Robot vacuum cleaners are slowly finding their way into more and more homes, proving themselves useful at sucking up everyday crumbs, hair and lint – all on their own. — dpa
Robot vacuum cleaners make the tedious chore of house cleaning a simple matter – at least that's what the manufacturers say. These autonomous cleaners slowly make their way around your home, usually when you're out, carefully collecting all the dust and crumbs.
It sounds like a must-have, but does it really work?
"Of course vacuum cleaning robots can't match the suction power of a good vacuum cleaner," says professional product tester Cecilia Meusel. "But they complement the house cleaning and provide a basic visual cleanliness in the apartment."
This opinion is shared by Claudia Oberascher, project manager of a household appliance initiative in Berlin: "The robots make up for the comparatively low suction power by cleaning the apartment regularly and keeping it to a clean standard."
If used daily or several times a week, they can complement more traditional cleaning methods. "They can be of interest especially for older people because they reach every corner of the apartment and clean it where it is difficult with the vacuum cleaner," Oberascher says.
Robot vacuum cleaners have improved a lot in recent years. While the first models moved around rather randomly, the latest versions clean the floor systematically and thoroughly. They can also be controlled remotely via app.
"The devices have become smarter. Many can be programmed and can survey the room," says Werner Scholz, head of a household appliance trade association in Germany. "They calculate in advance how they get into corners, where obstacles and stairs are."
However, the devices still have their weaknesses – they're not good at getting into corners and on carpets their cleaning effect can be superficial. Battery life is also a factor, especially in larger apartments.
If buying one, the important criteria to consider include suction power, programmability, battery life, charging time and how the device orientates itself in a room. Also worth considering is how the device is emptied after operation and how much noise it makes when working.
"The robots are not very loud, but they are constantly whirring. That can bother you when you're home," Meusel says.
For the best result, the owner has to make a contribution too. "The devices don't work completely independently, you have to create suitable conditions," Oberascher explains.
Robot vacuum cleaners work best in apartments with smooth floors and a clear layout. They have a hard time in rooms with lots of furniture or sloping floors. Fluffy carpets and tangles of cables will also trip them up. That means you should clear away obstacles or else programme the cleaner so that it stays away from them. – dpa
