01
Best robot vacuum
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Roborock Robot Vacuum & Mop
Maps the home, avoids stairs and handles both vacuuming and mopping. Models with a self-emptying dock mean weeks without touching it.
03
Utility · Let the machines do the chores
Household Appliances
Cleaning, air quality and laundry: the appliances that give you back your weekends. We focus on what actually gets used, not what sits in a closet after the first month.
Our picks
8 worth your money.
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02
Best simple robot
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iRobot Roomba
The original, with dependable navigation and easy-to-find replacement parts. A safe choice if you want something simple.
03
Best value stick
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Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum
Strong suction for the money, plus a handheld mode for stairs and cars. A good choice for pet hair.
04
Best premium stick
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Dyson Cordless Vacuum
Premium suction and filtration with a lot of attachments. Expensive, but it replaces a full-size upright.
05
Best spot cleaner
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Bissell Little Green Spot Cleaner
Pulls spills and pet accidents out of carpet, upholstery and car seats. Small enough to live under the sink.
06
Best air purifier
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Levoit Air Purifier
Quiet HEPA filtration for bedrooms and small living spaces. A real help during wildfire-smoke season and allergy months.
07
Best for basements
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50-Pint Dehumidifier
Keeps basements and bathrooms below the humidity where mould and musty smells start. Look for one with a hose outlet so it drains continuously.
08
Best no-hookup laundry
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Portable Apartment Washing Machine
Connects to a kitchen faucet and rolls away when you're done. For apartments where the only other option is the laundromat.
Compare
Robot vacuum or cordless stick?
Many homes end up with both: a robot for daily upkeep and a stick for spot jobs. If you can only buy one, this is how to decide.
| Robot vacuum | Cordless stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Keeping floors clean daily, pets, busy schedules | Quick spills, stairs, cars, upholstery |
| Effort | Almost none once it's set up | You push it, but it only takes minutes |
| Weak spots | Cords, socks, thick rugs, stairs | Battery life on large homes |
| Maintenance | Empty the bin or dock, clean the brushes | Empty the bin, wash the filter |
Before you buy
What the pros check first.
Size the purifier to the room
Check the recommended room size (or CADR rating) against the actual square footage. An undersized purifier just runs loud and does little.
Declutter before buying a robot
Robot vacuums shine on open floors. If your floors are covered in cords and clutter, you'll be rescuing it every day.
Aim for 40–50% humidity
That's the range most sources recommend to prevent mould. A cheap hygrometer tells you whether you need a dehumidifier at all.
FAQ
Common questions.
Are robot vacuums worth it?
For most homes with hard floors, yes. The biggest benefit is consistency: floors get vacuumed every day without you thinking about it.
Do air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?
True HEPA filters capture fine smoke particles. Keep windows closed and size the unit properly for the room.
Can I use a portable washer in a rental?
Most connect temporarily to a faucet and drain into a sink or tub, so there's no permanent install. Check your lease anyway.
Related guides
Keep reading.
Robot Vacuum vs Cordless Stick: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
How each one fits real homes: pets, carpets, stairs, clutter and budget. Plus when it makes sense to own both.
Read the guide
How to Choose Your First Cordless Drill (and Not Regret It)
Voltage, brushless motors, drill vs impact driver, and why you're really buying a battery platform. A plain-English guide to your most important tool.
Read the guide