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.
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 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.
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 think that a robot vacuum is impressive, we’ve found something better. This is the best wet and dry robot vacuum cleaner for hard floors. It mops! The ILIFE V5s is a high-performance gold coloured robot that’s fitted with the extra functionality to mop your floors.
Use it to clean and mop hard flooring in your kitchen and bathroom. The machine is designed by a company named ILIFE who have been making high-quality robot vacuum cleaners for the past 10 years. In this review, we will guide you through the ILIFE V5s features and demonstrate what you can expect.
Portability
The ILIFE V5s has a low profile body that glides underneath furniture with ease. Onboard lighting makes it possible for the robot to vacuum in dark confined areas i.e. under the bed and sofas.
It measures 11.8 x 3 inches and is small enough to lift with one hand and move between floors.
Suction
The machine is fitted with the latest motor that delivers almost twice as much suction power as its predecessors and runs for 20% longer whilst minimising machine noise. The efficient motor ensures that your house gets a thorough clean in less time.
The ILIFE V5s is fitted with the latest sensors to help it traverse your home. The front obstacle sensors stop the robot from knocking into furniture and walls.
It’s also equipped with a host of cliff sensors to stop it from falling off stair edges.
Battery Running Time
The manufacturer claims that the battery runs for an impressive 1.5 to 2 hours but some customers have reported that the ILIFE V5s can vacuum on a full charge for 2 to 3 hours at a high setting. Either way, you are guaranteed long running times, the latter is a bonus.
Mopping
The water tank is designed to work hand in hand with the auto damp mopping spa which is suitable for wooden floors, tiles, marble, and laminate flooring.
For obvious reasons, please don’t try to use the ILIFE V5s wet feature on carpets or rugs. The cleaning mop can also be detached and machine washed.
The mop feature works similar to how it vacuums but it’s quieter. It follows the same cleaning pattern to complete the task in the least amount of time.
The instructions state that the water tank should only be filled up with water but I bravely added a tiny amount of all-purpose detergent to sanitise the floors and I like how it smells. Do it at your own risk (adding detergent did not damage the machine or affect its performance).
The ILIFE V5s is fitted with a primary filter and HEPA filter to ensure that fine dust particles and allergens are separated from the air and trapped within the dirt compartment.
If you suffer from allergies and/ or you want to breathe cleaner air then you should consider a robot vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration.
Bin / Water Tank Capacity
The dirt bin and water tank each have a capacity of 0.3 litres. I’m impressed that a vacuum so small has enough space to contain an adequately sized water tank and dirt bin.
This ensures that the ILIFE V5s can continue to vacuum without requiring constant emptying or refilling with water.
Schedule
The ILIFE V5s can be programmed to work on a schedule that suits you best. It can be set to clean during the day whilst you are at work or out shopping thus not interfering with your leisure time. Use the remote control supplied or the onboard touchscreen to program a convenient cleaning pattern.
The machine is equipped with a charging dock that it automatically finds and goes back to when it notices a low battery.
Once the battery is charged it will return to its last point and continue cleaning where it left off. Battery charging times are between 4 to 5 hours.
Daily Performance. How did it do?
I would recommend the ILIFE V5s for a house that is dominated by hard floors although carpets are cleaned just as good. I would compare this machine to the Roomba robots but it costs considerably less for similar features.
I tested the robot in medium to large sized rooms. My kitchen measures about 400 square feet and the master bedroom is about 350 square feet.
After each run, I checked the dirt bin to find several inches of hair and dust similar to that collected when using a stick or handheld vacuum. The cleaning results were impressive.
The ILIFE V5s does not have any issues finding its way back to the charging base unless it gets stuck, although I noticed that it’s hesitant to clean the area that immediately surrounds the charging base. I remedied this by occasionally moving the base to different parts of the house so that every area gets an equal amount of cleaning.
Tip- Avoid placing the charging base close to an intersection of a path because the robot won’t go past it and will remain stuck in one area.
After using the ILIFE robot cleaner for a few weeks I settled on the following good points and not so good:
Pros:
It gives consistent cleaning results and is a dependable robot vacuum cleaner.
If it gets stuck or wedged between something, it can push itself out of a tight spot.
The mopping function is as good as the vacuuming.
Replacement filters are cheap to buy.
The overall cost to buy and maintain the ILIFE V5s is cheaper than premium machines with similar features. In most cases this robot does more than units which cost twice the price.
It doesn’t need looking after once you have programmed it. Set it up and at times you will forget that its there.
I’ve not experienced any type of battery problems that are usually associated with robot vacuums.
Cons:
On a rare occasion, it bumped into the side table and almost knocked it over.
Doesn’t like to clean the area immediately surrounding the charging base. Make sure you move the base or place it on top of something.
Product Rating
The ILIFE V5s scores very high because of stylish looks, a robust machine made from strong materials, long battery running times, smart sensors and the biggest feature that sets it apart is the mopping function.
The ILIFE V5s is a robust robot vacuum cleaner that delivers the equivalent cleaning performance to vacuums that costs a lot more. It looks good and is equipped with a host of smart functions such as anti-bump and anti-drop to avoid falling off stair edges.
We like that the machine is reasonably priced yet it provides more features, namely the wet function to mop floors. If you are searching for a mid-range robot cleaner that costs less than $200 I would highly recommend the ILIFE V5s.
The robot market is flooded with inferior models that are guaranteed to give problems. Save yourself the headache and get a machine that is efficient, reliable and backed up with a 1 year warranty.
There are raving reviews about this robot from pet owners. Pet hair is swept up by the side brushes and sucked up into the dirt bin by the powerful motor. If you’ve not witnessed the cleaning power of robot vacuum cleaners, the ILIFE V5s is a good place to start.
Would you like to buy the ILIFE V5s or do you already own one? Please leave your comments in the section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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 🙂
We’ll be guiding you through robotic vacuum cleaner reviews and the benefits of owning an appliance that works independently to keep your floors always looking their best.
What is a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner?
Similar to standard vacuum cleaners i.e. canisters, uprights, handhelds etc, a robot vacuum is designed for a specific purpose- to clean your floors without your help or control.
The future is here and robot vacuums are packed with the most advanced cleaning technology including navigational capabilities to avoid obstacles and falling off the edge of stairs.
A robotic cleaner can map out the surrounding area to determine the optimal cleaning route and always know where it is in relation to its charging base.
Portable vacuums are designed in either circular or D shapes and can clean multiple floor types such as carpets, wooden floor, laminate, tiles etc. Dirt is collected into the bin housed within the machine.
Robot vacuums run on batteries with various running times that ranges between 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. When the robot is finished cleaning, you can place it into it charging station but recent improvements mean that the robot can find its own way back to the charging port once tasks are completed or if it detects low battery power.
Some people would argue that robotic vacuums cannot replace a full-sized vacuum cleaner.
A robot is limited to open spaces and areas on a single level. Sorry if I’m stating the obviously but it cannot vacuum stairs, ceilings, chandeliers, window frames etc.
However, a robot can regularly maintain clean floors for the majority of the house to save you time on daily vacuuming that can be performed whilst you’re at work or away from the house.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are controlled by drive wheels on both ends of the unit and a few supporting driverless wheels.
Built-in sensors scan the surrounding area for obstructions, edges and measure distance. Similar to bigger vacuum cleaners, robots use a motor to create suction. They are equipped with a wide roller brush and side brushes to gather debris that is then sucked through the air intake.
Navigation Technology
The advantage of using a robot vacuum cleaner is that you don’t need to keep a watchful eye over it.
The robot will clean using specific cleaning patterns, for example, it can be programmed to follow a circular or zig-zag pattern depending on the layout of the room.
The navigation technique depends on how sophisticated the sensors are. Improvement in sensor technology has seen robot vacuums becoming more efficient at detecting optimum routes and better avoidance of obstacles.
Premium brands such as Neato have equipped their range of Botvacs with laser mapping systems to scan the surrounding areas better and avoid confusing dark carpets with edges.
Ensure that you choose a robot vacuum with 360 cameras, laser mapping and GPS so you get the best route guidance.
These same units can also find their way back to the charging station whereas inferior models will find their way back home by sheer luck. Avoid units with semi-random mapping and IR sensors- they move in a random inefficient pattern and often get lost.
They cannot climb up or go down stairs. If your house is on more than one level you will have to move the robot between levels.
Some robot vacuums struggle to navigate on dark surfaces and can confuse them with edges.
If they fail to accurately map out the area, robots can overlook cleaning parts of the house or get lost from their charging station.
The Dirt bins are smaller than full-sized machines and require frequent emptying.
Robot vacuums tend to get stuck between electric cables and wires. I would advise that you declutter the house and leave open spaces for the machine to roam freely.
Shag rugs and shag carpets still prove to be a challenge for robot vacuum cleaners.
The Benefits of Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
There has been a lot of debate surrounding robot vacuum cleaners and the advantages of owning one.
#1. Some still think that robot technology is a fad that won’t last long term. But after testing some of the current models, it’s clear to see why we can benefit from using them.
#2. A distinct advantage of using robot vacuum cleaner is that once setup it hardly requires your assistance except when it needs emptying. Convenience is the best part of owning a robot.
#3. Most people don’t actually “enjoy” cleaning floors, and hiring a cleaner can be costly.
#4. Robot vacuums can clean the majority of your house leaving only small areas that you might need to clean once a week saving you the time it takes to regularly clean floors.
#5. People that suffer from health issues, such as joint or mobility problems and back pain, will hugely benefit from using a robot vacuum cleaner.
Some people will purchase a robot vacuum out of curiosity or keep up with the latest technology. Either way, I highly recommend one as a good house cleaning investment.
How Portable are Robot Vacuum Cleaners?
Robot vacuums are housed in various designs but the majority are generally circular shaped. The 360 Eye robot vacuum, by Dyson, is one of the most portable cleaner currently available with a diameter of only 24 cm.
You can expect to find a diameter of between 30 cm to 35 cm on most robotic cleaning machines, which is about the size of a ruler. More importantly than the diameter would be the height of the machine.
A robot with a lower profile can move underneath furniture easier. The 360 Eye is 12.7 cm tall. This allows it to clean underneath furniture and sofas.
Portable robot vacuums can get to hard to reach areas but the compromise is that they won’t house large bins compared to their bigger equivalents.
Given the small size of robot vacuums, the suction power is less than a full sized vacuum cleaner.
Generally you are looking for a machine with between 400 to 500 Pa. This level of air pressure is sufficient because the brush roll does most of the work by sweeping up dirt and directing it into the air intake.
Robot vacuums without a brush roll are equipped with a stronger motor that delivers between 600-700 Pa of airflow.
Robotic Cleaner Dirt Bins
There’s no getting around this one. Robot vacuums are portable and as a result, their dirt bins are smaller in size when compared to a fully sized vacuum cleaner.
On average, robot vacuum dirt bins can tuck away between 340- 400 litres of dirt before they need emptying.
Continuous improvements are seeing manufacturers increasing bin sizes whilst maintaining a portable profile. Don’t be surprised if you find machines with bins packing over 400 grams of dirt. All robot vacuum cleaners are designed with bagless bins to maintain energy efficiency when pushing debris into the dirt bin.
Filtration
Surprisingly, manufacturers have not placed a lot of focus on filtration technology in robot vacuum cleaners. This is an area that has great potential.
Some robots cost more than full-sized vacuums and consumers would most likely prefer them with HEPA filtration.
As mentioned earlier, robot vacuums are bagless due to size restrictions and efficiency. This means that the onboard filters must solely filter incoming air where a full sized vacuum cleaner would have the help of a HEPA filter.
The majority of robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with one layer filters but we are starting to see newer models with additional HEPA filtration.
Not all batteries are created equal. The quality of a robot vacuum’s battery is a crucial performance element. The best battery quality is currently Li-Ion.
Robots equipped with Li-Ion batteries can operate between 2 – 2.5 hours depending on the motor’s power and a number of sensors built into the unit.
Robots such as the Dyson 360 eye operate for only 40 minutes, even when using a Li-Ion battery and this is because it has the most powerful motor when compared to its rivals. Robots with Ni-Mh batteries don’t clean for as long but are cheaper to buy.
Battery charging time also varies between units. Generally, it will take about 5 hours to fully recharge a standard robot whereas higher grade units can be fully charged in 3 hours.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants a noisy vacuum cleaner. Bigger motors will consequently produce more noise. Units that exceed 60 decibels are too loud.
There’s a great choice of robot vacuums that operate under 50 decibels and produce excellent cleaning results.
The original idea behind robot vacuums was that they would clean your floors for you whilst you do other things. Purchasing a quieter robot means that you can enjoy reading a book, watching a TV show, talking on the phone without the distraction of a noisy motor.
Obviously robot vacuum cleaners won’t come with accessories such as crevice tools and extension wands but that doesn’t mean they don’t require accessories.
Virtual walls are a digital boundary that a robot vacuum cleaner won’t go beyond. They are particularly useful in a house with lots of corners and edges. You might also have rooms that you don’t want a robot to venture into, such as pet areas.
You can never have too many filters, so any extras included are a bonus as well as additional side brushes.
Certain machines come with a remote control, which is nice to have, but don’t pay over the odds for one because once the machine is programmed it requires very little control.
You should also check if a storage bag is included for accessories and to store the robot when you are away for a long period.
My last tip would be a robot vacuum with an onboard LCD display is much easier to program cleaning schedules.
Pricing
Honestly speaking, buying a robot vacuum cleaner can be a costly investment but they are plenty of choices and great bargains available.
Generally, most buyers don’t want to spend more than $500 for one.
The majority of people were happy to pay between $250-$400 but the great thing is that you can find popular machines that cost less than this. I would recommend looking through our list of the best robot vacuum cleaners to suit your budget and cleaning requirements.
Manufacturers such as iLife are producing high-quality robot vacuums that cost considerably less than premium brands. These low-cost robots do not compromise cleaning performance and can go head to head with premium units to deliver equivalent results.
Conclusion
It’s fair to say that robot vacuum cleaners are here to stay. Whether you choose to get one is down to personal preference.
I prefer to have a combination of a robot vacuum, preprogrammed to clean daily whilst the family is out for the day, and a canister vacuum to address everything else such as above floor cleaning and nooks and crannies, that need doing less frequently.
Overall I think getting a robot vacuum is a worthwhile addition to any household as it cuts down cleaning times. Are you considering getting a robot or do you already own one? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you.
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 🙂
Are you tired of constantly cleaning up hair shed onto the carpet by your beloved pet? We’ve sourced the best multi-floor robot vacuum cleaner for pet hair. The Neato Robotics Botvac D80 is a great little vacuum that quickly gets to work on your floors without needing help or encouragement.
The Neato Robotics Botvac D80 is remarkably smart and delivers great performance bundled into a small machine.
It maps out the surrounding area to plan the optimum cleaning pattern. The D80 robot vacuum always knows where it is, where it’s been and where it’s going.
It’s equipped with a combo and blade brush to lift animal hair, dust, debris in its way. The signature D-shape design provides better access to corners and edges.
Suction Power
The Botvac D80 is favoured by pet owners because of its powerful pet hair lifting capabilities. It picks up more animal hair and dirt than other robot vacuum cleaner.
How does it do this? The machine is fitted with Spinflow technology which takes advantage of the onboard brush combination and makes them work simultaneously to create strong sweeping action and suction power.
Pet hair is difficult to extract from carpets even when using a vacuum cleaner with strong suction. Suction alone can’t lift hairs that are ingrained into the carpet fibre which is why the combined brush action from the Spinflow is key to hair removal.
When the Neato Botvac D80 is first used on your floors you’ll be surprised at how much pet hair it will collect even on recently vacuumed carpets and floors. You’ll probably need to empty the dirt bin a few times during the initial clean.
Bagless Dirt Bin
The Neato D80 has an extra large bagless dirt bin which measures 0.7 litres. It’s designed to unclip very easily to minimize dirt disposal times.
The bin should be emptied daily, but the few minutes it takes to do this is insignificant compared to the time regained from not vacuuming.
Neato also provides a comb to clean the filter, its best to keep the comb close to the rubbish bin as a reminder.
Scheduling Automatic Cleaning Routines
The main controls to schedule the cleaning routines are located at the rear right-hand side of the Botvac. You will find a small display screen and simple control buttons that will guide you through an easy setup. If you decide that you would like the D80 to perform an unscheduled clean outside of the planned routine you simply press the start button and it will get to work.
Manoeuvring Obstacles
Top-notch navigation capabilities are made possible by laser smart mapping that scan the surrounding area and obstacles to avoid.
The Botvac D80 will then chart the best course and get to the action without delay. It navigates around the chairs, sofas and coffee tables with commendable precision.
The Neato Robot can easily get out of tricky situations. If it finds itself in a tight area it will reverse itself out, turn 180 degrees and continue.
The Botvac has another neat trick up its sleeve. If it can’t reach a tight space, the airflow expelled at its rear is strong enough to blow the dust away from those areas and straight into its cleaning path.
Hard-To-Reach Areas are no problem for the Neato D80. It reaches alcoves and underneath furniture to seek out hidden animal hair, dust and dirt thanks to its low profile and D shape design.
The machine is fitted with a NiCad battery that will run for about an hour and a half.
When the machine detect that the battery is getting low it will automatically return back to its charging station, top up the battery and continue where it left off.
The Botvac cleaner takes 2-3 hours to charge completely. The status light will change to solid green once the battery is charged fully.
Cleaning Tools
As mentioned earlier, the machine is fitted with a combo brush, a spiral blade brush, a side brush and 3 high-performance filters.
Maintaining Your Neato Botvac D80
Ensure that you empty the dirt bin after the Botvac has completed each clean.
Gently tap the filter making sure that surplus dirt falls into the rubbish bin.
The on-board brushes can be easily removed and should be cleaned regularly to keep them free from fluff and debris. If you find long hairs or string wrapped around the brush, the filter cleaning tool has a built-in cutter to deal with this. Good thinking.
Battery Maintenance
Maintaining the health of you Botvac’s batteries will make sure it continues to keep your floors hair-free. Prolonging the life of the battery can be done easily by following the simple tips provided below:
Be sure to charge the Botvac D80 throughout the night prior to its initial usage.
The Neato should be kept on the charging station when it’s not hard at work- store it away from direct sunlight or high temperatures and keep it on a flat floor.
If you are planning to go away for an extended period or on holiday, ensure that you disconnect the Botvac from it batteries or turn it off.
Charge the D80 robot vacuum as soon as it is reconnected to its batteries.
The brush should be kept clean and free of debris, fluff etc.
EUFY Robovac 11 Sensors
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?
Manoeuvring Obstacles
Conclusion
