Will a Robot Vac Completely Replace an Upright Vacuum?

Imagine surfing the internet or learning a new craft while a robot vac zooms around the house, inhaling all manner of dust and dirt from the floor. Occasionally, this marvel beeps to get its bin emptied or returns to its docking station for a recharge. Some newer models even return to the base to empty their bins into a tower that can hold several bins worth of debris.
With a robot vac, a traditionally tedious and noisy task happens relatively quietly and without much need for human assistance. Robot vacuums offer this utopian ideal of freedom from one dreaded chore, but do they live up to the ideal?

Can Robot Vacs Replace Upright Vacuums?

Can a robot vacuum entirely replace the need for an upright? Consumer Reports says that robot vacs aren’t yet perfect. They mentioned the example of one of their reviewers who tested a robot vac only to have a dropped jelly-covered bagel smeared onto the carpet.
Still, decent models perform pretty well. They make up the fastest-growing floor care segment and increasingly take up larger shares of the number of vacuums sold. Consumer Report’s testers say that these vacuums perform well in uncluttered spaces with low-pile carpets or hard floors. Thicker rugs force them to consume more power, so they need more charges. Upright and canister vacuums provide more power to enable them to tackle more demanding jobs.
Unlike human vacuum operators, robot vacuums can’t seem to see spots they’ve missed or sadly, climb up and downstairs. They also can’t distinguish between potentially valuable objects, like dropped eyeglass screws and debris. Most people still need a traditional vacuum, but a robot vacuum can make floor cleaning faster and more efficient.

Robot Vacuums Reduce the Need for Upright and Canister Vacuums

A robot vacuum probably can’t entirely replace a human-powered traditional vacuum cleaner at today’s level of technology. Buying a robot vacuum could mean that conventional vacuuming becomes an occasional task instead of a regular one. Also, it’s vital to ensure that the floor doesn’t contain any hidden traps, like jelly-smeared bagels.

Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums to Consider

A self-emptying feature makes robot vacuums a lot more valuable because they generally come with pretty small bins. Mashable reviewed several self-emptying robot vacuum models, and they highlighted some top choices:
  • Proscenic M7 Pro: This model costs $499, operates quietly, and provides consumers with a good balance between features and price.
  • iRobot Roomba S9+: This Roomba costs $1,299, and for consumers with the budget to absorb its price, it’s worth it.
  • Shark IQ Self-Empty XL: Priced at $599, this Shark robot vac got high marks for its user-friendly features.
Shop around for deals because some retailers or manufacturers discount models before and after the holiday season. Some work better on carpets, and others might excel at picking up pet hair. The best robot vac for any household depends upon budgets, preferences, and types of flooring.

Keep Vacuums Performing Longer

Some people neglect minor problems with their vacuums because they worry about high repair bills or aren’t sure where to find qualified services. An Upsie vacuum warranty prevents unexpected repair costs and ensures access to certified technicians.
Upsie offers their protection plans directly to customers, so they can keep prices lower than their competition by reducing overhead. In turn, they provide robust protection, 24-7 claims with real people, and convenient local repairs by certified technicians. Lower prices, better coverage, and high-quality services save their customers money by extending the lifespan of their vacuums.

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.