Get smart with a robot vacuum cleaner like the Ecovacs Deebot N8+

Do you want to cut down on your chores? Do you feel like you’re forever getting the vacuum out to clean up after the kids or pets? Vacuuming is one of those time-consuming chores that everyone dreads. Now, with the option of a robot vacuum cleaner, you simply don’t have to do it any more.

Robot vacuum cleaners have been around for a while, but they’re now smarter and more affordable than ever before. Here’s why you should consider getting one and how to pick the best option for you.

The benefits of a robot vacuum

The most obvious benefit of a robot vacuum cleaner is that it does the work for you. You don’t need to operate it manually, and you can even leave your robot vacuum to work its magic while you’re out. This is great if you have a busy schedule that leaves little time for cleaning or if you have mobility issues and can’t easily use a regular vacuum.

Automation also provides other benefits. As well as being able to detect obstacles in the room, many of these robot cleaners have sensors that can detect different floor surfaces such as carpet or wood and adapt accordingly, as well as adapting the cleaning settings for areas that need more work. Once their task is complete, many robot cleaners will take themselves back to their docking station to charge, and some models will even empty the vacuum bag each time too. For example, the Ecovacs Deebot N8+ docks itself to recharge and automatically empties the mess into a dustbag in the docking station, which can hold 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris.

Finally, their compact design means that your little robot can help get into all those tiny spaces that are usually a pain to reach – under all of your furniture and in all those nooks and crannies and oddly shaped corners you might be tempted to skip with a bulky regular vacuum.

How to choose a robot vacuum

The first thing to work out is what your cleaning needs are. What does your space look like and what will your vacuum have to handle? For example, if you have a big space, you should think carefully about battery life, and if you have a lot of furniture to navigate or the room has an awkward layout, you’ll need a robot with great navigation technology. Many models also offer you the option to set room boundaries so that your vacuum doesn’t accidentally take a tumble down the stairs.

There’s also the complexity of the floor surfaces in your house to consider. A fully carpeted house is a relatively simple job for a robot vacuum cleaner, but if you have hardwood or tiled floors, you may want a cleaner with a mop option too – and one that has settings to detect different surfaces so you don’t end up mopping your rugs and carpets. Many vacuums with good object recognition can not only detect surfaces and furniture but also small objects such as cables, which can be a pain to remove every time you need to vacuum. Ecovacs’ Deebot N8+ model uses high-precision TrueMapping technology, which can detect floor surfaces and big and small objects in the robot’s path. It also has sophisticated map management – you can set no-go zones, customise cleaning settings for each area and floor surface and save multiple floor maps. This means you can ensure that your bot knows exactly when to get out the microfibre mopping pad to clean your kitchen tiles and when to vacuum your wooden living room floor with its impressive 2,300Pa suction power (which means it can get up even the most stubborn dust lurking between the floorboards).

Once you’ve nailed down the must-haves for your space, consider your routine and the type and level of mess in your house. For example, if you have pets that shed, your cleaner will have a lot more to contend with – you might need one with special brushes and the ability to store more waste. Similarly, if you have a large space or a particularly dusty house, both of which will require you to empty your vacuum more frequently, you may want to opt for a self-emptying model. If you’re going to be leaving your vacuum cleaner on during the day when you’re out, you’ll not only want something you can trust to navigate the room successfully without getting stuck, but also a cleaner that can dock itself after use to recharge, so you don’t need to worry about it sitting out and draining its battery.

As with most smart products, there’s a wide range of options available. Go for a budget option and you may be compromising on effectiveness – such as an ability to pick up the smaller bits of mess or to get into every corner. Splash out on the higher end of the range and you can not only expect a deeper clean but also smarter technology and more conveniences – you can even get vacuums compatible with your smart assistant so you don’t have to lift a finger to get it going.

Whatever option you find is best for you, prepare to have your cleaning regime transformed and save valuable time with this new addition to your family.

For your chance to win a free Deebot N8+, enter our competition HERE. You can also buy the new Deebot N8+ with a £40 discount HERE. Just enter the code ECOVACSN840.