If you want to leave regular cleaning to a robot, choose one if you can clear the floors and keep on top of its maintenance. A cordless stick vacuum is handy for quick clean-ups in small areas. For rugs, carpets or a more thorough clean, compare cylinder vacuums and their accessories instead, bearing in mind that they take up more space and need to be brought out.
If you can move obstacles out of the way before a cleaning cycle, a robot vacuum with mapping is worth considering for regular, scheduled cleaning. You’ll still need to keep an eye on its maps and maintain the appliance.
For a quick way to pick up crumbs and dust without getting out a corded appliance, consider a cordless stick vacuum. Check that its battery life in the mode you use will cover your usual clean-ups.
If cleaning rugs, carpets and different floor types matters more than compactness, start by comparing cylinder vacuums and their accessories. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this category’s effectiveness at removing dust.
To save time, first decide whether you want to leave regular cleaning to a robot, clean a small area straight away or set aside time for more demanding floors. Then think about which maintenance tasks you’re happy to take care of.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving regular cleaning to a robot | For a robot vacuum, check its mapping or scheduling features, then see how it handles obstacles and thresholds in your home. | When I can clear the floors before each cycle, I want to avoid having to vacuum myself as often. Around 33% of consumers might prioritise this automation. |
| Quick cleaning and storage | For a stick vacuum, compare battery life in the mode you use, as well as how easy it is to handle and store. | For a few crumbs or a busy area, I want to be able to get the appliance out and put it away without delay. Around 27% of consumers would make this convenience their priority. |
| Cleaning different floor types | Look at performance on your floors and the brushes or accessories included, rather than focusing solely on the advertised power. | With rugs, carpets or grooves to clean regularly, I’d prioritise a thorough clean, even if the appliance takes up more space. Around 20% of consumers might put this need first. |
| Keeping maintenance manageable | Check the maintenance tasks listed in the manual, along with the part numbers and stated availability of batteries, filters and brushes. | If I plan to use the appliance for a long time, I want to be able to maintain its parts and find the right replacements. For around 20% of consumers, this could be their top priority. |
The advertised battery life on the lowest setting doesn’t necessarily reflect how long it will run in a more powerful mode. UFC-Que Choisir reports that stick vacuums last an average of around ten minutes at full power.
Compare the battery life in each mode with the time you need to clean your floors, then check the battery part number that matches your model.
A robot can clean on a schedule, but its bin, brushes and filters still need attention. An emptying station also adds parts that need maintaining.
Check the manual for the maintenance tasks required for the robot and its station, especially if the model also mops floors.
Depending on the station, you may also need to replace bags or maintain the mop pads.
The advertised power alone doesn’t tell you how well an appliance will clean parquet, rugs or carpets. The vacuum head and accessories also make a difference.
Look for tests carried out on the floor types you have, and check which accessories are included with the model you’re considering.
A battery, brush or station component may be specific to one model. So a general promise of parts availability isn’t enough to help you choose between two appliances.
Check the part numbers for replacement parts and consumables, their stated availability and, where applicable, the model’s repairability rating.
The brand offers robot and stick vacuum cleaners, among other products, and may appeal to shoppers who value access to spare parts.
Roomba robot vacuums are worth considering if mapping and managing parts in an app matter to you.
The range includes robot vacuums with LiDAR navigation and, depending on the model, emptying stations.
The brand offers robot vacuum-mops and cordless stick vacuums. Compare them based on the tasks you want to automate.
These models are for leaving regular cleaning to a robot. If you’d rather clean a small area straight away or prioritise a thorough manual clean, also compare the stick and cylinder vacuum features outlined above.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning and empty the bin less often, while still keeping on top of maintenance.
The product name lists LiDAR navigation, a mopping function, an emptying station and an advertised run time of up to 200 minutes. Check the conditions for this run time and whether the robot is suitable for your floors and thresholds.
The app requires a 2,4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
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Worth comparing if you want to combine scheduled cleaning with mop-pad maintenance handled by a station.
The product name mentions a mopping function, an OMNI station and mop-pad washing at an advertised 75 °C. You’ll also need space to access the clean- and dirty-water tanks.
Check how it performs on your floors and what maintenance tasks are listed in the manual.
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Worth considering for scheduling regular cleaning if you can move cables and small objects out of the way before each cycle.
The product name mentions an emptying station, obstacle detection and an advertised run time of 180 minutes. Check the conditions for this run time, how much space the station needs and how the robot performs on your rugs.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning in specific areas and reduce the number of times you need to empty the bin between cleans.
The product name lists LiDAR navigation, app control and automatic emptying. The station uses a bag, so check its part number and the space you’ll need to set up the unit.
Before choosing, also check how it performs on your floors and handles thresholds.
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Worth comparing if you want to automate some of the post-cleaning tasks and have room for the station and its tanks.
Check the maintenance tasks required for vacuuming and mopping, and whether the robot is suitable for your floors and thresholds. A 2,4 GHz Wi-Fi connection is required for the relevant features.
The station uses hot water. After a cycle, avoid contact with residual water and the pins, following the precautions provided for the appliance.
Not necessarily. It can take care of regular cleaning, but its performance depends on your floors and it still needs maintenance. For rugs, edges or a more thorough clean, compare its performance on your floors and consider keeping a manual vacuum as well.
Make sure the station is in an accessible spot and, as far as possible, clear cables and small objects from the floor before following the steps in the manual. iRobot says that on some Roomba models, an interrupted mapping session may need to be started again. Check the instructions for your specific robot.
No. Don’t assume the maximum battery life is guaranteed at full power. UFC-Que Choisir says it is generally measured on the lowest setting, so compare battery life by mode for the floors you clean.
If it still works, consider donating it. Otherwise, take it to an electrical equipment collection point rather than putting it in your household rubbish. In France, ecosystem lists collection points and offers take-back when you buy an equivalent appliance. Check the arrangements available for your purchase.