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The vacuum cleaner industry continues to introduce products that smooth the way to maintaining a neat and tidy space. Touchless stationary vacuums and robotic vacuums are two examples of devices that save users both time and effort in the quest for clean floors.
While robotic vacuums roam around floors suctioning dirt and dust, touchless stationary vacuums function as touchless dustpans. Gone are the days of bending over to sweep debris into a dustpan, inevitably leaving trails of dust on the floor. Users sweep dust, hair, and debris toward stationary vacuums, and the machines suction the mess into enclosed canisters. Read on to discover the best touchless vacuums for the home, hair salons, workshops, or places of business.
- BEST OVERALL: EyeVac PRO Touchless Stationary Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: EyeVac Home Touchless Stationary Vacuum
- UPGRADE PICK: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR KITCHEN: Sweepovac -9800260 Built in Kitchen Vacuum
- BEST FOR PETS: Ilife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- ALSO CONSIDER: Eufy by Anker RoboVac G30
How We Chose the Best Touchless Vacuums
We researched the most sought-after touchless vacuums in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, suction power, size, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included options in our list of top picks that were both stationary and robotic to suit multiple user preferences with high suction power for cleaning small and large messes. As for maneuverability and versatility, many of these vacuums are small enough to fit under furniture; get under cabinets; and suck up dirt, dust, and debris from carpet as well as hard floors.
For added convenience, these vacuums use infrared or advanced sensor technology to maneuver around a home, hair salon, or office space, and some even come with HEPA filtration to clean the air as well as the floors. Finally, select top picks on this list come with an app-controlled feature to program schedules and no-go areas.
Our Top Picks
This list of optimal choices presents the best in touchless stationary and robotic vacuums. The selections include high-quality products that meet users’ needs for strong suction power, efficient air filtration, and smart sensors, as well as programmable, smartphone-compatible, robotic vacuums. These recommended touchless vacuums are manufactured by reputable companies and offer the most up-to-date features for convenient and efficient cleaning. Check out these top picks for the best touchless vacuums for easy cleanup.
Best Overall
EyeVac PRO Touchless Stationary Vacuum
The task of removing unwanted particles from hard-surface floors becomes quick and easy with this touchless stationary vacuum. With infrared sensors that activate automatically when a sweeping motion is detected, the EyeVac PRO is always on and ready to pull in the messes that users send its way.
In addition to clean floors, users will enjoy clean air, thanks to this stationary vacuum. Two high-efficiency filters trap dirt, dust, and debris while returning clean air to the indoor environment. The bagless canister holds 1.9 dry gallons of debris and detaches easily for emptying into a trash can.
The 1,400-watt motor provides strong suction to pull in dust, dirt, hair, food crumbs, and small items such as sticks and leaves that pets and humans track into the home. Weighing in at 14 pounds and measuring 13 inches by 7.5 inches by 20.5 inches, this EyeVac touchless vacuum occupies a small footprint in the space; it is not a built-in unit.
Product Specs
- Type: Stationary
- Suction power: 1,400 watts
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Infrared sensor technology for navigating around the house
- Dual high-efficiency filters catch debris, dirt, and pet dander; cleans air in the house
- 1.9-gallon canister is suitable for a heavy cleaning process
- Compact size; will not take up space when not in use
Cons
- Too tall to vacuum under some furniture
Get the EyeVac PRO touchless vacuum at Amazon or EyeVac.
Best Bang for the Buck
EyeVac Home Touchless Stationary Vacuum
Place this touchless stationary vacuum in a high-traffic area and sweep dust, dirt, and debris toward it. With an inlet the size of a quarter, the EyeVac unit sucks up hair, dog food bits, kitty litter, wood shavings, screws, and paper. The bagless canister holds up to 1 dry gallon of debris.
The infrared sensors in this EyeVac stationary vacuum detect a sweeping motion and instantly start the strong suctioning action that’s powered by the 1,100-watt motor. After entering the stationary vacuum, unwanted particles become trapped by the dual high-efficiency filters. Subsequently, the EyeVac returns clean air to the environment.
Useful for hard-surface floors such as laminate, wood, tile, and concrete, this freestanding stationary vacuum system is approximately 18 inches by 12 inches. It is not a built-in unit.
Product Specs
- Type: Stationary
- Suction power: 1,100 watts
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Holds up to 1 gallon of dust, hair, and debris
- Infrared sensors control the automated action of the vacuum
- Dual high-efficiency filters clean up the floor and the air
- Suitable for multiple hard floor types
Cons
- Not suitable for use on carpeting
Get the EyeVac Home touchless vacuum at Amazon or EyeVac.
Upgrade Pick
iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
For effortless daily cleaning, this robotic vacuum from iRobot offers a three-stage cleaning system that removes dirt from hard floors, carpets, corners, and edges. The dual multisurface brushes along with the edge-sweeping brush yield efficient cleaning of varied levels and surfaces in the home.
A suite of advanced sensors enables the Roomba to navigate floors, under furniture, around obstacles, and along edges. The Cliff Detect feature keeps this robot from falling down stairs. For increased versatility, the auto-adjust cleaning head transitions seamlessly between rugs, carpet, wood, laminate, and other hard-surface floors.
Activate or schedule the Roomba’s cleaning operations from a smartphone using the iRobot HOME app. Alternatively, it responds to voice commands delivered by Google Assistant or Alexa. Measuring 13.4 inches in diameter and 3.54 inches tall, the 6.77-pound Roomba docks in the included charging station to recharge the lithium-ion battery.
Product Specs
- Type: Robot
- Suction power: Unlisted
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- 3-stage cleaning system and dual multisurface brushes
- Edge sweep brush catches stray debris
- Advanced sensors allow the unit to maneuver around the home
- Cliff Detect feature prevents falls and breakage
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
- May take a long time to charge
Get the iRobot touchless vacuum at Target.
Best for Kitchen
Sweepovac-9800260 Built in Kitchen Vacuum
Eliminate the need to bend over with a dustpan after sweeping the floor. With a Sweepovac built-in stationary vacuum installed in the toe-kick area beneath the cabinetry, users simply sweep dust and debris toward the unit which suctions it in and stores it in a reusable vacuum bag.
Employ the included attachable hose to reach up high or far away from the under-cabinet unit. It facilitates tidying up inside cabinets and drawers as well as vacuuming upholstered furniture. This lightweight vacuum’s extendable hose stretches from 6 feet to 18 feet and fits two included attachments: a brush and a crevice tool.
With a reusable bag and washable HEPA filter included, this built-in stationary vacuum is self-contained and ready to go (no central-vac system necessary). The strong 650-watt motor delivers ample power to suction dirt, hair, dust, and debris from the floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and workshops.
Product Specs
- Type: Stationary
- Suction power: 650 watts
- Smart: No
Pros
- Extendable hose stretches from 6 to 18 feet
Includes a brush and crevice tool for cleaning hard-to-reach places
Reusable bag and HEPA filter; eco-friendly and convenient
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar products
Get the Sweepovac touchless vacuum at Amazon.
Best for Pets
Ilife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
This sleek and affordable robot vacuum is ideal for hardwood, laminate, tile, and stone floors. It boasts a tangle-free design that prevents pet hair and other debris from clogging its intake system, allowing it to pursue continuous cleaning. Its low-height design lets it get in awkward spaces where clumps of pet hair can accumulate, like under beds and furniture.
The vacuum operates via a handy remote control or a one-touch auto-clean button. Three built-in infrared sensors underneath the unit intelligently detect stairs and other pitfalls to avoid. It has a runtime of 90 to 100 minutes of continuous cleaning, and if the onboard system senses the battery is running low, it automatically returns to the docking station to recharge.
Product Specs
- Type: Robot
- Suction power: 1,000 Pa
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to similar options
- Tangle-free design prevents malfunction
- Low-height design; picks up more debris, pet hair, and dust per pass
- Operates via remote control or button
Cons
- Not app-controlled like similar products; no-go zones are not programmable
- May not be suitable for high-pile carpets
Get the IlifeV3s touchless vacuum at Amazon.
Also Consider
Eufy by Anker RoboVac G30
If the goal is to find a great touchless robot vacuum with useful smart features to pick up food, dirt, and other debris, the Eufy by Anker RoboVac G30, which has 2,000 Pa of suction, is a great choice. It also has a smartphone app that allows users to review the cleaning history, set a cleaning schedule, switch modes, and much more.
This vacuum is perfect for picking up kibble, oat flour, crumbs, and other debris. If there are multiple pets and rugs in the home, however, deeply imbedded pet hair may require some additional elbow grease. It may take a time or two for this model to avoid obstacles, but ultimately, it should be able to learn a room without any issues so it can easily navigate around furniture.
Product Specs
- Type: Robot
- Suction power: 2,000 Pa
- Smart: Yes
Pros
- Smart features compatible with Alexa
- Automatic return to dock when the battery is low
- Drop-proof technology
Cons
- Doesn’t pick up pet hair well on carpet
Get the Eufy touchless vacuum at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Touchless Vacuums
Touchless vacuums enhance efficiency and remove physical exertion from housekeeping chores. They may be freestanding units, built-in stationary units, or roaming robotic units that navigate throughout the space. When considering the purchase of a touchless vacuum, it’s essential to investigate the suction power, air filtration systems, sensors, battery life, and technological innovations of the choices available on the market. The following information may clarify the important considerations in the selection process for touchless vacuums.
Stationary vs. Robotic
A stationary vacuum does the job of a traditional dustpan, but it’s more efficient and less labor-intensive. Simply use a broom to sweep the dust, dirt, hair, and debris toward the stationary vacuum, and the unit sucks it up. Most stationary vacuums feature bagless and removable canisters that function as dustbins, holding the trash until users empty them.
Built-in stationary vacuums offer the same functions as the freestanding versions. However, they are installed in the toe-kick area beneath cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, and workshops. This design offers the advantage of consuming zero floor space, making built-in units desirable for small spaces. Reusable bags hold the dirt and debris until emptied.
Robotic vacuums take the effort out of cleaning as they move independently over both hard-surface and carpet floors, powered by rechargeable batteries. Navigating with the help of infrared sensors, robot vacuums use brushes and suction to loosen dirt and remove it from floors. Robotic vacuums may be programmed and activated via remote controls, smartphones, and voice commands.
Suction Power
When it comes to vacuums of any type, strong suction power is essential for fast and efficient cleaning. For hair salons or homes with pets and children, powerful suction is a vital characteristic for touchless vacuums. In general, corded electric touchless vacuums deliver greater suction than those powered by rechargeable batteries.
Motors consuming electrical power in the range of 1,000 to 1,400 watts deliver ample suction power. These motors are generally found in corded electric units that plug into standard home outlets. Additionally, suction power for vacuums is measured and reported in terms of pascal (Pa) units. For example, a measurement of 1,800 to 2,000 Pa demonstrates ample suction power for corded electric stationary vacuums.
Robot vacuums function on rechargeable batteries and feature rotating brushes that aid in cleaning floors. The suction power of 800 to 1,500 Pa is considered in the high range for robotic units. The rotating brushes accomplish some of the work, so the battery-powered suction in robotic vacuums may be less than in corded electric units.
Filtration System
Vacuums contain filters that extract and trap dust, dirt, debris, and tiny particles in the air as they enter the vacuum via suction power. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most effective types. To acquire the HEPA certification, filters must demonstrate the ability to trap at least 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. (A micron is 1-millionth of an inch).
HEPA filters contain tiny glass fibers that intertwine to form a maze through which air and debris must pass. Particles such as pollen, dust mites, dirt, and debris cannot pass through the tiny openings in this maze. Therefore, the particles become trapped in the filter, and clean air escapes from the vacuum.
Regular maintenance of vacuum filters ensures proper functioning. Most reusable vacuum filters may be washed, rinsed, and air-dried to keep vacuums in optimal working order.
Sensors
Touchless vacuums, whether stationary or robotic, include sensors to do their work. Robotic vacuums navigate floors, around obstacles, and along edges by bouncing infrared light rays off the surrounding surfaces.
Infrared bump sensors allow robotic vacuums to navigate around obstacles and along walls. Cliff sensors prevent the units from falling down stairs. They can sense stairs by measuring the distance from the floor surface to the robot’s base via infrared light rays. A sharp increase in that distance triggers a backing-off response in the robot. Additionally, optical encoders measure longitudinal length by sensing how many times the robotic vacuum’s wheels rotate.
Touchless stationary vacuums utilize motion-detection technology to activate suctioning. When the motion sensor vacuums detect that a user is sweeping dirt and debris toward the unit, the stationary vacuum automatically sucks it into the enclosed canister.
Smart Technology
Smart technology enables the owners of robotic vacuums to automate and control their house-cleaning chores. Thanks to the downloadable smartphone apps available from robotic vacuum manufacturers, users can clean without lifting a finger, even when they’re away from home.
The apps allow robotic-vacuum owners to establish cleaning schedules, dictate specific cleaning tasks, and create customizable maps of their homes for the robots. With the smartphone apps, users can specify seasonal cleaning schedules and direct robotic vacuums to target specific areas of the home at specific times throughout the day.
Robotic vacuums respond to voice commands. To activate cleaning when they’re away, robotic-vacuum owners may connect voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa. Additionally, the apps allow users to integrate with smart home systems. To stay current and avoid glitches, robotic vacuums perform automatic downloads of software updates.
Battery Life
Runtimes for the rechargeable batteries in robotic vacuums average around 60 to 120 minutes on a charge. Batteries vary, but some may be recharged up to 400 times before they need to be replaced.
There are several ways to prolong the life of robotic-vacuum batteries. Keep the batteries charged when not in use, and use the vacuum often. Exhaust the battery occasionally, letting it run down completely, then fully recharge it. If the robotic vacuum will go unused for prolonged periods, put it in vacation mode to preserve the battery.
Robotic vacuums rely on rotating brushes as well as suction to accomplish cleaning tasks. When debris builds up in the brushes, batteries are strained to perform their function. For this reason, owners can prolong battery life by regularly cleaning the brushes to keep them in top-notch working order. Additionally, users can protect a robotic vacuum’s battery life by storing the unit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Additional Features
When considering the purchase of touchless stationary or robotic vacuums, shoppers may consider handy features that make cleaning chores easier. For example, the size of the dustbin canister in a stationary vacuum dictates how frequently it must be emptied. With larger capacities, the units require less frequent emptying.
Accessory attachments contribute to the usefulness of built-in stationary vacuums. Detachable hoses and vacuuming tools allow users to reach areas away from the units.
For a freestanding stationary vacuum, the unit’s footprint is an important consideration. Generally, a user places a stationary vacuum on a hard-surface floor in a high traffic area and pushes debris toward the unit with a broom. For example, hair stylists use these units in salons to remove the hair that is swept in their direction. Taking into account the available floor space along with everyday traffic patterns, shoppers will want to consider the length and width dimensions of freestanding stationary vacuums to determine whether they will fit the space.
FAQs
To automate and streamline routines, add a touchless vacuum (stationary or robotic) to your cleaning arsenal. As you begin using the new machine, you can be confident that it will contribute to your indoor environment’s cleanliness and overall health. Still, you may have questions about bags, filters, and maintenance for your new touchless vacuum. Read on for answers to a few frequently asked questions.
Q. Do I need to have bags for my touchless vacuum?
Most freestanding stationary vacuums include bagless dustbin canisters that may be removed for emptying. Built-in stationary vacuums include removable and reusable bags.
Q. What type of filter does my touchless vacuum use?
Touchless vacuums include reusable filters that can be removed and cleaned for extended use. HEPA filters provide an optimal level of efficiency.
Q. How do I clean my touchless vacuum?
Empty the dustbin canister when it is full. Clean the filters with warm, soapy water, then rinse and air-dry. Do this every three or four canister dumps.
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