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This robot vacuum might be the best pick for larger homes - here's why | Stuff

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 13:17 GMT by Stuff
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Why the Roomba 980 (and its cousin the Roborock S7+) Might Be the Best Robot Vacuum for Larger Homes

Robot vacuums have moved from novelty to staple in many households, but the sheer number of models on the market can make choosing the right one feel like a chore. If you live in a multi‑room home, with several floors and a lot of floor space to cover, the last thing you want is a robot that’s quick to empty, has a tiny dustbin, or can’t navigate large, open rooms efficiently. That’s why the Roomba 980 and its modern “self‑emptying” sibling, the Roborock S7+, have become favorites for larger living spaces, according to a recent review on Stuff TV. Below is a comprehensive look at what makes these two models stand out, a summary of their key strengths, and a quick guide to deciding which might be the better fit for you.

1. The Core Need: Long‑Range, All‑Day Cleaning

In a big house, you typically need a vacuum that can cover several thousand square feet in a single run. That means:

• Long battery life (usually 90–120 minutes)
• Large dust‑collection capacity (0.6–0.8 L)
• High suction power (1 kW+)
• Smart navigation that maps the house, avoids obstacles, and can be scheduled across multiple rooms

Both the Roomba 980 and the Roborock S7+ hit the mark on these fronts.

2. The Roomba 980: Proven, Reliable, and Room‑Ready

2.1 Features that Suit Large Spaces

The Roomba 980 was first launched in 2016, but it remains a favorite for large homes because of its blend of power and intelligence. Its dual‑sensor navigation lets it chart a room’s layout and then revisit the same spots, which is crucial for avoiding missed areas in an open‑plan house.

2.2 Why Stuff TV Loves It

The Stuff TV review highlighted the robot’s “cognitive” mapping—the ability to remember the layout of each room, remember where high‑traffic areas are, and then adjust its cleaning path accordingly. In a large house, that means the Roomba can prioritize the living room and kitchen for daily cleaning while still hitting the bedrooms on a weekly schedule.

It’s also praised for its low‑profile design. The 15 cm height means the robot can slip under almost any piece of furniture, and its soft‑bristled brush works well on both hardwood and carpet, which is handy if your home has mixed flooring.

2.3 Potential Downsides

• Dustbin size – While 0.7 L is fine for a one‑run sweep, you still need to empty it every couple of days in a larger house.
• No automatic emptying – The robot stops clean‑ing once it runs out of dust; you’ll have to manually lift the dock.
• Price – It sits at the high end of the market (about £280–£320), but the performance justifies the cost for big spaces.

3. The Roborock S7+: The Self‑Emptying Alternative

For those who want the Roomba’s performance plus the luxury of an automatic dust‑bin emptying system, the Roborock S7+ (available on Roborock’s own site and other UK retailers) is a game‑changer.

3.1 What Makes the S7+ Special

The review on Stuff TV noted that the S7+ is particularly useful for homes with pet hair or a lot of fine dust, as the self‑empty dock handles that automatically. In a large house with multiple pets, this feature reduces the maintenance overhead dramatically.

3.2 Why the Review Stated “Best Pick”

1. Large Coverage Area – 2500 sq ft per run covers most multi‑story houses without needing a recharge.
2. Automatic Dust‑bin Emptying – No manual clean‑ups; the dock can hold a full bin for up to 5 days.
3. LiDAR Navigation – Even the most intricate floor plans are mapped in detail, ensuring every corner is visited.
4. Mopping Capability – A single robot that vacuums and mops is perfect for homes with mixed hardwood and laminate flooring.

3.3 The Trade‑Offs

• Initial Cost – Roughly £450–£500, but the self‑empty dock is a separate add‑on.
• Height – Slightly taller (22 cm) which may not fit under some low furniture pieces.
• Learning Curve – Some users find the app interface a bit complex compared to the Roomba’s more straightforward setup.

4. How to Choose Between the Two

If you’re on a tighter budget but still need a robot that can handle a big house, the Roomba 980 is a solid pick. If you can stretch your budget and want the convenience of a self‑empty dock (plus mopping), the Roborock S7+ is the way to go.

5. Takeaway

Stuff TV’s article does a great job of demystifying the robot vacuum market for homeowners with larger homes. Both the Roomba 980 and the Roborock S7+ excel in covering large floor areas, maintaining thoroughness through smart navigation, and offering high suction power. The main differentiators boil down to price, dust‑bin handling, and the added benefit of mopping for the Roborock.

Whichever you choose, the key is to pair the robot with a proper cleaning schedule that takes advantage of its strengths. Schedule daily runs for high‑traffic zones (living room, kitchen) and weekly clean‑ups for the bedrooms and hallways. Over time, you’ll find that a robot vacuum can actually cut down on your own floor‑cleaning chores, even in the most sprawling of homes.

For those curious about the exact specs, the Stuff TV review links to the iRobot product page for the Roomba 980 (https://www.irobot.com/roomba-980) and the Roborock product page for the S7+ (https://roborock.com/roborock-s7-plus). These pages give a deeper dive into the technical details and help you decide which model’s price and features align with your own household needs.