While robot vacuums cut down on the need for regular, thorough sweeping, they aren't able to replace traditional plug-in models. To ensure they are in good shape, empty the dust bins after every cleaning session. Wipe down the camera and sensors regularly. Replace filters and side brushes when required.
It has a decent-sized bin and an automatic vacuum emptying. Its obstacle-avoiding capabilities are tied to cords and socks and also misses dirt on baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum cleaner top 10 vacuum that utilizes dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to sweep up dust, dirt and other debris from bare floors. It also has three-spoked spinning brushes that removes debris from wall edges and corners. The Roomba 694 does a great job of removing pet hair. However, it can leave some hairs in the carpet fibers after multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a decent job at maneuvering itself and isn't a problem to maneuver around obstacles like cords or furniture that aren't high enough. It doesn't have the most advanced obstacle-avoidance systems and the battery may run out before returning to the dock.
It's still a good choice for those who want an inexpensive robot vacuum that's easy to use. It can be controlled manually using the Clean, Dock, and Spot Clean buttons on its top or via voice commands via your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can respond to Siri commands through iOS Shortcuts.
You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from anywhere by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app lets you create customized cleaning schedules, as well as monitor the robot's status. You can also use the app to cancel the cleaning task in progress, if needed. The iRobot app will also issue error alerts if the bagless robot vacuum encounters problems for instance, if he gets stuck in a furniture crevice.
While the Roomba 694 does a great job of navigating around the house, it is not designed for stairs or narrow pathways. It doesn't do a great job of cleaning carpets with low pile and leaves behind a lot of hair clumps and tufts. You might want to consider another robot vacuum when you have flooring that is low-pile in your home.
This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. The dirt compartment inside is not large, but you will have empty it at the end of each cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you view a record of your Roomba cleaning jobs. This includes the time and date they were performed, the method used to start them (app or scheduling buttons on the robot) as well as the duration and the finished status.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower recurring costs, has a larger dustbin, charges faster, maneuvers over obstacles like electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both carpets with high piles and bare floors. The app that comes with it offers a suite of more advanced automation features. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, as it comes with a larger dirt compartment, lasts longer on a charge, and has physical boundary strips to ensure it stays out of certain areas.
iRobot Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot. It comes with a variety of characteristics that differentiate it from other robots, such as advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It also comes with a powerful cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. This is an excellent choice for those looking to purchase a high-tech robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and superior cleaning capabilities.
The 9960 is a round robot equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It is easy to lift and lower as it weighs just 3.9kg. It can be purchased with docking station or without one, based on your preference. The docking station is essential for keeping the Roomba fully charged and connected when it is not working. It's a good way to keep the robot close at hand and ready to clean when you need it.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and floors that are not bare. Its performance on hard surfaces is remarkable and it's able to clean up pet hair. It also excels in removing large particles like cat litter and cereal. It isn't as effective well on carpets with a high pile however. It can remove pet hair, as well as larger debris. But it is unable to handle smaller particles such as sand. Some of the sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test using quaker oats The 960 performed well, picking up most of the powder that was scattered. The robotic vacuum is capable of maneuvering through a variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular design allows it to fit snugly under chair legs. The 960 is Alexa compatible and can be controlled via voice commands. It can be programmed to return automatically to its charging station.The 960 requires some care. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter, and the spinning brush. These parts should be replaced every couple of months to keep them in good working order. Also, you should clean your sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. These components will make the Roomba perform at its best automatic vacuum and last longer if you keep them in good working order.
The 960 has a few shortcomings, but overall it is an excellent robotic vacuum. It is fairly expensive, but it is worth the investment if you are looking for a machine with exceptional cleaning performance. It is also packed with features that make it a great alternative for busy individuals. The iRobot App is simple to use and Roomba's schedule for cleaning can be set. It comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can match the Roomba to your decor.
Roomba 980 from iRobot
The Roomba is the most sophisticated robotic cleaner available in iRobot's current line-up. Its full suite of navigation sensors enables it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, while Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down stairs. Its multi-surface rubber brush brushes remove dirt and loosen it from any floor type and then push debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology records the surrounding when it moves, and creates visual landmarks to aid in recollecting where it's been, and to avoid bumping into objects and walls. The camera also detects dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically boost suction power and traverse these zones multiple times before moving on.
A new feature pushed to the app by October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones to keep the Roomba from entering rooms where they want it to remain untouched. This is a great addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive list of features and will prove to be useful to many people.
After a two-hour cleaning session, the Roomba 980 automatically returns to its docking station to recharge. This is the only robot in its class with this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work even when you are away for extended periods. The app's remote control feature allows you to start and stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba App is simple to use and simple. The main screen features the big clean button that can be activated by just a single tap and the bottom row of icons offers easy access to settings like cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and more. You can even link the app to your preferred smart assistant to make voice commands.
The ability to issue a command through the app isn't always a quick process, however, and it can take a while for Roomba to understand your request. It's a frustrating problem for an appliance that is so dependent on its intelligent controls. It's particularly egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a mighty piece of machinery. Its high-powered cleaning power and long battery life of 2 hours, and intelligent features make it one of the top robot vacuums available. It's not as flexible as others due to the lack of an app specifically designed for it and remote control. The 980 is still a great choice for those looking for a high-powered automated vacuum that takes care of itself. Be prepared to spend some more.