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The robot vacuum cleaners market for pet hairs has seen significant growth in recent years, as more and more people are turning to these convenient and efficient cleaning devices to help keep their homes free of pet hair.
What floor type are you dealing with?
Australian homes often have a variety of floor types and materials, which can make it challenging to keep them consistently clean.
- Carpets: when choosing a robot vacuum specifically for cleaning carpets and pet hair, it's important to consider mostly suction power, brush type, and filters. Look for a model with strong suction and a motorised or rubberized brush to effectively remove pet hair from carpets. High-quality filters, such as HEPA filters, can help to capture even the smallest particles, including pet dander and other allergens.
- Hardwood and laminate: for hardwood and laminate floors, it's important to choose a robot vacuum that is gentle on these surfaces and has a soft brush or rubberized rollers to avoid scratching or damaging the floor. Again, high-quality filters, such as HEPA filters, can help to capture even the smallest particles, including pet dander and other allergens.
- Tile and concrete: Tile and concrete floors are easy to clean and maintain, here you can choose a robot vac with a lower-than-top-notch suction power, but I would highly recommend considering one with mopping capabilities. In this case, make sure the robot vacuum has a water tank large enough to cover the desired area.
In addition to the above factors and in general for every floor type, it's also important to consider the size and shape of the robot vacuum to ensure it can easily navigate around furniture and other obstacles, and look for a model with scheduling capabilities if you want to set it to clean while you're away.
Specs to look for
Let’s take a closer look at the technical specs. Knowing what makes a real difference can help you choose the right robot vac for pet hair.
Suction power
Suction power is an important feature to consider when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, as it determines the ability of the device to effectively remove dirt, debris, and pet hair from your floors. Suction power is typically measured in air watts, which is a measure of the amount of suction a vacuum generates. A higher air watt rating generally indicates a stronger suction power.
Another measure of suction power that is sometimes used in the vacuum cleaner industry is pascals (Pa). This is a unit of pressure that measures the force per unit area applied on a surface. In the context of vacuum cleaners, pascals can be used to measure the suction power of the device. A higher pascal rating generally indicates a stronger suction power.
Both air watts and pascals can be useful measures of suction power, but it's important to note that they are not directly comparable. A vacuum with a high air watt rating may not necessarily have a high pascal rating, and vice versa. Therefore, it's important to consider both measures when evaluating the suction power of a robot vacuum cleaner.
Brush Type
The brush type of a robot vacuum cleaner can have a significant impact on its ability to effectively remove pet hair from your floors. Some common brush types found in robot vacuums include:
- Motorised brush: A motorised brush is powered by an electric motor. These brushes are typically more effective at removing pet hair and other debris from carpets and upholstery, as the motorised action helps to loosen and lift the hair from the surface.
- Rubberized or soft brush: A rubberized brush is made of rubber or a rubber-like material while a soft brush is made of a softer material, such as bristles or microfiber. These brushes are often more gentle on delicate surfaces and are effective at removing pet hair, even from carpets.
- Traditional brush: A traditional brush is made of stiff bristles or other rigid material. These brushes may not be as effective at removing pet hair from carpets and other floor types, as they may not have the same level of agitation as motorised or rubberized brushes.
Filters
Filters are an important consideration when choosing a robot vacuum specifically for removing pet hair, as they help to capture small particles such as pet dander and other allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. There are a few key types of filters to consider when selecting a robot vacuum for pet hair:
- HEPA filters: HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are a type of filter that is designed to capture extremely small particles, including pet dander and other allergens. These filters are typically more effective at removing small particles from the air and are often recommended for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- Standard filters: Standard filters are the most common type of filter found in vacuum cleaners, including robot vacuums. These filters are typically less effective at capturing small particles and may not be as effective at removing pet dander and other allergens from the air.
- Washable filters: Some robot vacuums come with washable filters, which can be cleaned and reused instead of being replaced. These filters can be a more cost-effective option, but they may not be as effective at capturing small particles as HEPA or other high-quality filters.
Battery life
Obviously, a longer battery life is generally more convenient, as it allows the robot vacuum to cover a larger area without needing to be stopped for a recharge. Consider the following.
- Run time: the run time of a robot vacuum refers to the length of time it can operate on a single charge.
- Battery type: the type of battery a robot vacuum uses can also impact its battery life. Some models use lithium-ion batteries, which tend to have a longer life and faster charging time than other types of batteries.
- Charging time: the charging time of a robot vacuum refers to the length of time it takes to fully recharge the battery. Some models have a faster charging time than others, which can be convenient if you need to use the vacuum frequently.
- Power mode: some robot vacuums have multiple power modes, such as standard and turbo, which can impact the battery life. Using a higher power mode may result in a shorter battery life, so it's important to consider this factor when selecting a robot vacuum for pet hair.
Smart features: navigation and scheduling
These are the fancy features that will allow you to automate your robot vac to clean your home without needing to operate it directly. If you’re into smart home and tech, they can be very rewarding.
- Navigation: the navigation system of a robot vacuum determines how it moves around your home and avoids obstacles. Some models use laser navigation, which allows them to map out their surroundings and navigate around obstacles. Others use more basic navigation systems, such as bump sensors, which may not be as effective at avoiding obstacles. If you have a lot of furniture or other obstacles in your home, it's important to consider the navigation system of a robot vacuum and select a model with a more advanced system.
- Scheduling: some robot vacuums have scheduling capabilities, which allow you to set the device to automatically clean at specific times or on a recurring schedule. This can be convenient if you want to set the vacuum to clean while you're away or at other times when you're not available to operate it manually. If you have pets that shed frequently and want to make sure your home is always clean, a robot vacuum with scheduling capabilities can be a valuable investment.
The Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair in the Australian Market
There are now a wide range of robot vacuum cleaners available on the market specifically designed for cleaning pet hair, with different features and capabilities to suit different needs and budgets. Let’s take a look at our hand-picked selection of the best models now available.
1. iRobot Roomba j7+
Best for most pet owners
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Overall, we think the best robot vacuum for pet hair for most users is the iRobot Roomba j7+. Its price is around A$1,500 for the robot & docking station combo (which we definitely recommend getting!), and you get a reliable robot that works independently on any floor type, with good performance and excellent smart features. If you want your hands off the daily cleaning, this is one of the most positively reviewed robot vacs currently in the market for pet owners.
It is equipped with specialised brushes and filters that are designed to effectively remove pet hair from your floors and carpets. Additionally, the Roomba j7+ is equipped with a high-efficiency filter that captures up to 99% of allergens, including pet dander, making it an excellent choice for households with allergies or sensitivities.
The Roomba j7+ is also equipped with a range of sensors and navigation systems that allow it to navigate around your home and avoid obstacles. It even recognises poop and avoids it. It is capable of cleaning multiple rooms and can be controlled remotely using the iRobot HOME app or through voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes it easy to start, stop, or schedule cleanings from the comfort of your phone or with the sound of your voice.
Equipped with a self-emptying feature, the Roomba j7+ automatically empties its dustbin into a separate, larger container called the Clean Base, which holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris. To use the self-emptying feature, you will need to set up the Clean Base in an area that is easily accessible to the robot. The Roomba j7+ will then automatically return to the Clean Base when it is running low on battery or when its dustbin is full. Once it reaches the Clean Base, it will automatically empty its dustbin into the larger container, and then return to cleaning where it left off.
2. Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni
Pricey, but it’s the absolute best you can buy
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We selected the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni as our top high-end pick for the best robot vacuum for pet hair. Yes, it’s expensive, but this versatile robot vac can really suck up all the pet hair in your home no matter the floor type, and we believe it’s worth the investment especially if you have a home with a combination of floor types (for example: carpeted rooms and tiled common areas) and a large area to cover.
The standout feature of the Deebot X1 Omni is its strong suction power of 5000Pa, which is effective at removing pet hair from carpets and other floor surfaces. It has a motorised brush and rubberized rollers, which work together to loosen and lift pet hair from the surface, making it easy for the vacuum to pick up.
It also has high-quality filters, including a HEPA filter, which is effective at capturing small particles such as pet dander and other allergens. This can be especially helpful for those with allergies or sensitivities.
If you’re into smart home and automation, this is also the model for you. The X1 Omni uses laser mapping and advanced algorithms to create a detailed map of your home and navigate around obstacles. It can be controlled and scheduled using the Ecovacs Home app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions, view a map of the vacuum's progress, and customize the cleaning mode.
The Deebot X1 Omni is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control it using voice commands and connect it with your smart speaker.
It automatically returns to its charging dock when the battery is low, so you don't have to worry about manually charging the device, and it also has the ability to automatically refill its water tank (yep, it’s also a mop) when it gets low.
3. Ecovacs Deebot N8
Mid-range robot vac that does the job especially if you don’t have high-pile carpets
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The Ecovacs Deebot N8 is a popular choice for cleaning pet hair, and we recommend it as one of the best if you’re looking in the A$700-800 price range.
It features a suction power of 2300Pa, as well as a main brush and side brushes that work together to loosen and lift pet hair from carpets, hardwood floors, and other surfaces. It’s not the best out there in terms of suction performance, but it’ll do the job for most homes.
In terms of cleaning performance, the DEEBOT N8 has received mostly positive reviews from users, with many praising its ability to effectively pick up pet hair and other debris. Some users have noted that it may struggle with particularly thick or dense pet hair, or for high pile carpets, but overall it is generally considered to be a reliable and effective vacuum for cleaning up after pets.
The Deebot N8 uses laser navigation to map a room and create a virtual map of the space, this allows the robot to efficiently clean the room by following a predetermined cleaning path. It first needs to be placed in the centre of the room and turned on. It will then use its laser navigation system to scan the room and create a virtual map of the layout. The Deebot N8 can store multiple maps, so you can create a map of each room in your home and switch between them as needed.
This little helper is also capable of vacuuming and mopping simultaneously! This allows the Deebot N8 to both sweep and mop your floors in a single pass, making it an efficient and convenient way to keep your home clean. To use the mopping feature, you will need to attach a mopping pad to the bottom of the robot. The mopping pad is made of a special absorbent material that is designed to pick up dirt and debris from your floors as the robot moves around.
4. Uoni V980Plus
Self-emptying robot vacuum that works well for dog and cat hair
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The Uoni V980Plus is a good choice around the A$1,000 price point. Compared to the entry level models, this robot vacuum offers a better suction power of 2700Pa, offering a decent performance even with carpets and stubborn pet hair.
The vacuum works well for those who want to avoid constant maintenance and supervision. It will self-empty and auto-recharge itself when returning to its docking station, and the docking station will alert you with an orange light when it’s time to change the dust bin.
For homes with a heavy amount of pet hair (multiple pets or pets shedding lots of hair), you will need to manually remove hair from the unit before it goes back to its station, but this is something you can get used to, and buying a more expensive robot won’t necessarily avoid this issue.
With the Uoni V980Plus, you can map your floors and create no-go zones using the app, which is ok but needs some improvements as it’s not quite as polished as some competitors apps. Overall, the mapping function is useful and workable with just minor complaints here and there.
5. iRobot Roomba 692
The best cheap robot vacuum for pet hair
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For a robot vacuum that handles pet hair, we wouldn’t go below the A$500 price range, and the iRobot Roomba 692 is the model we recommend to those who are on a budget. If you have a home with no carpets, you could look into this model to set up your daily cleaning routine.
It is equipped with a dirt detect sensor, which is designed to help the Roomba 692 locate and remove dirt and debris from your floors more efficiently. It works by using infrared technology to detect areas of your floor that have a higher concentration of dirt or debris. When the Roomba 692 encounters a dirty area, it will pause and use its brushes to more thoroughly clean the area before moving on.
The Roomba 692 is equipped with a main brush that is located on the underside of the robot. This brush is made of a soft, flexible material that is designed to gently sweep dirt and debris into the suction path of the robot. The main brush is also able to remove pet hair from your floors and low-pile carpets, thanks to its flexible bristles and special design.
In addition to the main brush, it’s also equipped with edge brushes located on the sides of the robot, to clean along the edges of your floors and in corners, where dirt and debris are often concentrated.
