Homes with tricky access
If your rooms are separated by thresholds or have rugs, cables and low furniture, check that the model you choose can reach the areas you want to clean. Mapping alone doesn’t guarantee that it can get there.
Who is a robot vacuum cleaner suitable for?
Homes with mostly hard floors
A robot vacuum and mop could be useful for keeping floors clean between manual cleans. Compare what its docking station takes care of with the jobs you’ll still need to do, particularly managing the water and mop pads.
Buyers who want to keep their robot running smoothly
If you plan to use an app and keep the appliance for several years, check it’s compatible with your phone, find out about software updates and make sure you can get the right bags, filters, brushes and other replacement parts.
What should you check before buying?
Robot vacuum cleaner
Consider this if: you mainly want to schedule vacuuming without having to manage water and mop pads.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the dust bin or replace the bags in an optional self-emptying station.
Robot vacuum and mop
Consider this if: you also want to clean hard floors that are suitable for mopping.
Bear in mind: mopping won’t replace manual cleaning or looking after the water and docking station. UFC-Que Choisir reports that mopping results vary and advises against using this function on wood, particularly solid wood.
A manual vacuum cleaner as a back-up
Keep one handy: for rooms or corners the robot can’t reach.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to clean these areas yourself.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Access to rooms | Measure thresholds and the clearance beneath furniture, then compare them with the specifications for the model you’re considering. | If I have thresholds or cluttered passages, I want the robot to reach the rooms that need cleaning. Around 31% of consumers rank access as their top priority. |
| Looking after the robot and docking station | Check the manual to see what’s involved in emptying, managing the water and cleaning the appliance. | If I want to minimise the amount of work involved, I need to know what I’ll still have to do after each cycle. For around 25% of consumers, reducing this maintenance is the top priority. |
| Floors and mopping | Check the care instructions for your flooring and look for test results on the types of floors you have. | With a mix of hard floors and rugs, I want a mopping function that’s genuinely suitable for my flooring. Around 25% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| App and replacement parts | Check your phone is compatible and find out which consumables and parts are suitable for the model. | To keep a connected robot in use, I want to be able to use its app and find the parts I need to replace. Around 19% of consumers prioritise being able to keep using their appliance. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming automatic operation means no maintenance
A docking station can take care of some tasks, but the robot and its filters still need attention. Depending on the model, you may also need to look after the water tanks or mop-washing tray.
Check the manual for the exact model to find out what maintenance is required and which consumables are compatible.
Depending on the model, you may need to replace bags, filters, brushes or mop pads.
-
Choosing without measuring obstacles
A threshold the robot can’t cross or a passage that’s too narrow could leave a room out of reach.
Measure thresholds, passages and the space beneath furniture, then compare these dimensions with the manual for the model you’re considering. Don’t assume that a threshold-crossing capability advertised for one specific robot applies to other models.
-
Expecting the same mopping results on every floor
UFC-Que Choisir reports limitations in mopping performance and advises against using this function on wood, particularly solid wood.
Only use this function on flooring that’s compatible with the care instructions for both the floor and the robot. If stain removal is a key reason for buying, look for tests of the exact model.
-
Overlooking the app and replacement parts
On a connected model, scheduling depends on the features available in the app. The CNIL also points out that connected devices generate data that may be stored online.
Check your phone is compatible, find out about updates and privacy, and make sure you can get the right parts and consumables.
Brands to know
iRobot
The Roomba range includes robot vacuum cleaners and robot vacuum and mop models, with features that vary by model.
- iRobot France features connected models and self-emptying bases, among other options.
- Check the docking station and features in the manual for the specific series: they aren’t available on every Roomba.
Roborock
Roborock’s French support site lists the S, Saros, Qrevo and Q series, among others.
- Each series has its own support section, making it easier to find documentation for your model.
- A series appearing in the catalogue doesn’t tell you what docking station it has or whether it’s suitable for your home.
Ecovacs
The DEEBOT range includes robot vacuum and mop models, with docking stations and features that vary by model.
- ECOVACS France support provides guidance on looking after the dust bin and certain docking stations, among other things.
- A docking station doesn’t eliminate maintenance tasks. Check the access limitations of the model you choose too.
Dreame
Dreame France offers robot vacuum and mop models, along with accessories designed for its robots.
- You can search for accessories by the model you’re considering.
- Don’t assume mopping performance or how a robot handles rugs based solely on the range it belongs to.
Rowenta
Rowenta offers X-Plorer robots, among other products, and has a French catalogue of parts and accessories.
- You can search the Rowenta catalogue for parts by robot model.
- Check that every part and docking station is compatible with your exact model.
Robot vacuum and mop models available on Joybuy
These models offer automated vacuuming and mopping, with different docking station features. Compare their advertised functions with your flooring, the layout of your home and the maintenance you’re prepared to do.
Image unavailable
ECOVACS DEEBOT T30C OMNI Gen2, black
If you want vacuuming and mopping with an OMNI station, first check that it can reach your rooms and that your flooring is compatible. The product title lists 25,000 Pa suction, an OZMO Turbo 2.0 mopping system and mop-pad washing at 75 °C. These specifications don’t tell you how it will perform on your flooring. You’ll still need to manage the water and maintain the brushes and filters.
Image unavailable
ECOVACS DEEBOT X9 PRO OMNI
Worth considering if you want a docking station for vacuuming and mopping, while still allowing time to maintain the tanks and robot. The product title lists 16,600 Pa suction, OZMO Roller mopping and hot-air drying. Look for tests of this exact model to see how it performs on your floors and rugs.
Image unavailable
Dreame X40 Ultra Complete, white
Worth considering for regular cleaning if you have space for its base. For this model, check the manual for the mopping functions you want, how to maintain the base and whether the robot can reach your rooms. You’ll also need to replace the bag and maintain the sensors as specified for this model.
Image unavailable
Q8-Max with mopping function and self-emptying station
Worth considering if you want to empty the dust bin less often, but don’t expect the station to maintain the whole robot. The product title lists 8,000 Pa suction, LiDAR navigation and a 200 min runtime. Check the app, the thresholds in your home and the maintenance required for the filters and brushes before choosing.
Image unavailable
Eureka J15 Pro Ultra
If you want vacuuming and mopping alongside station maintenance features, check the manual to see what you’ll still need to do yourself. The product title lists 16,200 Pa suction and hot-water cleaning at 75 °C. These specifications don’t guarantee results on a particular stain or floor covering. Also check that it can reach your rooms and that your flooring is compatible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a robot vacuum cleaner get over every threshold and rug?
No. Its ability to do so depends on the model and the obstacles. Measure your thresholds and rugs, then compare them with the manual for the model you’re considering. ECOVACS France specifies a 2 cm limit for one robot covered in its support information, but this figure doesn’t apply to other models.
Does a docking station mean you don’t need to maintain the robot?
No. Depending on its features, it may empty the dust bin or take care of some mop-pad maintenance, but you’ll still need to replace the relevant consumables, manage the water and clean the parts specified in the manual.
Can you use a robot mop on wooden flooring?
Check the care instructions from your flooring manufacturer and those for the robot before using water on the floor. UFC-Que Choisir advises against robotic mopping on wood, particularly solid wood, and reports that results vary depending on the type of dirt.
What should you check before using a robot’s app?
Check it’s compatible with your phone, find out about software updates, review the permissions it requests and check your account’s security settings. The CNIL points out that connected devices may generate data stored online. You should also read the privacy information for the model you choose.
What warranty applies to a robot bought from a trader in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France. Keep your proof of purchase and the exact robot model details in case you need to report a lack of conformity to the seller.