People whose rooms are separated by thresholds
You want a robot to move between rooms on its own. Measure the highest threshold and look at its shape and the approach available: the stated height alone won’t tell you whether the robot can cross it.
Who is this option for?
Homes with uneven doorways or steps
You need to clean rooms separated by steep lips, rugs or changes in floor level. The question is which areas the robot can reach and which will need a manual vacuum cleaner.
People looking to automate some of their cleaning
You can use the robot to maintain the areas it can reach, while keeping a manual vacuum cleaner for tricky doorways, stairs and occasional cleaning.
What should you look for?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for a home with thresholds, first decide whether you need it to travel between all the rooms on its own. Then check your actual doorways and the conditions in which the robot will be used.
One robot for several rooms
Consider this: if every threshold on the route meets the stated conditions for the model you’ve chosen.
Bear in mind: whether it can cross also depends on the threshold’s shape, and can change when you use the mopping equipment. A supervised test is still worthwhile.
A manual vacuum cleaner
Consider this: if steps or uneven doorways mean you’ll need to move the vacuum cleaner between areas.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to clean each room yourself.
A robot for some areas, with manual cleaning for the rest
Consider this: if the robot can reach some rooms but has difficulty moving between areas.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to schedule separate cleaning sessions and keep a manual vacuum cleaner for the areas the robot can’t reach.
| What matters | What to check before you buy | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing thresholds | Measure the height and check the shape of every doorway; compare them with the stated conditions for the exact model. | If I want one robot to clean every room, a threshold it can’t cross will leave part of my home untouched. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a robot’s ability to move between rooms. |
| Cleaning separate areas | Identify any steps and impassable doorways, then choose a manual vacuum cleaner that’s suitable for the floors you need to clean. | When steps separate my rooms, I want to be able to clean each one without waiting for a robot to find a way through. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to clean areas manually. |
| Cleaning by area | Check how to start cleaning in the rooms the robot can reach, and decide which appliance you’ll use elsewhere. | If only one doorway is a problem, I’d rather automate the rooms the robot can reach and clean the other area by hand. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this approach. |
| Mopping and maintenance | Check whether the robot can cross thresholds with the mopping accessories fitted, and whether spare parts are available. | I plan to mop regularly and don’t want to find out that the equipment affects whether the robot can pass through a doorway. Around 14% of consumers put these usage and maintenance considerations first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the stated height guarantees the robot can cross
A vertical lip, an angled approach or cliff detection can stop a robot from crossing a threshold, even if it is close to the stated limit. Manufacturers don’t all describe the same type of threshold when giving their figures.
Measure the tricky doorways, take photos of their shape and check the conditions for the exact model. Don’t rely on a stated capacity that exactly matches the height you’ve measured.
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Forgetting about the mopping equipment
Ecovacs France says the DEEBOT N8 PRO can normally cross thresholds up to 20 mm without its mopping plate; the mopping equipment changes the crossing conditions stated for this model.
Check the stated capacity with the plates, pads or mop cloths you’ll actually use.
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Expecting a robot to replace all manual cleaning
Les Numériques points out that robot vacuum cleaners can’t go up or down stairs. If your home has separate levels, you’ll need another way to clean those areas.
Before you buy, decide which rooms and doorways the robot will handle, and which appliance you’ll use elsewhere.
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Overlooking day-to-day use
Room-by-room scheduling may depend on the model’s app. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking how long spare parts will be available, as this varies between brands.
Check that the app is compatible, find out which accessories you’ll need and make sure spare parts are available for the model you’re considering.
Brands to consider for their documented models
Dreame
Dreame France states that the X60 Pro Ultra Complete can climb obstacles up to 10 cm high.
- This figure relates to a specific model worth considering if your home has changes in floor level.
- On its own, it doesn’t guarantee that the robot will cross every type of threshold in your home.
Roborock
Roborock France states that the Saros 20, with its AdaptiLift 3.0 chassis, can cross two-step thresholds up to 8.8 cm high.
- The brand specifies the type of threshold this figure applies to.
- A vertical threshold or a track may not match this two-step configuration.
Ecovacs
Ecovacs France states that the DEEBOT T90 MAX PRO OMNI can cross thresholds up to 20 mm high.
- This figure gives you a starting point for comparing the model with your measured thresholds.
- Capabilities vary by model and equipment. Ecovacs, for example, specifies different conditions when the mopping plate is fitted to the older N8 PRO.
Manual vacuum cleaners on Joybuy
These manual vacuum cleaners are an option for cleaning rooms separated by thresholds without relying on a robot to cross them by itself. They can also complement a robot used in areas it can reach.
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BISSELL CrossWave Edge cordless
A vacuum cleaner you can take from room to room when thresholds interrupt a robot’s route.
Cordless stick design; check that it’s suitable for the floors in your home and that you’re happy with its maintenance requirements.
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Vactidy V15 cordless, EU version
Its manual design makes it easy to move between rooms that a robot can’t connect on its own.
The product title states up to 60 minutes’ runtime; check the runtime for the mode you choose. Also confirm the exact model and whether the configuration on sale includes the mopping module.
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HKoenig UP600 Powerclean 2-in-1, red and grey
This manual stick vacuum suits a setup where you carry the appliance between rooms separated by thresholds.
Cordless 2-in-1 design; check that the runtime in the mode you use will cover the areas you want to clean.
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ochama 4-in-1 cordless vacuum cleaner, 18 kPa
Its stick and handheld design lets you clean by hand in areas a robot can’t reach.
The product title states a 40-minute runtime; check how long it lasts in your chosen mode and whether the vacuum cleaner is suitable for the floors you need to clean.
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BISSELL CrossWave HF2 Select Multi-Surface
This manual vacuum cleaner is worth considering for hard floors in rooms separated by thresholds.
Before choosing it for several rooms, check the location of your sockets and the cord’s route, as well as whether the appliance is suitable for each floor surface.
Frequently asked questions
How should you measure a threshold before choosing a robot vacuum cleaner?
Measure its highest point, then note whether it’s a slope, a vertical lip, a track or two steps. Ecovacs France says a sloping edge is easier to cross than a vertical one. Compare the shape and the approach available with the documentation for the exact model, not just the height.
Will a robot rated for 20 mm definitely cross a 20 mm threshold?
No. The stated figure depends on the model and the conditions in which it’s used. Ecovacs France, for example, states that the DEEBOT N8 PRO can cross thresholds up to 20 mm high without its mopping plate. If your threshold is close to the stated limit, check the configuration you’ll use and test it under supervision before relying on the robot to clean on its own.
When should you choose a manual vacuum cleaner instead of one robot for the whole home?
Choose a manual vacuum cleaner, either on its own or alongside a robot, if steps separate the rooms or some thresholds make it difficult to get from one area to another. Les Numériques points out that robot vacuum cleaners can’t go up or down stairs. A robot can maintain the areas it can reach, but it won’t necessarily cover your whole home by itself.
What should you do if the robot can’t manage the capacity stated by the seller?
Keep a copy of the stated capacity, your proof of purchase and any correspondence with the seller, then contact them to explain the difference you’ve found. In France, the Ministry of the Economy notes that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Your case should be assessed in light of the product description and the conditions under which its ability to cross thresholds was presented.