Robots vacuum cleaners Karcher: ranking of popular models

More recently, robots for automatic cleaning of rooms were found only on the pages of science fiction books. But today they are confidently becoming part of everyday life. Almost every well-known manufacturer of household appliances has already introduced several models of such devices to consumers.

Not the last place in this row is occupied by the Karcher vacuum cleaners - traditionally high-quality and expensive, like all the equipment of this brand. In the article we presented, robotic models of a German manufacturer are described in detail. For a full review, their technical characteristics and capabilities are given.

The nature of the automatic cleaner

The design of most models of such devices is very similar. The low housing is equipped with one or more brushes that are driven by an engine. Wheels are installed to move the device.

Trash captured by brushes enters the dust collector, from where it simply needs to be shaken out. The engine is powered by a rechargeable battery. A station is provided for charging it, although if necessary it can be done directly.

An important part of such a vacuum cleaner is the set of sensors with which the device is oriented in space. Usually infrared sensors are used, although some models may also have ultrasonic devices. Sometimes a video camera works along with them. The vacuum cleaner controls and processes the information.

The Karcher vacuum cleaner is controlled using the buttons located on the top cover; the presence of a remote control is not provided by the manufacturer

If the robot is programmable, you can usually set the type and time of cleaning for a week. The vacuum cleaner starts from the charging station and methodically treats the surface, collecting garbage and dust.Sensors prevent collisions with various obstacles, falling from a ladder, etc.

At the end of the cleaning cycle, or when the battery is depleted, the vacuum cleaner returns to the station to charge the battery. Some models allow you to continue cleaning after the battery is charged.

Karcher robotic cleaners are designed to tidy up rooms in apartments and private houses; they cannot be used in the maintenance of commercial and industrial facilities

Features of devices from the Karcher brand

Kärcher launches a small line of robotic cleaning devices of a non-professional category. They are intended for automated cleaning in private residential buildings; they cannot be used in the maintenance of offices or hotels.

So far, only two models have been offered to the consumer: RC 3000 and RC 4000, in the functionality of which there are practically no differences. Any of Karcher's RoboCleaner products tidies up all types of flooring currently in use in the decoration industry.

They can handle cleaning both solid and textile options, although we note that there are restrictions on the height of the pile of carpet products. Ideally, it should not exceed 10 mm, but 20 mm is allowed.

German-made robotic vacuum cleaners do an excellent job of cleaning dust and dry fine contamination of hard flooring and carpet varieties if their pile does not exceed 1 cm

List of application restrictions

Kärcher robotic vacuum cleaners are not allowed to clean rooms with a typically high humidity level. They are not suitable for use in industrial and warehouse facilities, you can not run them in basements and attics.

Operation on wet surfaces is not allowed due to the possibility of fast clogging of filters and subsequent engine overload. Kärcher cleaning robots are not allowed in open areas.

It is excluded the use in fireplace rooms, in rooms with burning candles and where the air may contain vapors of flammable substances: solvents, gasoline, alcohol, etc. It is forbidden to use rooms in a security or fire alarm system due to the standard response of the systems to a moving one point.

To include robotic vacuum cleaners of the specified brand is allowed only in the AC mains, the performance of which must comply with the data indicated on the device. In the event of a malfunction, the manufacturer exempts himself from liability for a damaged device.

Karcher cleaning robots must not clean wet floors and surfaces with intensively peeling paint to prevent active clogging of filters

The principle of operation of the robotic device

According to the tradition typical for similar systems, cleaning devices from Karcher include two main components:

• Parking station. It performs the functions of a base that charges the device’s batteries and accumulates in its two-liter bag dust collector everything that the robot collected during the period of automated cleaning. The base weighs 5.8 kg.
• Vacuum cleaner robot. A mobile device that makes independent movement on the treated surface. He receives energy from the built-in nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, the charging of which is done by the parking station. The robot weighs 2 kg.

The scheme of work is extremely simple. The vacuum cleaner that has received a charge moves independently within the room entrusted to it and collects rubbish with built-in brushes. In order for the device not to leave the room and not leave, for example, on a dangerous landing, it is recommended to put a restrictive strip around the perimeter or only in the doorway.

A device for automated cleaning includes two components: a station that charges the device and collects dust extracted from it, and a directly robotic cleaner

To be able to move, the robot is equipped with wheels. It moves randomly according to the “random principle” laid down by the manufacturer. Those. it follows in an arbitrary direction until the sensors mounted in the housing detect an obstacle.

After detecting an obstacle or danger, the vacuum cleaner changes direction and travels to clean along another vector until the next collision. Then, everything is repeated for the programmed owners of the cleaning period.

The recharged robot at the parking base, according to the assurances of Kärcher engineers, can clean the floor for a full 60 minutes. However, many owners of German-made devices claim that the charge lasts only 20 minutes, after which the vacuum cleaner rushes to the base to receive a supply reserve.

The station monitors the movement and condition of the vacuum cleaner, accompanying it with an infrared beam. When the charge ends, the mobile device returns to it on its own and is installed to charge the batteries. Owners at this time do not need to include / connect anything and conduct such events.

Navigation of a robotic vacuum cleaner is carried out using an infrared ray coming from a parking station. The place for its location should be chosen so that the device could return to the base anyway

During recharging, the robot is freed from the accumulated debris in the built-in tank, dropping dust into a dust bag located in the station. Owners of mini-equipment have to empty this bag periodically. The device will signal the need for cleaning.

Technical specifics of Karcher robotic vacuum cleaners

Robotic vacuum cleaners with the Karcher logo cannot be called multifunctional, they only have 4 programs in their memory. But the device can adjust on their performance independently, determining the degree of pollution with the sensors available in the dust collector.

These sensors respond to the degree of contamination of the floor, according to which they change the speed and principle of movement of the device:

• for normal cleaning, the robot moves at a standard speed;
• in areas with moderate pollution slows down movement;
• in areas of severe pollution it moves slowly and runs forward / backward;
• To eliminate persistent contaminants, the vacuum cleaner moves along the “starry” path until it can cope with cleaning.

When the robot does away with persistent or severe pollution, the sensors will detect the absence of the need for intensive work, the device will automatically switch to normal mode. If the floor on which the robot moves is clean and it cannot find the contaminated area for a long time, the brushes work is turned off in order to save energy.

Obstacles to moving and cleaning do not include cables or low sills. However, curtains in contact with the floor can create a serious barrier, in which the vacuum cleaner can get tangled up and get stuck.

This type of cleaning equipment is equipped with optical sensors capable of recognizing stairs and landings. Thanks to their availability, an independent device without the participation of owners determines a dangerous place and protects itself from falling.

RoboCleaner cleaners are equipped with alarm indicators, which, depending on the situation and technical condition, light up continuously or pulsate. Indication of green color is responsible for the performance characteristics, red - indicates a malfunction, the need to remove the device stuck somewhere, etc.

From the side turned to the surface to be machined, height sensors are installed that recognize obstacles arising in the way of the vacuum cleaner (+)

Happy owners of a robotic vacuum cleaner have the right to choose the duration of work, focusing on the area of ​​the processed room. When programming, it is taken into account that in 1 hour the vacuum cleaner can clean only 15 m² from dust. Therefore, a room of 45 m² will require a minimum of 3 hours. The choice can be made up to 9 hours.

In the device’s functions, there is the “Silent work” position, which is worth using if the robot is activated at night or in the presence of people who do not like the buzzing technique.

Vacuum cleaners with a robotic operating principle from Karcher can be switched to silent operation, thanks to which the cleaning process does not interfere with the rest

Cleaning equipment care

For the normal operation of any household appliances, regular, competent care is required.

RoboCleaner devices are no exception, they also need cleaning and replacement of wearing parts:

• The filter bag of the base is periodically changed. There are 4 of them in the factory equipment; if necessary, it is easy to buy additional ones.
• Before installing a fresh filter bag for the station, the flat filter must be cleaned.
• The filter protecting the motor of the device is replaced. In the configuration there is one spare instance, which is used after replacing the above 4 bags for the base.
• According to the circumstances and the actual condition, the wheels are cleaned.
• As you wear, the brush shaft and batteries change.

In addition, it is necessary to regularly clean the sensors from dust settling on them, using a brush or cloth.

Batteries must not be opened and disposed of easily by throwing them into the trash. They must be taken to collection points that collect them. The old unit should be returned there so that useful components can be recycled. Filter bags can be disposed of with household waste without concern.

At intervals specified by the manufacturer, the parts and components of the robotic vacuum cleaner located on the bottom side should be cleaned. As necessary, it is necessary to free the wheels and the brush shaft of the device from the threads and hair wrapped around it

In order for the robotic vacuum cleaner not to become unusable ahead of time, you should not sit on it, or on the station, much less get up. There should not be loose objects in the way of movement: newspapers, CD- and DVD-disks, paper and plastic packaging, clothes, glasses, small rugs and similar things.

The obstacles for moving this type of vacuum cleaners are not considered to be empty, up to 10 mm high, a fringe of a similar length and cables. However, the presence of wires on the floor is undesirable, because the device can become tangled in them and interrupt operation if there is no owner nearby who has rescued him from the trap.

If the cleaner is stuck among the legs of furniture, tangled in curtains or cannot get out of the niche due to the loss of the infrared tracking beam, the red indicator starts flashing. The device must then be turned off, released and turned on again.

Also, in order to avoid causing property damage to oneself, one does not need to leave valuable fragile objects on the table if it is possible to tip them over with a cable that the robot accidentally hooked.

Although fundamentally the operation of the device without anyone's presence is quite possible. Just for such a cleaning, you will need to carefully prepare yourself in advance, eliminating all possible threats, removing obstacles that interfere with objects from the room, protecting the equipment from the likelihood of falling and blocking.

The safest option for a vacuum cleaner of this type is to carry out cleaning within one room, a maximum of one floor. He freely moves under the furniture equipped with legs, gets over low thresholds and a cable.

When using it for floor cleaning, the base should be positioned so that it can always track the movements of the vacuum cleaner with an infrared system, and he always had the opportunity to return to it to recharge and dump the collected litter.

Robot batteries can only be charged at a parking station, which can only be used for their intended purpose. Before turning off the device to perform repairs, the station must be disconnected from the power

Rating of automatic cleaners from Karcher

Karcher is a traditionally expensive and reliable technique, robotic vacuum cleaners manufactured under this brand are no exception. Karcher RC 3000 is equipped with a small dust collector, which, after filling, is automatically cleaned when connected to a charging station.

Here the garbage is transported into the bag by two liters. Side brushes are not provided for this model, so the quality of cleaning corners leaves much to be desired. But at the same time, an excellent suction ability is noted.

According to customer reviews, Karcher robots can get entangled in wires or pull a sock into the body, but in general they cope with navigation very well

The RC 3000 effectively removes dirt even from old carpets. Externally, the RC 4000 vacuum cleaner differs from the earlier model in color. It is made in white and black, but the RC 3000 has a traditional yellow-black color for Karcher.

There are also some differences inside: improved cylindrical brushes that provide better cleaning even on carpets with a fairly long pile.

It is noted that the RC 4000 sensors work more accurately, therefore, navigation is better. It is less likely to get entangled in wires and curtains than the RC 3000. The equipment and operating procedures for both models are almost identical.

The Karcher RC 4000 model is equipped with a very effective central brush, which, with a high suction force, ensures high-quality cleaning of almost all dirt

Programming the device for a week ahead is not provided. Paradoxically, the RC 3000 vacuum cleaner is almost $ 500 more expensive than the newer model, since it has been on the market longer and is more popular.

Karcher robots are included in the group of premium devices that are distinguished by good performance and high price. True, products with the specified logo are no longer produced only by Germans.

Future buyers are presented devices of French and Chinese assembly. They are significantly more affordable in terms of cost, but not always pleasing with the build quality.

According to the functional criteria for modification, the RC-4000 is not much different from the RC-3000. She is a little better at cleaning. This series has improved navigation, collisions with obstacles are somewhat less common. But in terms of the number of failures in motion, everything is almost the same.

Place # 1 - Karcher RC 4000

The color scheme and excellent performance are the main difference between this model and other representatives of the brand line of robotic vacuum cleaners. Otherwise, they are very similar.

Main characteristics:

• period for battery charge - 10-20 min;
• the duration of a single cleaning cycle is 20-60 minutes;
• cleaning speed - 15 square meters. m / h;
• dust collector volume - 0.2 l;
• the volume of the dust bag at the parking station - 2 l;
• sound generation - 54 dB;
• device weight - 2 kg;
• station weight - 5.8 kg
• dimensions of the vacuum cleaner - 285X105 mm;
• The dimensions of the charging station are 500X250X230 mm.

This brand can be blamed on the high cost of consumables. For example, the price of a set of five dust bags may be about 1000 rubles.

But for models of this class, high prices are a completely natural phenomenon. Basically, such a vacuum cleaner copes with the removal of wool, but some of these contaminants inevitably wrap around the brush and wheels. Do not postpone cleaning them, this will improve the operation of the device and reduce the number of breakdowns.

Place # 2 - Karcher RC 3

Karcher RC 3 is used for dry type cleaning.For navigation, a set of optical sensors is provided that capture objects of decor. The device does not fall from the stairs, can cost a map of the room, although, according to the owners, its movement during cleaning looks somewhat messy.

The list of the main characteristics of the model:

• battery charge period - 240 min;
• Duration of a single cleaning cycle - 120 min;
• control from a smartphone - yes;
• ability to use in smart home - yes, Wi-Fi communication protocol;
• dust collector volume - 0.35 L cyclone filter;
• sound generation - 71 dB;
• device weight - 3.6 kg;
• dimensions of the vacuum cleaner HxWxD- 96x340 mm.

This model is valued for its good cleaning quality and long life.

Inexperienced owners may think that the lack of a clear cleaning plan worsens the result, because some places may remain unprocessed. But this is not so. If the vacuum cleaner works regularly, it will gradually collect garbage everywhere, and will process the missed places if not in the first, then in the second or third cycle.

In order for the robot to cope with cleaning as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to prepare the room - before starting cleaning, socks and other small objects should be removed from the floor, as well as thin and light mats, if they are not attached to the floor.

Experience shows that with the daily use of this vacuum cleaner, the room looks clean - the Karcher RC 3 household appliance flawlessly copes with cleaning on various surfaces due to its 24 W suction power and good navigation.

Place # 3 - Karcher RC 3 Premium

The new development of the Karcher company went on sale only at the beginning of 2018. The vacuum cleaner already tested in business has earned the recognition of satisfied owners.

Standard robot control schemes are supplemented by sending commands on the smartphone. You can start and stop it, being far from the place of cleaning. To do this, you need to download and install a special application.

An intelligent device with a charged battery lasts 2 hours, after which it itself moves to the parking base to restore energy reserves. It charges 4 hours. If the cleaning was interrupted for charging, then after recharging the vacuum cleaner returns to the point of completion of the session.

KARCHER RC 3 Premium laser navigation eliminates collisions and crashes. You can program a temporary room map, perform cleaning by the days of the week, and start the vacuum cleaner by timer.

The cleaning efficiency is ensured by two brushes rotating towards each other and a powerful suction device.

The disadvantages include the rather noisy operation of the device. According to measurements, its sound level is 71 dB. The capacity of the box for collecting dust is small, only 0.35 liters. However, taking into account that the vacuum cleaner is regularly freed from accumulated dirt during charging at the station, the volume of the dust bag is quite sufficient for work in the private sector.

Subtleties of choosing a suitable model

Vacuum cleaner robots are rated for a range of features and additional features.

First you need to take into account the following points:

• quality of floor cleaning;
• navigation accuracy;
• battery life;
• programming ability;
• the magnitude of the suction force;
• sound parameters created during cleaning;
• number of operating modes of the device;
• the presence of a module for wet cleaning, etc.

Typically, inexpensive models are quite popular, but rarely justify high demands. The complaints are caused, first of all, by the low suction force, which reduces the cleaning efficiency.

An important aspect that is worth a detailed study before a balanced purchase is the maneuverability of the device, which provides freedom of movement on smooth and rough surfaces. It is desirable that the wheels have a sufficiently raised tread

It is necessary to pay attention to the ability of the device to remove hair and hair.Some vacuum cleaners successfully cope with this task, but their wheels and brushes quickly get clogged; you have to often remove these items for cleaning.

In this case, it is better to purchase turbine vacuum cleaner Anti Tangleable to deal with such a problem.

When choosing a cleaning device, you should pay attention to what types of surfaces it can work out and what obstacles it overcomes on its own

A HEPA filter is usually installed to filter the air passing through the housing. They do not wash it, but clean it from dust with a brush. About once every six months or a year, this element must be replaced.

The presence of an additional filter made of fabric is welcome. The cost and availability of replaceable elements: brushes, wheels, nozzles, filters - an important point.

For expensive models, such an update can be expensive, but their consumables are usually longer than budget devices. The possibility of wet cleaning is desirable, but optional. The nozzle for this is a microfiber cloth, which most often has to be moistened with hands.

Good general cleaning this option is not able to produce. For her need washing robot, with the characteristics and functionality of which will familiarize us with the article recommended by us.

Some models are equipped with a UV lamp for additional disinfection of surfaces. According to many buyers, this item is expensive and completely optional. A low noise level is a very desirable option, but even the best robots do not do the soundless cleaning.

Two, three or four operating modes are usually present in each such device. Usually this is a standard cleaning, processing of skirting boards and corners, as well as local cleaning of a specific area.

If you need a model that will run every day for a full week, you should clarify this point before buying, not all vacuum cleaners are equipped with such a function. Kärcher robotic vacuum cleaners can only be turned off or on. There is a function to select the duration of the cleaning and a program to lock the device in the parking lot until the next session

Magnetic strips or infrared beacons are used to limit the cleaning area. The latter are considered more convenient to use. If there is no possibility of such a restriction, you will have to install some barriers from improvised materials.

The volume of a dust collector is usually calculated so that it is filled during battery life. Some models empty the battery during recharging. In any case, do not allow the overflow of the dust container, this can adversely affect the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

According to reviews, this vacuum cleaner copes with the removal of wool and hair. A small amount of such dirt can accumulate on wheels and brushes. These elements are easy to remove, so cleaning does not take much time.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to choose a robotic cleaner for cleaning your home:

Video on the benefits of using Karcher vacuum cleaners:

Robots with the Karcher logo can hardly be called the opening of the century, yet their performance has remained quite high for many years. For the home, this is a decent choice that will ensure regular and effective cleaning over a large area.

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