The Shark i Robot Vacuum

The shark I robot vacuum is considered to be one of the best robot vacuum deals mid-range robot vacuums. It does an excellent job of cleaning and has cool features.

It does a thorough job of cleaning and utilizes rows-by-row patterns to clean floors. It also works well on rugs and can maneuver over rug tassels.

Features

The Shark i has a number of outstanding features, such as its smart navigation technology, as well as a self-emptying dock. Its IQ navigation utilizes a matrix grid to clean room-by-room, meaning every area of your home gets overlooked. It also emptys its trash bin into the bagless base following each cleaning, making it totally hands-free.

The i can be controlled via both the SharkClean app and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice without the need for an additional remote. The vacuum also has a button at the top that allows you to operate the vacuum.

You can use the app to create a profile for your vacuum to name it, schedule cleanings and check your the history of cleaning. You can also design virtual boundaries to prevent the i from entering areas where it might get stuck in or knock over fragile objects. You can also select various power modes to save energy when you are working in a tough environment.

It also has a pair grippy wheels to help it over obstacles like floors or stairs. It is able to detect and avoid obstacles such as electrical cords. This is beneficial for pet owners with small shed dogs or cats.

The i comes with three power settings. There's an Eco Mode that is energy-efficient as well as a Normal mode by default, and a Max Power mode. You can design customized cleaning schedules, which are ideal for those who reside in a house that requires frequent cleaning.

The i can be programmed to automatically return to its dock and empty its trash bin however, robot vacuum with self Empty you must keep an eye on the battery life because it frequently underestimates how much runtime is left. It could also get confused and restart if you tell the i to clean the entire home and you must be cautious when you begin or end it.

Design

The Shark i robot is sleekly designed and has a high-end appearance. The main drive wheels are covered with rubber treads, giving the robot excellent maneuverability. It is small and can be placed under most pieces of furniture. Despite its size, it's able to climb up high-pile rugs and reach under couches.

The robot is equipped with numerous sensors that help map out your home including boundary and cliff sensors. It also includes a vision module that can detect and avoid obstacles. The app allows you to manage the robot's settings and schedule cleaning sessions and see its cleaning history. The app is easy to use, though it's not able to create virtual no-go zones.

While the Shark i robot is a good option for bare floors however, it is unable to pick up large amounts of hair from pets and gets stuck on cluttered surfaces. The dirt compartment can overflow, making it difficult to clear out after a clean-up. The vacuum also doesn't have an automatic emptying dock, so you'll have to manually empty the dust bin once it's full.

The vacuum's battery is very small and it will run out frequently before it is able to return to its base. It is also a bit loud, and the app does not allow you to select certain areas to clean. It's therefore best used in conjunction with another robot vacuum, and not as an independent machine. The benefit of delegating your vacuuming to robots is unquestionable. The iRobot Roomba, on the other hand, has superior mapping and navigation capabilities, as well as self-emptying docks. It's also less expensive than the Shark i robotic vacuum.

Cleaning Performance

The Shark IQ vacuums well however it isn't easy to master to the robotic sound. It doesn't wander off and then retrace its steps, like older Shark robots (like the ION 85 or the RV871). The iQ does an excellent job of mapping your home. It makes maps within the app that lets you identify the rooms so it knows where it's moving.

It struggles with bare floors or rug. Although it can remove small particles, it can be overwhelmed by pet hair as well as larger items like rice and cereal. The dirt compartment may get full quickly and suction power will decrease as it fills. This type of robot vacuum with self empty isn't suitable for bare floors or carpets with piles that are high. It can also clog up when it comes into contact with furniture that is tangled, or furniture with a tipped edge.

It's simple to resolve these issues by emptying the bin at the base. It also automatically emptys itself into the bin once it is full, which saves you the hassle of emptying the dust bin after each run. The extra-large bin requires emptying every 30 days. This reduces ownership costs in the long term.

The SharkClean App allows you to create different cleaning modes, check the battery life, make schedules, look up your cleaning history, and set virtual boundaries that keep it out of areas where it may become stuck or knock delicate items over. The iQ can also be controlled manually using its remote control, which features directions for guiding it around your home.

Battery Life

Even in its high-suction "Max" mode, this robot vacuum still has a great battery life. It can run up to an hour in this mode, which is more than enough time for the majority of cleaning sessions. It also comes with a more energy-efficient 'Eco' mode that extends its maximum runtime to more than 160 minutes. This feature is useful if you frequently switch between rooms or worry about running out of battery while using the robot.

Like many of its competitors, this robotic vacuum comes with an impressive array of automation features. Its companion app lets you check its remaining battery, send it to a specific room, pause or resume cleaning, and set different power modes. It also supports voice commands if you own a compatible Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device. It also comes with physical boundary marker strips to ensure it stays out of certain areas.

This Shark model is adept in maneuvering, but it isn't able to handle large amounts of debris, particularly if the dirt compartment is stuffed. It's also susceptible to get caught on rug tassels and electrical cords, and could get stuck between the legs of chairs.

Overall, the Shark IQ robotic vacuum is an excellent option for those who want an entry-level robot with good mapping capabilities and user-friendly features. It's not better than the Roborock S7 in most cases. The latter feels sturdier and more durable, Robot vacuum with self empty has less demanding maintenance requirements, is able to bear lower costs for recurring expenses, recharges quicker, offers a longer maximum battery life, performs better on floors that are not bare and carpets, and is able to move over obstacles more easily.