Choosing an automatic home assistant becomes a challenge when more and more models from a single brand are on the shelves. Xiaomi offers dozens of options, and figuring out which robot vacuum cleaner is the right one for your environment is not easy. Models differ not only in price, but also in the type of navigation, the power of suction and, most importantly for many, the quality of wet cleaning.
In this article, we will analyze the current generation of devices in detail so that you can make an informed decision. It is critical to understand that models with laser navigation (LDS) provide a significantly more accurate map of the room compared to gyroscopic counterparts. We will look at the key technical characteristics that should be considered first, and analyze the popular myths about wet cleaning.
A well-fitted device can completely free you from having to sweep floors for months, but if you choose a device that doesn't take into account the type of flooring or the area of the apartment, the result can be disappointing. Let's figure out which features are a marketing ploy and which really make life easier.
Key criteria for choosing a smart vacuum cleaner
The first thing you need to look at when buying is the type of navigation system, which is the type of navigation system that can be used to clean effectively without getting lost in space or getting stuck under chairs. Modern models use a laser rangefinder (LDS), which builds an accurate map, or a camera (VSLAM), which analyzes visual objects.
The second important parameter is the combined container: in budget versions, water is supplied by gravity, which often leads to puddle formation. More advanced systems use an electronic pump for a dosed liquid supply, which allows you to adjust the intensity of humidification through the application.
- π€ Navigation: Laser (LDS) It is preferable for large apartments and complex layouts.
- π§ Type of water supply: An electronic pump controls fluid flow better than a gravitational pump.
- π Autonomy: For an area of over 60 sq.m., a battery capacity of 3200 mAh is desirable.
β οΈ Note: Not all models with wet cleaning function can wash floors. Most of them only wipe the surface with a slightly moistened cloth, removing dust, but not removing dried spots.
Also consider the height of the body of the device. If you have a lot of furniture with low clearance, standard models with a laser "turret" may simply not climb under the sofa or bed, leaving untidy areas, in such cases, it is better to look at models with a flat top or a reduced profile.
Top Laser Navigation Models (LDS)
Laser rangefinder devices are rightly considered market leaders, creating a detailed map of the room that can be edited: divide into rooms, set virtual walls and no-go zones, a fundamental difference from cheap, chaotic models that move like billiard balls.
One of the most popular series is the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, which combines a powerful motor with an efficient wet cleaning system. It copes perfectly with animal hair and small debris, and a smart app allows you to customize the cleaning schedule for each room separately.
For those willing to overpay for premium features, the Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra line is available, often equipped with a self-cleaning station that not only charges the robot, but also automatically shakes the dust out of the container, and sometimes even washes and dries the cloth, the maximum level of autonomy available at the moment.
What is the difference between LDS and VSLAM?
When choosing a model with LDS Pay attention to support 3D-Some old versions of software or budget Chinese versions (CN) They may not have full integration with global servers, which limits the functionality of the smart home.
Budget solutions with gyroscopic navigation
If the budget is limited and the apartment is small (studio or one-bedroom), you can consider models without a laser tower. They use a gyroscope to plot a route, moving in parallel lanes, which is much more efficient than chaotic traffic, but less accurate.
A prominent member of this class is the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential. It lacks a sophisticated laser on top, so it looks smaller and lower, but it pays to have no detailed map in the app: you only see the approximate route and cleaning status, but you can't send the device to a particular room by click.
- π° Price: The cost of such models is often twice lower than laser analogues.
- π Passability: The lack of a tower allows you to go under lower furniture.
- πΊοΈ Map: Construction of the map is simplified, without the possibility of zoning the room.
Wet cleaning in the budget segment is usually implemented through a gravity-driven system, which means that water drips on the cloth constantly while the pump is running or simply under the influence of gravity, and it is often impossible to adjust the intensity in such models, which requires careful selection of the mat.
β οΈ Note: When using gyroscopic models, it is not recommended to run them simultaneously on several floors without reconfiguration, as they can βloseβ the binding to the base station.
π‘
For budget models with a gyroscope, it is useful to vacuum the places where large debris accumulates before manually starting, so that the robot does not get stuck at the beginning of cleaning.
Premium segment: Self-cleaning stations
The evolution of home assistants has been dominated by base station complexes, and the question of βwhich is betterβ is no longer a question of maximum comfort, and devices like the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+ can run for months without human intervention.
The main feature is automatic cleaning of the container. A powerful fan in the database sucks all the garbage into a large bag that must be changed every 1-2 months. In addition, some models are able to rinse and dry the floor washing rag with hot air, preventing the appearance of unpleasant odor.
The cost of these solutions is high, but they are justified for owners of large houses or people with allergies who do not want to come into contact with dust while maintaining equipment, and it is not just a gadget, but a full part of the infrastructure of a smart home.
π‘
Buying a robot with a self-cleaning station makes sense if you have pets or a large cleaning area requiring frequent emptying of the container.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To organize the information, we have developed a table that compares popular models by key parameters, which will help you quickly navigate the variety of offers and choose the best option for your needs.
| Model | Navigation | Suction force (Pa) | Type of wet cleaning | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | LDS (Laser) | 3000 | Electronic pump | 110 minutes |
| Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential | gyroscope | 2500 | Self-flowing | 90 minutes |
| Robot Vacuum X10+ | LDS + AI | 4000 | Vibration + pump | 180 minutes |
| 1S | LDS (Laser) | 2500 | Electronic pump | 110 minutes |
And you can see from the table that even in the middle price segment, you can get laser navigation. 500-1000 Pa in practice is noticeable mainly on long-pile carpets, where deep cleaning is required.
Setup and maintenance of the device
After purchase, it is important to properly install and configure the device, first remove all transport films from the wheels and sensors, and then connect to the Wi-Fi network through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app.
For the first cleaning, it is recommended to remove wires, socks and other small objects that can wind on the brush from the floor. The robot must freely travel throughout the apartment to build the correct map.
βοΈ First for a robot vacuum cleaner.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning the main brush of hair and wool, rubbing the sensors with a dry cloth and replacing filters. HEPA-the filter should be changed once 3-6 months depending on the dustiness of the room, otherwise the suction capacity will fall.
β οΈ Attention: Never wash HEPA-The water filter, unless explicitly stated in the instructions, swells and can burn the vacuum cleaner engine when you try to start.