Comparison Roborock S5 vs iRobot Roomba 980

Type(s) of cleaning for which the vacuum cleaner is intended.

Almost all modern units have the function of dry cleaning. In turn, wet cleaning is usually provided as an addition to the dry mode and is rarely used as the only cleaning mode. Here is a more detailed description of these options:

— Dry. Traditional cleaning without the use of water: the vacuum cleaner draws in air, collects debris in the dust container and purifies the air through a filter system. It is considered somewhat less effective than wet, but it has practically no restrictions on its use: almost any material can be cleaned in this way. In addition, such cleaning is much easier for the user (no need to fill or even drain water). And the units themselves, which have only a dry mode, are simpler and more inexpensive than similar models with a wet cleaning function. In addition, for some types of vacuum cleaners, this is the only available option. A typical example is handheld models of both household and industrial specialization (see "Product type").
We note that the possibility of water suction (see below) can be provided even in vacuum cleaners with a purely dry type of cleaning (most often in industrial and household models — see "Product type").

— Wet and dry. The ability to carry out not only the dry cleaning described above but also wet cleaning. It is i...n this format that all washing vacuum cleaners work (see below). However, we emphasize that not every unit with the wet cleaning function is a washing vacuum, and even the water suction function (also see below) is not always available in such models. The fact is that many vacuum cleaners with this feature use the simplest possible operation mode: water from a special container is supplied to a special nozzle and moistens the floor after cleaning. However, even such a treatment method significantly increases efficiency compared to conventional dry cleaning. An additional nozzle collects dirt that the vacuum cleaner could not draw in, and moistening the floor refreshes the room and prevents dust from rising into the air that could remain after cleaning. For washing vacuum cleaners, in turn, other advantages are also common. The main disadvantages of all models with two types of cleaning are the complexity of the design, greater weight and higher cost than similar units with only a dry format.

— Wet. This option means that the vacuum cleaner is designed for wet cleaning only and does not require a dry operation. See above for details on these modes. Here we note that it is a very rare option used in single models of conventional and upright vacuum cleaners (see "Product type").

Rated power consumed by the vacuum cleaner. In models with power adjustment (see below), the maximum value is taken into account in this case. We are talking about the characteristics of the installed motor, which is the main, and in most vacuum cleaners, the only consumer of energy.

Higher power increases suction force and improves overall cleaning efficiency. In addition, a more powerful unit is easier to equip with a capacious dust collector. On the other hand, only vacuum cleaners of the same type with the same types of dust collectors can be directly compared by this parameter (see above for both). And even in such cases, the actual suction force (see below) may be different — and it is it that determines the real efficiency. However, the total power also allows you to generally evaluate the capabilities of the vacuum cleaner, including in comparison: a 1500 W model will significantly outperform its 800 W counterpart in efficiency (although it is impossible to say exactly by how much). But what definitely depends on this indicator is energy consumption.

As for specific power values, they are largely related to the type of device. For example, handheld models, robots and uproght units have low power — less than 1500 W(and often noticeably less). Such values are quite popular among other types of vacuum cleaners (conventional, industrial, workshop, etc.), but among them there are already more solid indicators — ...href="/en/list/90/pr-1067/">1500 – 1750 W, 1750 – 2000 W and even more than 2000 W.

The suction power provided by the vacuum cleaner. For models with power adjustment (see below), in this case, the maximum value is taken into account. Note that "suction power" is sometimes erroneously also called the suction force, indicated in pascals; see below for more details.

Suction power is a key indicator that determines the capabilities of the unit: the higher it is, the more efficiently the vacuum cleaner can draw in various contaminants, and the better it handles with carpets, fabrics and other materials into which dust can penetrate deeply. On the other hand, high power inevitably affects the weight, power consumption, dimensions and price of the device. Therefore, it does not always make sense to chase the maximum values — you need to take into account the real working conditions and the general purpose of the vacuum cleaner.

The specific numbers found in this paragraph largely depend on the type of device. For example, in handheld household models, suction power does not exceed 100 W, and for conventional household units, an indicator of 100 – 150 W is still considered very limited. At the same time, we note that the minimum required for a full-fledged dry cleaning of smooth floors is considered to be 300 – 350 W, for carpet and other short pile coatings — ...f="/en/list/90/pr-37619/">350 – 400 W, and for long pile materials and upholstered furniture higher rates are desirable. Vacuum cleaners with lower suction power values are intended not so much for periodic cleaning, but for constant (ideally daily) maintenance of cleanliness in an already tidy room.

As for the relationship between suction power and suction force, it is as follows: power is the suction force (thrust) multiplied by the airflow (performance). Without going into too much detail, we can say that the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is determined by both of these indicators. And it is worth evaluating this efficiency by suction power (regardless of the specific relationship between traction and performance).

The suction force provided by the vacuum cleaner. It is indicated by the maximum vacuum (negative pressure) that the unit can create at the working nozzle.

Note that this parameter is sometimes confused with the suction power described above, which is indicated in watts. Yes, suction force to some extent determines the efficiency of the unit. However, this efficiency also depends on the performance (airflow). And the suction power, indicated in watts, takes into account both of these parameters — it is determined by multiplying the suction force by the performance (see above for more details). For this reason, there is no strict relationship between this force and suction power: for example, a vacuum of 25,000 Pa can be found in models with 250 W, 200 W and even 150 W of power.

As for the practical significance of this spec, in general, a higher suction force allows you to work more efficiently with high resistance. For example, when processing carpets with a long pile. On the other hand, more pascals (with the same number of watts) means less airflow and, accordingly, less efficiency for large amounts of work at low resistance (for example, cleaning large rooms with parquet floors). Thus, it makes sense to pay attention to this indicator mainly in cases where high suction force is fundamental for you. In other cases, it is worth evaluating the capabilities of the vacuum cleaner in terms of suction power in watts.

Note that for a number of...reasons, the suction power is most often specified for robot vacuum cleaners (see “Produc type”). For such models, a value of 1500 Pa and below is considered very small, 1500 – 2000 Pa — medium, 2000 – 2500 Pa — high, more than 2500 Pa — very high.

It is also worth mentioning that the indication of suction force is often used as a publicity trick — to improve the impression of the product. For example, the suction power of 150 watts in itself is quite modest. But at the same time, the suction force of such a vacuum cleaner can be 25,000 Pa — a very impressive figure, especially for an inexperienced buyer, but having a very indirect relation to real efficiency. Especially often, such tricks are used among upright models and the already mentioned robots — these varieties initially do not differ in high power in watts. For many of these units, the characteristics only indicate the vacuum in pascals without specifying the suction power. It further enhances the impression: for example, in the specs of a modest robot, the figure "3000 Pa" looks much more impressive than "40 W". However, such figures have a very weak relation to the real capabilities of the unit and if they are not supplemented by data on suction power in watts, they should be considered solely as bait for a not particularly sophisticated buyer.

The nominal volume of the dust collector installed in the vacuum cleaner.

This indicator largely depends on the type of unit (see above). For example, in most handheld household models, the capacity does not exceed 0.5 L. The volume of the container in upright vacuum cleaners and robots can be somewhat larger — among the first variety there are quite a few models for 1 – 2 liters or even more, and among the second — by 0.6 – 1 liter and a little more. For conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimum figure is actually about 0.8 – 1 L; dust collectors for 1 – 2 L and 2 – 4 L are very popular in such devices; the maximum capacity is actually 4 – 6 liters — units of a similar layout, but with a larger capacity, are usually referred to as household ones. In turn, relatively small containers are occasionally found among workshop models. However, in vacuum cleaners of this type, the capacity is generally quite large — it can reach 26 – 50 liters or even more ; the same applies to industrial (construction) units.

In general, a larger dust container allows you to work longer without interruptions. On the other hand, a capacious container itself takes up more space and, accordingly, affects the size, weight and price.... So when choosing this parameter, it is worth considering the actual features of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Here we can give such an example: for a full-scale cleaning of an average city apartment, a capacity of about 1 – 1.5 litres is required. Thus, say, a 4-litre bag allows you to carry out two such cleanings with sufficient efficiency without unloading the vacuum cleaner. There are more detailed recommendations regarding the optimal volume of the dust collector, including specific cleaning options. These recommendations can be found in special sources.

A capacity of a tank for water or detergent a vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function is equipped with. (see "Cleaning type").

Large capacity allows you to work longer without refilling the tank. On the other hand, an increase in capacity has a corresponding effect on the size, weight and cost of the unit. Thus, manufacturers choose this parameter taking into account the general specialization and the “weight category” of a particular model. So, in robots (see "Type"), the volume of the water tank is, by definition, small. Even in the heaviest models, it does not exceed 650 mL. But other types of vacuum cleaners can differ markedly in this parameter.

In general, for non-robot units, a capacity of 1 liter or less is considered very limited, 1 – 2 liters is small, 2 – 3 liters is average, more than 3 liters is above average. However, it much depends on the type. For example, in conventional vacuum cleaners, the capacity does not exceed 2.5 liters, and "for workshop" models this is very little — in most cases, they have a tank capacity of 3 liters or more.

Presence in the vacuum cleaner dust collector filling indicator.

The general meaning of this function is already clear from the name: it is an indicator that informs the user about the fullness of the dust collector. At the same time, we note that the features of the operation of such a pointer may be different. The simplest option is a mechanical or electrical device that works when the amount of debris in the dust collector approaches a critical level. More advanced indicators can show a specific degree of filling at any time. In advanced vacuum cleaners, complex electronic systems can be used with values displayed on a display or a light indicator.

This function is most popular in models with bags (see "Dust collector") since without an indicator it would be necessary to control the fullness of such a vacuum cleaner manually — by opening the dust collector compartment and checking by touch how tightly the bag is filled. In cyclone systems, fill indicators are very rare and in aquafilters — even less often: both there and there, transparent materials are often used to allow you to see the amount of debris inside without opening the vacuum cleaner.

A method for limiting the processed space provided in a robot vacuum cleaner.

Another name for this feature is "virtual wall". Its general meaning is quite obvious: a “wall” (or several walls) allows you to limit the movement of the robot on the surface to be cleaned. It can be useful if cleaning needs to be done in a room without a door. Or if part of the floor is occupied by small items that do not need to be cleaned (for example, pieces of a puzzle being assembled). But the specific possibilities of such a restriction are directly related to how it is implemented. Note that the function is found mainly in middle-class robot vacuum cleaners and top models. Budget robotic "cleaners" often do not have the function of limiting the zones of the processed space - they do not have one.

Here are the main options found in modern robots:

— Laser sensor. A fairly popular option due to its simplicity, low cost, as well as simplicity and ease of use in fact. Usually, when installing the laser limiter, it is enough to put it on the floor and point it in the right direction. On the other hand, such devices are not well suited for creating complex borders. The classic format of the laser limiter is linear: a doorway or room is blocked by a direct beam, which is perceived by the robot as the boundary of the treated area. In addition, some models may also provide a circular mode, when the sensor forms a "forbidden zone"...in the form of a circle or sector of a certain diameter. This format of work allows to fence off the corners of rooms and small areas near the walls (a typical example is the location of a dog or cat bowl in the kitchen). If you need to create a border of a different, more specific shape, this will require several sensors at best (even though one limiter is usually supplied in the kit if supplied at all); and in the worst case, it will be completely impossible. It is also worth considering that the range of the laser in linear mode is usually limited to 3 – 4 metres; this is most often sufficient for residential premises and small offices. However, it may not be enough for a large space. And the emitters are usually powered by batteries or accumulators, the charge of which is limited.

— Magnetic tape. Limiter in the form of a tape made of magnetic material laid on the floor. Such a tape is spotted by a special sensor and is perceived by the robot as a border that cannot be crossed. For secure fixation, it is usually made self-adhesive, and the intensity of the magnetic field in most cases ensures effective operation through carpets and other similar coverings. One of the key advantages of such restraints is that almost any shape of the restricted zone can be formed from the sections of tape: the length of individual sections can be chosen at your discretion, and the maximum total length is limited only by the stock of tape at hand. In addition, this type of limiter does not require power. The disadvantages of this option include the complexity of laying in some conditions (for example, under a continuous carpet covering). In addition, at best, a very small amount of tape is included in the package; and many vacuum cleaners are not equipped with it at all, so you need to buy a magnetic tape additionally.

— Via the application. The most advanced way to limit cleaning: the boundaries of the working area are set on a smartphone or other gadget through an application that is also used for general control of the robot. Almost all models with this function also have the function of building a map of the premises (see below) — the finished map is displayed in the application, and on it the user can set the boundaries of the working area at will. The simplest version of such borders is separate straight lines. However, control applications often provide more extensive features: broken lines and polygons from individual segments, standard shapes (circle, oval, rectangle) and even the ability to draw a border by hand. Anyway, this method of restriction is extremely convenient and functional. However, robot vacuum cleaners with this capability are expensive, mainly due to the presence of a complex mapping system.

The mapping system is provided in many modern robots. It allows you to determine the size of the room and the location of various obstacles present in it, as well as fix the route travelled by the vacuum cleaner. There are various systems according to their principle of operation, among which there are three types. Methods for building a map based on data from a sensor or a camera belonging to the basic level. But building a map using a laser rangefinder (lidar) gives more accurate results and elevates the device to a higher category. Accordingly, the presence of such a system affects the overall cost but provides several advantages. Firstly, cleaning efficiency is noticeably increased: the robot remembers which areas have already been cleaned and pays maximum attention to untreated areas. Secondly, movements are carried out along optimal trajectories, the shortest paths; this saves energy and extends battery life. Thirdly, it becomes possible to effectively clean large spaces of complex shape (for example, the entire apartment). And if the vacuum cleaner is controlled through an application on a smartphone or other gadget, the created map is displayed in this application. It gives various additional features: correcting the collected data, real-time device control, building routes, limiting cleaning through the application (see above), etc. P.

As for the methods of building maps (and further...navigation), there are mainly such options:

— Camera. Such systems work because the robot, using a digital camera, “examines” the room, remembering its shape and the location of objects. A fairly simple, inexpensive and at the same time practical way: usually, the camera is supplemented by an object recognition algorithm, thanks to which it can recognize obstacles stored in memory, regardless of their position in space. It is useful when you have items that are frequently moved around, such as chairs. In addition, if the map is displayed in an application on a smartphone, it looks like not just a conventional diagram but a real image, which is very convenient. The disadvantages of this option include perhaps a slightly lower accuracy than that of sensors and even more so rangefinders. However, it is not critical, and in some models, information from the camera can be supplemented with data from sensors, which completely reduces this drawback to zero.

— Sensors. Creating a map through the operation of various special sensors. Most often, such systems use sensors for obstacles and fall protection (see "Robot features"), working in conjunction with an inertial module that determines the current position of the robot in space. Receiving a signal from one of the sensors, the robot saves data on the trigger point; from such points, as a result, the map is formed. It is a fairly reliable method. It is inferior in accuracy to rangefinding cartography (see below) but it is also cheaper. The disadvantages of this type of mapping include some inconvenience when managing via the application. The map is displayed in the form of a scheme map, which is not always convenient for the user. In addition, vacuum cleaners with such systems are unable to respond in advance to a change in the situation — this change is determined only when the sensor is triggered again.

— Rangefinder (laser). Building a map using a laser range finder — lidar. Usually, such a rangefinder covers the space all 360 ° around the vacuum cleaner, scanning the space at a high frequency (hundreds and even thousands of measurements per second in all directions). It allows you to create very accurate maps in a short time and with a minimum of movement in space. In addition, the rangefinder is used not only during the initial mapping but also during further work. Thanks to this, the robot instantly reacts to changes in the environment and corrects the trajectory of movement. The main disadvantage of such systems is their rather high cost. In addition, as in the case of sensors, when controlling the vacuum cleaner from a smartphone, the map is displayed in the form of a scheme map, which is somewhat less convenient than when using cameras.

— Rangefinder + camera. It is the most advanced and functional option: the laser provides high accuracy in determining distances and a quick response to changes in the environment. And the camera allows you to create not just scheme maps but realistic images of premises that are convenient when controlled via a smartphone. The main disadvantage of such combined systems is their very high cost. Therefore, they are extremely rare, mainly in premium robot vacuum cleaners.