Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for periodic full-blown sweeping, they can't replace traditional plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the dust bin after every cleaning session, wiping the sensors and cameras occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes as required.
It has a decent-sized bin as well as an auto-empty. However, its obstacle avoidance gets caught with cords and socks and it misses dirt that is close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that utilizes two brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to sweep up dust, dirt and other debris from unfinished floors. The Roomba 694 also includes an adjustable brush that can clean up debris from walls and corners. The Roomba 694 is pretty effective in picking up pet hair, although it will leave some in the carpet fibers, if you let it run through several cleaning cycles.
The 694 does a decent job at maneuvering itself, and it does not get stuck on things such as cords or furniture. It does not have advanced obstacle-avoidance technology and the battery may drain before it returns to dock.
It's still a good option for those who want a basic robot vacuum that's simple to operate. It can be controlled manually using the 'Clean 'Dock', and 'Spot Clean' buttons on its top cover or using voice commands that are relayed to your preferred voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can also follow Siri commands through iOS Shortcuts.
You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from any place by downloading the iRobot Home app on your tablet or smartphone. The app allows you to design custom cleaning schedules for your needs and also monitor the robot's performance. The app is able to cancel a cleaning task in progress if it is necessary. The iRobot Home app can relay error notifications when the robot encounters an issue like when it gets stuck in the crevices of furniture.
The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner however, it's not designed to use narrow or steep slopes. It also does a poor job of vacuuming carpets with low pile leaving a lot of tufts and clumps of hair left behind. It is possible to select a different robot vacuum if you have low-pile flooring in your home.
This model is different from the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, doesn't have an automatic emptying bin itself. The dirt bin is of a moderate size, however it must be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you review the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks, including their time and date, when they were initiated (app or scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot) and their duration, and their completed status.
The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly built, incurs lower cost of operation and comes with a larger dust bin that charges faster, moves over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. The companion app comes with the most advanced set of automation features as well. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic cleaner, that has a larger dirt compartment, lasts for longer on a single charge, and is equipped with physical boundaries that block it from certain rooms.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced models. It is equipped with many features that make it stand out from other robots. These include advanced dirt detection technology and maps-saving technology. It has a powerful vacuum system and is compatible with Alexa. It is a fantastic option for those looking for an advanced robot vacuum that has high-quality cleaning performance and WiFi connectivity.
The 9960 is a round robot with two rubber brushrolls and three caster wheels for stability. It weighs 3.9kg which makes it easy to carry up and down the stairs. It is available with a docking station or without it, depending on your preferences. The docking station is crucial for keeping the Roomba charged and plugged in even when it's not in use. The docking station is a practical and simple way to keep your robot clean and charged when it's not working.
iRobot created the 960 to work well on floors that are not bare and carpet. Its performance is impressive on hard surfaces, and it is able to effortlessly remove pet hair. It is also good at picking up large debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It performs less well on carpets with a high pile. It can pick up pet hair and some larger debris, but it struggles with smaller particles, such as sand. Some of the sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test that used quaker oats the 960 did well, picking up the majority of the powder. The robot vacuum can maneuver around furniture and obstacles. The circular shape allows it to fit under chair legs. robotic vacuum cleaner on sale is Alexa compatible and can be controlled with voice commands. It can be programmed to return automatically to its charging station.
The 960 requires some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter and the spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every couple of months or so to ensure they are in good shape. It is also recommended to clean the dirt compartment sensors on a regular basis. Keeping these parts in good working order will keep the Roomba operating at its peak and will allow it to last longer.
The 960 is an excellent robotic vacuum, however it has some shortcomings. It's expensive but it's worth it if you are looking for an item that cleans well. It is also loaded with features that make it an ideal alternative for busy individuals. The iRobot app is simple to use, and Roomba is also easy to use. Roomba can be scheduled to clean at certain times. It is available in a variety of finishes and colors so that you can match the Roomba with your home decor.
iRobot Roomba 960

The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum in the current line-up of iRobot's. The Roomba 980's comprehensive suite of navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges. Cliff Detect helps to prevent it from falling down the stairs. The multi-surface brushes sift dirt and debris off any kind of floor, and moving debris into the suction channel.
iRobot’s vSLAM captures the surrounding environment as it moves. It creates visual landmarks that aid in identifying its location and avoid hitting walls and objects. The camera is also able to detect dirtier areas. This causes the Roomba to automatically boost its suction power and move over these zones multiple times before moving on.
A new feature added into the app in October 2019 lets users create digital Keep Out Zones to prevent the Roomba from entering rooms in which they would like it to remain untouched. This functionality is an excellent addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive list of features and will prove useful for many consumers.
After a two hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 returns to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this class to offer such a feature, and it lets you to leave it alone to do its work when you're away for extended periods of time. The app's remote control feature allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba app is enjoyable to use and the interface is simple and intuitive. The main screen has an enormous clean button that is activated with a single tap and the bottom row of icons provides easy access to settings like cleaning preferences and a weekly schedule and much more. You can even connect the app to your preferred smart assistant to send voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize an instruction. It's a problem that frustrates the machine that relies on its intelligent controls. And it's especially egregious when you consider that the 980 is priced so much.
The flagship model from iRobot the Roomba 980 is an impressive piece of equipment. Its powerful cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a variety of smart features make it a top pick among the top robot vacuums on the market. However, the absence of a remote control that is specifically designed for it and slow app make it not as versatile as the other models. The 980 is a great option for anyone who is looking for a powerful automated vacuum that will take care of itself. Be prepared to spend some more.