Small home cleaner: TOP 5 robotic vacuum cleaners

AGAiT EC Mini

EC Mini is the most affordable model of the Taiwanese company AGAiT Technology Corporation, which, in addition to home robotic vacuum cleaners, also produces computer components and accessories. The low-cost class of the device is manifested in the simplicity of its design and control system.

On the case there is only a power on / off button and a socket for the charger. On the top panel, the design of which can be called one of the most stylish and visually attractive among the “robo-vacuum cleaners”, there are only a few indicators with which the device signals its status. On the bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner, in addition to the rollers, there is a hole for collecting debris and two side brushes that help to more effectively sweep it out of corners and under skirting boards. The brushes protrude beyond the dimensions of the vacuum cleaner, which somewhat compensates for the incompatibility of its round shape with the right corners of the room.

Before cleaning, it is recommended to remove all unnecessary items from the floor, especially wires that can tangle the vacuum cleaner. Once turned on, the EC Mini operates in automatic mode, combining three driving modes — straight, along walls and in a spiral. At the same time, the robot independently determines the trajectory and selects the desired programme thanks to optical obstacle sensors. In addition to them, three fall protection sensors help him navigate in space, thanks to which the device, for example, will not fall from a high step. The vacuum cleaner cannot boast of having “intelligent” functions like return to base and automatic charging. If it is necessary to recharge the battery, it gives a special sound and light signal, after which you should independently connect it to the network using a charger.

AGAiT EC Mini is distinguished by slightly reduced dimensions compared to standard robot vacuum cleaners (height 7 cm , diameter 28 cm). This can be an advantage when cleaning in the limited space of a small apartment, especially since the battery only lasts 50 minutes of operation. The device is quite suitable for the role of an assistant for everyday maintenance of cleanliness after general cleaning. This vacuum cleaner model can be recommended for dry cleaning of even floor coverings — laminate, tile, linoleum, parquet — from hair, animal hair and other small debris. It can also be used on low pile carpets, but don't expect impressive results on this type of carpet. Of the advantages, in addition to the low price, AGAiT EC Mini users point to a relatively low noise level during cleaning. Of the shortcomings noted in operation, the dust collector is not completely filled, which already does not have the largest volume of 0.3 liters, as well as a long battery charging time — up to 4 hours.

Ariete 2711

Robot vacuum cleaner from an Italian manufacturer of household appliances . The Ariete trademark, well known in European countries, belongs to the DeLonghi group of companies. Due to its origin, as well as its cute appearance, the Ariete 2711 model received the funny name Briciola, which means "baby". The vacuum cleaner has a nice design, the colour scheme pleases with a combination of white and light green colours, while the lower part is made of dark plastic.

The top panel of the device is very concise and contains only one Clean button. On the bottom surface of the device, in addition to the rollers and the power switch, there are two side brushes and a dust suction hole. The design of the vacuum cleaner does not provide the presence of a turbo brush, which, although it affects the quality of cleaning, still makes it somewhat easier to care for.

The vacuum cleaner's filtration system includes a primary filter and a HEPA filter. It’s nice that they didn’t forget to add 2 spare side brushes, a filter cleaning brush and a spare HEPA filter to the package. The box also contains a base station and an infrared remote control.

The vacuum cleaner has a charging time of 3.5 hours, while the battery life is one and a half hours, which is confirmed by the reviews of the owners. Note that the initial charge of the battery will take a longer period of time — up to 12 hours.

In the cleaning mode, the vacuum cleaner works both in fully automatic mode and in manual mode, which is controlled by the remote control. Manual mode is useful for cleaning specific areas of the floor. Ariete 2711 also has a special turbo cleaning mode, in which the device moves in a spiral, and the suction power increases. After the cleaning cycle is completed, the vacuum cleaner automatically returns to the base for recharging. It is recommended to place it approximately in the middle of the area to be cleaned, so that it would be easier for the "cleaner" to find it.

Briciola users note good battery life and praise the algorithm for avoiding obstacles and the quality of cleaning in general. The robot feels confident on hard floors and can independently overcome obstacles in the form of interior thresholds or floor and carpet borders up to 1 cm high. Traditionally, sensors are also built into the vacuum cleaner to prevent it from falling. The cleaning schedule is programmed from the remote control, on which you can set the time for daily turning on the device.

AGAiT EC01 Enhanced

The older brother of AGAiT EC Mini, although it belongs to the low-cost segment, but significantly outperforms many competitors in terms of performance. So, the functions of the vacuum cleaner can be controlled both using the buttons on the top panel of the device, and from the remote control supplied in the kit. Using the buttons and display located on the base station, the cleaning schedule is programmed — one of the most advanced features of the device.

Unlike its closest competitors, the EC01 Enhanced allows you to set both the daily cleaning time and programme the weekly schedule, indicating which days to turn on and which days not. The settings are stored in the base station itself, so when creating a complex schedule, make sure that the base will always be connected to the mains. In the event of a power outage or power outages in your absence, the settings can be reset.

By default, the robot operates in intelligent mode, combining 5 different programs — spiral movement, along walls, polyline, S- figurative and random trajectories. You can also set the movement mode manually using the remote control. The vacuum cleaner uses two brushes to capture debris — a large roller turbo brush that picks up wool and hair, as well as an additional side brush for cleaning corners and baseboards.

A unique feature of the AGAiT EC01 Enhanced is the presence of an ultraviolet lamp for antibacterial surface treatment. And sensual natures will appreciate a special compartment for air fresheners and fragrances. As a simple solution, users suggest placing a few cotton pads soaked in essential oils in it.

The procedure for recharging the device takes about 3 hours. After it, the vacuum cleaner is able to work autonomously for up to 80 minutes. According to reviews, one charge, despite the relatively small capacity of the dust collector, is enough to clean a three-room apartment. The AGAiT EC01 Enhanced does a good job of cleaning hard floors and can also be used for additional cleaning of low pile carpets.

For the correct implementation of the automatic return to base function, owners recommend following the instructions in the user manual for placing the base station. Usually this is an open area along the wall approximately in the middle of the harvested area.

An additional advantage for the buyer of the AGAiT EC01 Enhanced can be that this model exists in three versions at once, with the predominant colours red, black and orange.

iRobot Roomba 620

The base model of the 600 series from iRobot, the leader in the production of robotic vacuum cleaners. Roomba 620 not only features an updated design, but also a number of proprietary technologies, in particular the iAdapt navigation system, which, thanks to infrared sensors and intelligent firmware, will help the device to explore your interior and significantly improve the quality of the detour of the territory. Dirt Detect technology also helps the “robovac” in its work, in which, using an acoustic sensor, more polluted and requiring more attention areas of the floor are determined. In addition, the developers have optimized the location of the brushes and improved the occupancy of the dust basket.

Only three buttons on the top panel are provided for control on the device — they are responsible for starting / stopping the programme, cleaning in a given area with a diameter of about a metre (Spot mode ) and send the device to the base station.

The main garbage collector in the Roomba 620 is a proprietary turbo brush design. There is also a side brush for cleaning baseboards and corners. Home territory for Roomba 620 – hard flooring like tiles, laminate, parquet. Like other models of vacuum cleaners, it can clean short pile carpets, but you should not expect special results. On one charge, which lasts 2.5 hours, the vacuum cleaner will clean a room up to 60 square metres without any problems within two hours. m. The first battery charge will traditionally last much longer. The manufacturer also recommends that the robot be kept on the base for recharging during downtime, otherwise it may need a recovery charge, which lasts up to 16 hours.

As a nice bonus, Roomba is equipped with an anti-tangle system, which it will use, to free yourself from wires that accidentally get in its way or other elements of your interior. An interesting feature offered by iRobot is the so-called virtual walls. With this accessory, you can limit the area where Roomba can move — when moving, the vacuum cleaner will not cross an invisible line. Virtual Wall can be found in the basic delivery set only starting from the 630th model, for the 620th they will have to be purchased separately.

Roomba 620 owners note the generally good quality of the robot, but at the same time At the same time, there are complaints about a fairly long cleaning cycle and noise level. However, this feature is inherent in almost all "robo-vacuum cleaners" — due to the lower suction power, the device needs to bypass the cultivated area several times. To prevent constant noise from annoying, it is better to perform the cleaning cycle in your absence, or close the room in which the robot is in charge. Another nuance is that cleaning Roomba 620 parts after cleaning will take a little longer than in simpler models, mainly due to the presence of a turbo brush and its specific design.

It is worth noting that Roomba 620's adaptive motion technology , although aimed at minimizing contact with furniture, it can sometimes fail when working around dark or very small (less than 5 cm) objects. In this case, instead of gently touching the obstacle, the robot can make a tangible push that only softens the outer bumper.

iRobot Scooba 390

The robot vacuum cleaner is iRobot's second successful product after Roomba. The Scooba series this year celebrates its first anniversary — 10 years since the introduction of such devices on the market.

For wet cleaning, the Scooba 390 robot vacuum cleaner uses four stages of cleaning — first, the debris is drawn in (similar to a traditional vacuum cleaner) , then water is sprayed with a cleaning liquid, after which the surface is cleaned of stains with brushes, and at the last stage dirty water is collected. Using this procedure, according to the manufacturer, up to 98% of harmful bacteria are removed from the floor.

Due to the specifics of the device, it is strongly not recommended to use it on non-moisture resistant surfaces. Also, for safety reasons, there is no base station in the kit, so the vacuum cleaner will have to be charged by itself using the charger.

In the room bypass algorithm, Scooba uses proprietary iAdapt technology, which combines a rectilinear, spiral trajectory and movement around the perimeter along the walls. The battery charge is enough to clean up to 85 square metres. m. surface, for about 90-110 minutes of work. At the same time, in one run of 45 minutes, after which the water and cleaning agent are changed in the “clean” tank and the waste water is drained from the “dirty” container, it is recommended to go up to 45 m². surface. And 10 minutes before the end of the cleaning cycle, the vacuum cleaner starts the process of drying the components and, in part, the floor surface. There is no Spot mode, apparently because it is not relevant for washing floors.

As a detergent that is added to a tank with clean water, it is recommended to use iRobot branded cleaner, 4 bags of which are present in supplied. As an alternative, the manufacturer suggests using regular vinegar (30 mL of table vinegar 7-12% per 900 mL of water in the tank), or use pure water without additives. In user reviews, there are examples of successful use of detergents with low foaming as an additive, but in order to maintain the guarantee, it is better not to experiment.

The first battery charge will last up to 12 hours, subsequent recharges of the vacuum cleaner will take up to 2 hours time. To prolong battery life, it is recommended to keep the device constantly on charge.

The vacuum cleaner kit includes one “virtual wall” motion limiter, and fall protection is also implemented. It is worth noting that according to the Virtual Wall standard for Scooba, it does not correspond to a similar accessory for Roomba.

Owners, based on operating experience, pay attention to the nuances in using the Scooba 390 robotic washing vacuum cleaner. So, before wet cleaning, it is advisable to first clean the room dry. This task can be handled both manually and with a robotic dry vacuum cleaner like Roomba — these two devices can complement each other well. It is also worth paying attention to the amount of clean water poured into the Scooba 390 tank. Measure it based on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room to be treated to avoid unnecessary puddles, streaks and possible damage to coatings with leaky seams, such as laminate.