Are Robot Vacuums Worth It?

Robot vacuums have become a beloved piece of household cleaning equipment and it's easy to see why. These autonomous devices are both easy to use and offer hands-free cleaning. A bonus? They're quite compact and easy to store in a home with limited space. But are they for everyone?

When the first generation hit the market, top of the line robot vacuums were tough on the budget, leaving many homeowners wondering what makes them so special. They ask: are robot vacuums worth it? That said, there are models for every budget. So, while top of the line models might stretch past the $1,000 mark, entry level units will only set you back two to three hundred dollars.

So are robot vacuums worth it? We're here to break it down for you and offer some insight into what makes these vacuums from brands like iRobot so popular.

First, what are these beloved home appliances, and how do they work? Essentially, these are autonomous floor cleaning devices that you can program to clean up dust and dirt when and where you need it. Instead of pushing an upright version with a handle across rugs and flooring, these small, flat versions go it on their own.

Capable of cleaning carpet, tile and hardwood floors, these automatic models function in many of the same ways as a manual version. However, these hands-free devices do the hard work for you, reducing the time and effort you have to spend cleaning the house.

Over the years, they have become more mainstream—and more affordable as well. And their popularity is in part due to massive technological refinement, which has allowed these devices to evolve away from handheld versions and into hands-free cleaners that require little to no human interaction.

Robot vacuum cleaners offer many advantages over standard versions. In the market for a new vacuum or floor care solution? Don't pass these by. They may offer exactly what you're looking for.

At their inception, many wondered "are robot vacuums worth it?" But these originally left some homeowners with a bit of technophobia. Now, the cleaning machines are much more user-friendly than you might expect. Once you set up a program for a room or space, the vacuum truly does runs itself. And with the more recent innovations of smart home devices, these handy fellows have become even more popular.

Modern models have become even more advanced and refined. You can find self-regulating units that avoid mishaps like getting stuck on surfaces and objects or tumbling down stairs. With Wi-Fi connected models, you can even set up "Keep Out Zones" within your device's app: that way, you'll keep the kid's room and pet food areas from being invaded. Some can self-empty, while others are specialized with an ultra-long battery. Whatever features yours has, there are some benefits that are universal: once set up, these vacuums can assist those with mobility issues by cleaning those hard to reach places all by themselves. This makes them perfect for homes of the elderly and disabled.

Are robot vacuums worth it? They certainly replace time dedicated to chores with family time. These can run while you're eatng dinner or even while you're away at work. Almost entirely self-sufficient, these dusters allow you to program cleanings around your schedule for the ultimate convenience. You can also run them while you're completing other household chores, essentially doubling your efficiency and leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones.

These devices are engineered to move across a number of surfaces throughout the home, such as carpet, wood floors, linoleum and even concrete. Many high-end models can even transition between the various surfaces during the same cleaning cycle. And with sensors to detect stairs and avoid collisions, you simply set it and forget it as it makes light work of cleaning all kinds of floors.

Different kinds of debris cluttering the floor are no match for spinning brushes. These are great for sweeping up just about anything—from a light layer of dust to debris that got buried in your carpet pile—with its powerful suction abilities. Built-in sensors are able to detect how much dirt it needs to tackle, passing over the area until it's spotless.

These autonomous sweepers are much smaller than standard, manually operated models. Shaped like a disc, these appliances can be stored under a bed or in a closet, freeing up space for more important things. They're also quite light, meaning you no longer have to lug around a heavy chunk of machinery from room to room as you tackle your chores. Also, due to their low-profile design, they're able to reach places a regular vacuum can't—like beneath low-set furniture.

As mentioned, these robots have been on the market for many years already. What once was an expensive novelty has now become much more commonplace due to competition. That's great news for potential owners: it's also reduced their cost, making them much more attainable for the standard household. While the top-tier models can reach the $1,000 range, you can find basic models around the $300 range as well. There's truly something to fit every budget, expanding the market for all vacuums.

Are robotic vacuums worth it? If you're still not convinced or are interested in exploring more ways to clean your floors, check out Abt's vacuum buying guide.