Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners Secrets

You can also use the app to access the camera on the vacuum and see where it is in real-time – handy if it has got stuck or you want to check up on your pet (you can guide it remotely, too). We were impressed with how clear this image was.

We even have a separate machine to clean the carpets between test runs so one result won't influence the next.

That model sits in the premium price bracket, though, so if you're on a tighter budget our top recommendation is the Proscenic Floobot X1, which punches well above its relatively wallet-friendly price tag.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we tried them on both hard floors and carpets, assessing their performance by measuring how much of our specially formulated dust was picked up after a number of sweeps.

And a capable robot vacuum could really be worth the investment if you're finding it tricky to stay on top on manual cleaning.

We also liked that it has built-in LED lights so it can keep working when the house is dark, finding its way and dealing with the mess. Plus, there's a 'do not disturb' mode for quieter cleaning.

You need a compact tool to quickly clean up dry spills on bare floors and surfaces or to nab lint, pet hair and other debris on fabrics or carpeting. Some come with hoses and attachments; others can pick up wet spills too.

If you have shedding pets and carpet, look for models with higher suction power (5,000Pa or ideally more), and a boost/extra suction mode option. Models with rubbery brushrolls are also typically good at gripping hair.

Who it's best for: Designed to last for years, this Miele canister vacuum does an excellent job of picking up and trapping dust and dirt.

Pet owners might want to look for a model that is able to recognize their pet and either avoid it (if it's spooked by the addition of a sentient appliance to the household) or seek it out to check up on it while you're out of the Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners house.

I love the easy-to-use app that allows you to schedule cleanings and view the progress from a camera that is attached to the vacuum. This vacuum also came in second out of 10 vacuums for maneuverability.

Rodriguez updated this story with notes from other Lab analysts’ extensive testing and research notes.

It performed perfectly when tackling crumbs and was good with pet hair, but struggled to collect all the dust laid, sweeping some specks out of its path.

This has an advanced docking station at a relatively mid-range price; it cleans and removes mop pads, empties the dust bin, and tops up water and cleaning detergent levels.