Most people with robot vacuums need to supplement them with a manual vacuum – even if your robovac is great at corners and edges, it still won't be able to tackle stairs or upholstery. Ecovacs has taken the effort out of that by bundling a mini handheld vacuum in with the T30S Combo (and if you get the Complete version, there's a full stick vacuum thrown in!

Some robot vacuums also have a mopping function, so you can more effectively clean your hardwood floors and tiles without needing one of the best robot mops. More importantly, it will save you the back-breaking chore of using a traditional mop and bucket!

Send it out several times a week, and it’ll nab all the dust and pet hair, lint and surface dirt on your floors before it has a chance to build up or get ground in.

It can be controlled through its own app, as well as through Alexa & Google Home voice commands, giving you complete control of your clean.

Most of the robot vacuums we recommend are combination vacuum-mop units, self-emptying models or both. While these features are convenient, they typically require larger charging docks to accommodate a water tank or internal dust bag.

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Premium, but decent value given the features and performance. Worth the investment for pet owners who want something for regular use.

5%. Ultimately, this is a great investment if your pets are prone to accidents and you want to avoid further mess. Keep in mind that's it's a little forceful prior to mapping though — it even knocked one of the weights which secures the walls out of place during our debris tests.

Smart features elevate its usability: the app enables room mapping, no-go zones and scheduled cleaning. It also generates heat maps showing the dirtiest and cleanest areas of your floors, with the vacuum adjusting suction levels in real time to tackle tough spots.

For a robot vacuum that will clean according to your preferences and habits, consider the Roomba j7+. Its app can create personalised cleaning suggestions. This means that you can factor allergy Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners seasons into your schedule. It also has dual multi-surface rubber brushes that work for different floors and don't get tangled with pet hair.

At first, a robot vacuum cleaner can sound like an extravagance (particularly when you can pick up the more familiar version for a knockdown price – some of the best vacuum cleaners are under £cem). However, in a world where everyone is just getting busier, it makes sense to spend a bit more and reclaim some valuable time by introducing a little automation into things.

If your manufacturer recommends it, you can also periodically rinse your robot's filter, allowing it to dry before re-installing it. Replace it when you notice your robot's suction isn't as good as it used to be or however often is recommended.

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Even if you have one of the best Roombas, robot vacuums are recommended more for light, everyday cleaning, rather than for handling really embedded debris.