Alternative to the cleaner: 5 robotic vacuum cleaners relevant in 2018

The Panda robot vacuum cleaner looks like the debut model of the Japanese brand — Panda X500 , but in terms of functionality, the 900th version is significantly superior to its progenitor, including support for wet cleaning (floor polisher mode).

The Panda X900 model is equipped with a special nozzle with a liquid reservoir. A rag is attached to it, on which water is gradually supplied during operation. You don’t need to wet the microfibre yourself, plus there are no stains on the floor. With an abundance of dirt, it is recommended to change the rag (two pieces are included).

The Japanese developers abandoned the use of a turbo brush to reduce the noise level to 45 – 50 dB, as well as to simplify maintenance. Garbage in a hole on the bottom is swept away by two lateral brushes. The absence of a turbo brush is compensated by high suction power (up to 85 W). It is enough to clean any smooth floors and carpets with a small pile.

The traction force is automatically adjusted according to the type of surface on which the Panda X900 is operating. On carpets, it will increase, and on laminate or tile, it will decrease (in order to save battery power). The battery capacity lasts up to 2 hours. But it will take a long time to charge — up to 5 hours.

The model is equipped with a dust sensor, which implies a more thorough cleaning of heavily soiled surfaces. A HEPA filter is used to purify the air, and an ultraviolet lamp (located on the bottom) is used to disinfect the floor being cleaned.

The vacuum cleaner is controlled by a touch screen and a remote control. Panda X900 is equipped with a "virtual wall" limiter (without batteries), an additional pair of side brushes, a cleaning brush.

The robot can be programmed to clean on a schedule. At the end of the cleaning of the room or a low level of charge, the device itself returns to the base. Special sensors protect it from falls from a height, help to avoid obstacles. But in general, as users note, the vacuum cleaner is not perfectly oriented in space, it can get stuck under furniture or “buried” in various obstacles, and usually moves in a chaotic manner.

Panda X900 is a very affordable model, given the support for full-fledged wet cleaning. Close in popularity and the number of positive reviews iRobot Roomba 616 is more expensive, although it doesn't have floor polisher mode and cleaning scheduling.

The Philips model is made in a slim form factor (5.9 cm high), which makes it compact and elegant. In addition, the device easily drives under furniture and other objects with a minimum clearance from the floor, it can collect dust where both classic vacuum cleaners and higher robots are useless.

Philips SmartPro Easy FC 8792 has a rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners, which differs from numerous round analogs. The vacuum cleaner is available in two design options: blue-black (version 8792) and black with turquoise accents (8794). The latter is equipped with a nozzle and a cloth pad for wet cleaning. However here it is necessary to moisten the rag yourself, and when it becomes very dirty, interrupt the process for washing.

The pressure created by the vacuum cleaner motor is 600 Pa, and the dust container capacity is 0.4 liters. The container is easily removed, and its cleaning does not involve contact with contaminants.

Side brushes and a central turbo brush help to capture dust and other debris. According to users, Philips SmartPro Easy FC 8792 does an excellent job of cleaning any hard surfaces, but there may be difficulties with carpets: the device jams them if they are thin, or gets stuck on thick ones. The solution to the problem may be to put the vacuum cleaner on the carpet before turning it on.

Philips SmartPro Easy FC 8792 can be set to different motion scenarios. There is an automatic mode in which the robot independently moves around the room (including cleaning every 24 hours).

Separate programs are also provided: free (moving in zigzags), moving along walls, spot cleaning (in a spiral). Each has its own button on the remote control. The Smart Detection 2 system, which includes 23 sensors, is responsible for analyzing the situation and orienting the model in space.

A manual mode is also offered. You can direct the vacuum cleaner, like a radio-controlled car, using the arrow buttons on the remote control.

The model runs on a Li-Ion battery for 105 minutes, and the charging time is about 4 hours. When the battery capacity is low, the vacuum cleaner itself returns to the base for charging.

The disadvantage of Philips SmartPro Easy FC 8792 is not the most intuitive control process. The device is not equipped with a display or additional indicators of the selected programs or modes. So, for example, to make sure that the 24-hour scheduler is active, it will turn out only empirically.

You can recommend the vacuum cleaner to those who do not use carpets in the apartment, and are also demanding on the appearance of this household appliance.

The representative of the 6th generation of robotic vacuum cleaners of the American company iRobot does not belong to the top models of the brand, but outperforms most of its counterparts in terms of functionality. For example, it supports scheduled cleaning, with the ability to programme working days and hours for the week, which is not in the base model iRobot Roomba 616 .

Also, the device is equipped with a Virtual Mode 2 in 1 limiter. It can work as a classic virtual wall, for example, prohibiting the vacuum cleaner from leaving the room, or setting a round zone in which it is impossible to clean (it helps to protect individual objects in the room — a dog’s resting place, a fragile vase etc.).

iRobot Roomba 681 collects dust, crumbs, wool from various surfaces. The robot thoroughly cleans linoleum, laminate, tile, and performs well on carpets with a small and medium pile height. A system of sensors and sensors allows you to analyze the type of surface and adjust the level of suction power, increasing it on carpets.

A paddle brush and a turbo brush help the vacuum cleaner to cope with pollution. The first "rakes up" pollution, and the second ensures their effective absorption. The HEPA filter traps the smallest particles of dust, plant pollen, etc. inside the dust collector.

iRobot Roomba 681 works in two modes: Clean (automatic movement throughout the room) and Spot (spot cleaning of a small area). The robot moves in a spiral, zigzags, along the walls. Additionally, there is a function to identify the most contaminated areas of Dirt Detect with their subsequent intensive cleaning.

The iAdapt system is responsible for orientation in space. It helps to overcome obstacles, avoid getting tangled in wires and fringes of carpets, avoid falling from steps, etc. But in general, the vacuum cleaner operates quite chaotically, repeatedly passes through the same places, due to which the total cleaning time slightly increases.

The battery life reaches 2 hours, and it takes about 2 – 2.5 hours to charge the battery, which indicates a good battery life of the model.

The downside of iRobot Roomba 681 is the lack of a remote control included. You can control the work only with the help of buttons on the case (for clarity, there is a display and colour indicators). If this is not a critical moment for you, then the vacuum cleaner can become an excellent home assistant, otherwise you should consider older models controlled from a smartphone, for example iRobot Roomba 890 .

One full charge of the vacuum cleaner of the reputable German brand Miele is enough for 2 hours of work. The manufacturer claims that during this time he can dry clean an area of 150 square metres, which, together with a 0.6 liter dust collector, makes him a reliable assistant in most modern apartments.

Charging the Miele Scout RX1 takes the same 2 hours, which is one of the best rates on the market. Like other robotic vacuum cleaners, the model returns to the base in a timely manner to replenish the battery capacity.

A pair of side brushes and a turbo brush help the robot to capture debris. The incoming air passes through the AirClean filter before being returned to the room. Miele Scout RX1 does a good job of removing dirt on hard floors, easily drives on carpets and thresholds up to 2 cm high. Cleans quite quietly (up to 60 W), but with a high level of dirt, it is still recommended to repeat the cycle.

The model works in one of four automatic modes: Auto (standard dust removal), Spot (spot work), Turbo (accelerated cleaning of the room), Corner (includes Auto and additional penetrations in the corners). Manual control is also provided — you need to set the movement of the device from the remote control.

Miele Scout RX1 is equipped with Smart Navigation. It is represented not only by various sensors, but also by a camera that scans the space and creates a map of the room. As a result, the vacuum cleaner does not move randomly, but in a straight line and exactly in accordance with a given trajectory.

Furniture Protection Technology is designed to prevent strong impacts on furniture: seven sensors on the front of the case help to avoid obstacles in the way of movement. There are three more sensors below: they monitor height differences and exclude the device from falling. Additionally, you can limit the area of action of the vacuum cleaner using a special magnetic tape that comes with the package.

Manage Miele Scout RX1 helps touch screen and remote control. With their help, for example, a timer is activated: at a given time, the vacuum cleaner will turn on and clean every day. The shortcomings of the model include the lack of setting the schedule for the days of the week.

The disadvantage of the Miele Scout RX1 is the high price, which is essentially an additional payment for a well-known brand name. For those who know firsthand the equipment of this German manufacturer, this factor will not become critical.

The Korean robot vacuum cleaner differs from its competitors in its original shape. The extension from the front helped move the side brushes forward and out to the side, which is designed to improve cleaning in corners. Then the body gradually narrows, and the rear edges are specially beveled, which helps to overcome obstacles.

iClebo Omega is available in two colours (silver white and tan).

The vacuum cleaner received a powerful engine that handles with various types of pollution, including sand, large particles of food, pet hair. The motor is assisted by a V6 Blade rubber turbo brush with six rows of rotating petals. The only side effect of the work is a very noticeable noise level, reaching 68 dB (quite an impressive figure for robots).

For cleaning smooth and fleecy surfaces, 3 modes are provided: basic, enhanced (MAX) and spot (cleaning within a radius of 1 square metre). As soon as the iClebo Omega rides on the carpet (and the device is able to "climb" to a height of 1.5 cm), increased suction power (MAX mode) is automatically activated.

iClebo Omega comes with a special wiping attachment and two microfibre cloths that need to be moistened. The presence of two such napkins at once looks like the right decision, because they quickly become dirty, and they need to be periodically moistened manually: while one is dirty / dry, you can install another.

The navigation system helps the vacuum cleaner to navigate in space, which is based on the performance of 35 sensors and the shooting of a large-format camera located on the body of the device. The vacuum cleaner forms a map of the room, confidently bypasses obstacles, can move in a snake, in a spiral, a double snake (for more thorough cleaning).

You can guide iClebo Omega manually using the remote control, or limit the range using magnetic tape.

The model works offline for up to 80 minutes, goes to the docking station itself (charging time is 3 hours), and then, if the cleaning of the room is not completed, it returns to the place where the work was interrupted. You can also set up a daily timer.

Overall, the iClebo Omega is one of the best robotic vacuum cleaners on the market that provides efficient dry cleaning and basic wet mopping capabilities.