would recommend sticking to high quality Lithium Ion batteries on models such as Neato, Eufy, ILIFE, IRobot and Dyson of course.
It won’t do the dishes but it will mop your floors! Yes, that right. Certain models such as the ILIFE V5s feature a dual function that can vacuum and mop hard floors.
The design encompasses a separate water tank and cleaning mop. Did I doubt that a tiny robot could mop effectively? Yes. Did the mopping performance match me doing it myself? The robot mopped better than me.
What is a robotic vacuum cleaner worth given that it frees up so much of your time by maintaining a clean living space for you and your family?
Before I tried a robot vacuum I was skeptical about their effectiveness and durability. I kept asking myself if the suction would be powerful enough to agitate dirt and lift animal hairs etc. The simple answer is yes it can do all these things really well and then some.
Do you want to buy a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner or already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear about your experiences with robot vacuums or what has persuaded you to get one. Thanks for reading.
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Is ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 the best tangle free robot vacuum cleaner? Imagine a time when you don’t need to vacuum your floors. Where you can simply program a robot to do the work. Robot vacuums are fast becoming a popular household must-have for busy families and anyone that generally puts off vacuuming. Robovacs don’t take up much room and can be programmed to work around your lifestyle.
In this review, I’ll be looking at the DEEBOT N78 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, a highly rated cleaning robot that won’t break the bank. It offers long running times, automatic charging and can clean multiple surfaces including carpets and hard floors.
Cleaning Performance
The DEEBOT N78 is fitted with 3-pronged dual side brushes that work in unison with the strong suction power to sweep up dirt and suck it up in with one pass. It is designed to seek out pet hair and effectively remove it without tangling thanks to Tangle Free Technology.
It offers 3 cleaning functions that give the best efficiency depending on room size and dimensions. There’s an AUTO cleaning function for daily cleans, a Spot cleaning function that concentrates on small problematic areas with lots of mess and an Edge Cleaning function for corners and edges.
Bin Capacity
We like that the ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 sports a large dirt bin with a 500 ml capacity. It’s good to see a portable cleaning appliance with half a liter bin, which would be the equivalent size as certain handheld vacuums that I’ve tried and in some cases bigger.
Battery and Charging
The N78 is fitted with a high graded NI-MH (3000) battery that gives an impressive running time of up to 110 minutes.
When the machine senses a low battery it will get a signal from the charging station to guide it back for automatic recharging, although it might need a bit of assistance if it’s in a different room to the charging dock.
Filtration
The filter system is designed to minimize airborne allergens floating around. If you suffer from dust allergies, asthma or hay fever I would recommend using the Deebot N78 to keep your home dust-free. The filtration system works together with the 3 stage cleaning to capture dirt and dust effectively and keep it from escaping back into the atmosphere.
Sensors
Deebot N78 is fitted with clever sensors to help it navigate around obstacles in your home and plan the best possible cleaning route. Infrared sensors ensure that the robot stays clear of stair edges and knocking into furniture. It can detect between carpets and hard floors and adapt to the cleaning mode to suit.
The Deebot has an advanced safety system with anti-drop sensors that can sense edges and keep the robot safe from falling. You can leave it to clean top floor hallways without worrying that it might get damaged. It is also equipped with anti-collision sensors that make sure it doesn’t bump into furniture and walls.
Remote Control
I’m pleasantly surprised to see that the Deebot N78 comes with a remote control. Normally you wouldn’t expect to see a remote control provided with low cost robot vacuum cleaners. Cleaning convenience doesn’t get any better when armed with a remote.
You can program the robot to start cleaning, pause it or change its route. You can schedule the robot to automatically clean at specific times when no one is at home.
Preparation
As with all robot vacuums, preparation is key. All this involves is making sure that the floor is as open and clear as possible so that the robot can roam freely and clean the house better. Ensure that small objects such as books, plates, children’s toys, shoes or clothing are removed from the floor.
Accessories
ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 comes with the following accessories as standard:
If you consider that a premium robot vacuum such as the Roomba costs nearly 5 times as much as the DEEBOT N78 it’s amazing to see equivalent performance provided here.
Pet hair cleaning performance is hands down better on the N78 because of the 3 stage cleaning system and tangle free feature.
The Roomba vacuum cleaner is equipped with a roller brush that is located close to the suction vent, which causes it to clog up and requires regular cleaning. You don’t get these issues with the N78 which costs a fraction of the price. Do yourself a favor and save a lot of money with a robot vacuum that cleans as good as the premium machines.
Can the ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 Mop floors?
Yes the DEEBOT N78 mops floors, if you get the optional mops that are provided with the accessory kits which include side brushes, mops and filters.
Personally, I think this is another great hidden feature that needs to be brought to the forefront. Most potential buyers aren’t aware that the N78 vacuums and mops. It’s good added value that justifies why this is the perfect robot vacuum.
Pricing
When I first heard about this robot model and its capabilities I was convinced that the cost to buy one would be upward of $400. Surprisingly you can buy the ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 for less than $180.
This is a bargain considering that you are getting a high-performance robot vacuum that not only cleans pet hair but can charge automatically, mop floors, and be programmed to clean autonomously. It’s a win-win.
Product Rating:
The ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 is backed up with plenty of positive customer ratings thanks to a great set of features at a low cost. This awards it top ratings from satisfied customers.
A convenient remote control is provided at no extra cost.
Cheaper than high-end robot vacuum but offers the same features and cleaning performance.
Ergonomic onboard handle to lift the robot easily.
Cons:
Mops are not provided and need to be purchased separately.
Can get lost from the charging dock and occasionally needs help finding its way back to the station.
Specifications:
Colour: Black
Weight: 9.7 pounds
Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 inches
Suction Option: Direct Suction (Brushless Suction)
Working Mode: Auto Spot Edge
Spot clean time: 2-5 minutes
Filter: High-efficiency filter
Side Brush: Dual
Input Voltage & Frequency: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz
Auto Charging: YES
Time Scheduling: Daily Cycle Cleaning
Noise Level (db.): Approximately 56
Charging Time（hours: Approximately 4-5 hours
Battery Capacity (mAH): NI-MH (3000)
Dust Bin Capacity: 500 ml
Maximum Working Time Per Charge: 110 minutes
Conclusion
Although robot vacuums have their limitations I’m glad to see that the N78 model pushes the boundaries and offers good value for money. Not only does it deliver the best cleaning performance, it can mop floors as well. I would like to see ECOVACS highlight these features a bit better because their robot vacuums are some of the best currently available.
Would I use the DEEBOT N78 as a long term cleaning solution? Definitely. It’s a robust little thing with programmable features usually reserved for high end robot vacuum. This robovac can easily fit in with your schedule, whatever that might be.
Do you want to buy the ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear about your experience with robot vacuums or what has persuaded you to get one. Thanks for reading.
EUFY Robovac 11 Cleaning Modes
EUFY Robovac 11 Scheduling
What comes in the box
Battery and Charging
Sensors
Remote Control
Preparation
Can the ECOVACS DEEBOT N78 Mop floors?
