Comparison Panda X600 vs Panda X500

The suction power provided by the vacuum cleaner. For models with power adjustment (see below), in this case, the maximum value is taken into account. Note that "suction power" is sometimes erroneously also called the suction force, indicated in pascals; see below for more details.

Suction power is a key indicator that determines the capabilities of the unit: the higher it is, the more efficiently the vacuum cleaner can draw in various contaminants, and the better it handles with carpets, fabrics and other materials into which dust can penetrate deeply. On the other hand, high power inevitably affects the weight, power consumption, dimensions and price of the device. Therefore, it does not always make sense to chase the maximum values — you need to take into account the real working conditions and the general purpose of the vacuum cleaner.

The specific numbers found in this paragraph largely depend on the type of device. For example, in handheld household models, suction power does not exceed 100 W, and for conventional household units, an indicator of 100 – 150 W is still considered very limited. At the same time, we note that the minimum required for a full-fledged dry cleaning of smooth floors is considered to be 300 – 350 W, for carpet and other short pile coatings — 350 – 400 W, and for long pile materials and upholstered furniture higher rates are desirable. Vacuum cleaners with lower suction power values are intended not so much for periodic cleaning, but for constant (ideally daily) maintenance of cleanliness in an already tidy room.

As for the relationship between suction power and suction force, it is as follows: power is the suction force (thrust) multiplied by the airflow (performance). Without going into too much detail, we can say that the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner is determined by both of these indicators. And it is worth evaluating this efficiency by suction power (regardless of the specific relationship between traction and performance).

The nominal volume of the dust collector installed in the vacuum cleaner.

This indicator largely depends on the type of unit (see above). For example, in most handheld household models, the capacity does not exceed 0.5 L. The volume of the container in upright vacuum cleaners and robots can be somewhat larger — among the first variety there are quite a few models for 1 – 2 liters or even more, and among the second — by 0.6 – 1 liter and a little more. For conventional vacuum cleaners, the minimum figure is actually about 0.8 – 1 L; dust collectors for 1 – 2 L and 2 – 4 L are very popular in such devices; the maximum capacity is actually 4 – 6 liters — units of a similar layout, but with a larger capacity, are usually referred to as household ones. In turn, relatively small containers are occasionally found among workshop models. However, in vacuum cleaners of this type, the capacity is generally quite large — it can reach 26 – 50 liters or even more ; the same applies to industrial (construction) units.

In general, a larger dust container allows you to work longer without interruptions. On the other hand, a capacious container itself takes up more space and, accordingly, affects the size, weight and price. So when choosing th...is parameter, it is worth considering the actual features of the use of a vacuum cleaner. Here we can give such an example: for a full-scale cleaning of an average city apartment, a capacity of about 1 – 1.5 litres is required. Thus, say, a 4-litre bag allows you to carry out two such cleanings with sufficient efficiency without unloading the vacuum cleaner. There are more detailed recommendations regarding the optimal volume of the dust collector, including specific cleaning options. These recommendations can be found in special sources.

Additional functions provided in the design of the robot vacuum cleaner (see "Type").

Most often in modern robots you can find such special functions: scheduled cleaning, fall protection, obstacle sensor, object recognition, water supply adjustment, control via the Internet, remote control and video surveillance camera. Here is a more detailed description of each of them:

- Scheduled cleaning. The ability to set a schedule according to which the vacuum cleaner will clean automatically, without additional commands from the customer. At the same time, the specific features of such programming may be different, they should be specified separately. So, in the simplest models, the schedule is limited to individual hours within a day - for example, from 16 to 17; at the set hours, the vacuum cleaner is switched on every day. More advanced devices may provide a schedule for the days of the week or even for the dates of the month or year. In any case, this function greatly simplifies the use: it is enough to set the schedule once - and you can not worry about cleaning for at least a few days; especially since most models with this capability also have the function of docking...(see “Robot Configuration - Charging Station”), and the customer only needs to periodically empty the dust container (which is even more simplified if there is a docking station with a bag - see . below).

- Fall protection. Special protection that prevents the vacuum cleaner from falling off steps, high thresholds, etc. In most cases, the basis of such a system is one or more sensors located on the underside of the case. When the vacuum cleaner travels to the edge of the surface being treated, the sensor reacts to this edge - as a result, the device stops and changes direction in order to avoid falling.

- Obstacle sensor. Sensor (or sensor system) for detecting obstacles in the path of the vacuum cleaner. The specific type of such sensors can be different: ultrasonic, infrared, laser, contact, etc. However, in any case, this function allows the device to move in space, avoiding collisions and determining the best detour path. Note that models without such a sensor, for the most part, are also able to bypass obstacles - however, for this, the robot must not only stumble upon a foreign object, but try to pass through it. And only in case of failure, the trajectory changes - moreover, randomly, far from always in the optimal (or at least suitable) direction.

- Object recognition. The function of recognizing various objects on the floor that may interfere with the cleaning process. It is implemented through the presence of a front camera to adjust the optimal route for the vacuum cleaner along the perimeter of the serviced area. The camera in the design of the robotic cleaner reads the outlines of objects and allows you to bypass such obstacles. As a result, slippers, socks thrown under the bed, children's's toys and wires will no longer interfere with the movements of the vacuum cleaner. The function is of particular benefit in the presence of pets at home that are not accustomed to the tray - the robot will calmly has their waste products and keep the nervous system of pet owners healthy.

— Adjustment of water supply. Dosing system for the degree of wetting of the washing cloth in automatic mode. The ability to select the intensity of the water supply allows you to adjust the operation of the robotic vacuum cleaner for different types of floor coverings. For example, for parquet and laminate, the customer can set a low water flow rate, and for less whimsical tiled flooring, a high water flow rate. Also, the vacuum cleaner can turn off the water supply to avoid leaks, for example, when charging. In advanced models of robotic vacuum cleaners, the function of choosing an individual degree of wetting of the napkin for each of the rooms of the dwelling is often incorporated.

— Docking station with a bag. Docking station with its own trash bag. Upon arrival at such a stand, the robot can not only recharge the battery, but also carry out self-cleaning - unload the collected garbage into an external container; The capacity of the dock, as a rule, is enough for several unloadings. The convenience of this function is obvious: it allows the device to work longer without customer intervention, eliminates the need to manually clean the vacuum cleaner when the dust container is full (besides, unloading garbage from the dock is usually easier than such cleaning). True, and such opportunities are quite expensive.

- Management from the Internet. The ability to control the vacuum cleaner via the Internet - most often through a special application on a smartphone or other gadget (theoretically, such control is also possible through a web page that opens in any browser, but in practice this method is almost never used). The robot itself is connected to the network via Wi-Fi. The main advantage of this function is obvious - it allows you to give commands to the device from anywhere in the world where there is Internet access. In this way, for example, you can start a cleaning programme the day before you return from vacation in order to return to a freshly cleaned apartment. And the vacuum cleaner, in turn, can send various notifications to the customer - about the state of the battery, the progress of cleaning, the fullness of the dust container, etc.

- Remote control. A classic remote control that allows you to give commands to the device from a distance. As a rule, such a remote control covers all the main functions of the vacuum cleaner, and in many models it also allows you to directly control the movement. In any case, without remote access, it would be very difficult to control a moving vacuum cleaner - you would either have to wait until it finishes working, or catch the unit on the go. In light of this, this feature is very popular; however, on sale you can find a lot of robots without a remote control. As a rule, these are either the simplest budget devices with a random movement mode and without any additional functions, or advanced models where a smartphone / tablet with an application is used for control.
We also note that the remote controls in robotic vacuum cleaners usually work via an infrared channel - similar to remote controls for TVs, air conditioners, etc. Thus, to receive a command, the vacuum cleaner must be in the line of sight. However, in most cases this can not be called a serious inconvenience.

- Videcam. Own surveillance camera built right into the vacuum cleaner. This feature is only found on web-based models (see above); it allows you to use the robot as a remote video surveillance system and control the situation in the room, being outside and watching the picture from the camera on the smartphone screen. Also, the built-in camera can be used in the mapping system (see "Building a room map") - however, we note that not every vacuum cleaner with a built-in mapping camera has a video surveillance function.

The capacity of the battery installed in the vacuum cleaner.

Recall that batteries are used in all robots, as well as other types of vacuum cleaners for which mobility is important; see "Power supply" for details. As for battery capacity, theoretically, a larger battery allows you to work longer without recharging. However, there are nuances. Firstly, the actual battery life of the unit will also depend on its type, power and some features of the functionality. Secondly, the actual battery capacity is determined not only by this indicator but also by the voltage in volts. So if these batteries differ in voltage, you need to convert their capacity into watt-hours and use this data when comparing. These calculations are described in more detail in special sources.

In light of all this, only vacuum cleaners with similar specifications can be directly compared in terms of battery capacity. And it is best to evaluate the actual battery life by the directly claimed operating time.

The operating time of a battery-powered vacuum cleaner (see "Power supply") on a single battery charge.

Usually, the average operating time in normal mode is indicated here. Accordingly, in fact, the battery life of the vacuum cleaner may differ slightly from the claimed one, depending on the chosen application format. Nevertheless, the operating time indicated in the specifications is a fairly reliable indicator; it can be used both for a general assessment of battery life and for comparing the selected vacuum cleaner with other models.

Separately, we note that increasing battery life requires either the use of more capacious (and therefore more expensive and heavier) batteries or a decrease in engine power (and the efficiency of the unit as a whole). So it is worth looking specifically for a long working vacuum cleaner if these moments are outweighed by a long operating time.

The presence of its own display in the design of the vacuum cleaner.

Most often, rather simple monochrome screens are used as built-in displays. However, even such screens significantly increase usability. They can display quite a variety of information about the operation of the unit: power level, involved programmes and special functions, the fullness of the dust collector, battery charge (with battery power), current time, error messages, and schedule settings for robots, etc.