Is it worth buying a robot vacuum cleaner: the capabilities of the units, opinions and reviews of the owners

Xiaomi Mijia Sweeping Robot G1

Well, our TOP-5 of inexpensive, but good robotic vacuum cleaners is closed by another budget model robot vacuum cleaner from Xiaomi with mapping is the new Xiaomi Mijia Sweeping Robot G1, which hit the market in mid-2020. It is not much different from the leader of the rating, fellow 1C. The main difference is in navigation, the G1 has a gyroscope instead of a camera. Therefore, the price is lower, on Aliexpress there are offers from 11 to 13 thousand rubles

Of the capabilities of the robot, it is important to highlight the fact that it is equipped with a wet cleaning function and control from a smartphone. In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner cleans with two side brushes and a central bristle-petal brush.

Mijia G1

Of the characteristics, it is important to highlight the suction power up to 2200 Pa, the operating time up to 90 minutes, the volume of the dust collector is 600 ml and the water tank with a volume of about 200 ml. In general, for the money this is a good option that will definitely cope with the automatic maintenance of cleanliness in the house.

If you want to choose a budget robot vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning, I recommend that you also pay attention to this model.

Here we have reviewed the best budget robot vacuum cleaners of 2020. As you can see, with a small budget, you can choose a good option, even with modern functionality. All rating participants are equipped with a docking station, so they can automatically return to the base. Which is better to choose a robot, you decide. The list includes both models with a turbo brush and without it. In addition, you can order a robot from China, or buy already in Russia with warranty support. We hope this list has helped you find the best option for your budget!

Finally, we recommend watching the video version of the ranking for the first half of 2020:

Kinds

There are 3 types of robotic vacuum cleaners: for wet, dry and mixed cleaning.

• A device designed for dry cleaning functions like an electric broom. With it, you can remove debris and dust from parquet, laminate, and other hard surfaces.
• Robots designed for wet cleaning are in many ways similar to the first option. However, they can also be used to wash floors. But you can’t clean carpets with such a unit.In addition, before starting work, it is necessary to carry out dry cleaning.
• Vacuum cleaners for mixed cleaning are able to independently perform all the tasks. This applies to both wet and dry cleaning.

Main features of the robot

Manufacturers with a worldwide reputation offer a variety of models of robotic vacuum cleaner. They differ not only in weight, shape, size and appearance, but also in the set of functions.

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

In order to decide to buy this kind of vacuum cleaner or close the issue, completely abandoning the idea of ​​​​acquisition, you should familiarize yourself with its capabilities in detail. And then compare them with the real conditions in which the robot will have to work.

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The robot can carry out dry cleaning, collecting dust with a napkin or fully sucking up all the garbage that is encountered on the way to its dust collector. Its presence and volume depends on the model.

The robot polisher can do wet cleaning or a full wash. In the first case, the robot wipes the surface with a dampened cloth, and in the second, it washes the floors, having a water tank in its arsenal. Or two at once - for dirty and clean liquids

Carpet cleaning by a diligent assistant is a dream come true by some models of robotic vacuum cleaners

Of course, not everyone is capable of this type of cleaning, so you should pay attention to this parameter before buying if the house has carpet.

Window washing - some universal models are able not only to rub the floors, but also to clean the window from dust and dirt, leaving no streaks.True, a strong hand of the owner may be required for processing for processing difficult places for the unit - in the corners of the window leaf

Wash the walls of the shower stall, tile in the bathroom, wipe the marble surface of the countertop - all this is possible with robots equipped with a vacuum pump. It allows you to firmly fix on a vertical or slippery horizontal surface, but only some washers have this opportunity.

Underwater cleaning will be within the power of specialized waterproof models of robots. They allow you to clean your home pool from plaque and other contaminants. But the cost of this type of equipment is appropriate

So that low furniture does not become an obstacle, you should definitely look at the dimensions of the device - the thinner the robot, the more places under the sofas it can visit. True, this will not have the best effect on the volume of its dust collector.

Sensors are the safety of the vacuum cleaner, its ability to orient in space / in collision with objects. It is the sensors that will prevent the robot from falling off the steps, if there are any in the house.

The robot does dry cleaning

Robot floor cleaner

Robot vacuum cleaner cleaning the carpet

Robot washes window glass

Universal robot rubs the surface of the table

Submarine robot washes the pool

Flat robot cleans under a low sofa

The robot will not fall off the sofa or steps thanks to sensors

It is worth paying attention that not every unit is able to cope with dried drops of juice or coffee. The ability to scrub stains is the prerogative of washing modifications of the vacuum cleaner

This will only be possible for robots capable of processing the same place several times.

Also an important characteristic is the shape - round models do a worse job of cleaning in the corners of the room. Exception - models with extended side brushes

Other features of robotic vacuum cleaners include:

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

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

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

Xiaomi Mijia LDS Vacuum Cleaner: the best in the middle price segment

If you are ready to spend about 25 thousand on the purchase of a robot vacuum cleaner

rubles, we advise you to pay attention to Xiaomi Mijia LDS Vacuum Cleaner. Now it is recommended and praised by many buyers, because

Roborock S50 costs from 30 to 32 thousand rubles, and this model is much cheaper despite the fact that there is a lidar for navigation, electronic water supply adjustment and a Y-shaped movement pattern in floor washing mode. In addition, the suction power reaches 2100 Pa, and the container is installed combined for dry and wet cleaning.

Mijia LDS Vacuum Cleaner

The only problem is that Xiaomi Mijia LDS Vacuum Cleaner is for the Chinese market, so there may be slight connection problems (you need to pay attention to the correct connection). And so, in general, a robot vacuum cleaner is cheaper than analogues and cleans at a very high level

There are a lot of reviews and they are mostly positive, so we definitely recommend to buy!

Who and why should buy a robot vacuum cleaner

If you have not yet decided whether to buy a robot vacuum cleaner, we offer 7 reasons “FOR” the purchase.

1. In a small apartment (for example, in a studio) without thresholds and carpets, cleaning can be completely entrusted to a robot. You only have to shake out the dust container from time to time.
2. If the house does not have carpets and pile carpets, then the robot vacuum cleaner will help with periodic cleaning, that is, to maintain cleanliness between general cleanings. Fluffy carpets are beyond the power of a robot. They can also become an obstacle and will prevent the vacuum cleaner from cleaning around, knocking down the programmed path.
3. If there are fluffy pets in the house, the robot will help to remove the wool. Also, fluff flying everywhere will no longer be a problem.
4. For perfectionists and fans of cleanliness, a robot vacuum cleaner will be a salvation. He will maintain perfect cleanliness unnoticed by the owners, and the house will be kept in order, it will be enough just to do a wet cleaning on the weekend.
5. This is a fashionable, original and very useful gift.
6. For people with disabilities or without the ability to clean due to being busy, the robot vacuum cleaner will become a real lifesaver. It will allow cleaning in a decent amount without additional intervention from the operator.
7. A robot in the house is cool.Cleaning the house from a routine turns into a kind of high-tech, automated action.

cleaning process

Now we will directly consider the principle of cleaning a robot vacuum cleaner. Its main duty is to remove debris and dirt that comes across its path. When working, the principle of operation of any model does not differ much from each other and there is no such diversity as in the navigation system. The principle of dry garbage collection is as follows: a brush or 2 brushes, which are located on the sides, when moving, sweep away all the dust, wool, hair and dirt that are in the corners, under furniture or near the baseboards to the central brush.

Just the main (or central) brush plays a major role in the operation of the apparatus. Due to the fleecy structure, it is able to collect not only dust and dirt, but also hair and wool. Many people assume that the cleaning of various particles occurs due to the engine, which sucks up all the dirt. But this is a delusion. The brush removes all dirt in the bin. It plays the role of a broom and after the garbage has got into the bin, it is pressed there due to the air flow in the dust bin. After that, the air from the engine enters through the filters, which are located in the garbage bin, to the outside. The purity of the blown air depends on how high-quality the filter is.

However, there are some nuances in the design and configuration of the device, depending on the manufacturer. These nuances include:

1. Basic brushes, their number and types. As a rule, it is one, but sometimes there are two, as in iRobot robot vacuum cleaners. The principle of operation is as follows: when the brushes rotate towards each other, the tufted one collects wool and various contaminants, and the rubber one collects larger debris (sand or crumbs).There are models that have only one rubber or fluffy brush.
2. Side brushes and their number. For faster cleaning, some models have another side brush, which is installed to the left of the appliance. There is an opinion that two brushes do worse than one, because. throwing rubbish towards each other. We think 2 side brushes do a better job.
3. Filters, their varieties. A robot vacuum cleaner can have both simple filters, which are napkins, and multilayer HEPA filters. The latter filters are preferred by people who are allergic to dust.
4. container and engine power. The volume of the container varies between 0.25 and 1 liter, and the power is from 15 to 65 watts.

It should be noted that the robot vacuum cleaner will work better due to the main brush and suction power

Therefore, when buying, first of all, you should pay attention to these two factors. At the same time, if you need a robot vacuum cleaner for wool cleaning or carpet cleaning, there must be a center brush

For cleaning smooth floors, it is better to have a suction port without a turbo brush.

The operation of a robotic vacuum cleaner is clearly shown in the video review:

If we talk about wet cleaning, the principle of operation in this case is that, first of all, the washing robot collects all dust and debris from the floor (1), after which liquid is sprayed from a special water tank (2) and the floor covering is rubbed with a brush ( 3). The final stage of the cleaning robot vacuum cleaner is removing dirty water from the floor with a scraper and sucking it into the tank (4). Using a washing robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning carpets, laminate and parquet is not rational and is not recommended by manufacturers.

For more information on how the washing robot works, see the video:

There is also a combined robot vacuum cleaner with dry and wet cleaning. The principle of operation of the device is that smooth surfaces are cleaned with a microfiber cloth (attached to the body from below), and carpets are cleaned with main brushes or a turbo brush.

Only in this case, dry cleaning is performed first (the robot goes through the entire available surface), after that you install a wet cleaning unit with a cloth, moisten it (or draw water into the tank) and start the robot. During wet cleaning, you need to limit the robot from getting on carpets and wooden floors, if you do not want to spoil them. To do this, install a virtual wall, beacons or magnetic tape in the right places. In new models, you can limit the cleaning area on the map right in the application.

What is a robot vacuum cleaner

What is a robot vacuum cleaner? The device is usually cylindrical in shape, occupying a minimum of space in the apartment. Its height is from 90 to 130 mm, the diameter of the upper faces is from 250 to 350 mm. Recently, models with square upper and lower faces have appeared. The robot independently penetrates under beds, armchairs, cabinets and collects dust. Works on both hard surfaces (laminate, tile, linoleum) and carpeted floors.

The main advantage of the device is the control panel. With its help, the number of cleanings and the time of their implementation are set. The vacuum cleaner independently remembers the cleaning trajectory and returns to the base for recharging. Dust is collected in a special tank with the help of brushes.

Today, the family of automatic cleaners is represented on the market by three groups:

• floor polishers;
• models for dry cleaning;
• washing machines.

A bit of history. The first time a device with similar functions was described by an English science fiction writer in the novel The Door to Summer, which was published in 1956. The prototype of the writer's idea was implemented by the Koreans in 1992. The first working model of a robot vacuum cleaner appeared in the workshops of Electrolux in 1997. Five years later, in 2002, Electrolux began mass production of smart devices.

The market for robotic vacuum cleaners offers both expensive and budget models. The first build a plan of the room, they are well oriented in it, they are equipped with a camera, they know how to overcome obstacles. The second move around the apartment randomly, the quality of cleaning is lower.

Budget options also differ from the "expensive brothers":

• the volume of the dust collector;
• build quality;
• anti-shock qualities;
• the amount of time spent on cleaning;
• lack of aromatization and antibacterial cleaning of the room.

Like expensive ones, there are also cheap models that clean the space well from ordinary dust, pet hair, crumbs, and scattered cereals. Large debris (for example, the size of a pea) can only be handled by robotic vacuum cleaners with high power.

Do you hate cleaning the floor with a rag?

There is an opinion that a robot vacuum cleaner is a prank and it will never clean as well as a good old rag. Perhaps this was the case with the first models: they constantly got stuck, fell, hung near the walls and could not clean the dust in the corners. In the latest models, these problems are solved with the help of sensors, special modes and more advanced brushes.

Sensors will not allow the vacuum cleaner to stall if it encounters a child's toy or corner on the way.Modern robotic vacuum cleaners are not even afraid of stairs: cliff sensors prevent them from rolling down the steps, so you do not have to put up barriers for them.

In terms of cleaning quality, vacuum cleaners pick up small debris and cat hair much better than a wet rag that just smears it all on the floor. Due to the appropriate length, the brushes not only sweep the floor, dispersing dust, but are pressed tightly and collect debris in a sealed container.

The ILIFE A40 has 10 optical sensors, and triple side brushes fight debris and dust.

Advantages and disadvantages of a robot vacuum cleaner

Not all buyers can be happy with the purchase - it can become another piece of furniture and remind you of the money spent. Let's try to analyze all the pros and cons of the product.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of the product

Advantages

Flaws

its presence disciplines the owners: it teaches you to clean up the wires, cords, socks, small toys that the vacuum cleaner can suck into the dust collector; after eating, the kitchen remains clean - just start the robot and it will quickly clean everything up; you do not have to take out the product every day, collect it and turn it on - you just need to program the vacuum cleaner to clean every day at a certain time; you spend less time cleaning - general cleanings are reduced, as there is less garbage in the house, because every day the apartment is cleaned by a new robot vacuum cleaner.

the product cannot completely save the owner from cleaning, he can only help in daily care, picking up garbage or wiping the floor surface; high cost of goods. The robot vacuum cleaner is sold from 6 thousand rubles, but high-quality models cost at least 20-40 thousand rubles; before installing the product, you need to carefully remove the apartment from medium-sized objects, wires and other trifles. You need to understand that some models can easily get tangled in wires, drop a laptop, iron and any other equipment on the floor; poor assembly and breakage of models are typical for cheap vacuum cleaners. That is why you should not buy inexpensive models from Chinese manufacturers. Most of such equipment is not issued a guarantee and instructions for use in Russian, which means that they do not bear any responsibility; a robot vacuum cleaner is not the best solution for small apartments. If it has a lot of furniture and little free space, then such a purchase will be useless.

The product can be controlled from a mobile phone that has the required application installed.

The robot vacuum cleaner will be a great gift for the elderly, as it will help them in cleaning the premises. Such equipment can be controlled from a remote control or a mobile phone, which greatly facilitates the cleaning of the premises.

Also, this technique is perfect for owners who keep animals in their apartment - it will quickly remove even the shortest hair from the carpet, under the legs of a sofa or chair.

Benefits of using robotic cleaning equipment

The robot can clean up in the absence of a person nearby. The hardware and software of the device will reliably fulfill the task: the robot will cope with dust and other pollution due to the built-in logic of moving around the apartment. Thus, with the help of such a cleaner, time will be freed up for other things. It is difficult for people with disabilities to clean, and such an assistant is simply indispensable for them.

With the presence of a "smart" cleaner, you can go on a long business trip and on vacation without worrying about maintaining cleanliness in the apartment. The programmed device will clean and maintain cleanliness in the absence of the owner, and it will be pleasant for him to return to a tidy apartment.

The robot vacuum cleaner removes not only dust, but other small debris, including pet hair. If a four-legged friend lives in the apartment, then such an assistant is quite appropriate.

Unlike a standard vacuum cleaner, its robotic counterpart is less noisy, and it is possible to set up a scheduled cleaning process. For owners of a large area of ​​​​living space, a silent machine for maintaining cleanliness will not be superfluous. It will freely collect all the dust settled under the beds and wardrobes, if the height of the legs allows.

How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner?

• duration of work;
• timer;
• trouble-free navigation system;
• remote monitoring;
• powerful filtration system;
• cleaning on different floor coverings.

 
 

Battery and operating time

Vacuum cleaners with a powerful battery can clean a large apartment in one cycle. The best is a lithium-ion battery.

In Miele's Scout RX2 Home Vision, it guarantees one hundred and twenty minutes of continuous operation.

 
 

Timer

Also, this vacuum cleaner has a timer. This function allows you to program the devices to start cleaning at a specific time. After the cycle is completed, it will return to its place on its own. If the device needs recharging during the process, it will remember the place and then continue cleaning from it.

 
 

Navigation system

Since the device works autonomously, it can be cleaned even in the absence of the owners of the house. Miele models are equipped with an intelligent navigation system.

The Scout RX has a 3D Smart Navigation system.

These are two cameras, thanks to which the device is oriented in space. It calculates the distance to objects and adjusts its route so as not to collide with them.

Furniture Protection Technology also contributes to this - 10 sensors help to bypass obstacles.

 
 

Control

Robot control becomes intuitive thanks to the touch screen. You can also turn on and direct the device using the remote control and mobile application (Mobile Control function). The latter allows you to turn on the device while away from home.

Scout RX2 displays the image from its cameras on the screen of your smartphone. Thanks to this, you can not only monitor his movements, but also the safety in the apartment. You can also see on the floor plan where the device is located at the moment.

 
 

Filtration system

Vacuum cleaners from the Scout RX series from Miele are equipped with a reliable filtration system, which consists of a pre-filter, a dust collector and an exhaust air filter.

The highly effective AirClean Plus filter keeps dust inside the dust bin, preventing it from getting back into the room. The indoor air remains clean and fresh.

 
 

cleaning system

Miele vacuum cleaners not only pick up dirt particles from the floor, but also hold them securely inside. Side retractable brushes participate in cleaning. They rotate, collecting dust, hair and pet hair. The dirt moves towards the brush roller and is then sucked up by the front opening. Another hole on the other side collects fine dust. Works great on any floor covering.

 
 

iRobot Roomba i7 Plus: Leader in dry cleaning

Well, our list of the best robot vacuum cleaners according to customer reviews is closed by one of iRobot's flagship models - Roomba i7 +. This robot vacuum cleaner costs much more, about 65 thousand rubles in 2020. Its advantage is high-quality dry cleaning with silicone rollers and scrapers, self-cleaning on a proprietary charging base and building a room map through the installed camera. The robot is well oriented in space, can clean large areas and saves several cleaning cards (and is therefore suitable for cleaning in two-story houses).

iRobot Roomba i7

Roomba i7+ has good suction power and cleans carpets very well. The reviews are good, the owners are happy with the purchase. From personal experience, we can confirm that this robot vacuum cleaner is an expensive but justified purchase for automatically keeping the house clean.

On this note, we will end our review of the best robot vacuum cleaners of 2020 according to customer and owner reviews, taken from the network and from personal experience. We hope that the provided rating was useful for you and helped you decide on a purchase!

Xiaomi Roborock S5 Max: premium segment and advanced features

But this robot vacuum cleaner is not only a favorite of a fairly large proportion of buyers, but also our personal favorite. For 37-40 thousand rubles, it has everything to keep the house clean, even on large areas. The Roborock S5 Max is equipped with a lidar, while the water tank and dust collector are installed at the same time. There is an electronic adjustment of the water supply, zoning of the room into rooms, saving several cleaning plans, and at the same time the dust collector holds up to 460 ml of dry garbage, and the water tank 280 ml.In addition, carpets can be protected from getting wet by setting separate restricted areas for the robot in the application. There are many good reviews about the high quality cleaning and accurate navigation.

Roborock S5 Max

We also made sure that Roborock S5 Max cleans well after a detailed video review and test. For such a price, only a few analogues can compete in terms of functionality and quality of cleaning.

Our video review:

How to decide whether to buy a robot vacuum cleaner

So do you need a robot vacuum cleaner or not? It should be noted that the cost of a high-end automated vacuum cleaner is high. Therefore, spending the family budget on the purchase of a budget model does not make sense.

Robots demonstrate the highest quality of cleaning in private houses and spacious apartments with a large floor area. If you are the owner of a mansion or a multi-level spacious apartment, you can assume that your income is above average. Therefore, due to workload, you do not have time to clean up. Then the robot vacuum cleaner will help keep your home clean.

The device will be a good help for the elderly, the disabled, and those suffering from allergies. Daily cleaning takes a lot of effort, and the robot will take over some of the duties. The main thing is to choose a model with the right parameters.

If the living space is small, it is better to spend money on buying a quality vacuum cleaner and do the cleaning yourself. Otherwise, buying a robot vacuum cleaner will become an inappropriate waste of money from the family budget, and the device will turn into a useless toy.

Household appliances Vacuum cleaner

How does a robot vacuum cleaner work

Before starting cleaning, the vacuum cleaner determines the location, relatively speaking, draws up a map according to which it will clean.The boundaries of the area can be set by the user. The device is started directly by a command or according to a predetermined program.

During the cleaning process, the side brushes pick up debris from hard-to-reach places, corners and along walls and direct it to the main suction brush. The side brushes go beyond the main dimensions of the device. On the one hand, this allows you to get to where the robot will not get due to its geometry, on the other hand, it protects the body of the device from collisions with objects.

Dust and debris are collected in a dust collector (in a robot it is most often a plastic container), and the air that has been absorbed by the device along with dirt is filtered and comes out. HEPA filters are used to ensure hygienic cleanliness and high quality cleaning.

After the robot has completed the program, it returns to its charger. At this point, you can empty the dust container

This is especially important if the vacuum cleaner has done a lot of work and the container is completely full.

Read more: the principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner.

Working robot vacuum cleaner on carpet

Robot vacuum cleaners designed for cleaning smooth surfaces. This type of device does not have enough power to clean carpets, and the design does not allow for high-quality cleaning. If such a vacuum cleaner removes at least large debris from a short pile, then it will simply accept a long pile and will not cope with cleaning at all.

How does wet cleaning work with a robot vacuum cleaner

Some robot models have a wet cleaning option. This is not the kind of cleaning that full-size devices do. Everything is simpler here: a brush with a damp cloth is attached to the bottom of the device, which simply presses against the floor.In the process of movement, the rag moistens the floor, collecting the smallest dust. In fact, the robot at this moment acts as a simple floor polisher. It is impossible to interrupt the program in order to re-wet the rag, otherwise the entire cleaning algorithm will fail.

Benefits of a robot vacuum cleaner

Satisfied owners of robotic vacuum cleaners and picky experts note the following advantages of the device:

• Compactness;
• Ease of operation;
• High functionality. The robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with ultrasonic rangefinders, contact sensors and lasers that scan space. All this allows him to avoid collisions with objects placed in the room and draw up a plan-map of the room. Some models are supplemented with a "virtual wall" function, with which you can prevent the vacuum cleaner from entering certain rooms. Taking care of allergy sufferers, a number of manufacturers have equipped their models with the “air ionization” function;
• Saving time. Cleaning can be done at any time that the owner sets on the instrument panel. The only difference is that expensive models are cleaned in 30-40 minutes, while cheap options spend up to 8 hours on a cleaning cycle;
• Versatility. Cleans on any surface, including after construction work;
• Noiselessness. The robot vacuum cleaner does not make sharp sounds, and the ability to adjust the cleaning time to the daily routine makes it almost invisible;
• Applications in special situations. The device is indispensable for persons with disabilities and people of age.