Robot vacuums, scrubbers, or electric brooms: how to choose?

Robot vacuums, scrubbers, or electric brooms: how to choose?

Temps de lecture : 7 min

Cleaning is an essential task for anyone wishing to keep their home healthy and tidy. The work to be done is even more tedious for those with children or pets. Fortunately, there are several household appliances available today, such as vacuum cleaners, that make cleaning your home easier. 

There are several types to distinguish, namely the robotic vacuum, the scrubber robot, and the electric broom. With such diversity, it can sometimes be difficult to decide when it comes to choosing. Here is a small guide to help you with your choice.

The Vacuum Cleaner: Essential for Cleaning

The real battle against dust is fought with a vacuum cleaner. Pet hair, crumbs, small allergenic particles, fibers, and dust mites are included. Some types of vacuum cleaners can even clean liquid dirt. In a few words, the suction capacities depend on the chosen model.

The strong point of any vacuum cleaner is the ease it offers in housework. It simply glides over the surface to be cleaned. It can be used manually or programmed. In the latter case, your vacuum cleaner cleans by itself.

Defining the Specific Use for It

Before you dive into comparisons of vacuum cleaners, you need to determine how you will use your new product. It serves to clean dust on the one hand, but other details must also be taken into account. For example, you may need a device capable of performing wet cleaning.

If you have several carpets or hardwood floors, you need a device that cleans them effectively. The requirements of one person may differ from another. It’s up to you to define yours according to your equipment.

Robot vacuums, scrubbers, or electric brooms: how to choose?

The Advantages of Each Type of Vacuum Cleaner

Each vacuum cleaner has its own peculiarities, which differentiate it from others. By discovering their advantages, you will have a clearer idea of which one you will adopt.

-Robot Vacuum

It is small and cleans all types of floors. Thanks to its sensors, you can program it for autonomous and intelligent cleaning. This means it can start on its own at the right moment. Therefore, you do not necessarily need to be there.

However, the robotic vacuum cannot go into corners. You are obliged to clean those spots yourself.

-Scrubber Robot Vacuum

It is also small and can perform a wet cleaning of the floor accurately. This vacuum is also autonomous and can be programmed.

It should be noted that cleaning with a scrubber robot vacuum is never as deep as manual cleaning. This robot will make your life easier for an appropriately dirty floor and for quick cleaning, but it will not replace the mop with which we can scrub vigorously on stubborn stains.

-Electric Broom

Thanks to its shape and size, this equipment is easy to store. In addition to being quite long, it is flexible and allows you to reach difficult areas. Depending on the model, it vacuums and cleans.

The main issue with this device lies in its inability to clean soft floors (carpets, rugs). It is also cumbersome to use over large areas. One gets tired quite quickly.

Robot vacuums, scrubbers, or electric brooms: how to choose?

Criteria for Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner

To better enjoy your vacuum cleaner, it is important to choose it well. You should therefore consider some main criteria when making your choice.

-The Functions of the Vacuum Cleaner

Your device can have several functions. You can thus benefit from both vacuuming and wet cleaning with the same device. It should be able to meet your expectations according to the type of floor you have.

-The Type of Floor Being Cleaned

At this level, you consider the most prevalent floor in your house. It can be hard floors like tiles or hardwood; soft floors such as carpets and rugs are also included. Some types of vacuum cleaners are more suitable for each type of floor. If you have a mix of floors, opt for a multifunctional vacuum cleaner.

-Ergonomics and Maneuverability of the Vacuum Cleaner

The shape of the vacuum cleaner is very important for it to be easy to store. With the advancement of technology, there are increasingly smaller models. This is the case for robotic vacuums, which can fit under a coffee table, for example.

As for the electric broom, it is important to focus on its handling. It should be easy to hold and manipulate. The lighter it is, the better, especially if you need to lift it to go up stairs.

-The Suction Power

This aspect determines the effectiveness of your device. It is often mentioned in the product description in stores or online. If this is not the case, rely on the specifications provided about the suction mode. If the device can work on carpets and vacuum up pet hair, its power is sufficient.

-The Battery Life

This criterion for choice concerns cordless vacuums and robots. Once charged, the batteries last for some time. However, the battery life varies from one device to another. It is advisable to consider the area to be cleaned. If you prefer to vacuum your entire house in one go, you should choose a model with a significant battery life.

-The Noise of the Vacuum Cleaner

Noise pollution is a major issue with vacuum cleaners. There is a European directive that limits vacuum cleaner noise to 80 decibels. The loudest ones are thus at this noise level, while the quieter ones are below 70 decibels. Note that a difference of 3 decibels doubles the strength of the noise.

-Filters and Allergies

Filters serve to prevent waste from being released into the air. They also protect the motor of your vacuum cleaner. There are HEPA filters that are specially designed for allergic individuals. 

They can be washed or replaced. They help retain the smallest allergens so that they are not released into the air. It is advisable to prioritize these HEPA filters for everyone. You can find them in three types: H14, H13, and H12 with respective filtrations of 99, 99 %, 99,95 %, and 99,5 %.

-The Capacity of the Vacuum Cleaner’s Tank

Regardless of the type of tank present in the vacuum cleaner, it is important to consider its capacity. For example, during a major household cleaning, you will need to vacuum everywhere. Its tank should be large enough not to have to empty it before you finish everything.

-With or Without a Bag?

A vacuum cleaner with a bag is convenient to avoid too much contact with dust. However, the bag needs to be changed quite often. For bagless models, the dust is sent into a tank that is emptied into a bin.

Note that bagged vacuums are quieter than bagless vacuums.

-The Accessories

If you choose a multifunctional device (cleaning all types of floors), you should check its accessories. The more there are, the more precise your cleaning can be. There are accessories for cleaning between sofas, on beds, special brushes for floor types, etc.

Robot vacuums, scrubbers, or electric brooms: how to choose?

Summary of Choosing Your Device

In summary, choosing your cleaning device should primarily be based on the floors to be cleaned. Depending on your other needs, you can opt for one of these three devices:

  • Robot vacuum: regular cleaning without time constraints, no effort required, large area, all types of floors;
  • Scrubber robot vacuum: all the advantages of the robot vacuum with wet cleaning support;
  • Electric broom: suction and deep wet cleaning in all corners, hard floors.