Ready to jump on the robot mop and vacuum cleaner bandwagon? If you’re a busy person or someone who loathes the thought of everyday mopping, that’s right about the best decision you can make. Robot mops can clean your floors with a push of a button, and you don’t even have to be in the same room with them!
In recent years, the technology and the algorithms in robot mops have improved by leaps and bounds. These improvements have become a harbinger of good and bad news– good because it created better products, and bad because there is just so much to choose from!
If you’re one of those who loves to cover all the bases before making an informed purchasing decision, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will assist you in choosing the best model that fits your needs.
What To Consider When Choosing a Robot Mop – 7 Essential Features
Robot mop cleaners offer a wide range of models– from the most basic floor cleaning functions to self-emptying mechanisms. It’s vital to consider what you need instead of simply buying the most “popular” or expensive robot with features you won’t even use. After thoroughly researching customer demands, we identified 5 essential features to look for when selecting a robot mop for your household.
- Cleaning Capabilities
If you want help cleaning the floors, you must put a robot’s mopping abilities at the top of your checklist. Ensure that the robot mop’s cleaning modes are enough for the type of hardwood floor you have or if it’s going to deal with carpets in specific locations.
Most robot mops have three basic modes– spot, auto, and edge. Other manufacturers may have different settings (wet mopping, dry and damp sweeping, etc.), but the idea is to ascertain that the robot mop is up to the task as far as its cleaning capabilities are concerned.
- Mapping Capabilities
A robot’s mapping technology dictates how efficient it can be as it does its job. Because of this feature, the robot stays away from potentially unsafe areas and follows the shortest and most practical route to complete the cleaning cycle.
Manufacturers may use different technologies or combine two or more mapping features inside a unit. Some may use LiDar, some Not everyone needs the latest mapping technology, especially if your floors are mostly bare with minimal furniture and appliances. Otherwise, this feature should be at the top of the list.
- App Integration
Some robots do not have an app integration, but you may find it handy, especially if you’re away from home most of the day. Most modern robot mops and vacuums come with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, does scheduling of cleaning times, choose cleaning modes, and monitor what your robot is up to while you are out.
Remember that not all robots require an app to function. However, they enhance your cleaning experience, and the convenience it brings is terrific, especially when you get the hang of it. If you don’t want to use an app, choose a model with a power and dock button on the robot or a charging base and remote control.
- Quality
Whether you spend $200 or $2,000 on a robot, you’d want it to last as long as it should. After all, it doesn’t take much to frazzle this thing apart. You can read and examine the materials used and if the body can handle the daily wear and tear. The cleaning pads must also be made from durable materials such as top-of-the-line microfiber.
- Cliff and Obstacle Detection
No matter how durable the materials are, it would not matter if it’s up against a 12-foot fall. That’s why a robot mop’s sensors are highly critical and probably the single most significant factor in determining how long the robot lasts. The same thing with obstacle detection. Recognizing a cable wire and working around it can mean the difference between a clean house and a cornered robot with no way out.
- Battery Life
The duration of a robot mop’s cleaning time varies depending on the type, although most can function for an hour or more on one charge. Still, you may need more than that if you live in a big house. If that’s the case, make it a point to buy a robot mop with enough battery life or one that has excellent maneuverability to return to its dock, recharge, and pick up where it left off.
- Price
Homeowners have their own set of circumstances, but as a rule of thumb, you don’t need to buy the most expensive robot just because you can. Some moderately priced robot mops can adequately do the job. They may not have the technology that expensive models boast, but their cleaning capabilities could rival their pricier counterparts.
Another thing that you can decide on is buying a standalone robot or a hybrid one. The problem with a hybrid robot, one that can mop and vacuum, is that it’s expensive and doesn’t really excel in one or even both jobs. Those that do may be worth more than a standalone robot mop and vacuum combined, albeit with more cutting-edge features.
Such features, such as a self-cleaning and emptying mechanism, are beneficial, especially if you have mobility issues. However, if you don’t suffer from achy joints, you can use some exercise and the extra savings. The bottom line is you must settle for the price point you need and are comfortable with.
A Guide to the Best Robot Mops in 2023
With dozens of models to choose from, we won’t have any shortage of recommendations. Here are some of the best robot mops you should consider in 2023:
- iRobot Braava Jet 240
The Braava Jet 240 is a standalone robot mop that actually “mops” rather than “wipes.” It delivers an outstanding cleaning performance, a low 3.3-inch profile, and the ability to use cleaning solutions.
It has no innovative features, but it follows a highly-efficient cleaning pattern, avoids carpets, and leaves virtually no streaks. As previously pointed out, you don’t need anything fancy here, just a really solid unit that does the job well.
- iRobot Braava Jet M6
The M6 is essentially the 240’s fancier version. It retains the best features of the 240 but adds more, such as apps, voice control, and targeted room cleaning. It costs twice as much as the 240, but if you need the additional components, the robot is still worth it.
- Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni
The Deebot X1 Omni debuted at over $1,500, enough to call the deal off. It has since gone down to $1,099, a price point that some may find agreeable, primarily because of its cutting-edge features.
The X1 Omni is a hybrid model that does a satisfactory job at mopping and vacuuming. But what really stood out was its amalgam of detection systems and uncanny ability to avoid carpets. It can map your home in minutes, work in darker rooms, and cleans better than other robots at its price point.
If you feel like rolling the dice and splurging on a cleaning robot, you can do much worse than the Deebot X1 Omni.
Final Thoughts
Automated cleaning has gone from a luxury to a glaring need. People are so busy these days that daily house upkeep does not warrant a mandatory spot on the regular checklist.
That’s why robot mops are here. These little machines do the daily maintenance for you and can clean the house even when you’re not there. They are not a full-on care solution, but it prevents the buildup of dust particles and caked-on dirt.
The seven features outlined in this article will help you find the right robot mop for your needs and budget. Plus, we are happy to steer you in the right direction with three of the best robot mop choices for varying price points. With a bit of thought and due diligence, anyone can select the optimal robot to make cleaning simpler and faster.