First, choose a robot vacuum that can reach the areas you want to clean. Thresholds, rugs, narrow passages and space for the docking station all matter just as much as the advertised features. Mapping helps you schedule cleaning by room, while a docking station can reduce some of the effort involved, provided you’re happy with the space it takes up and the maintenance it requires. Mopping is best seen as an extra for hard floors: UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary depending on the floor and the model.
If narrow passages or low furniture make it difficult to get around, check that the model can reach the areas you want cleaned. UFC-Que Choisir assesses suction on different floor types, in corners and around the edges of rooms.
If you run frequent cleaning cycles, a self-emptying docking station can cut down on some of the work between runs. However, it needs a permanent space, a power socket and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
A robot vacuum and mop can add a damp clean to your routine. However, UFC-Que Choisir highlights the limitations of robot mopping, so keep a way to tackle stains and give your floors a thorough clean.
First, check that the robot can reach your rooms and that there’s space for its docking station. Then choose the scheduling, docking station and mopping features that suit the way you’ll use it.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Access to different areas | Measure thresholds, passages and the gaps beneath furniture. Compare them with the model’s limits and check its settings for rugs. | If thresholds or rugs separate my rooms, what matters most is that the robot can reach the areas I want cleaned. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Hands-on maintenance between cycles | Check what the docking station handles, such as charging, emptying, washing and drying. Make sure you have room for it and the required clearances. | If I run the robot often, I’d rather empty it and intervene less frequently, while still keeping the docking station maintained. Reducing hands-on maintenance is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Mopping hard floors | Check the mopping system and how it handles mop pads when moving over rugs. Plan to give your floors a thorough clean by hand. | On hard floors, I’d like to add a damp clean to my regular routine, without expecting the robot to tackle every stain. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Scheduling and app | Check the room-by-room features, app compatibility, updates and information about the data collected. | If I want to choose rooms and cleaning times on my phone, I also need to be happy with the terms of the connected service. App control and data privacy are priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
A threshold could stop the robot from reaching a room. In an FAQ about a DEEBOT, Ecovacs says an obstacle over 2 cm high may prevent it from cleaning the area. This limit doesn’t apply to every model.
Measure your thresholds and check for rugs, cables and narrow passages, then read the instructions for the robot you’re considering.
The docking station needs to be accessible so the robot can return to it. The required clearances vary by model.
Choose a spot near a power socket and measure the available space before buying, checking the instructions as well.
Depending on its features, a docking station may also need compatible replacement bags, filters or mop pads, as well as regular maintenance.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that robot mops can have limited cleaning performance in some situations.
Use this feature for regular upkeep on hard floors, check how the robot handles rugs and keep a manual method for stains and thorough cleaning.
Scheduling and mapping may depend on an account, your network and the provider’s services. The CNIL also highlights the privacy issues associated with connected devices.
Before buying, check that your phone is compatible, review the update terms and permissions required, and read the model’s privacy policy.
Worth considering for mapping robots with docking stations, depending on the model.
Consider its robot vacuum and mop models with docking stations in selected ranges.
Worth a look for mapping, docking station and rug-handling features available on selected DEEBOT models.
Worth exploring for connected X-PLORER robots and the instructions for each series.
Don’t expect a robot vacuum to replace thorough manual cleaning altogether. UFC-Que Choisir assesses results separately on rugs, tiles, parquet, corners and around the edges of rooms. Have another way to clean areas the robot can’t reach and dirt it can’t tackle.
Set it up according to the instructions for your model, near a power socket and with the specified clearances. For one particular station, Rowenta requires it to be placed against a wall, with 0.5 m of clearance on each side and 1 m in front. Don’t assume these measurements apply to other stations.
Check compatibility with your phone and network, the features available, the update terms and the permissions required. The CNIL highlights the privacy issues associated with connected devices, so also check the provider’s information about how your data is processed.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual in France. Keep your proof of purchase and the model number. Any commercial guarantee may be offered in addition to the statutory guarantee, but it doesn’t replace it.