Derek Adams

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

Robot lawn mower with Smart Home Week graphic

How to prepare your lawn for a robot lawn mower

By Derek Adams published

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

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

I tested Roborock's two best robot vacuums side-by-side – here's how they matched up

By Derek Adams published

The Saros 10 and 10R sit right at the top of Roborock's lineup, so which is the better bot?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD Robot lawn mower

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

By Derek Adams published

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

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

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD robot lawn mower

How exactly do robot lawn mowers work?

By Derek Adams published

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.

Dust bag for Halo Capsule X filter

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

By Derek Adams published

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

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: