The Closest Thing to Rosey The Robot: Neato Vacuum Review

I was an early adapter to the robotic vacuum movement. We got our first Roomba when we were living in a 1000-square-foot apartment, not because we needed it, but because we were just that lazy.

As our lives progressed, the need for the little vacuum helper increased. We moved into a house. We got a dog, who while actually hairless, drags the scum of the streets into our home several times per day. We had a baby, who became a crumb-crazy toddler. And everyday that vacuum became more of a savior.

It has been especially necessary because we live in a home without a doorway vestibule – in fact, our front door opens directly into our dining room. Drag a stroller and a wet dog through there a few times a day, and the indoor air quality becomes as filthy as the floor. (Taking off your shoes indoors is a great way to avoid dragging in pesticides and pollutants, but you can’t always get a repairman or your in-laws to abide.)

With that, I was thrilled to give my Roomba an upgrade with the new Neato Robotic Vacuum System. This little guy is smarter and better behaved than my old robot, using a digital screen to actually tell me what’s going on, rather than making me decode a series of beeps.

The latest Neato XV-21 automatic vacuum cleaner features improved ability to pick up pet hair and dirt and reduce allergens on all floor types for cleaner, healthier homes. The Neato includes a new bristled brush to improve the pick-up of pet hair, dander, and fibers and allows the vacuum cleaner to run more quietly than previous models, especially on hardwood floors. A new filter, which is cleanable and designed for long-term use, provides increased airflow and suction power that allows the Neato XV-21 to pick up and retain more than three times the fine dust particles of the company’s standard filter.

2011 study by Quest Diagnostics found that allergies are on the rise in the U.S. with one in five Americans now being affected. I am a lifelong allergy sufferer and it looks like my son is probably experiencing the same fate. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends vacuuming frequently and reducing the amount of pet dander, fur, and feathers in the home as two simple steps to help prevent allergy outbreaks. Ugh.

Fortunately with the Neato XV-21′s ability to automatically clean homes on its own with no human assistance, allergy sufferers can avoid allergens in the air caused by cleaning that can sometimes trigger reactions. Customers can easily set an automatic cleaning schedule for the Neato XV-21 to clean every day, keeping homes neat and healthy and carpets well-groomed. It vacuums close to walls and corners, avoids bumping into furniture and returns automatically to its base to re-charge itself.

It does have a hefty pricetag of $429 (on sale for $386 on Amazon), but for many harried moms and pet owners, the service is invaluable.

Disclosure: This company gave me a sample for review. Regardless, my opinions are honest. See my full disclosure here.


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