My first Robot Vacuum- how was yours?

gregvacs28 · Dec 28, 2019

So I made a big decision and decided to buy a new robot vac.

It's not the docking, self cleaning, camera-on-board, give your cat a ride, can run and do errands, type bot.

Still, there is the possibility this thing could ACTUALLY do what it's designed for, mainly...... to vacuum.

With shipping, handling, import fees, licensing, doc. fees, administrative fees, taxes, insurance, and recycling fees I shelled out nearly $20.

I didn't get the extended warranty. Do you think that was foolish?

I'm wondering what others experiences are/have been with these new servants.

Or is this group for the most part still DIYers when it comes to vacuuming?

madman · Dec 29, 2019

$20? Is this some cheap Chinese crap? Or was that meant to be $200?

gregvacs28 · Dec 29, 2019

lol

Is "cheap Chinese crap" a brand name?

What if I had inherited or been gifted a robot vac? Would the quality of the experience then depend on the current market value of the said product, in your opinion?

n0oxy · Dec 29, 2019

robot vacuums

I have a Neato XV12 that I bought a few years ago. It's not the newest generation, it has no WIFI support but does have the Laser mapping system that Neato is known for. I would say a robot vacuum is useful for maintaining your floors but they will not replace a full size vacuum. They are cordless, and there is simply no cordless vacuum that will clean as deeply as a vacuum with a cord. They have certainly gotten better since they were introduced about 20 years ago but you will still need to use your regular vacuums, though perhaps not as often.
Mike

gregvacs28 · Dec 29, 2019

Thanks for that Mike.

Neato is supposed to be one of the highest rated robos right now. It has the unique flat front that others are starting to copy.

I hear you about the deep cleaning issue. No doubt about that. I'm just looking for something to do hard surface cleaning daily. Maybe even damp mop type thing.

I'm going to see if I can find a way to clean it out with the central vacuum hose.

I just like robots. Robot mowers, vacuums, floor washers, window washers, and autonomous cars for beginners.

This will be my first robo vac to play with.

crazykirbydude · Dec 30, 2019

I've heard not-so-great things about the sub $80 robots. The biggest gripe that I've seen with them is that they just go in random directions instead of a pattern like the Roomba or Neato, and because of that, it misses stuff. Also, they either have very poor airflow and suction or no suction action at all. I wouldn't expect a robot to deep clean my carpet, but they're okay for a daily once-over on hard surfaces. I think robot vac technology still has a way to go before they can begin to compete with full sized vacuums.

mark40511 · Dec 30, 2019

I've wondered

if these would be totally useless or at least good for maintaining your floors and I agree it will never replace a real vacuum. But do they stir up dust? What's the dust containment like? I'm imagining a bagless vacuum that may blow out a little dust from what it's picked up as it's running. But if the dust it picks up is air tight contained then I might like to have one of these and let it run but I'd still do my regular vacuuming...Maybe not every single day like I do now.

Anyway - I was watching a video on YouTube about how to save electricity and one of these were recommended because vacuum cleaners use a lot of electricity. The guy in the video uses a robot vacuum EXCLUSIVELY for his vacuuming which I could never do.

gregvacs28 · Dec 30, 2019

I wouldn't give up using my central vacuum. If the robo can clean flat surfaces, I'm fine with that. The robo can run around with a wet pad which is something no CV, canister, or upright can do.

The new floor washers, such as by Hoover are really incredible in my opinion. Scrubbing, washing, rinsing all at the push of a button and emptying the containers when done.

To me, it's interesting the technology they're using to navigate the robots.

mpbyrd · Dec 31, 2019

I’ve had two Roombas...

Over the past 10 years. This year upgraded to an 895 and gave my grandma my old 500 series. They are by no means a replacement for an actual vacuum but they do a good job and cleaning up every day messes and going under stuff you might not typically clean that often. Overall I enjoy mine, it cleans everyday and does a pretty good job. Would I pay over 1k for the latest Roomba? Hell no lol. To me a mid grade model at a sale price is worth the money.

vexorgtr · Jan 1, 2020

Someone gifted me a Roomba 400.... I think that was the model anyway. There wasn't anything automatic about it, just put it in the middle of the room, press Go, and come back later to find it stuck on an electric cord. If I wanted to watch a bump and go toy, it was the ticket.

huskyvacs · Jan 2, 2020

I am not sure what you bought, but based on the images you posted, this is not a vacuum. It is a floor mop that weighs all of 1 lb. or less of plastic and runs on AA batteries. There is a reason why it was $20 and came from China. You wasted your money big time. It cost them like 86 cents to make it. They have no brushroll, no suction, and no cleaning capability at all. The rag sticks to the bottom with velcro and you spray it with some Pledge and that's all you do with it. It will run around the floor and change directions when it bumps into something like a toy car.

Spend the money on an upright and don't bother with any robot vacuum. They are just carpet sweepers. They have no agitation, no suction, no uniform cleaning. A enormous waste of money that lazy people buy and then their carpet looks like a $20 hotel room within a month. Roomba just came out with one that empties itself that costs $2,000.

By comparison - $20 at Goodwill bought me a Hoover Concept One - much better than any robot vacuum and with its weight it could crush them flat!

Here is what the bottom of these mop sweepers looks like.

gregvacs28 · Jan 3, 2020

Husky

Many of your points are valid and definite concerns and things one could say a couple of years ago, but they've improved the robots.

You should do some research, you might be impressed. And yes, nothing is going to clean like a person can with their favorite quality vacuum. For me it's a central vacuum.

But robots do it automatically. That's something one can't compete with.

I found this Youtube chan. about a month ago and they compare them scientifically. They really show how they've improved over the years. But there is also other people who've reviewed them as well.

I've yet to receive my robot. It's on the way. I've had a robotic lawn mower which was awesome, so I have have an open mind.

luxlife · Jan 4, 2020

You’re not a fully initiated robot owner...

Until your dog leaves you a present and the robot vac finds it before you do. It’s a rite of passage. The struggle is real.

madman · Jan 4, 2020

lesinutah · Jan 4, 2020

Hmm

If your robot leaves it's own piece of waste does that uniniated?
It's revenge of the robot vacs.
Les

gregvacs28 · Jan 5, 2020

The idea of having ANY free roaming pet <span style="text-decoration: underline;">inside</span> the home is as vile as the "real struggle" that some people have reported with their..... pet..... leaving messes..... robot encounters.

yep, kitties and puppies are cute. Fortunately, youtube and calendar manufacturers allow us to appreciate them for the 10 minutes it's fun without having all the baggage associated while actually owning such a liability laden creature.

luxlife · Jan 5, 2020

There’s nothing vile about having indoor pets.

My post was meant to be anecdotal with some levity. I certainly hope that you don’t have pets. You’d probably keep chained outside to a tree....in the cold.....

gottahaveahoove · Jan 6, 2020

I have a NIB Hoover robotic vac.

It was taken out of the box at a mini meet, mostly for demo. It was programmable, etc. It's brand new, was expensive. BUT, I was lucky to obtain t for less than $50.00.
I don't plan on using it......with all of the other Hoovers in the house.
I also have 2 wonderful kitties who live here. I'd never trade either for the world. My niece had a "Robo"AND 2 DOGS! Lessons were learned in that house fast.

gregvacs28 · Jan 13, 2020

It's arrived!
It's adorable.

Obviously, I have few expectations of this new $20 vacuum.
If it picks up ANY significant dirt off hard floors, that will be viewed as a success.
I'm not doing rugs or carpets, though I'll try it.

At this point it's unpackaged, the battery safety tab is removed, and the charger is plugged in.

I did push the power button and it actually made noise, the wheels turn, AND it this bad boy actually has suction. woo-hoo.