Robot Vacuum Archives - Vacuum Groom

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 VS iLife A4S – Which One is Best for What?

May 28, 2020 by Valentina

Which robot vacuum cleaner is the best for cleaning carpets or picking up pet hair? Find out in our comparison of the DEEBOT N79 versus iLife A4S …

Verdicts: Which One is Best for What?

Cleaning power: TIE
The DEEBOT and A4S have similar cleaning power.

For carpets: TIE
Both vacuums can handle carpets up to 12 mm thick.

For pet hair: DEEBOT
The N79 is slightly better for picking up pet hair.

Longest battery life: DEEBOT
Both have 2 hours battery life, but the DEEBOT has less problems returning to the charging dock.

Most coverage: DEEBOT
With a bigger dustbin (520 mL vs 450 mL), the N79 can cover a larger area.

Quietest noise: TIE
Both the A4S and DEEBOT are considered quiet enough for conversation.

Not getting stuck: DEEBOT
This bot gets stuck less often compared to the iLife bot vacuum.

Compatible with Alexa: DEEBOT
The DEEBOT N79S, not the N79, is compatible with Alexa.

Conclusion: At the same price, the DEEBOT N79 is slightly better for picking up pet hair. It has less problems getting stuck and has an easier time returning to the charging dock compared to the iLife A4S.

With a bigger dustbin, it covers a larger area and the N79S version is compatible with Alexa. Hence, when evaluating the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 vs iLife A4S, we recommend the DEEBOT.

Continue reading below for a detailed explanation on each benefit.

Which One Has Most Power?

The DEEBOT has a v-shaped main brush that allows it to do deep cleaning, similar to iRobots. In some cases, it can collect more dirt than an iRobot vacuum that is much more expensive.

The A4S performs exceptionally well for certain types of surfaces. It can pick up dirt, dog hair, cat litter, sand, and other grit tracked in by your family members.

Both the DEEBOT and A4S have multiple cleaning modes for general cleaning, running along walls, and tackling a particularly dirty spot. The difference is the A4S has a Max Mode that has more power at the cost of shorter run time.

For optimal cleaning using either appliance, make sure to remove any cords, cables, or objects on the floor that can obstruct the cleaning path of the robot vacuums. Both bots will stop if anything gets tangled or eaten accidentally, and you will have to manually untangle them.

Verdict: Tie. The DEEBOT and A4S have similar cleaning power.

Which Vacuum is Best for Carpets?

Both the DEEBOT and A4S are not made for cleaning carpets. They are both best used for handling hardwood and tile floors. That said, each appliance does have some capability to clean carpets.

The DEEBOT can clean carpets with a maximum thickness of 12 mm and light colors. The A4S also has the same limitation. For both bots, dark colored carpets or ones with black borders can disturb the infrared navigation system and make the vacuum avoid carpets entirely.

Both bots can push up or suck up light rugs. You can either put pads that keep your rugs in place or remove them entirely when you want the vacuum to do daily cleaning run.

Verdict: Tie. Both vacuums can handle carpets up to 12 mm thick.

Which One is Best for Pet Hair?

Owners of the DEEBOT say it’s a great vacuum for cleaning pet hair from floors. It’s a magnet for pet hair, sucking it all in. Tthe N79 can work for cleaning small rugs and thin carpets, but not for thick carpets.

Pet owners who use the A4S are surprised at how much pet hair it can pick up, even after they’ve cleaned the floors before with a vacuum. For both bots, the dustbin fills up quickly and you may need to clean it out after every run through the house.

Pet hair can get tangled up in both vacuums. You’ll need to clean them out after each run to make sure the vacuum runs in good condition. However, on the iLife vacuum, heavy pet hair can get clogged in the brush or not pass through the filters.

Verdict: DEEBOT. The N79 is slightly better for cleaning pet hair.

Which One Has Longest Battery Life?

The DEEBOT carries a Lithium ion battery that take 3-4 hours to fully charge, giving it power to run for 110 minutes. Ecovacs offers a one year warranty for battery replacement.

The A4S carries a Lithium ion battery that takes almost 4-6 hours to charge and giving it 120 minutes of cleaning time. The iLife A4S has some problems navigating back to the charging dock once it’s low on power, occassionally getting stuck somewhere and running out of battery.

Verdict: DEEBOT. Both have 2 hours battery life, but the DEEBOT has less problems returning to the charging dock.

Which One Covers the Most Space?

The DEEBOT has a 520 mL dustbin while the A4S has a 450 mL dustbin. With this capacity, the DEEBOT can clean around 1,600 – 2,000 sq ft of space before recharging, while the A4S cleans about 1,100 sq ft of space before running low on power.

Verdict: DEEBOT. With a bigger dustbin, the N79 can cover a larger area.

Which One is the Quietest?

The DEEBOT’s noise level is around 64 dB, similar to the noise of background conversation. The A4S doesn’t provide noise level specification, but it’s also quiet to the point that some owners are able to sleep with the vacuum running. However, the A4S Max Mode makes twice as much noise.

Verdict: Tie. Both the A4S and DEEBOT are considered quiet enough for conversation.

Do They Often Get Stuck?

The DEEBOT has a 57 mm height so it can go beneath furniture with that clearance, while the A4S has a 76 mm height. The N79 sometimes gets stuck under furniture, but the A4S receives far more complaints about this issue. Some people return the A4S since it becomes too much of a hassle.

Verdict: DEEBOT. This bot gets stuck less often compared to the iLife bot vacuum.

Which One is Compatible With Alexa?

The DEEBOT N79S version has compatibility with Alexa, while the iLife A4S has no native compatibility with smart home features.

Verdict: The DEEBOT N79S, not the N79, is compatible with Alexa.

iLife A4S Robot Vacuum Cleaner – A Little Demon that Cuts Cleaning Time

May 22, 2020 by Valentina

The iLife A4S is a great entry level robot vacuum cleaner with an affordable price. It’s best for bare floors and pet hair, but it has a navigation that users find …

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The iLife A4S is among the most affordable options for a robot vacuum cleaner. It’s a little demon that can cut your cleaning time in half. It’s best for cleaning hardwood and bare floors, and carpets up to 12 mm thick.

This robot vacuum can cover around 1,100 sq ft during its two hours runtime before it needs to charge. It’s strong enough to keep pet hair under control, though you need to clean it after every round, especially if hair gets tangled in the main brush.

It doesn’t have any mapping function. Therefore, it will run around in random paths until it cleans the area, taking up more time than a robot vacuum with internal mapping. Still, at this price point, the iLife A4S provides a solid choice for an entry level robot vacuum.

YES, the iLife A4S is a great robot vacuum if it’s your first time owning one. It’s best for homes with mostly hardwood, tile, and bare floors, and low-pile carpets. It can pick up pet hair though some hair might get tangled. The navigation is rather quirky and takes time to cover the area.

How Good Does It Clean?

The iLife A4S has surprising suction power for a little robot. You can use it mostly on hardwood, tile, and laminate floors, and it does a decent job for low-pile carpets. This robot vacuum won’t perform well on thick carpets, and dark colored floors due to the infrared navigation system.

For the surfaces for which it’s designed, the A4S performs exceptionally well. If you have a family with children and dogs or cats, this bot can become a very helpful assistant. It can pick up dirt, dog hair, cat litter, sand, and other gunk tracked in by your loved ones.

It has four cleaning modes to fulfill various needs. Normal Mode is for ordinary cleaning, Max Mode gives you more suction power at the cost of shorter duration, Edge Cleaning is for running along walls and baseboards, while Spot Cleaning is for tackling any messes in one area.

It comes with an extra large 450 mL dustbin, making it able to cover a large area in one run. This robot vacuum is suitable for small spaces, beginning at 700 sq ft, all the way up to 2,000 sq ft. Note that the larger area you clean, the more preparation you will need to make.

For optimal cleaning and machine lifespan, make sure to remove any cords, cables, or objects along the floor that can get in the way of the A4S. If the vacuum gets tangled or eats a cable, it will stop and shut down and alert you to untangle it. Read more about how to avoid this problem below.

A quirky trait about the iLife A4S is that it doesn’t vacuum in straight lines. It cleans in random lines, covering the area slowly until it does the job. Some users find this behavior irritating, and prefer a robot vacuum that runs in straight lines. If you have that preference, you may want to choose a different brand.

Is It Good for Cleaning Carpets?

Robot vacuums in this price range aren’t the best choice for cleaning carpets. The iLife A4S itself is good for carpets up to 12 mm (around 3 inches) thick. Carpets thicker than that may be to steep for the robot to climb automatically.

It doesn’t do well for carpets that have black or dark borders. The navigation system will tell it to turn around instead. Another issue is the bot can push up or lift up kitchen mats. You may want to clear the area of mats before the robot vacuum cleans it.

Is It Good for Cleaning Pet Hair?

Living in a home with one or several pet that shed a lot can make you pull your hair. Fortunately, the A4S is capable of picking up dog or cat hair with no problems. It’s a little demon that picks up all pet hair, filling up the dustbin and keeping fur under control.

Many pet owners are surprised at how much pet hair the A4S picks up, even after they sweeped or vacuumed the floors before. Since the dustbin fills up, you ought to clean it out after every use. While doing that, it’s a good idea to untangle any hair that can get wrapped around the main brush.

However, in some cases, heavy pet hair can clog up the brush or not pass through the filters. This is a problem that doesn’t occur often, but it can be a consideration if you plan to get the A4S primarily for cleaning pet hair.

How Much Space Can It Clean?

The iLife is a match for studio apartments with an area about 700 sq ft consisting of a bathroom, living room, and kitchen. In small spaces like these, the A4S cleans thoroughly, leaving zero grit and making the floor feel spotless when you walk barefoot.

For larger areas up to 2,500 sq ft two story houses, this robot can be used but with some caveats. The battery can run up to two hours, covering about 1,100 sq ft or space. If you have a living space larger than that, the bot will have to charge before it can continue.

Make sure that there is nothing on the floor that can get in the way of the robot. A small floor plan with many corners and furniture may be difficult for the robot’s navigation. A large floor plan with open spaces will cause the A4S to take time to cover all the rooms.

Due to the random path it takes to clean, it may look like the A4S misses spots. But over time, it can cover all the areas properly. As long as you don’t micro-manage it, it will get the job done.

Does It Often Get Stuck?

Navigation is the most challenging aspect for the A4S. It does not have automatic mapping, so it will clean around randomly every time you run it. The lack of a mapping feature means the bot takes a long time cleaning since it has to do “trial and error” every time it runs.

You need to place the charging dock with 1 m free space around the sides and 2 m on the front, or else it will be tough for the bot to return home.

The bot uses infrared sensors that help it avoid falling down the stairs or off ledges. This mechanic means it also avoids dark floors or carpets. Some owners put white tape over the sensors so the bot doesn’t avoid dark colored floors. You can do this if you use the bot only on the ground floor of your home.

The machine has a 15 cm height, meaning it can go under furniture with that amount of clearance. The A4S can get stuck under furniture if the clearance is a tight fit, allowing it to enter but not exit. If it does get stuck, the robot will make a beeping sound, asking for your help to pick it up.

The beeping sound also happens if the bot gets tangled on cables or other cords. It has an algorithm for freeing itself, but in case it can’t untangle itself, it will beep and shut off. If that happens, you will need to untangle it manually.

For some owners, it’s not a big deal to get the vacuum unstuck. However, other users feel its too much of a hassle getting the A4S from under the couch and other areas it gets stuck.

They get annoyed when the bot gets stuck at night or when they aren’t at home. Not only does it become a game of hide and seek, it also means the floors aren’t cleaned and the batteries need to recharge before the bot can run again.

How Loud Is It?

The A4S emits a very quiet sound that’s barely noticeable. Some owners are able to sleep while the vacuum runs. You can watch TV or talk on the phone while having the bot do it’s routine. Note that the Max Mode will create a sound twice as loud as Normal Mode, so you may want to use that mode when noise isn’t bothersome.

How Long is the Battery Life?

The battery for the A4S is one Lithium ion battery that can last up to 120 minutes (two hours). It has a 200 – 350 minute charge time (around four to six hours). Once the battery runs out, the bot will automatically return to the charging dock to recharge the battery.

Some owners have a problem with the A4S not returning to the charging dock, even when ordered to do so. The bot passes in front of the dock and instead of returning home, it continues to wander around the house until the battery runs out.

On the other hand, most owners have no problem with the docking issue. Even in some spaces where the charging dock isn’t placed in an open area, the iLife bot can still find the dock easily.

Is It Easy to Set a Schedule?

You can use the A4S manually by turning it on when you want it to clean then put it into the dock once it’s finished. You can also program cleaning schedules, but only one schedule, such as every day at 8 AM. Unfortunately, the A4S doesn’t connect with smart home hardware, such as Alexa.

What You Get With This Vacuum

iLife A4S robot vacuum cleaner
Remote control
Charging dock
AC power adapter
Extra set of filters
Extra set of side brushes

The A4S comes with a one year warranty from iLife. Customer service is fast to respond, and in some cases, customers receive a replacement should their appliance malfunction.

The vacuum has a Japan Nidec high speed motor that gives it a powerful suction. It has a three stage filter beginning with a prefilter, a foam filter, then a HEPA filter so that it doesn’t trigger allergies when it’s cleaning dirt and dust.

Possible Troubleshooting

Other than the navigation issue, another main complaint that makes users disappointed with the iLife A4S is when it malfunctions. In some cases, the vacuum starts to develop problems over a period of time.

Some problems that occur include the robot only travelling a short distance and then shutting off. Even though the user has cleaned all the parts, it doesn’t solve the problem. In these error cases, iLife often offers a replacement if the original device still has a warranty.

Where Can You Buy the iLife A4S?

The iLife A4S is available through the link below.

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 Review – Win Less Time Cleaning

May 14, 2020 by Valentina

The DEEBOT N79 is a robot vacuum with a surprising performance at its price range. The pros: it sucks up dirt you didn’t know was there. The cons: it …

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Imagine being able to sit down and read on the couch with your children after breakfast. You’re in no rush to get out the door because you’re not busy cleaning a mess. The DEEBOT hums along the floor, doing the job for you while you spend time with your kids.

You win less time cleaning.

That is the experience of a working mom who got the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79. This little guy can make your life a lot easier, especially if it’s your first time using a robot vacuum. It cleans up dirt you didn’t even know was there, and can clean places that would otherwise be a dreaded chore if you did it yourself.

At this price range, the DEEBOT gives a surprising performance. However, the main issue is that it can get stuck easily, depending on the layout of your home, especially if you have thick carpet areas and furniture with low clearance space.

YES, you should buy the N79 if you want similar performance of a Roomba without the price tag. This robot vacuum is a great fit for mostly non-carpet areas and around 1,000 square foot living space. If you have many thick carpets, or a large house bigger than 2,000 square foot, the DEEBOT may not live up to expectations.

How Does It Clean?

The Ecovacs DEEBOT has multiple cleaning modes: Auto Mode for general cleaning, Single Room mode for cleaning one room, Edge Mode for cleaning along walls, and Spot Cleaning for cleaning a particularly dirty spot.

It has around 900 – 1000 Pa of suction power. It is equipped with a v-shaped main brush, making it able to do deep cleaning, similar to iRobot vacuums. In some cases, it can even collect more dirt than the more expensive iRobot. People who own both vacuums, are surprised the DEEBOT can compete with iRobot.

This robot is recommended for 1,000 sq ft of space. But it surely can handle larger areas, even up to 2,000 sq ft. Also, if you want even more efficiency, you can get two DEEBOTs to cover every area in your large home.

Is It Good for Cleaning Carpets?

The DEEBOT is made mostly for cleaning hardwood and tile floors. It can clean carpets with a maximum pile height of 12 mm and light colors. If you have carpets thicker than 12 mm, or you have dark colored carpets (that can disturb the infrared navigation of the robot), this vacuum doesn’t give great performance.

If you have light rugs, the vacuum can push the rug, making it curl up and causing the robot to get stuck. A possible solution is to have pads that keep your rugs in place. You can also remove the rugs and other furniture temporarily so the N79 can clean floors easily.

The DEEBOT can act as a complementary vacuum that automatically cleans your floors while you handle the thick carpets with another vacuum. However, if your home is mostly rugs and carpeted areas, then you may want to choose a different vacuum.

Is It Good for Cleaning Pet Hair?

If you have dogs or cats that shed hair mostly on floors, then the DEEBOT can perform well. It can also pick up pet hair on small rugs and thin carpets. It’s able to clean up dirt and dust your pets bring from the outside, particularly your backyard.

On thicker carpets, the N79 performs poorly. It can get stuck on the edges easily, or it avoids the carpet altogether, leaving the pet hair for you to clean up.

Sometimes, pet hair can get tangled on the rotating brush. The bot will stop running and make a beeping sound. You have to remove it yourself to keep the vacuum in an optimum condition. Removing any tangled hair once a day should be enough.

Owners of the DEEBOT that live with up to nine pets at once say it is a great vacuum for cleaning pet hair from floors. They schedule the robot to clean once a day, and it makes their floors spotless from fur. As one owner says, the N79 is a magnet for pet hair, sucking it all in.

How Long is the Battery Life?

The power consists of two Lithium ion batteries. The robot takes around 3-4 hours to charge, giving it enough power to run for 100 minutes. It means the DEEBOT takes longer to charge than it does doing the cleaning.

The good news is that it has an automatic recharge function when low on battery. The bot will return to the charging dock on its own, charge, and continue cleaning after the power is full. This feature is very convenient if you need to leave the house for several hours and want the robot to clean many rooms.

Some owners feel the charging dock is too flimsy though, making it difficult for the DEEBOT to charge, as the dock gets pushed around. Other owners report that the bot can get stuck and never return to the docking bay unless they pick it up and place it there. This problem is a minor annoyance for some people, but annoying enough for others who return their vacuum for a refund.

Ecovacs offers a one year warranty for battery replacement that they’ll do for free. Outside of that, expect to pay around $25 to $35 to replace the battery.

How Much Space Can It Clean?

With a 100 minute run time, the N79 can cover around 1,600 – 2,000 sq foot of space before having to recharge. When set on auto, it can clean a larger area than that, but it will take a few hours.

You may be surprised at how much dirt it picks up when you run it the first and second time. Users who ran the DEEBOT after they vacuumed manually still find dust collecting in the robot’s bin. It’s because the bot can run under beds, sofas, and other areas that are rarely cleaned.

At first, the cleaning pattern looks erratic. You want the bot to have a steady and predictable pattern, but it can look like it’s just randomly moving about. However, over time the DEEBOT does get to all the spots in your house, if you let it. The downside is that it takes longer to clean thoroughly than doing it yourself.

How Loud Is It?

The noise level is around 64 dB when cleaning floors, quieter when on carpets. This level is similar to the noise of background conversation in a restaurant or office. It’s quieter than a Roomba, and most owners can still comfortably watch TV while the N79 runs along.

Does It Often Get Stuck?

Assuming the floor is free from obstructions, the DEEBOT can navigate your whole house very well. Things that can get in the way are cords across the floor, floor transitions that are high, and furniture with low clearing, among others.

The vacuum has a 3 inch height, so it can’t go under furniture with a clearing lower than that. It can climb over floor transitions around half an inch high, any higher and the bot may turn around. Floor vents can activate the drop sensors and make the bot turn around too.

The best solutions to prevent it from getting stuck is to clear the floors from obstacles before you turn it on. Another way is to run it for a few times and learn where it gets stuck, then remove those obstacles.

Though the DEEBOT can run smoothly once you work out the kinks, for some people it becomes troublesome. They need to pick up the bot every few minutes to get it unstuck. This issue is the number one complaint from people who are disappointed with this robot vacuum.

That said, how often it gets stuck depends on the layout of your home. If you have a narrow living space with tight areas, the DEEBOT may have a tough time navigating thoroughly.

Main Brush Malfunction

Other than getting stuck, the most complaints come from bots where the main brush malfunctions. If it occurs within one year of purchase, you are covered by the one year warranty. Ecovacs has responsive customer service that gets back to you quick.

Many problematic DEEBOTs are called and replaced with a new unit for the owner. However, if it’s pass the warranty period, then you won’t receive a replacement. Ecovacs will still help you resolve the issue if possible.

For cases where the problem persists, the owners become disappointed with the DEEBOT.

What You Get With the Ecovacs DEEBOT N79

Remote control with battery
Two side brushes
Charging dock and adapter
Sponge filter and high efficiency filter

For optimum performance and navigation, regularly clean the vacuum. Empty out the dust bin and untangle any hair in the brushes before use. If the robot starts to get problems, the first step is to clean it and see if it solves the issue.

You can control the vacuum with the remote or using the app. It requires 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi to connect your smartphone with the DEEBOT. Users who have 5 Ghz Wi-Fi switch their connection to 2.4 GHz in order to use the application.

With the app, you can set cleaning schedules for a week. However, if you need to clean the dust bin after every use (due to how much dirt the DEEBOT picks up), you will need to reprogram the schedule, since turning off the bot resets the cleaning schedule.

Unfortunately, the N79 model from Ecovacs isn’t compatible with Amazon Alexa. Ecovacs added this compatibility on the N79S model, which is a different product with almost the same features. This is the difference between the N79 and N79S models. Get the N79S if you plan on using it together with Alexa.

Where Can I Buy The Ecovacs DEEBOT?

The low price (compared to most robot vacuums) may make you think it’s cheap and clunky. Most people do think this way, but they find out the DEEBOT is a powerful little guy.

You can occasionally save money buying the DEEBOT when there is a sale. That said, it is already quite affordable among its class and gives a capable performance. As several people who bought this vacuum say: it’s the best purchase they’ve ever made.