Hello everyone,
After seeing several discussions about robotic vacuum cleaners in various threads here, we are increasingly convinced that we want to get one of these devices.
The Vorwerk Kobold VR200 and also the VR100 robotic vacuums, which have been mentioned here multiple times, seem quite expensive to me (749 and 599 euros, respectively).
So I went to the website of my trusted online retailer and searched for "robotic vacuum." Then I selected the robotic vacuum cleaner category: 161 results. Prices ranged from around 75 euros to nearly 900 euros.
One model that caught my eye was the Philips FC8820/01 because it reportedly allows you to point the remote control at dirt if something falls on the floor, and it will vacuum it up.
Does anyone have experience with these devices? Can anyone recommend other models?
Do they always only clean the room where you place them, or do they clean the entire floor (assuming the doors are open)?
My requirements:
Thank you very much for your feedback.
After seeing several discussions about robotic vacuum cleaners in various threads here, we are increasingly convinced that we want to get one of these devices.
The Vorwerk Kobold VR200 and also the VR100 robotic vacuums, which have been mentioned here multiple times, seem quite expensive to me (749 and 599 euros, respectively).
So I went to the website of my trusted online retailer and searched for "robotic vacuum." Then I selected the robotic vacuum cleaner category: 161 results. Prices ranged from around 75 euros to nearly 900 euros.
One model that caught my eye was the Philips FC8820/01 because it reportedly allows you to point the remote control at dirt if something falls on the floor, and it will vacuum it up.
Does anyone have experience with these devices? Can anyone recommend other models?
Do they always only clean the room where you place them, or do they clean the entire floor (assuming the doors are open)?
My requirements:
- Initially, only one device for the ground floor, possibly another for the upper floor later.
- Living area about 92 m² (990 sq ft) on the ground floor, with the largest room about 55 m² (592 sq ft).
- Charging station (I don’t want to plug the device in manually every time).
- Good cleaning performance.
- Not excessively noisy (even though we are mostly not at home).
- Good price/performance ratio.
Thank you very much for your feedback.
G
Goldi0911126 Apr 2016 23:13I’m curious to see when a proper vacuum robot with an effective mopping function will be available. It should be technically possible to heat the water in a tank properly after vacuuming.
G
Goldi091117 May 2016 09:00Has anyone else experienced such poor quality with the Philips product as has been reported online? It is said to have great performance but is constantly breaking down.
Otherwise, I could imagine the device being good, although 430€ is quite a steep price...
Otherwise, I could imagine the device being good, although 430€ is quite a steep price...
To really assess it, we used it for too short a time.
The fact is, you need to clean the brushes and the brush cover regularly; otherwise, the device will get blocked. If you keep this in mind, the machine runs smoothly.
In our experience (in the short time we’ve had it), it works best to vacuum-wipe all surfaces one after another, then clean the device and put it away. Additionally, a "brush on a handle" was designed for corners and edges. These are done first in every room.
For tiled rooms, adding a few drops of liquid soap to the clean water enhances the effect.
We are still satisfied.
The fact is, you need to clean the brushes and the brush cover regularly; otherwise, the device will get blocked. If you keep this in mind, the machine runs smoothly.
In our experience (in the short time we’ve had it), it works best to vacuum-wipe all surfaces one after another, then clean the device and put it away. Additionally, a "brush on a handle" was designed for corners and edges. These are done first in every room.
For tiled rooms, adding a few drops of liquid soap to the clean water enhances the effect.
We are still satisfied.
T
Traumfaenger7 May 2016 19:59We own the Vorwerk VR 100. The first unit was probably a lemon and, after some time, was replaced with a new replacement device without any issues. Although Vorwerk generally has a good reputation and the device manages to handle minor obstacles consistently, it is only suitable for superficial cleaning. Sometimes it gets stuck on high-pile carpet between the couch and the carpet, sometimes it catches on the metal frame of a chair, and other times it gets stuck on the base of a table. On the plus side, it has never fallen down stairs or similar hazards. However, we had previously bought a Husqvarna robotic lawnmower, which works perfectly. So maybe our expectations were too high. A garden is probably less cluttered than a home with small furniture pieces that are often rearranged. Also, with larger areas (over 175 m² (1,884 sq ft)), the device struggles and can no longer find its charging station.
As Sylvia already mentioned, the period of use is still too short to make a definite statement.
After each use, we clean the brushes, the cover, and the water outlets. Additionally, we use two sets of brushes so that one set can dry properly.
The performance is still outstanding! It has been used every evening for the past few days to sweep up sand and small stones from the “patio vacation.”
It’s quick and very thorough.
Since then, I haven’t noticed any dusty foot traffic paths in the living room, kitchen, or hallway in the evenings.
After each use, we clean the brushes, the cover, and the water outlets. Additionally, we use two sets of brushes so that one set can dry properly.
The performance is still outstanding! It has been used every evening for the past few days to sweep up sand and small stones from the “patio vacation.”
It’s quick and very thorough.
Since then, I haven’t noticed any dusty foot traffic paths in the living room, kitchen, or hallway in the evenings.
G
garfunkel31 May 2016 19:53I don’t want to have to read the entire thread.
Requirements:
- 90m² (970 ft²) apartment
- Biggest challenge is door thresholds (flat)
- Flooring: laminate, vinyl, carpet (possibly laminate instead of carpet), tiles in the bathroom (is the device suitable for the bathroom, considering water puddles?)
- Apartment has corners
- No pets
- Programmable timer so the device can operate while I’m at work
- Cleaning area includes living/dining room, hallway, bedroom, and possibly bathroom
- Prefer a low-profile device, but the furniture layout is still being planned
- Maintenance should be minimal; I’m lazy and don’t want to have to do work after every cleaning cycle
It doesn’t have to be spotless enough to eat off the floor, but there shouldn’t be any dust bunnies lying around.
I expect the device to clean my apartment autonomously so I don’t have to vacuum anymore.
Price: No specific budget, I don’t want to spend too much, but if a good device meets all requirements and works flawlessly, I’m willing to invest a bit more.
What would you recommend?
Requirements:
- 90m² (970 ft²) apartment
- Biggest challenge is door thresholds (flat)
- Flooring: laminate, vinyl, carpet (possibly laminate instead of carpet), tiles in the bathroom (is the device suitable for the bathroom, considering water puddles?)
- Apartment has corners
- No pets
- Programmable timer so the device can operate while I’m at work
- Cleaning area includes living/dining room, hallway, bedroom, and possibly bathroom
- Prefer a low-profile device, but the furniture layout is still being planned
- Maintenance should be minimal; I’m lazy and don’t want to have to do work after every cleaning cycle
It doesn’t have to be spotless enough to eat off the floor, but there shouldn’t be any dust bunnies lying around.
I expect the device to clean my apartment autonomously so I don’t have to vacuum anymore.
Price: No specific budget, I don’t want to spend too much, but if a good device meets all requirements and works flawlessly, I’m willing to invest a bit more.
What would you recommend?
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