Start by considering your floors, thresholds and obstacles, then think about how much maintenance you’re happy to do yourself. Mapping can help you target specific rooms, while an auto-empty station can mean fewer trips to empty the bin. Neither guarantees the same results on every floor type, though, so check the app, brushes and replacement parts for the model you’re considering.
If you want to automate cleaning across several rooms, check your rugs, thresholds, furniture and hard-to-reach areas. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes between random navigation and mapping, and recommends looking at results for different floor types.
If you plan to run the robot regularly and want fewer trips to empty the bin, you’ll still need to clean the brushes and maintain the station. Features vary between models, so check exactly what the station takes care of.
If you want to set routines or choose specific rooms, check the app’s features and the connectivity requirements for the exact model. For example, iRobot says the Roomba 105 Combo Y311040 needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network after setup.
To work out whether a robot can save you time, compare its features with your home’s layout and the tasks you’re happy to keep doing yourself.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting around your home | Compare the navigation system and configurable areas. Measure your thresholds and check them against the stated climbing height for the exact model. | If I want to clean several rooms despite thresholds and furniture, I’ll check the possible routes first. Around 24% of consumers prioritise moving between rooms. |
| Results on different floors | Look for tests on the floor types in your home. If you also want mopping, check how the mop performs near rugs. | If my home has a mix of wood, tiles or rugs, I want results for those surfaces rather than relying on a single specification. Around 23% of consumers prioritise cleaning their floors. |
| Maintenance after cleaning | Check which functions the station handles: charging, emptying and mop washing. Look into station maintenance and brush and filter replacements. | If I run the robot often, I want to empty the bin less frequently without skipping brush and station cleaning. Around 23% of consumers prioritise reducing the need to empty and maintain their robot. |
| Scheduling and the app | Check the app for the model, network requirements, features available without a connection and information about updates. | If I want to schedule rooms and keep my settings, I’ll check that the app and network are compatible with my equipment. Around 18% of consumers prioritise usable scheduling features. |
| Running costs and replacement parts | Find out which consumables you’ll need, which parts are compatible and what the seller says about availability. Also check the applicable warranty terms. | If I’m comparing features and consumables over time, I want to know which parts I’ll need and what maintenance to expect. Around 12% of consumers prioritise running costs. |
Results can vary between tiles, wood and rugs, as well as around edges and different types of debris. A suction power figure alone can’t tell you how well it will clean your home.
Look for tests on the floor types in your home, rather than judging performance by a single advertised specification.
A station may handle some tasks but not others. You may still need to clean the brushes, filters or the station itself.
Before choosing a model with a station, check the features and accessories included with the exact version.
Remember to factor in station maintenance and the consumables required for the equipment supplied.
Routines and room-by-room settings may depend on an app and a compatible network.
Check the connection requirements, which features work offline and what the seller says about updates for the model you’re considering.
Similar product names don’t guarantee the same equipment. For example, Roborock’s product pages distinguish the Q10 S5 Set from the Q10 S5+ by noting that the latter includes an auto-empty station.
Compare the full name, model number and package contents before buying.
You may need to buy a station or accessories separately if they aren’t included in the package you choose.
The X-Plorer range lets you compare mapping robots with versions that include an auto-empty station.
The Roomba 105 Combo Y311040 is a mapping option that combines vacuuming and mopping. The product page consulted doesn’t mention an auto-empty station.
The DEEBOT N20 family is worth exploring for mapping, bin maintenance and replacement parts.
The Q10 S5 Set and Q10 S5+ are examples of configurations to compare by package contents and whether a station is included.
The D10 Plus Gen 2 and L10s Ultra Gen 3 Kit are among the models in Dreame’s French range.
The options below are robot vacuum cleaners with mapping and/or an auto-empty station. They’re designed to automate cleaning and, depending on the model, reduce the need to handle the bin.
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Its auto-empty station makes it a good option if you want to empty the bin less often. Remember to check what maintenance the station needs, too.
The product page lists 8000 Pa suction power and app control.
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Its multi-level mapping is worth considering if you want to plan cleaning across several rooms or floors. Check which features are suitable for your home.
The product page lists 20000 Pa suction power, a 20 cm cleaning width and a mopping function.
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Mapping and an auto-empty bin suit households looking to plan cleaning routes and handle the bin less often. Check what maintenance you’ll still need to do.
The product page lists 360° LiDAR navigation, 5000 Pa suction power and a 3200 mAh battery.
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This model includes a mopping function, so it’s worth considering if you want to combine vacuuming and mopping. Check which tasks the station handles for the package on offer.
The product page lists 16200 Pa suction power.
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Its station and mops make it a good option if you want to automate some of the maintenance. Check the washing and drying features included with the exact package.
The product page lists 12000 Pa suction power and FlexiArm mops.
No. Mapping doesn’t guarantee that a robot can cross thresholds or clean rugs. Look for tests on your floor types and check how the mop behaves near rugs. Rowenta lists a climbing height of up to 18 mm for the RR8595WH; this figure applies to that model only.
Check the app and network requirements for the model you’ve chosen. For the Roomba 105 Combo Y311040, iRobot says a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection needs to remain active after setup.
No. Check whether it empties the dust, also maintains the mops or handles other tasks. You’ll still need to check the brushes, filters and consumables. ECOVACS’ published instructions, for example, include cleaning the bin and brushes.
No, a set availability period isn’t automatically guaranteed for every model. The DGCCRF states that if the manufacturer has told the seller how long parts will be available, the seller must pass this information on to the consumer at the time of purchase.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy says you have two years from delivery to take action. Any commercial warranty offered doesn’t replace this statutory guarantee.