Clean machines A round-up of the newest robotic vacuum cleaners

A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANERS

OUR TOP PICKS Ecovacs Robotics ‘Deebot’ N79T

The stand-out feature of the ‘Deebot’ N79T is the entry-level price tag that comes without sacrificing smart features. “It was a great help around the house,” says HB features editor Christina Beischl, who put the machine to the test. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo. Hard floor: Not ideal. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $299, Ecovacs.

Samsung ‘POWERbot’ VR7000

“Is it possible to fall in love with a robot? My family certainly has,” says HB acting editor Katrina O’Brien of the ‘POWERbot’ she trialled at home. Great value for money, this machine works a treat (even on pet hair) with varying suction levels to suit both hardwood floors and carpet. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: Compatible with Google Assistant. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $999, Samsung.

Electrolux ‘PUREi9’

With climbing capabilities of up to 2.2cm and a triangular shape, this bot gets into tricky corners for a thorough clean. “I did have a hiccup when the smartphone connection dropped out for a day, but a call to Electrolux customer service and a quick reset had us back on track,” says HB features writer Holly Byrne, who gave the vac a go. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: No. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $1299, Harvey Norman.

BEST OF THE REST Devanti ‘Automatic’

While it lacks the smart features of its fellow robots, this sleek little machine is one of the most affordable on the market – ideal for use on tiled or timber floors. Smartphone connectivity: No. Voice control: No. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Not recommended. Price: $249, Temple & Webster.

Miele ‘Scout’ RX2

The nifty ‘Scout’ RX2 from German manufacturer Miele has an average 60-minute operating time and is equipped with retractable corner brushes for those hard-to-reach corners in your home, while its two front cameras allow for navigation precision. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: No. Hard floor: Yes.

Soft floor: Yes. Price: $1399, Miele.

iRobot ‘Roomba’ Remote Control R670

One of the best-known names in robot vacuums, the iRobot ‘Roomba’ R670 has a three-stage cleaning process, with a brush to loosen, lift and suction debris from all flooring types. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $579, Harvey Norman.

Neato Robotics NEATO-48225 ‘Botvac’ D5

This high-stamina vacuum from Neato Robotics can run for up to an impressive two hours on a single charge. And, while it will work wonders on your home’s hard floors, it will also provide an adequate clean on the carpeted surfaces, too. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: No. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Sufficient. Price: $1499, Appliances Online.

Ecovacs Robotics ‘Deebot’ 900

In addition to all the smartphone connectivity you’d expect, the mapping functionality allows users to draw up to 50 ‘no-go’ zones for areas you don’t want the bot to enter. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $799, Ecovacs.

LG ‘R9 Master’

The all-new LG ‘R9Master’ is equipped with a front-mounted camera and laser sensor to help map its way around the home. The camera also allows you to see what’s going on inside your home from afar – a great security add-on. Smartphone connectivity: Yes. Voice control: Compatible with Google Assistant. Hard floor: Yes. Soft floor: Yes. Price: $1899, Harvey Norman.