New tests by Which? have revealed that robot vacuums are generally better suited for hard floors than carpets. While carpet performance was not described as terrible, it was less convincing than their ability to collect everyday debris from hard surfaces.
The consumer champion also found that most robot vacuums were only 'OK' at dealing with pet hair. Only two models tested were noted as particularly impressive, removing all visible hair to a level comparable to a standard pet-hair vacuum.
Clutter, particularly cables, presented a challenge for many of the tested vacuums. Although apps allow users to create 'no-go zones' to prevent robots from getting stuck, this means those areas will not be cleaned. This makes the machines more suitable for minimalist homes with largely clear floors.
Setting up many robot vacuums can be fiddly, often requiring a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal to pair with a phone. Modern home networks frequently combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz, meaning users may need to temporarily switch their Wi-Fi frequency during initial setup.
Which? also advised consumers to ignore features like mop functions, which were generally average and could lead to sticky maintenance projects. The promise of speed should also be disregarded, as robot vacuums take longer to clean an area than a person with a conventional vacuum, but offer the benefit of autonomous cleaning.