The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners in 2021
Jun 11th, 2021
The best vacuum cleaners 2021
The best robot vacuum cleaners have gotten significantly better in recent years, and if you want to outsource the housework to a smart little robot, all the products on this list can do just that job.
Robot vacuum cleaners may not be as smart as humans - yet - but they are better able to vacuum your floors. Some may even take care of floor cleaning as well. Thanks to built-in sensors, they navigate around furniture and walls, and they often also have a number of other smart features that make them more efficient.
At the same time, however, it is clear that not all robotic vacuum cleaners on the market are equally good, which is why you will be able to take advantage of this list. The TechRadar team has thoroughly tested all products so you can be sure you are getting a robotic vacuum cleaner that does the job - and within a budget you can live with.
What is Vacuum cleaner?
A vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that uses airflow to absorb dust and small debris. The fan inside the vacuum cleaner creates an air flow which sucks in loose material near the nozzle inside the vacuum cleaner. Solids and most of the dust remain inside the vacuum cleaner because the air flow is filtered. Finally, the filtered air is removed from the vacuum cleaner. Various nozzles can be attached to the end of the suction pipe, for example, for vacuuming bare floors, clothes or tight spaces.
Top 8 Best vacuum cleaners of 2021
1. iRobot Roomba i7 +
2. Neato Botvac D7 Connected
3. Eufy RoboVac 11
4. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI
5. Xiaomi Roborock S6 Max V
6. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo 930
1. iRobot Roomba i7 +
Roomba i7 + is made to impress. It has inherited from the iRobot Roomba 980 the ability to find your way around objects and map the surroundings so that it gets to know every corner and nook of your home. But thanks to the integration of Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa and with an accurate map of the home, you get even faster cleaning. This machine takes robot vacuuming to a whole new level. One feature that is really worth mentioning is that the Roomba i7 + is automatically emptied of dust and dirt. When it runs into place in the charging stand, the dust from the bag is sucked down into a disposable bag that is part of the stand itself. You will receive a message in the app when the bag needs to be replaced. But the bags are not cheap, so here you get some fixed operating costs. The familiar round design is maintained with the same rotating chassis as we know from previous Roomba models, so it has no trouble navigating through narrow passages. We were impressed with how easily it removed dust from floorboards, tiles and other hard surfaces as well as carpets. This is partly due to rubber rollers. Since this model has two rollers and not just one, the cleaning is even more efficient.
2. Neato Botvac D7 Connected
The Neato Botvac D7 Connected is a robotic vacuum cleaner that gives the Roomba 980 serious competition. It looks good and handles the task without resting on its laurels. With its special feature called "no-go lines", the Neato Botvac D7 Connected can steer around areas in the home where you do not want it to have access. It could be your desk hiding on a true cable clutter that will usually be a problem for robotic vacuum cleaners. Creating limits on your robot's freedom of movement is not something unique compared to the Botvac D7, but it is a smart feature in the app, because you can make lines that easily tell the D7 where it can drive and where it must not. The main disadvantage of the D7 is that the built-in waste bin is not as large as in the original Botvac Connected, and does not have a sensor that tells when it is full, whereby it can end up being overfilled.
3. Eufy RoboVac 11
The Eufy RoboVac 11 is not the world's most technologically advanced robot vacuum cleaner, but it is not afraid to take hold. The best thing about RoboVac 11 is that it is cheaper than most robotic vacuum cleaners on the market. This allows you to relax while cleaning - at a very cheap price. Unfortunately, the low price also means you miss out on several things, including an accompanying app, so you have to use a remote instead. RoboVac 11 is generally more "hands-on" than we like. The battery is also not as powerful as it could be, but the machine still manages the vacuuming fine. The newer model RoboVac 30C has both app and smart assistant functions, but that does not change the fact that RoboVac 11 gives you a lot for your money.
4. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI
Ecovac's Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI is without a doubt one of the most powerful and smartest robot vacuum cleaners that can be bought for money, and the battery life is also 'best in class'. Thanks to a built-in camera, it can even act as a security guard in the house, and the camera can also be used to keep an eye on pets and to communicate with the children. The T8 also functions as a mop, and it can fulfill this function at the same time as the vacuuming - at the same time as it effectively avoids blankets. However, there are no pluses when it comes to removing imprints after shoes and other stains that get stuck.
5. Xiaomi Roborock S6 Max V
Xiaomi Roborock S6 Max V is intelligent, easy to use and relatively affordable. This is the most advanced model sold under the name Roborock and it is equipped with two cameras and LiDAR, which makes it very efficient and ensures that it is rarely stuck. We are deeply impressed with the cleaning properties - and of everything else also for that matter. It can even mop the floor with a completely immaculate result. Not least, it impresses with a strong absorbency.
6. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo 930
Where Ecovac's Deebot Ozmo 930 differs from the competition is in its ability to wash the floor. Admittedly, you do not get exactly the same result as if you yourself had been lying on all fours and used hand power, but it can remove imprints after shoes and other small spots in a hurry. In other words, the Deebot Ozmo 930 is not the most efficient mop in the world, but can work quickly. In addition, it can of course also suck up dirt, which is admirable - but probably also what you have the right to expect from a robot vacuum cleaner. The Ozmo 930 is also good for forming an overview of the home (though only for one floor at a time). All in all, the Deebot Ozmo 930 solves the task in a discreet and efficient way.
Buyer's Guide: Vacuum Cleaners
Checklist for vacuum cleaner selection
- • connection power : indicates power consumption, not suction power or motor power.
- • exhaust air quality and filters : the engine filter and exhaust air filter are either microfilters or Hepa filters.
- • nozzles : the wider the area the nozzle sucks, the faster the vacuuming.
- • weight : vacuum cleaners weigh about 4 kg to 9 kg.
- • wire : there may be several meters of wire length differences between models.
- • tube : the telescope can be adjusted to the length of the vacuum cleaner.
- • movement : the vacuum cleaner should also move agilely over thresholds and on carpets.
- • dust bag: check the size of the dust bag used in the vacuum cleaner and the size of the space in the vacuum cleaner for the dust bags.
- • convenience : try the vacuum cleaner already in the store.
- • noise : listen to the noise of the shop, as the noise level varies by model.
- • bagged or bagless ? emptying a bagless vacuum cleaner is laborious, on the other hand, dust bags cost money.
Connection power and suction power different things
When advertising the efficiency of vacuum cleaners, the connection power, for example 700 watts, is multiplied. The connection power indicates the power requirement of the vacuum cleaner.
Although the impression is often given that a high connection power means a good vacuuming result, the figure has little to do with the suction power.
The design of the nozzle also has a significant effect on the dust absorbency. The suction power may also decrease as the dust bag fills.
Exhaust air quality and filters
The vacuum cleaner filters the exhaust air in several places:
- • The dust bag filters out the most debris and dust, most of which remains in the bag.
- • After the dust bag, the air is filtered by a motor filter , which at the same time protects the motor.
- • The last filter is an exhaust air filter, which aims to release as few particles as possible back into the room air.
The exhaust air filter is either a microfilter or a Hepa filter. If there is no allergy in the family, a microfilter is a suitable choice.
For the allergy family, you should buy a vacuum cleaner with a Hepa filter. For some vacuum cleaners, the Hepa filter must be purchased separately.
The Hepa (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter prevents even the smallest particles from returning to the room air. These are the most harmful for people with allergies or asthma.
There are several different categories of Hepa filters, such as Hepa 11, Hepa 12, and Hepa 13. The higher the number, the greater the amount of room air dust, pollen, fungal spores, bacteria, and other particles the filter filters.
Allergy-marked vacuum cleaners have a very high fine particle filtration efficiency (min. 99.95%) and a high-quality washable filter.
However, even the best filter is of no use if exhaust air can pass through the filter. Potential leaks are often between the filter and its frame or machine body. If the vacuum cleaner is not built tightly, impure exhaust air may enter the room from the connection points of the filter housing, despite the Hepa filter.
Some Hepa filters are washable. It is a good idea to read the washing instructions in the user manual before buying the appliance or filter. No study results are available on the effect of washing on filtration capacity. You can also buy a combined activated carbon - Hepa filter for some vacuum cleaners, where the activated carbon filter removes odors. Many cheaper vacuum cleaners do not allow the use of a Hepa filter.
Nozzles
Vacuum cleaners come with a carpet / floor nozzle and often a textile, dust and slit nozzle. Some vacuum cleaners are sold separately with special nozzles as accessories, such as a turbo nozzle, a parquet nozzle or a motorized carpet nozzle.
The shape of the carpet / floor nozzle is especially important. Even a vacuum cleaner with good suction power will not perform its function properly unless the nozzle is properly shaped in all respects. The nozzle bristles should be taken evenly into the floor and should be as close to the floor as possible. In addition, the suction ducts must be properly shaped.
According to Consumer magazine tests, the width of the nozzle does not always tell how wide an area of the floor is cleaned with a single stroke. The wider the nozzle sucks, the faster the space becomes vacuumed. The cleaning range in ordinary vacuum cleaners is usually wider than the nozzle, but the so-called in vacuum cleaners often narrower. The nozzles of stem vacuum cleaners often do not usually absorb dust well but rather crumbs and shards of glass.
According to tests, vacuum cleaners usually absorb dust from both sides of the nozzle excellently, but clearly less well in front of the nozzle. The device as a device leaves an untreated area between the front of the nozzle and the wall. It is therefore advisable to vacuum next to the wall so that the side part of the nozzle is against the wall. It is advisable to vacuum from the corners in two directions.
The shape of the nozzles is also important when you want to vacuum under a bookshelf, for example. The nozzle should be low enough to fit in a low space.
It is convenient to store the various nozzles in the nozzle housing in the body of the vacuum cleaner. In some vacuum cleaners, the nozzles are placed in a holder that attaches to the extension tube.
Weight
The weight of the vacuum cleaners varies from less than four kilograms to about nine kilograms. Weight is important e.g. when the vacuum cleaner is raised to storage or when stairs are vacuumed.
If you need to carry the vacuum cleaner from one layer to another, you should try how it feels to carry the vacuum cleaner. Even a heavier device is easy to carry if the handle is ergonomically shaped.
Management
The cord must be long enough and must be wound easily. In the store, you should try management; how easily it comes out and how effortlessly it rewinds.
The length of the line together with the suction hose and the pipe form the operating radius, i.e. how far the vacuum cleaner extends. The operating range can vary from 7 meters to 15 meters.
Tube
The telescopic tube, or adjustable extension tube, is convenient because it can be adjusted to suit each vacuum cleaner.
In the shop, it is worthwhile to test whether the telescopic tube is easy to adjust and whether the tube parts fit firmly in place. It is also a good idea to check how long the pipe can be adjusted if the vacuum cleaner is used by a tall person.
Movement of the vacuum cleaner
The vacuum cleaner must move agilely and must not stick to thresholds or carpets. In consumer tests, there were large differences in the movement of the vacuum cleaners on the mat.
Dust bag
You need to buy a specific type of dust bag for each vacuum cleaner. In all vacuum cleaners, the dustbag will not be able to open to its full size because the dustbag is larger than the dustbag space. The closing flap of the dust bag prevents the dust from spreading back into the room air when the bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner. Every year, the consumer tests numerous vacuum cleaner bags .
Vacuum cleaner comfort
You should research the vacuum cleaner in the store and see how sturdy it seems.
It is good if as many functions as possible can be done on foot. Some vacuum cleaners have a remote control for the suction power conveniently in the handle.
When choosing a vacuum cleaner, you should also try the ease of use of the vacuum cleaner in the store: whether the vacuum cleaner runs agilely, how well the nozzle goes in the desired direction, how well the cord winds and how easy it is to carry the device. Especially if there are a lot of vacuum stairs in the apartment, it is good if the exhaust air comes out from the top of the vacuum cleaner. In this case, the vacuum cleaner can be parked in the crabs if necessary and the vacuum cleaner does not have to be carried all the time.
Noise
You can also try the sound of the vacuum cleaner in the shop. Before listening to the sound, it is a good idea to attach a floor / carpet nozzle to the pipe, as the nozzle affects the volume.
Bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner?
The advantage of a bagless vacuum cleaner is saving money when you do not have to buy dust bags. On the other hand, emptying and washing the tank of a bagless vacuum cleaner is often cumbersome and unhygienic, and the dust floats back into the room air. This is a problem especially for allergy sufferers.
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