Bagless Robotic Sweepers

Some robot vacuums, such as Scuttle Bug and RoRo have been adopted as family pets. They even play hide and seek with their owners!

Robotic vacuums and mops work independently, so once you set them up they're happy to keep cleaning on their own. They'll last for years with little maintenance, such as emptying the bins and cleaning the brushes.

1. Powerful suction

Bagless robotic sweepers offer powerful suction that is similar to traditional vacuum cleaners. They come with a variety of features that allow them to manage different types of floors and the sizes of homes. The most effective robots allow you to plan cleaning times for certain rooms and set boundaries around areas you do or don't want it to clean. You can also use an app to adjust the level of the cleaning performed by your robot and track its progress while it's working.

One feature that many people appreciate is the ability to choose which direction and where your robot will begin. Depending on your home layout, this can be especially beneficial in areas with lots of doors and corners. A lot of robots have a docking system that allows you to swap out reusable dustbins or disposable ones, and then recharge the robot in between uses. Some models even have self-emptying bases that eliminate the need to purchase disposal bags.

The main drawback of most bagless self-emptying vacuums robotic sweepers is that they tend to be quite costly. This is especially true for models with bases that is self-emptying, which can add significant sums to the cost of the device. However they are becoming more popular and can be an excellent alternative for homeowners who are exhausted of manually cleaning their floors or struggling with pet hair.

The Eufy 11s is a great vacuum cleaner for general cleaning and can get into all the nooks and crannys of my home. However, it has some notable issues when it comes to getting rid of pet hair. Although it comes with an anti-tangle brush that shreds hair and cuts it up but I still was constantly taking up and rearranging cat and dog hair. The robot also seems to be stuck on carpets frequently and easily become bogged down in fluffy, high-pile fibres.

Some of the more expensive models I've tested (like the Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum) have superior pet hair collection and navigation. Their dual dustbins that can be switched between to pick up varying amounts of debris and are more efficient at collecting fur and are much easier to empty. Their square shape lets them get into corners better than other circular robots as well. They also have superior object recognition, allowing them to suck up Cheerios and a heap of oatmeal while deftly navigating fake dog turds and lamp cords.

2. Cleansing with adaptability

One of the most important features you'll discover in any robot vacuum, and especially a bagless model, is the ability to adapt to the changing conditions. The robot vacuum will be able to be able to recognize, for instance, what type of floor you have in each area that is soft or hard. It will also learn to maneuver around obstacles such as furniture and stairs. The more data it has the better it is able to clean your entire home.

Smart robotic cleaners can reach places where traditional brooms and dustpans can't, like under beds, or other high spots that require you to get down on your knees. Certain robots, based on the model you select, can be programmed to clean certain areas or rooms at specific times of the day.

The most effective robot vacuums will pick up tiny particles like sand or baking soda heavier debris, such as heaps of oatmeal or orzo pasta metal screws and nuts or fluffy stuff like pet hair. They also can be able to get into tight spots where a stick broom may be difficult to reach. They're also quieter than standard upright or canister vacs and can be set up to be running in the background while you read or watch television.

In addition to vacuuming, some models can also sweep and mop the floors in your home. You'll have to be extra careful with these types of robots. Ensure that you remove the mopping pads and wash them (and allow them to dry) before installing them again. You'll also want to wash and rinse the filter (and let it dry) regularly if your manufacturer recommends it.

The majority of mops can be reused multiple times, but ensure you buy one with an ample water tank and plenty of mopping pads (the Dreametech W10 for example, which won an award called the Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning and Organizing Award in the past, can hold up 12 mopping pads and 5 gallons). Some of the most advanced models have charger docks that can refill the tank and empty the bin.

3. Efficient

Robot vacuums have evolved more quickly than any other home appliance. They were initially expensive devices which got stuck on the stairs and were sprayed with pet hair. But today there's many models that are available in all price ranges, that can self-empty bins and mapping capabilities.

The most significant advancement that has come to the robotic vacuum is the improvement in obstacle avoidance. This is the ability of the robot vacuum to detect and avoid obstacles like cords that are tangled and furniture legs or piles of dog waste. (Click on that CNET lead from the hall-of fame for more details). Even the best robot vacuums can't stay clear of them all the time. This means that they may get overwhelmed and end with a mess of pet waste on your floors.

Advanced robots utilize gyroscopes camera, radar and laser (laser distance sensors, also known as LDS) guided system to draw out your floor plan and ensure that they are cleaning thoroughly and are not missing any space. They also have the ability to store and update multiple floor plans. This helps them be more efficient and decreases the likelihood that they'll have to spend long hours going back and forth to clean the same spots over and over again.

If you're looking for a true set-it-and-forget robotic vacuum that can perform the dirty work without your assistance take a look at the top smart robot vacuum we've tested to date: the iRobot j7+. It was the most efficient robot vacuum we've tested for mapping the virtual boundaries, and eliminating obstacles.

If you're looking to save cash and don't require features such as mapping or a self-emptying garbage bin, look into our budget-friendly selection for the year Eufy 11S. It has great performance on carpeting and hardwood floors with a low pile and is able to remove dust, pet hair and cat litter with ease. The onboard bin can hold up to 45 days of dirt. When it's full, the bin is automatically returned to the charging dock to be empty.

4. Easy to maintain

Robotic vacuums and mops must be cleaned regularly like any other appliance used in the house. However, how often you clean depends on the model and the needs of your household. You will need to empty your trash frequently and clean the wheels or brushes, depending on the robot model. The maintenance manual that is included with all robots will explain how to maintain it.

For instance, you could wash the bin and then wipe it down with a slightly damp (not dripping wet) melamine sponge to remove any dirt that's accumulated. You can also clean the wheels and filters of your robot vacuum to keep it running smoothly. Nasrallah suggests that you inspect the wheels at least once per week to ensure they're free of threads, hairs, or other debris that could get caught within and cause the machine to malfunction. You should also wipe down the main brushes under the robot -- the left and right drive wheels, as well as the side brush -- once every month to ensure they're free of any debris and functioning properly.

Some models are able to double as automated robot mops which can add mopping to your routine of cleaning at home. If you plan to make use of the feature, ensure that your space is vacuum-proofed thoroughly before turning on your mop robot. This means that the robot won't be sucked in by pet socks or toys that aren't secured.

Smart mapping technology aids the robot learn about the layout of the rooms, so that it can clean them in a neat manner. Some models allow you to define areas that the robot won't clean. This is ideal if your children are known to put their shoes on the hallway.

Real Simple consulted experts to find the best bagless programmed cleaners robotic vacuum and mop to fit in your home. These included Forrest McCall (co-owner of the blog Mama Needs a Project), Alvin Pullins (CEO and founder of Nerd in the House), and Michele Jones (associate brand marketing director at ECOVACS Americas). The experts assessed the products on the basis of setting up, efficiency, and noise level. They also looked at features, maneuverability and ease-of-maintenance.