Robot vacuums are one of the few smart home devices that genuinely change daily routines. After two years of running three different models through my Prague apartment, I have a clear sense of what separates useful devices from expensive frustrations.
The Apartment Reality
Most robot vacuum reviews are written in houses with simple floor plans. Czech apartments present different challenges: smaller rooms, more furniture per square metre, mixed flooring between rooms, and the occasional threshold that trips up navigation systems.
The first robot vacuum I bought handled open areas well but consistently got stuck under my sofa. The second had better obstacle detection but weaker suction on the rugs in the bedroom. The third, which I still use, manages both reasonably well after I adjusted the virtual boundary settings.
The lesson from this progression: suction power matters less than navigation reliability. A robot that cleans 80% of your floor every day is more valuable than one that cleans 100% but gets stuck twice a week and sits in the corner until you rescue it.
Mapping Technology: Worth the Price Difference
The jump from random-pattern navigation to laser mapping (LiDAR) is significant. I was skeptical before experiencing it firsthand. The difference in cleaning coverage is measurable, and the ability to set room-specific schedules changes how useful the device actually is.
With a mapped robot, I can tell it to clean only the kitchen after cooking, or to avoid the home office during work hours. Without mapping, the robot cleans wherever it ends up, which is less useful than it sounds when you have a specific reason for running it.
LiDAR mapping costs more upfront but pays back in daily convenience. If you plan to use the robot for more than basic scheduled cleaning, the investment is worth it.
Maintenance Is the Hidden Cost
Robot vacuums require more maintenance than manufacturers suggest. The brushes need cleaning every few days if you have pets or long hair in the household. Filters need replacing every few months. The dustbin needs emptying after every one or two runs, unless you buy a model with an auto-empty dock.
The auto-empty dock models are significantly more expensive, but they address the most common reason people stop using their robot vacuums: forgetting to empty it. If you want a device that genuinely runs on a schedule without your involvement, factor the dock cost into your budget from the start.
- Brush maintenance: every 3-5 days with pets, weekly without
- Filter replacement: every 2-3 months depending on usage
- Sensor cleaning: monthly to maintain navigation accuracy
- Dustbin emptying: after every 1-2 cleaning sessions
What Actually Breaks
After two years, I have seen specific failure patterns. The main brush motor is the most common failure point, typically around the 18-month mark with daily use. Replacement parts are available for major brands, but the cost and effort involved varies significantly.
iRobot has the most established replacement parts ecosystem in the Czech Republic. Spare brushes, filters, and batteries are available from local retailers. For less common brands, you may find yourself ordering from abroad and waiting weeks for parts.
The iRobot support documentation is also notably better than most competitors, which matters when you are troubleshooting a device that has stopped working mid-clean.
My Current Setup
I run a mid-range LiDAR model on a daily schedule at 10:00 when I am typically out. It handles the main living areas and kitchen. I manually run it in the bedroom two or three times a week. The auto-empty dock means I interact with it directly about once a week to empty the collection bin.
The time I save is real. I estimate roughly 45 minutes per week that I no longer spend vacuuming. Over a year, that is a meaningful number. The device paid for itself in time within the first eight months.
Before You Buy
Measure the clearance under your furniture before purchasing. Most robots need at least 9-10 cm of clearance to operate. Check your floor transitions between rooms. Consider whether you have pets and how much hair they shed. These practical factors matter more than suction power specifications.