Homes with tricky thresholds and access points
Thresholds, tracks and changes in flooring between rooms can interrupt a robot’s route. Measure the height and shape of each obstacle, and consider how the appliance will need to approach it.
Who might be asking this question?
Homes with rugs to clean
You’d like to automate some of the cleaning without confusing a robot’s ability to get onto a rug with how well it vacuums the fibres. UFC-Que Choisir assesses robot vacuum cleaners on rugs and hard floors separately.
Homes that still need a manual vacuum cleaner
You want the robot to clean the areas it can reach, while keeping an appliance for tricky rugs, edges, corners or occasional cleaning.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the route between the docking station and the rooms, then look at your rugs and the cleaning you’ll still need to do manually. Finally, check the maintenance requirements and repairability of the model you’re considering.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Access between rooms | Measure the highest point of each threshold or track in centimetres. Also compare its shape and the approach angle with the guidance for the exact model. | If a threshold blocks access to a room, autonomous cleaning loses its value in that area. Around 36% of consumers might put threshold crossing at the top of their priorities. |
| Cleaning rugs | Check the edges, fringes and stability of your rugs, then look for vacuuming tests carried out on rugs rather than hard floors alone. | If rugs are a big part of your regular cleaning, being able to get onto them isn’t enough: cleaning performance among the fibres matters too. This could be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Additional vacuuming | For a stick vacuum, check the battery life in the mode you plan to use. For a cylinder vacuum, look at the head designed for rugs and any consumables you may need. | I want to be able to tackle a difficult rug or an area the robot can’t reach straight away, even if I have to do it myself. Around 21% of consumers might prioritise this additional vacuuming. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check the instructions for the bin, brushes and filters; look up the applicable repairability index and the parts available for the exact model. | To reduce the need for regular handling, some consumers will consider maintenance and parts just as important as automatic features. Around 14% might make this their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Relying only on the stated climbing height
A height measurement alone doesn’t tell you how a robot will handle a track, a straight edge or an angled approach. ECOVACS points out that the obstacle’s shape and the approach angle also affect whether the robot can cross it.
Measure and describe every obstacle that matters, then compare your findings with the documentation for the exact model. If access to a room is still uncertain, plan to clean it manually.
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Confusing getting onto a rug with cleaning its fibres
A robot may be able to get onto a rug without achieving the results you want. UFC-Que Choisir assesses performance on rugs separately from other floor coverings.
Check the edges and stability of every important rug, then look for tests on rugs or carpet. Keep a manual vacuum cleaner if needed.
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Assuming the robot eliminates all maintenance
The bin, brushes and filters still need attention, depending on the model. A docking station can reduce some of the handling, but it doesn’t make wear parts unnecessary.
Before choosing, read the maintenance instructions and check which filters, brushes and consumables are compatible with the model.
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Forgetting about repairability
For eligible new vacuum cleaners sold in France, the repairability index provides useful information for comparing products. ADEME and the DGCCRF point out that it also applies to robot vacuum cleaners.
Check the displayed index and make sure spare parts are available for the model you’re considering.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Joybuy products: robot and stick vacuum cleaners
These models include robot vacuum cleaners for everyday cleaning in accessible areas, plus a stick vacuum for tackling tricky thresholds or rugs manually. For each robot, compare the actual layout of your home with the guidance for that model. The stated specifications are no substitute for trying it on your rugs.
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ECOVACS Deebot X11 Pro Omni robot vacuum cleaner
Worth considering for automated cleaning across several rooms, provided you check every threshold and rug against its operating requirements.
The product name lists a maximum climbing height of 4 cm, 19 500 Pa suction power, the OZMO Roller 2.0 system and an Omni station. The stated height doesn’t guarantee that the robot will cross every type of obstacle; also look for tests on the kinds of rugs you have.
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ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Plus robot vacuum cleaner
If you’re considering autonomous cleaning across several rooms, check that this model can reach them over the thresholds and onto the rugs.
Its product name lists 8 000 Pa, a 300-minute run time and an anti-tangle feature. These specifications don’t indicate how well it cleans rugs or whether it can cross a particular threshold.
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Eureka E20 Plus robot vacuum cleaner, black
Consider it for areas a robot can reach, after checking the thresholds between the docking station and each room.
The product name lists 8 000 Pa, an auto-empty station, 3D obstacle avoidance and a 180-minute run time. Check the type of dust collection system and the station’s consumables, as well as this model’s threshold-crossing capabilities.
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Monsga ME03 cordless stick vacuum cleaner with charging station
A manual option for rugs or thresholds you’d rather not leave to the robot; it doesn’t run cleaning cycles autonomously.
The product name lists 55 kPa, 550 W and up to 55 minutes of use, with this run time specified for bare-floor mode. Check the battery life in the mode intended for your rugs.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before buying a robot vacuum cleaner for a home with thresholds?
Measure the highest point of every threshold or track between the docking station and the rooms you want to clean. Also note the shape of the edge and the possible approach angle, then compare everything with the guidance for the exact model. A stated height doesn’t guarantee that the robot will cross every type of obstacle.
Will a robot that cleans hard floors well also be suitable for my rugs?
Not necessarily: performance on hard floors doesn’t tell you how well it will clean rugs. UFC-Que Choisir tests these surfaces separately, so look for tests on rugs and check their edges, fringes and stability too.
What maintenance does a robot vacuum cleaner need?
Empty the bin as needed, depending on the model’s features, and clean the brushes and filters according to the instructions. A docking station may mean you need to do some tasks less often, but the vacuum’s components and consumables still need maintenance.
Should you check a vacuum cleaner’s repairability index in France?
For an eligible new vacuum cleaner sold in France, check the displayed repairability index and the availability of parts for that model. According to ADEME and the DGCCRF, the index applies to corded, cordless and robot vacuum cleaners; the ministry responsible for ecological transition says that the requirement to calculate and display it doesn’t apply to second-hand, reused, refurbished or rented appliances.