Robotic vacuums like the Roomba offered by iRobot have great promise but can they really obviate the need for a regular vacuum cleaner? Depending on your needs they just might but, like anything, there are pros and cons when comparing the Roomba with a more traditional vacuum.
Pros
Even the most expensive Roomba models cost around the same (0) as a good upright vacuum. In this case, all that technology doesn't come at a prohibitive price.Set it and forget it! Schedule the Roomba to clean certain rooms on certain days and/or times and let it do its thing. No need to monitor its operation, push the start button, or even think about regular vacuuming.Can easily go places (behind and under furniture, along walls, under tables, etc.) that require moving furniture to get at with a regular vacuum.The Roomba's automatic operation means you'll clean more often than if you were using a regular vacuum.
Cons
Takes much longer to clean a room as it would with a regular vacuum. The Roomba cleans the entire floor but its pattern often seems random as it negotiates obstacles and re-visits particularly dirty areas.Battery life is around two hours per charge and it takes three hours to recharge. If you're cleaning a large area it may take several hours to complete if the Roomba needs to recharge mid-clean.Can get stuck under furniture and occasionally "forgets" where its charger is located necessitating a "find the Roomba" mission.Has difficulty with cords, tassels, and low-hanging drapes, and can't get into very small spaces.Does not completely replace a regular vacuum just decreases the need to use a regular vacuum.
IROBOT
To most Roomba users the cons pale in comparison the the pros that the Roomba offers. Many of the challenges involved in using the Roomba are remedied by doing a little rearranging of furniture and making your rooms "Roomba safe". A small concession to make for the prospect of only needing to do "real" vacuuming once or twice a month!
Roomba Vacuums - Evaluating the Pros and Cons IROBOT
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