For instance let's say you have a lot of carpets on high traffic areas, then most of the time you'll have to clean them using a powerful vacuum since an automatic smaller vac simply doesn't have the capability to withstand them. And on the other hand to finish up a job, they usually need some time as well. So if you're hoping to get them cleaned quickly .... then again they are not for you.
Can they be used on multiple floor types?
Yes of course. But keep in mind that on high-pile carpets or rugs, don't keep your hopes high for a deep cleaning jobs. But on other surfaces like hardwood, wood, tiles or anything similar they do give impressive results nonetheless.
So what should I look for?
1. Well, you can start with looking at your needs. For example as said before, if you have different kind of floors then make sure it is "multi-floor ready". And if you have lots of stains on carpets or rugs then your best choice is to go for a spot remover rather than a vac (since it lacks steam).
2. Weight -
This is not a big concern since most of the time they come with very little weight but make sure it is below 4-5 kg, if you have to lift it and carry to another floor for instance.
3. Battery -
Take especial attention to the battery because it is one of the most important aspects of an automatic vac. Once fully charged it should be capable of giving some decent amount "run time". Unlike the portable vacs, the batteries inside an automatic lasts in hours not in minutes. So in general it should run 2.5 + hours.
Note - These batteries usually takes hours to charge also, so keep that in mind and make sure to charge it hours before you're gonna need it, otherwise... well don't think you need an explanation there.
There are some batteries that charge significantly faster than others which help to reduce "this" time-frame (like with the hand-held dyson dc35), in that case you should ask the manufacture or the product page for that information.
4. Dust bin capacity -
Unlike the more conventional vacuums, with an automatic you'll have to empty the dust-cup a bit often because of the smaller size. I really can't say it should have this or that amount concerning capacity but usually the manufacture do provide information such as how long you can use it (under their specific "environments of course) until it needs to be emptied.
Note - One thing though, make sure they have an easy to empty disposal method if you want to avoid touching those dust inside the bin/cup which is a must if you have allergies for example.
5. Sensors-
For an automatic vac it is all about sensors. If those electronic sensors aren't properly engineered then it is pretty much wasted. The higher the cost the more sensors it comes with. Usually they have sensors such as a - dirt sensor, edges/stairs detectors and floor type detectors (makes it easy for it to transition from one floor type to the next, which also helps to enhance the overall cleaning too). Make sure it equips with those.
Note - There are few other features (below) that can be useful, so make sure to look for them too.
*. Scheduler - So you can set the time/date and the vac will automatically switch on itself and start cleaning your floors!, so no more "oh I forgot to clean... and my guests are coming... oh nooo", just kidding -;).
*. Remote control - Better control over the machine and no bending down (other than carrying around of course).
*. Self charging - Starts to charge as soon as you plug it in, although this is not a big thing, but still can help to prevent those "oh I forgot to charge" incidents.
*. Wall mount or a storage box - Wall mount is very useful if you have limited spaces and an storage box can help to give better protections (obviously).
About their "navigation" systems
Now make no mistakes, there are very impressive products from various manufactures that that can not only navigate around your furniture, etc but even with the wider nozzles they have a way of their own of cleaning around furniture legs or corners as well (see the video at the end of the post).
But as general rules you can help "it" by doing some of the followings,
*. Clear out things such as news papers, magazines, cloths, wires and papers in general, etc since it'll see them as obstacles thus will "skip" cleaning spaces under them!.
*. Although it is not quiet necessary because the never ones have some impressively intelligent navigation systems but try to clear-out furniture, cupboards etc as best as you can.
*. Empty the dust-cup when necessory which helps to enhance suctions and lower the load on the motor thus enhancing its life as well.
*. As said usually they have an inbuilt "edge sensor", but if yours don't have one, then still you can use a feature called the boundary marker which is a virtual "space" marking sensor to prevent it from falling, etc. Although sometimes you'll have to purchase them separately.
*. You may or may not, have to manually change settings to get the best results when it is going from one room to the other which has a total different floors, etc.
*. In general you must read the manual because it contains all these information.
Now below is my pick if you're searching for a multi-floor ready automatic vac which is developed by Evolution Robotics (a highly respected name).
Mint Automatic Floor Cleaner 4200, Review
*. It can be used on most types of hard floors such as wood, tile, vinyl, sealed-hardwood and laminate, etc.
*. Remember this is not a vacuum, it is actually a floor sweeper (mopping included). The micro-pad is washable and can be used to remove grit and grime from floors.
*. Uses a dust-bin which easy to empty.
*. The battery while on the sweeping mode can be used to cover up to 1,000 square feet in a single charge (takes about 3 hours) and on mopping (wet) 250 square feet (about 2 hours). It is also removable, and according to the manufacture it should last at least an year (at minimum).
*. It uses a "north star" navigation system to navigate inside your house + avoiding obstacles, and when it goes through your house few times it'll keep a track of how things are arranged and will be more faster and efficient as the time goes on (supposing that you don't usually change your furniture locations, etc).
*. Features the edge cleaning.
*. Turns itself off when done.
*. Very quite (remember it is not a vac).
*. Even works in the dark + has drop sensors (prevents falling from edges, etc).
*. Comes with a 1 year warranty.
*. Lightweight (very easy to lift, etc when taking from one floor to the next for instance).
Some User Feedback
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Buy directly from Amazon! |
As mentioned, the first time will be the slowest but as it gets through your house few times it'll be more "familiar" with the surroundings thus improving the overall cleaning speed. Even though the manufacture claims it to be very quite, which not a false assumption however it can create few noises but not heavy one by any means anyway (usually occurs when it "hits" and bounces back from the furniture's - oh it has a furniture guard, so no worries).
But one annoying thing is the charging outlet which is actually under the 4200. So every time you want to charge it, you'll have to turn it upside down, meaning no automatic charging (still not a big thing but they should have done a better job). As said earlier you cannot use it on rugs or carpets, in fact it'll turn off automatically on those surfaces.
This is especially made to be used on hardwood floors and has the ability to remove pet hair from the surfaces as it cleans them but it is not a commercial vacuum re-placer by any means. The battery takes about 8 hours to fully charge and when considering the "coverage" you just can't use it to quickly clean very larger rooms, etc anyway. It can certainly clean the hardwoods with impressive results but again not a re-placer for a powerful vac.
You can use it on tiles, ceramics, laminate, etc and can get pretty good looking floors afterward apart from few minor above mentioned issues nonetheless. It comes with a cleaning chemical and read the manual for proper usage guidelines. Make sure to keep an eye on the pads and wash them when necessary to get the best results (easy to remove).
So as an ending note, if you want an automatic sweeper which can be used on different types of floors with lesser noises and can cope with the 8 hours of battery charging time, longer cleaning durations and the fact that it cannot be use on rugs or carpets then the mint 4200 hard floor cleaner is actually one of the highly "starred" product by customers all around the world.
*. Especial note - if you have floors already filled with lots and lots of dirt... then I'd recommend that you clean them first before putting the mint on them ---> Buy from Amazon
!.Have a look at the video for a better picture (it is "their" official video, so be skeptical ;-) )....
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