Want a new robot vacuum cleaner, but don't know which one to buy? I don't blame you – there are so many models that even I'm shocked… and I test robots for a living! The newest models are often so similar to each other that it's really hard to tell which one is worth your hard-earned money.
Now, I understand that it might be tempting to go the affordable route, but if your budget is only a couple hundred dollars, I'd be hard-pressed to recommend a worthwhile option. That's because cheap isn't always best: you won't get enough suction, and if it's not versatile, it's not the best value for money.
With prices starting at just AU$429, I only recommend models that will do most of the heavy lifting for you – meaning they will vacuum, mop and then clean themselves. All you have to do is empty the dirty water tank regularly so it doesn't create its own ecosystem and refill with clean water. Oh, and just replace the dust bag every couple of months.
One thing to keep in mind when using each of these robot vacuums is that there will be some ongoing costs that need to be taken into account.
The most common one will be the dust bag, which will need to be replaced every month or two, depending on which model you decide to buy, as well as how often you vacuum and whether you have pets.
If you choose one of the cheaper models listed here, you'll also have to consider replacing the mop pads after six to eight months (again, depending on usage), but the Deebot X8 Pro Omni and Aqua10 Ultra use rollers that will last you much longer.
Some robot vacuums can use detergent, but not all, so check if the model you're buying can use some soap. In this case, it will generally need to be proprietary since not all detergents are suitable for the mechanism inside the base stations, and using the wrong type may void the warranty.
