The Ultimate Guide to Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners
Today’s robots are more sophisticated than ever. Most can be controlled with an app on your phone, and some are even voice-enabled. Many can return to the home base for a recharge and then go back to cleaning wherever they left off.
One of the big benefits of a Roomba is that they're relatively slim in height, meaning they can venture places other bots can't. On test, we found this one was especially good at handling pet hair, with its grippy rubbery rollers.
The standout feature on the J20 is an innovative mop pad, set on a roller like the wheels of a tank, which works extremely well. It's very much a premium option, but the performance is excellent.
Over the past 10 years, we've tested dozens of robot vacuums, both by performing objective tests as well as real-world setups. Each model we review is first evaluated to see how well it can pick up three types of debris. We measure out 20 grams of Cheerios, 20 grams of kitty litter, and 20 grams of pet hair. Next, we scatter each individually across a hardwood floor, and then weigh the contents of the robot vacuum's dustbin to see how much of each it picked up. We then repeat the same three tests on a low-pile carpet. Afterwards, the robot vacuum receives a cleaning performance score, which is the percentage of debris it was able to collect. After we record each robot vacuum's scores, we let these machines loose in our tester’s home to see how each holds up in terms of navigation, obstacle avoidance, and coverage in real-world testing.
In our Lab tests: Robot vacuums are getting better, smarter and more self-sufficient all the time, and iRobot's Roomba Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners remains one of the top performers in our GH Cleaning Lab tests. This Roomba S9+ picked up 99% of the dry oatmeal, sand, small screws and other debris we spread on hard floors.
In our Lab tests: Self-emptying bases are all the rage now, and in our tests, the L10s managed to empty all of the hair and debris in the vacuum into its base without clogging or leaving anything behind in the brush roll.
In our tests, it left pelo debris behind on any bare floor — including vinyl and tile — and it was very easy to maneuver and carry thanks to its oversized wheels, compact design and easy-grip handle.
You're looking for a vacuum that is easier to maneuver into tight spaces and use on stairs than uprights are. The canister and motor can be placed out of the way, making it easier to carry and use. Plus, all have hoses and attachments for dusting, upholstery and crevices.
Who it's best for: Designed to last for years, this Miele canister vacuum does an excellent job of picking up and trapping dust and dirt.
The mopping is also a cut above average. On test, we found the rotating pads very effective – great news if you're regularly dealing with muddy pawprints. The does-it-all dock will take care of refilling the bot's water tank, dispensing cleaning fluid, and cleaning and drying its mop pads, too, meaning minimal hands-on time from you.
Their built-in, app-enabled smarts allow them to find their way out of tight spots and around some obstacles, though that brings up some privacy concerns.
We also factor in the weight of each model. All special features and claims are assessed, and we even give the tool storage and owner's manual a grade.
That level of smarts means a high price tag, although our tester felt it was justified by the build quality and featureset. If you're looking for a truly autonomous cleaning solution, the Roborock Qrevo Curv will deliver.
✔️ Bag or bagless: Both types clean well in our Cleaning Lab tests. Bagless models come with a dust cup and filter that needs frequent emptying and cleaning. The advantage is that you don’t have to stock up on bags or ever worry about running out of them. They can be messy to clean and empty, though, and may not be the best choice for those with dust allergies.