Blog entry by Genevieve Domingo
Robots that vacuum and clean provide the convenience of cleaning both dry debris and wet messes in one go and without the need to switch devices. They also can save space in comparison to two separate units, especially in smaller living spaces.
A good combination bot will provide excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance. Look for models that have docks that let them automatically empty their bins, refill their water tanks and wash the mopping pads.
1. Eufy S1 Pro
It has a lot to offer for its modest price and is among the easiest robots we've tested to set up. Unpacking the S1 Pro is simple, and a quick-start guide will have you running with a clean and complete dust bag, floor solution for hard floors and water tank in no time at all.
The S1 Pro is a powerful little machine that is able to clean up a storm and is a great vacuum cleaner too. The mops are spun at a high rate and employ 2.2 pounds (1kg of force) to take away pet hair, dirt and sticky dried spills. The vacuum cleaner comes with four power settings, as well as a selection of brushes and attachments, and an intuitive app that lets you choose the type of cleaning you'd like to do for each room.
For instance, you could opt for the robot to clean up the living and kitchen but go easy on the spare bedroom. The S1 Pro's front colision sensors and smart navigation technology are also excellent, with the robot being capable of detecting tiny obstacles that other models struggle with. The only drawback is that the robot cleaner with mop is known to smash into objects and walls at full speed. However, a quick look at the history of cleaning in the app will reveal precisely what the robot has accomplished, where it's moving, and what obstacles it has encountered or avoided.
The docking station features a handy LCD screen that shows the need for maintenance for cleaning up debris and rinsing the dirty water tank. It's also able to mix detergent automatically into the water tank, using a 600ml bottle of Eufy's own solution.
Both the S1 Pro mop and vacuum have a long run time. The mop can operate for 184 minutes in Quiet Mode. The vacuum can last 136 mins in normal mode, before needing to recharge or returning back to the base. The app is easy to use and intuitive and lets you see all the details of the cleaning.
2. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the most recent version of the company's most popular robot vacuum and mop. The model of this year features an agitator that doubles as its mopping pad. This improves the carpet cleaning capabilities of this model. The S8 Pro Ultra has an enhanced suction power that enables it to pull up finer hairs and other debris other robotic hoovers cleaners may miss.
Like the two other Roborock models I've tried, this one has reactive 3D obstacle avoidance and infrared technology to helps it avoid walls, furniture and other obstacles. The S8 Pro Ultra goes one step further and incorporates two cameras that can recognize objects, determining whether they're walls or other surfaces. It then can automatically alter its path and clean around them without missing a beat.
It's the most expensive of the three models I've examined, however, it's also the most loaded with features. Its sleek, angular style is striking and has only three physical buttons which include the power button which also resumes cleaning; a mop-only switch that doubles as a child lock and a home button that can send the robot back to its dock. The hinged lid opens to reveal a 350ml trash bin and 200ml tank of water. The water tank is automatically filled and the bin auto-refills.
The only downside I've found with this model is that its VibraRise mop pad mount isn't removable. While you can replace the mopping cloth (if needed) but it's a challenge to remove the mount to wash it manually. I've found any plush carpet that the robot crosses will be in contact with the rough Velcro like fastener on mount, which can cause abrasions.
The S8 Pro Ultra has a variety of smart features that include support for Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Siri. The Roborock app allows you to manage and set up these features. It also contains maps and advanced mopping options. The app also allows you to schedule cleanings, monitor the battery life and maintain your components. But you'll need to jump through a few hoops in order to allow voice control with this model which is a pity considering the performance of this model.
3. Dreame X40
The Dreame X40 is an industry-leading robot vacuum and mop with outstanding suction power, advanced mowing capabilities, and a variety of innovative features. Its intelligent design allows you to customize and efficiently clean while saving time.
The X40 is the first robot vacuum cleaner to provide 12,000 Pascals of cleaning power, which makes it one of the best alternatives available. This powerful vacuum cleans up the dry mess, which includes pet hair and dust. It comes with a mop of excellent quality that can clean hard floors without using a pad. The X40 is also extremely quiet in operation with only occasional bursts during modes changes or self-maintenance.
Another standout feature is the X40's extendable and liftable side brush, which lets it get into difficult-to-access corners as well as clean curved furniture like table and chairs' legs. The robot is also able to reach under furniture that is low-profile which makes it an ideal option for smaller apartments or condos. The side brush tilts automatically down when it spots wet spots. This is a nice feature that helps the X40 to avoid causing damage to floors through the frequent back-and-forth movement.
Contrary to other robots, which are limited to one task, the X40 can mop and vacuum simultaneously. It can be programmed to mop only the hard floors and skip carpeted areas, or vice versa. It can be controlled through the Dreame app or by using Alexa, Siri, and Google Home to ensure a smooth voice-controlled operation.
The app is intuitive and user-friendly and the X40's intelligent features are a breeze to install. Users can program the X40 to clean at specific times. They can also adjust suction power, alter modes, view maps and floor plans, and manage mopping setting. The X40 will also track its progress and notify you when it is finished.
The X40 is easy to keep clean and has numerous features which make it a good choice for busy families. The docking station automatically empty the trash bin into a 3.2 L bin, cleans mop pads and refills them with clean water and cleaning solution. It can also tell when the mop pad is overflowing and notify you before it gets overflowing, reducing the need for manual maintenance.
4. L20 Ultra
The L20 Ultra is a high-end robot that is among the most expensive models available and comes with numerous extra features that set it apart. The mops come with a brand new feature called Smart DuoScrub that uses two high-speed mops to scrub floors more thoroughly than the conventional method, and has the highest suction power of 7,000Pa. This is higher than Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Ecovacs Deebots T20 Omni. It can also remove pet hair, dirt particles and pick up spills and dirty spots.
The mops are also dried and cleaned inside the base station after every use. This is beneficial because it prevents mould and unpleasant odours from building up in storage. It also makes the mop system more efficient. This is a feature that we haven't seen on other robot mop or vacuum models. It could be a great way to keep your home clean longer.
There's a plethora of settings on offer that include the possibility to schedule cleaning appointments and adjust a number of different preferences. These settings can be adjusted via the app or direct buttons on the device itself. The app is simple to use and has a lot of options for customising the cleaning routine, and there are a lot of features that other robots do not include, for instance, the Clean Genius mode that automatically increases suction power when it detects dust particles, rather than using the manual setting.
The L20 Ultra is also one of the most stylish robots we've seen in the market, with a white and metallic design that looks classy and sophisticated. It's a bit heavier at 4kg than the other robots listed on this list however it's not a lot of weight. It feels solid and well-constructed. The mopping is also well-designed, and the double rotating mops work well on hard floors as well as in corners. The MopExtend feature lets them reach even 2mm below the baseboards.