Test Bench 0.8: Changelog

What's Changed?

This initial 0.8 iteration of our robot vacuum testing methodology is simple: we've separated all robot vacuum reviews from our website's 'Vacuum' section of our website.

We've built on the older iterations of our test benches for conventional vacuums and re-contextualized how we present existing data to provide a clearer overview of product features and overall design.

Test Group	Change
Usage Score	We've removed the 'Stairs,' 'Cars,' & 'Workshop' usages since they were never applicable to robot vacuums.
Dimensions	The size of the robot vacuum and its docking station are measured separately.
Brush Roll and Tools	Replaces the Tools And Brushes test in conventional vacuum reviews with a more appropriately-named test box.
Internal Dirt Compartment	This new test measures the capacity of the robot vacuum's internal dustbin.
Station Maintenance Capabilities	This new test provides an overview of the maintenance capabilities of a vacuum's docking station.

Here, we'll examine the bigger changes within this update and how they can help you find the right robot vacuum for your needs.

New Tests

Dimensions

We've replaced the 'Storing' test in conventional vacuum reviews with a new test box that measures the size of the robot vacuum and its docking station separately.

Internal Dirt Compartment

We've split the existing 'Dirt Compartment' section into two sections, separately measuring the robot vacuum's internal dustbin capacity and the docking station's debris capacity, where applicable. This section measures the former aspect. We've also added test fields for whether or not there's a fill status indicator and its type, whether that's an actual sensor in the dustbin or a simpler in-app reminder.

Station Maintenance Capabilities

With an increasing number of robot vacuums being bundled with self-empty docks, we've added a new test that gives a list of their features, where applicable. This list currently includes fields for the presence of an auto-empty system, whether it uses disposable dirtbags or is entirely bagless, and its capacity.

Some higher-end hybrid vacuum/mop units will be bundled with auto-empty stations that also refill the robot's internal water tank and wash and dry its mopping pads—we've added fields to account for these features, along with whether or not the mop water used to wash the pads and the forced air used to dry them is heated or not.

Let Us Know What You Think!

As always, our test methodology is a work in progress, and we depend on your feedback to improve it. Our methodology can always benefit from more meaningful tests. If you have comments, questions, or suggestions about this or any future updates, reach out to us in the forums.

21 Robot Vacuums Updated

We have retested popular models. The test results for the following models have been converted to the new testing methodology. However, the text might be inconsistent with the new results.

OLD	NEW
Previous 'Storing' test box	New 'Dimensions' test box