Articles by Derek Adams

Derek Adams has been in consumer tech journalism since joining London listings magazine Time Out in the early ‘80s. He’s an experienced reviewer of cordless vacs and robot vacs, indeed anything that runs on batteries or has a plug attached. Derek also writes extensively for TechRadar’s sister site T3.com between playing drums and guitar with his bandmates in Red Box.

Articles by: Derek Adams

Roborock F25 Ultra clearing a mess of egg, oats, ketchup and more from an engineered wooden floor

In the pantheon of new home appliances, the Roborock F25 Ultra is unequivocally my favorite product of 2025

By Derek Adams published 28 December 25

The Roborock F25 Ultra doesn't sound glam, but it has transformed my cleaning game.

Person using Roborock F25 Ace Combo mop in a home with dogs running around

What is a wet-and-dry vacuum, and do I actually need one?

By Derek Adams published 12 October 25

For certain households, a wet-dry vacuum can be a game-changer – here's what to expect, plus alternatives to consider.

Robot lawn mower with Smart Home Week graphic

How to prepare your lawn for a robot lawn mower

By Derek Adams published 25 June 25

Smart home week Lawnbots can be a major effort-saver when it comes to yardcare – here's how to get your lawn ready.

Roborock robot vacuum on carpet next to Smart Home Week graphic

6 settings you should be changing on your robovac (but probably aren't)

By Derek Adams published 23 June 25

Shifting away from the defaults can transform your robot vacuum from basic home helper to tailored cleaning assistant.

Roborock Saros 10R and Saros 10 robot vacuums side by side in reviewer's house

Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R: which should I buy?

By Derek Adams published 12 May 25

I tested Roborock's Saros 10 and 10R side by side – here's how they matched up.

Roborock Qrevo Master robot vacuum with side brush kicked out

Roborock Qrevo Master review: hassle-free cleaning from the king of robot vacuums

By Derek Adams published 11 April 25

It's not the very newest Roborock, but it's still a supremely capable bot and there are some strong deals to be had.

Close up of camera on iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max (left) and close up of LiDAR navigation puck on Roborock robot vacuum

LiDAR vs vSLAM: which robot vacuum navigation technology is better?

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 January 25

vSLAM and LiDAR will both help your robovac find its way around, but one is better than the other.

Dreame L40 Ultra (left) and D-shaped Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuums (right)

5 overdue robot vacuum innovations I want to see in 2025

By Derek Adams last updated 30 December 24

From D-shaped bots to better-looking docks, here's what's on my robovac wishlist for the new year.

Roborock Qrevo Curv robot vacuum in reviewer's home

How do robot vacuums navigate?

By Derek Adams published 10 December 24

Here's exactly how robovacs find their way around, without crashing down stairs, running slipshod over toys and cables, or bumping into furniture.

Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum in a village hall

Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum review

By Derek Adams published 20 November 24

If you can handle the large and ugly dock, the Dreame L40 Ultra is an almost-perfect hybrid robot vacuum.

Should I buy a robot lawn mower? We look at the pros and cons

By Derek Adams published 14 July 24

A robot lawn mower can be a great timesaver, but it's not right for everyone.

Miele Classic C1 Flex against a fireplace

Miele Classic C1 vacuum cleaner review

By Derek Adams published 13 July 24

A powerful but dated corded cylinder floor cleaner for those on a tighter budget.

How exactly do robot lawn mowers work?

By Derek Adams published 7 July 24

Do they need a navigation wire? How do they find their way around? And where exactly does the grass go? We answer all your robot lawn mower questions.

I've tested dozens of vacuum cleaners – here's why bagged models are best

By Derek Adams published 23 June 24

More efficient, cheaper to run in the long term, and certainly more reliable... bagged vacs are where it's at.

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