Review of the Philips FC8776 robot vacuum cleaner: cleaning without dust, noise and overpayments

The development of household robotics has resulted in a skillful and nimble robot vacuum cleaner. Taking on the function of cleaning the floor, it turned into a time-saving tool.

The well-known Dutch company could not ignore the new device and released several series of equipment, including the Philips FC 8776 robot vacuum cleaner, also known as SmartPro Compact.

Let's figure out what is remarkable about this robot vacuum cleaner model and compare it with similar models from other manufacturers.

Getting to know the FC 8776

The main feature of the Philips FC 8776 - compactness - is emphasized every time the vacuum cleaner is mentioned, it is even included in the name - Compact.

Thanks to its height of just over 6 cm, the unit easily penetrates into hard-to-reach places - under kitchen units, wardrobes, low-slung beds and sofas with short legs.

Acquaintance with the FC 8776 model takes place in the store, at the time of purchase. Even from the box in which the vacuum cleaner is packaged, one can judge the compact dimensions of the device. The packaging is made of hard cardboard and equipped with a plastic carrying handle.

The design of the box is not only beautiful, but also useful for the buyer: the main technical characteristics and distinctive features of the unit are listed on the edges of the flat packaging

Inside the relatively small box is hidden the body of the vacuum cleaner and accessories that may be required during operation. It is better to get acquainted with them, guided by the instructions, which are also supplied in the kit.

The export version requires documentation in Russian. PC users can read the instructions in the version available on the company's website.

Some design features of the body are clearly visible if you look at the vacuum cleaner from the side.

For example, the beveled bottom edges are noticeable, allowing the device to move unhindered on floor surfaces with small differences in height.Simply put, the vacuum cleaner easily climbs from laminate flooring to carpet and jumps back down.

On the sides there are important charging and control elements: IR sensor, connector for charging directly from the adapter, on/off button, contacts for communication with the base

To protect the body from damage during frequent collisions, the developers equipped it with a slightly spring-loaded bumper - a dynamic element.

On top of it there is a small protrusion that determines the maximum height of the device itself and, accordingly, the clearance of the hole into which it can penetrate - for example, under a sofa.

Thus, the manufacturer tried to create a model that could penetrate into any corner and, even with frequent use, maintain its functionality for a long time.

Storage device - dust collector

The main purpose of a vacuum cleaner is to collect dust, so one of the central parts is a container for dirt and debris. The device is compact, so the dust collector is small in size - 0.3 liters.

However, the developers thought through the design of the device in such a way as to make it as spacious as possible.

The cover under which the dust container is hidden can be easily identified by its bronze color, as stated by the manufacturer - it is located in the center at the top of the device.

The filter - a thin piece of synthetic fabric - can be rinsed in water, but the manufacturer does not recommend excessive washing or frequent cleaning of this element.

The clear container can be rinsed from time to time, but must be dried before use.

How does the robot perform its functions?

The compact vacuum cleaner is designed for collecting dust in living rooms. It is not suitable for technical rooms, as it has an insufficient dust collector volume and a special “room” device.

The robot operates quietly and operates accurately. While it is working, you can relax, read a book, cook or play with children - it will not interfere or distract

The device is designed to care for a relatively clean room, so it is not recommended to use it in a garage, warehouse or outdoors.

Essentially, a vacuum cleaner performs two tasks:

• moves around the room to cover the maximum possible floor area for cleaning;
• collects any debris encountered along the way - dust, small scraps of paper, hair and wool, threads.

The device cannot cope with large debris, since neither the collection apparatus nor the air duct are suitable in size, and the power to pull in heavy objects is not designed.

Small wheels with a diameter of 4.7 cm grip well even on smooth floor surfaces thanks to rubber tires reinforced with lugs. The arrangement of the wheels is such that the vacuum cleaner rotates in one place without moving to the side.

The wheels can be turned by hand to remove any accumulated debris. Easy movement on the floor with height differences is ensured by the body raised to a height of 1.95 cm.

As soon as the vacuum cleaner starts moving, the garbage collection device turns on. There are brushes on the sides that spin and sweep dust towards the center.

The ends of the brushes extend beyond the boundaries of the device, which allows you to cover a larger area. A jet of air created by a fan located in the case sucks dust inside through a long, narrow hole and, after traveling a short distance through the air duct, ends up in the dust collector.

An overview of the main functions will be clearly presented in the video:

Main technical characteristics

The FC 8776 model collects dust by vacuum filtration; in other words, it sucks it straight from the floor, passing air through a fiber pad during the cleaning process.

This simple method of collecting dust is explained by its compact size - a more complex system would be difficult to implement, given the physical characteristics of the device.

The vacuum cleaner, despite its compact dimensions, has several cleaning modes:

• random (automatic) or with a choice of movement trajectory;
• with time setting or until the storage battery is completely discharged;
• delayed start with a maximum interval of 24 hours;
• the cleaning process begins immediately after charging;
• cleaning of limited space - local.

The manufacturer does not indicate the speed of movement, since it is quite difficult to calculate it - this indicator depends on many factors, including the type of floor covering and the degree of contamination.

Charging, turning on and filling indicators installed in the vacuum cleaner help to switch the device from one mode to another or clean it in time.

The manufacturer is proud of its brand and considers the height of 6.1 cm one of the main design achievements. But to make sure the compact device will work for you, be sure to measure difficult-to-maintain areas of your home.

Size chart for the FC 8776 model to help you determine if the vacuum cleaner will actually be useful for your apartment. The warranty period and country of manufacture are also indicated here.

The vacuum cleaner is oriented in space using an IR sensor, so it is important to monitor its serviceability.

The manufacturer took into account that everyone is accustomed to remote control, so he equipped the device with a remote control: without leaving the spot, you can change the operating mode or simply turn off the device.

This manufacturer has a whole line of equally worthy robotic vacuum cleaners for the home, which we described in more detail in this rating.

Pros and cons in customer reviews

Thanks to the passion of modern home appliance users for robots, the SmartPro Compact model quickly became popular.

According to reviews, it is actively purchased for various purposes:

• perform dry cleaning;
• save time allocated for household chores;
• teach children to be clean;
• combine relaxation and putting things in order in the apartment, etc.

Unlike bulky vacuum cleaners with a hose, the compact model does not need to be moved from place to place, dragging an electrical cord along with it.

The small round body with rapidly rotating brushes is very similar to a useful toy that simultaneously removes dust from carpets and hard surfaces, and entertains children and animals

On the positive side, the following features of the device are noted:

• height – just over 6 cm;
• wide nozzle for collecting dust;
• spare filter pad;
• long battery life – more than 2 hours;
• additional wheels to help overcome rapids.

Many customers liked the ease of maintenance of the vacuum cleaner. To remove dust from the container, you need to perform a few simple movements: tilt the lid, pull out the dust container using the convenient handle, remove the top part, filter and empty the debris.

Then you need to return the container to its place, performing the manipulations in the reverse order. From time to time, the filter and plastic bowl should be rinsed with clean water.

In addition to the advantages, users also note negative aspects. Some complain about the quality of the battery, which is why the vacuum cleaner works much less than the stated 2 hours 10 minutes.

Others point out the ineffectiveness of carpet cleaning.But this is easily explained: the passport says that the device is intended for cleaning hard surfaces. If you need a device that will do a good job cleaning carpets, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with next rating.

Another disadvantage is that the device does not always immediately find the base.

However, the SmartPro Compact model really has a lot of advantages, and few negative points - this is a pleasant bonus for Philips.

Comparison with competitors' models

Of course, the popularity of robots also affected the range of other manufacturers. Release similar iRobot models, Clever&Clean, Samsung, Neato, with the first brand being a pioneer and leader in the field of robotics. Let's consider models with approximately similar functionality, designed for dry cleaning.

Competitor #1 - iRobot Roomba 681

The model is designed for dry cleaning. Equipped to perform the job Li-Ion battery, upon completion of the charge it independently returns to the base to restore the energy resource.

The iRobot Roomba 681 control tools are located on the front side of the device; as an option, a remote control can be included for remote control. The limiting area for processing is a virtual wall. To minimize the consequences of an accidental collision with obstacles, the unit is equipped with a soft bumper.

The dust collector capacity is 1 liter, so there is no need to empty it after each session. This automatic cleaner model can be programmed to clean on specific days.

Competitor #2 – Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner

This model performs dry cleaning in several different modes.It can move in a straight line or along a zigzag path, perform cleaning operations in a limited area and quickly process a large area. The lithium-ion battery capacity is almost double that of the previous model.

On battery Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner operates for 2 hours 30 minutes; when the charge is depleted, the smart device returns to the parking lot without the participation of the owners. To detect obstacles, the robot is equipped with infrared and ultrasonic sensors, the total number of which is 12 pieces. The distance is determined by a laser sensor.

If the vacuum cleaner gets stuck or gets into a position from which it cannot get out on its own, the unit emits an alarm sound. It also signals when the battery is low. To perform cleaning by day of the week, you can create a map; the device is integrated into smart home control circuits.

Competitor #3 - PANDA X500 Pet Series

The robotic vacuum cleaner is used for dry floor cleaning and copes “excellently” with pet hair and stubborn, difficult-to-clean floor dirt. Suitable for processing all currently existing types of floor coverings.

The dust collector of the PANDA X500 Pet Series model is only 0.3 liters, but an LED indicator warns when it is full. A soft bumper protects against impacts in possible collisions with furniture.

The model is equipped with speech functions, but warnings and alerts are spoken in English.

Conclusions and best offers on the market

The purchase of a household assistant must be taken responsibly so that in the future there will be no disappointment due to a lack of useful functions.After analyzing the characteristics and capabilities of the FC 8776 model, we can conclude that it is a truly reliable and useful friend with smart behavior and easy maintenance.

Are you thinking about buying a Philips FC 8776, but still have doubts about the advisability of such an acquisition? Ask your questions to our experts and other site visitors - owners of robotic vacuum cleaners will definitely share their experience of using them. Write your comments in the block below.