Column: Taking a look at Neato robotic vacuum cleaner
We’ve had some experience with robot vacuums and have watched others invest heavily in these new age wonders. They are a very handy device for quick or regular floor sweeping or light mopping. However, until recently they were pretty much restricted to “light duty” applications. This wasn’t much of a drawback because the units usually operate on a schedule and if you clean every other day, dirt and dust don’t get a chance to pile up or get really ground in. But there are always exceptions. Sometimes, a big mess appears and has to be cleaned up right away and a light duty floor sweeper is just not enough.
The other major drawback is the way these robots find their way around the house. For a long time, we used the iRobot series and watched as they careened around the floors often hitting the same spot 14 or 15 times before randomly moving on.
In the long run, they did do a good job, usually just before the battery died, but they are frustrating to watch. Is that a qualification — vacuuming in a sensible, predictable and efficient way? We think it is when you’re running on batteries.
Neato BotVacs
The real difference between Neato BotVacs and the Roomba units from iRobot is the way they vacuum around the house. The Neato units map each room and then follow that map, continuously updating as they spot something that’s changed. They vacuum methodically in a back and forth pattern, taking time to circle things like chair legs or bed feet. This makes a huge difference in the time spent vacuuming, as well as battery life. The other real difference is that Neatos are real vacuums, not just floor sweepers. They have powerful motors and great suction to get floors and carpets really clean. This means a Neato weighs more that a Roomba but that can be an advantage in deeper carpets. They are much less likely to bog down in deep carpet. The units don’t work too well with fringe though.
More power
Neato BotVacs have bigger motors and bigger batteries to produce real vacuuming results. It’s evident as soon as they start — the units not only sound more powerful, the blast of air from the vent on the back lets you feel the difference. Floors come out a lot cleaner with a Neato BotVac and they are spectacular on pet hair. That’s a huge plus in our house, we’re swimming in cat and dog hair. More power also means that carpets stay a lot cleaner and the air is much less dusty. One look in the dust collection bin on a Neato tells us just how efficient they are at cleaning. The bins are big but they still need to be emptied after every run. We’re hoping for the next wave of robotic vacuums that empty themselves.
Smarter smarts
The floor mapping technology is definitely a huge advantage — it just makes the whole vacuuming process more efficient. It also means that the Neato can stop when its battery gets low, find its charger, and then come back to the exact spot it left off so it can finish the job after it is all charged up again. We have also noticed that the Neato is better working around tables and chairs. It’s much less likely to get itself trapped in a forest of “recalcitrant” chair legs, and if you move one, the Neato adapts to the change. Another big difference is the shape of the Neatos. Rather than a round “corner unfriendly” shape, Neatos brush sides are flat making them “D” shaped. That means they can get right in to corners like a regular vacuum. Some of the Neatos use lithium-ion batteries which is key because these batteries don’t develop “battery memory” or ever get so dead they can’t be charged up again. They don’t last forever but at least they won’t become useless prematurely.
Bottom line
Any of the Neatos would make a great Christmas gift; however, the latest BotVac Connected is an exceptional machine. It works with your Wi-Fi, can be started from your smartphone and scheduled or even driven from your phone. You can take control at any time and steer the BotVac Connected around — very good for chasing the dog or just going over a spot again. You can check out any of the Neato BotVacs at www.neatorobotics.com.
What has your experience been using a robot vacuum? Email eabreu@gannettnj.com.
Prentiss Gray’s weekly column provides tips and advice on how to make your life better in Morris County. Read “Domestitech” every Thursday in The Good Life.