Can a robot vacuum ever replace a normal vacuum cleaner? I tested this theory for myself, and this is why the ‘one-size-fits-all’ myth has got to go
This is what happened when I ditched my regular vacuum for the week
As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, you could say that I’m a little obsessed with floorcare. I’m also lucky to have a regular rotation of vacuum cleaners to test in my house (yes, this really is my job), which means I’ve gotten hands-on with vacs of all makes and models.
But the best vacuum cleaners aren’t a one-size-fits-all appliance. From cordless vacuums to cylinder and upright models, you can even buy vacuum mops to tackle dry and wet messes. Plus, there’s the hands-free option of the best robot vacuum cleaners.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a robot vacuum cleaner convert, but until recently I’d only ever really used my robot alongside my regular vacuum. So, I decided to ditch my hands-on appliance in favour of a fully hands-off approach for an entire week. And this is what I learned along the way.
This is the robot vacuum and mop I used for the week. I wrote a full review of it in May, but I praise it for its ease of use and impressive cleaning power.
1. They're a help, rather than a hindrance
I created a whole testing criteria for robot vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home, as I only ever want people to buy appliances that will positively serve them and their homes. And one thing I definitely learned over a solid week of only using a robot vacuum was that they are a massive help.
There’s something so satisfying about watching something else do a cleaning task for you, and across the week I set mine to vacuum AND mop while I was working from home or taking the dog for a walk. And the bonus is that this consistency rarely wanes, as these robots thrive on planned routes, cleaning schedules and routines.
However, there is a caveat: this isn’t the case across the board. And after testing countless robot vacuums, I can confidently say that more expensive models with enhanced features always do a better job, as cheaper models often struggle with obstacles and navigation, making them more of a hindrance.
That’s why I’d always suggest buying a robot vacuum as an investment, rather than a cheap model off the cuff. Sure, the same goes with regular vacuums, but the truth is that there’s less risk, as you can often pick up a cheap cordless vacuum that gets the job done extremely well without the same fluctuations in effectiveness and efficiency.
2. They’re a hands-free hero if you're short on time
Due to what I thought was poor planning on my part, I timed my week-long robot vacuum cleaner marathon with the week before moving house. But while I was spending every free moment boxing up my belongings and dismantling furniture, I was able to perfectly test the hands-free nature of robot vacuums compared to regular vacuums.
Aside from filling and emptying the clean and dirty water tanks, I didn’t have to touch the robot vacuum at all during testing. I set schedules on the app to clean at certain times, chose my cleaning settings (something you need to consider if you’re buying your first robot vacuum) and let it loose in my house.
It vacuumed and mopped without any further input from me, emptied its debris, cleaned itself, and charged itself without me needing to do anything. And in the end, I was still able to benefit from clean floors - just as I would have if I’d used my regular vacuum to clean by hand.
Because of this, robot vacuum cleaners can really be a game-changer for parents or shift workers who just don’t have much time to dedicate to cleaning. However, just be warned that robot vacuums can’t clean everything - and they won’t be able to clean tight corners, stairs, or targeted messes.
3. I could probably get rid of my regular vacuum, but I won’t
As you can probably tell, my week-long stint with a robot vac made me fall in love all over again. And if I swapped my regular vacuum for a powerful handheld, I do think the robot, coupled with this smaller cleaning tool, will cover all the bases a robot alone might miss. However, I’m not going to get rid of my regular vacuum just yet.
That’s because floor cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all task; it's a very personal choice, and I like to have options when cleaning my home. For me, I like to clean my floors using a full-size vacuum, a handheld vacuum, or a robot vacuum cleaner - or all three. This allows me to mix up suction levels, tools, ease of use and accessibility.
Plus, my regular vacuum still has plenty of power left, so there’s no point in getting rid of it, given how long vacuum cleaners last. But if your vacuum is nearing the end of its life, it’s definitely worth considering your floor-cleaning options and deciding whether a robot vacuum has a place in your home.
In my opinion? I still think robot vacuum cleaners are worth it, and as someone privy to industry secrets before the general public, I can also tell you there are some very exciting new features and models on the horizon.
Alternative robot vacuums that I rate
Crowned the 'best overall' robot vacuum mop I've tested so far, this model delivers 20,000Pa of suction power (most only have 4,000-6,000Pa) and is ideal for a whole-floor clean. You can read my full review for more details.
If you want a robot vacuum that will thrive on hard floors, this is the one for you. I found the rotating mop pads to be incredibly impressive during testing, and the app is extremely customisable to suit your cleaning needs, too.
While I always think it's worth paying more for more features, I appreciate that some people want to test whether they like robot vacuums before committing. This budget model proved it was the ultimate entry-level option when I tested it.
Will you be adding a robot vacuum to your cleaning line-up?
