No sooner had the pets got used to the new inhabitant of the apartment - a robot vacuum cleaner, when automatic glass washers appeared on sale. The thing is definitely useful. It will be appreciated by any hostess who is forced to periodically clean the windows, doing unsafe acrobatic stunts at a height of several tens of meters. But, so far, such an assistant is far from budgetary in value. Therefore, deciding to purchase a robot washer for washing windows and choosing the best one, you should pay attention to the device and the principle of its operation of the equipment, as well as its varieties. This will allow you to either save a certain amount, or purchase a multifunctional assistant at home.
Content
How a robot window cleaner works
The device is relatively simple. The basic package includes:
- Housing with control panel and handle for easy carrying and fixing the robot to the surface;
- The motor that drives the device itself and the cleaning rollers;
- Cleaning devices: rollers, scrapers.
- Accumulator battery;
- Remote Control.
The equipment is constantly being improved. Models are emerging that run exclusively on battery or electrical energy. They are equipped with containers for cleaning liquids, soft bumpers with sensors. In this case, the window washer freely bypasses or overcomes obstacles without damaging the frames and fittings.
The principle of operation is that the robot for washing windows is attached to the glass and, moving along it, cleans from dirt and dust using rollers, microfiber napkins, silicone scrapers. Modern models have up to 4 modes. Among them are dry and wet cleaning, removal of hard and old dirt, polishing.
Depending on the model, you can not only quickly wash all the windows in the apartment, but also easily clean the tiles in the bathroom and kitchen, clean the tiles on the floor, and make the mirrors shine.
Which to choose
The main difference in various modifications is the mounting method and the geometric shape of the glass washer.
With magnetic mount
Magnetic mount devices are easy to operate. They consist of two parts, which are attached to different sides of the glass with a magnet. They have many advantages.
- The absence of wires and safety cables, which significantly limit the cleaning area, and require regular carrying of the device.
- Advanced firmware for the robot. He himself determines the area, the degree of pollution, recognizes obstacles, stops as needed.
- Economical in terms of electricity consumption.
- High quality cleaning without streaks or unwashed corners.
- The ability to stay on a vertical surface for 30-40 minutes after the end of work, or the battery is discharged.
- Quiet work.
At the same time, robotic washers are massive and heavy. And most importantly, they are not suitable for washing mirrors or tiles. They are used only for cleaning double-glazed windows, glazing of balconies, terraces, glass doors. In this case, the surface thickness should be at least 16 mm and not more than 28 mm. In the first case, there is a high risk of damage to the glass during installation. In the second, the device will not hold. For your information, the thickness of standard glass units manufactured in Russia is 32 mm.
Mounted with a vacuum pump
Washers are installed on the surface using special sealed mounts, from which air is pumped out using a pump. Models are more popular for home use than magnetic ones. Among the benefits, users note.
- Compactness and relatively light weight;
- Convenience and reliability of fastening;
- Advanced functionality, robots are able to handle not only vertical, but also horizontal or inclined surfaces;
- Suitable for glass, mirrors, tiles.
The disadvantages include.
- Simple software;
- Noise during operation;
- Poor cleaning of windows in the corners or near the frame;
- High energy consumption;
- Lack of detergent container.
However, vacuum-mounted window cleaning robots are constantly being improved. Taking into account their versatility, they become excellent assistants in the care of living quarters.
What to look for
Having decided on the fastening method, when choosing a device, pay attention to the following parameters.
- Dimensions. Not all devices, especially square ones, are suitable for cleaning small surfaces.
- Weight of the device.
- Power. The more powerful the device, the more securely it holds on vertical surfaces.
- The presence and volume of the battery. The energy-intensive battery allows the washer to work for some time without being connected to the mains.
- Speed. Modern models are capable of cleaning up to 5m2 in 1 minute.
- Functionality and software.
- Control. It is possible in manual mode, via a remote control or an app in a smartphone.
However, you will have to pay extra for each additional option. Therefore, it is worth considering whether a small apartment needs a powerful and intelligent robot with a large number of modes. Or opt for a reliable mid-range model.
Rating of robotic window cleaners
By shape, there are square or rectangular devices, and devices with rounded edges. The former cleans the surface better, the latter are compact, lightweight and maneuverable. If we talk about brands, then they are few. The most popular: Hobot, Redmond, iBoto, Ecovacs.
Square Window Washers
Powerful window cleaners, usually with a lot of modes and good firmware. Among the shortcomings, the relatively large weight of the devices is noted, and the difficulties that arise when washing small windows.
Ecovacs WINBOT X
The square robot washer is capable of wet and dry cleaning, adhesion to the surface - vacuum type. The size of the working surface (in cm): 50x50. The device can be operated from mains and battery. The latter is built-in; after a full charge, the device can be used for up to 50 minutes. For insurance, a safety cord 2.5 meters long is provided.
In addition to the charger and the safety cord, the set includes a cleaning agent, cleaning rags (4 pcs.), A power cord extension, a remote control.
Average price dynamics
Advantages:
- Possibility of remote control using the remote control;
- Two types of cleaning: wet and dry;
- Versatility: suitable for cleaning windows, mirrors, tiled surfaces;
- Sound and LED indication;
- Can be used on frameless surfaces;
- Long battery life.
Disadvantages:
- Weighty device - 1.8 kg.
The cost is an average of 35,000 rubles.
BlackMix M189
The device is equipped with a built-in 650mAh battery. It takes 1 hour to fully charge the battery, after which the device can be used to wash glasses, mirrors, tiles. The method of attachment to the surface is vacuum. The device is relatively quiet, the indicator is 65 dB. Control can be carried out using the remote control.
The washer comes with a charger, safety cord, remote control, rag.
Advantages:
- Universal device, can be used on various surfaces;
- Performs wet and dry cleaning;
- Relatively quiet;
- There is a safety cord;
- Small: 25x10x25 cm;
- Light weight - 1.35 kg.
Disadvantages:
- Meager equipment;
- Long charging time.
The average cost is 14,000 rubles.
Ecovacs Winbot W950
Vacuum cleaning robot of excellent quality with smart design and advanced Smart Drive software. It makes a square device as manoeuvrable as a device with rounded edges.
Average price dynamics
Advantages:
- Functionality and versatility. Cleans all smooth surfaces. Works in vertical and horizontal planes, as well as on framed and frameless surfaces located at an angle;
- Thanks to sensitive sensors, it quickly detects contamination and automatically determines the route;
- When it encounters an obstacle, the robot independently changes direction;
- The robot is equipped with a soft bumper with rounded edges, which makes the device absolutely safe for frames and fittings;
- There is a memory block that allows you to start work after stopping from a certain place;
- Scrapers clean the surface from solid dirt, and polish it at the end of cleaning;
- High-quality cleaning throughout the area, including corners;
- Low noise level;
- Robust body, durable device.
Disadvantages:
- Cleaning speed 2 sq.m. / min;
- Control only through the remote control;
- Great weight.
- The high cost of 33,000-35,000 rubles.
However, most users find the price reasonable. After all, a universal assistant appears in the house.
Bist Win A100
High-speed device with ergonomic shape and vibrating mode. Allows you to quickly and efficiently carry out dry and wet cleaning. Special scrapers will help remove hard dirt, and after cleaning to a shine, polish glass and ceramics. A small bumper with rounded edges allows you to thoroughly wash all corners in frames, and space around frames and other obstacles.
Average price dynamics
Advantages:
- Ergonomics and functionality;
- Cleans up to 5 sq.m. in 1 minute. area;
- 4 levels of cleaning: from solid dirt to polishing;
- Can work on vertical, horizontal and inclined surfaces;
- The device is adapted to work with any cleaning agent;
- Capacious battery. When disconnected from the mains, the device works up to 30 minutes in autonomous mode.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes software freezes and the device is slow to respond to commands;
- There is no way to use control from a smartphone;
- For the first time, according to buyers, it is difficult to deal with the fastening of napkins;
- Only two napkins included;
- When working at high speed, the safety cable, which is attached with a suction cup, may break off.
Many of the shortcomings also call the high cost of the robot in the range of 31,000-33,000 rubles. Which is quite fair. A window cleaner in this price range shouldn't have so many design flaws.
iBoto Win 289
A budget model from a Chinese manufacturer for wet cleaning. In 1 minute it manages to clean up to 2 sq.m. area. It moves with hinges, which allows it to clean the most inaccessible places.
Average price dynamics
Advantages:
- High quality cleaning;
- Leaves no streaks;
- Compact and lightweight;
- Reliable fastening by means of vacuum;
- Can be controlled using a mobile app.
Disadvantages:
- Low speed;
- No dry cleaning mode;
- Quite fragile case.
But the price of 19,000-20,000 rubles pleases.
Round Bolster Window Washers
Round bolster window cleaners are compact and manoeuvrable. But, according to customer reviews, it is difficult to find a model that will not leave dirty areas in the corners of the glasses and near frames or handles. Due to the relatively low cost, most users forgive them for such flaws.
REDMOND RV-RW001S
Powerful vacuum robot window cleaner with a large battery. Works offline for up to 1 hour. Differs in small size. To show all his skills, he needs a 30 by 30 cm area. Cleans glass, mirrors, tiles.
Average price dynamics
Advantages:
- Adheres well to the surface;
- Long battery life;
- Fast charging;
- Long 4-meter cord;
- The presence of removable discs, which allows them to be washed as they become dirty;
- The set includes 14 wipes for dry, wet cleaning and polishing;
- Excellent quality of work in large areas .;
- It is possible to control via the application in the smartphone;
- Easy.
Disadvantages:
- There are complaints about the unimportant cleaning of the corners;
- Low speed of work - 2 sq.m. / min;
- Noisy.
The REDMOND RV-RW001S window cleaning robot costs between 22,000-25,000 rubles.
HOBOT-388
Excellent model with Pulse Sprayer and AI Technology V4.0 software. The stylish robot washer has a comfortable shape and is easy to install. The intelligent system recognizes contamination, makes a route taking into account obstacle avoidance.
Advantages:
- Compact dimensions;
- Weight less than 1 kg;
- Can work on embossed surfaces;
- There is a built-in water tank;
- Perfectly cleans between tiles;
- Ease of management, including through a mobile application;
- Leaves no streaks;
- Low noise level;
- It washes well places near obstacles and in the corners of frames;
- A large stock of quality microfiber cloths for dry and wet cleaning.
Disadvantages:
- Cannot be used on horizontal surfaces.
The average cost of the device is 25,000-27,000 rubles.
Cleaning robots for windows and other smooth surfaces are just entering the domestic market. Many buyers are discouraged by the rather high cost. Indeed 3-4 windows can be washed in the grandmother's way. Those who decided to buy appreciated it. After all, the device solves the problem not only with double-glazed windows, but with tiles in the bathroom and mirrors, freeing you from long and tedious work.