Family Encyclopedia >> Home & Garden

The robot vacuum cleaner, very practical!

They are often blamed for their high price, but household robot vacuum cleaners are gaining more and more followers:what a joy to delegate the cleaning chore to this little machine!

In addition to elbow grease savings, the vacuum robot also saves time, of course. For example, you can dust in the bedroom while the robot is busy in the living room... However, you will have to go behind it from time to time because certain corners escape it.

Which one to choose?

The promise of robot vacuum cleaners has exploded sales in recent months:no more cleaning chores for mom after Christmas! Well, my daughter-in-law is not crazy about cleaning, it will not be a luxury… The argument of putting an end to these domestic obligations which take time and energy works wonderfully, but in fact , not all robot aspis are equally efficient.

More than thirty models of robot cleaners exist on the market, from major brands such as Samsung, Rowenta or even iRobot – designer of the famous Roomba which is currently available in about ten specimens – and from the giants of low cost (Crossroads). So spoiled for choice, but the Samsung Navibot would win the best reviews for the moment.

For or against?

The robot vacuum has many advantages, but it is not recommended for all types of interior; indeed, it is advisable to clear the ground well and the surface should not be too convoluted. So if you have an apartment with levels, nooks, low furniture and other things cluttering the floor, the food processor will not be suitable.

At least, it will do what it can, but its acquisition will remain expensive compared to its effectiveness... On the other hand, if you need to have an always impeccable flower bed (because of animals, for example, or if you have a baby playing on the floor) then the robot becomes interesting, always on the condition of having a minimum of nooks and crannies to clean. Or else, think of it as a simple collaboration:the vacuum does the heavy lifting, and you do the finishing touches!

So, conquered?

After a mixed "for or against", we will still look at the real qualities of this little robot:because in absolute terms, some models are real treasures of ingenuity. First, you should know that some robot vacuum cleaners are programmable (including the Samsung Navibot and the latest from iRobot:the Roomba 770).

Some models are also more or less silent:all Roombas are known for their rather sudden movements and the noise caused. It must be said that they have simple sensors, which tell them to turn around when they encounter an obstacle – while the Samsung Navibot is equipped with a camera to avoid them gently. Finally, some brands offer models equipped with a mop... So that's it!