If you’re like me, you hate vacuuming period! I know it needs to be done, yet I dread spending the time doing it. It just seems like there is always something better I could be spending my time on. Well, lucky for me (and you now) a friend of mine introduced me to the wonderful world of the automatic vacuum cleaner, and I haven’t looked back since (or labored over an upright daily either). I’m VERY HAPPY with mine and wouldn’t want to live without it. These little robotic vacuums are a true lifesaver, in my opinion!
Here is the down and not so dirty scoop on the three major brands on the market today.
1. Roomba
Roomba is the most recognized name in this industry and basically started the automatic vacuum cleaner craze. It’s still the top dog in the yard, but it does have some tough competition as you will read later. One thing most models come with that certainly is a nice added feature is the “Virtual Wall.” This is a small device that you use to set up invisible barriers to confine the unit to a specific room or area. This comes in handy, especially in pet or high traffic areas that need a little extra attention. Another plus is the unit returns to its charging base when it’s done, or if it needs to recharge during its cleaning cycle. Roomba vacuum started it all and is still the one to beat! Read more about Roomba 890 vs 690 in comparison review.
2. Neato
The Neato XV-11 All Floor Robotic Vacuum Cleaner is still fairly new but is cleaning up in the automatic vacuum cleaner market (sorry couldn’t resist). This little thing is amazing! Like most of the top models, it offers programmable scheduling for cleaning and senses when it’s near stairs or furniture, so it works around them (and it won’t fall either). It knows not to leave the room it’s cleaning because it has a laser-based Room Positioning System which gives the robot vacuum a full 360-degree view of a room. It then creates a map of the room, detecting walls, doorways, furniture, and other obstacles. Because it recognizes standard doorways, it doesn’t pass from one room to the next until it’s done cleaning the current room. Needless to say, the programming behind this thing is amazing, and it’s quickly becoming the main competitor to Roomba!
3. Mint
The Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner has taken this market in a new direction. It pulls double duty by not only vacuuming but mopping as well. The Mint comes with reusable wet and dry cloths for cleaning. It’s very methodical in its cleaning by moving back and forth across open areas picking up dust, pet hair and dirt. In mop mode, it uses the pre-moistened disposable cleaning cloths to get deeper dirt and grime off your floors. It boasts a 3-hour cleaning from one charge and is extremely quiet. It’s very low maintenance and has no filters to clean or bins to empty. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose automatic vacuum cleaner, then this is the machine for you.
All of these automatic vacuum cleaners come with a warranty, and all are reliable machines that will save you a lot of work. None of them will completely relieve you of having to clean (if only that were possible), but they are all a good choice if you’re looking to spend your time doing more important things. One of the best things about these machines is being able to program them to clean when you’re away from home. I purchased one of these not long ago, and I can tell you. It’s a great feeling walking into a clean house from a long day’s work and not having to worry about doing it yourself.
If you’re seriously shopping for an automatic vacuum cleaner, I am sure you will find what you’re looking for on this site. Happy hunting and less vacuuming!