Thanks to their programmable technology, robotic vacuums have become increasingly popular in residential settings. They’re coveted largely due to their minimal demand for time and minimal requirements for space. But, how do they compare to traditional, cordless and built-in vacuum systems? If you’re considering such a choice, you will need to weigh your preference for convenience, time savings and space, versus having the required power and flexibility to do a thorough job. Despite their many advances, robotic vacuums in general still cannot produce the deep-cleaning suction power of traditional cord-powered vacuums and systems with larger motors.
However, robotic vacuums do offer the efficiency of regularly scheduled quick-cleaning duties, which can be a big help in reducing dust and allergens in the home. Before you buy, look for these features: a large dustbin, a brush-roller for carpets, a wet-mopping pad for hard floors, navigation and obstacle detection sensors, time-saving and energy-efficient mapping (e.g., LIDAR), a remote controlled or audio-command program, and an automatic emptying station. But, don’t let all these features fool you into thinking you don’t need to prepare for robotic vacuum operation – you still need to keep your floors clear of cords and encumbrances like shoes or pet dishes,