Blog entry by Terrence Neighbour
Robots that clean and vacuum offer the convenience of cleaning dry and wet messes in one session, without having to switch between devices. They can also reduce space in comparison to two separate units, particularly in smaller living spaces.
A good combination bot should have impressive navigation and obstacles avoidance. Find models that automatically empty their bins and refill their water tank, and machine-wash their mopping pads using a dedicated dock.
1. Eufy S1 Pro
It has plenty to offer for its low cost, and it's 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, complete dust bag, hard floor solution and water tank in no time.
The S1 Pro is an incredibly powerful machine that can mop and vacuum well. The mops are spun at a high speed and utilize 2.2 pounds (1kg of force) to swiftly get rid of pet hair, dirt and sticky dried spills. The vacuum has four power modes, a variety of brushes and attachments, and a user-friendly app that lets you select the exact kind of cleaning you'd like for each room.
For instance, you can request the robot to clean the kitchen and the living room thoroughly, but leave the bedroom in its own space. The S1 Pro has excellent front collision sensors and smart navigation technology. It can detect small obstacles that other models are unable to. The only drawback is that it tends to hit objects and walls at full speed. However, a quick look at the history of cleaning in the app will tell you precisely what the robot hoover and mop has done, where it is going, and which obstacles it has stumbled upon or avoided.
A handy LCD screen on the docking station informs you when maintenance jobs are required like emptying the debris tray, and rinsing its dirty water tank. It is also able to mix detergent into the tank by itself with a 600ml of eufy solution.
Both the S1 Pro vacuum and mop are able to run for a long time as well, with the mop being capable of operating for up to 184 minutes in quiet mode, while the vacuum is can last for 136 minutes in normal mode, before needing to recharge or return to the base to replenish. The app is easy to use and intuitive that lets you look at all the details of the cleaning.
2. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the latest version of the company's flagship robot best automatic vacuum and mop and mop. The model of this year features a double agitator built into its mopping pad. This enhances the cleaning capabilities of carpets with this model. The S8 Pro Ultra has an improved suction capacity that enables it to remove smaller hairs and other particles other robotic cleaners could miss.
As with the two other Roborock models I've tried, this one has reactive 3D obstacle avoidance and infrared technology to can help it avoid walls, furniture and other obstacles. However, the S8 Pro Ultra takes things an extra step by having a dual camera that can recognize objects and determine whether they're a wall or another surface. It can then change its course automatically and clean around them without stumbling.
It's the most expensive of the three models I've reviewed, but it's also feature-packed. Its sleek, angular design is attractive and it has just 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 return the robot to its dock. The hinged lid can be lifted to reveal a 350ml dust bin and 200ml water tank. The water tank is self-emptying and the bin is auto-filling.
The only drawback I could find to this model was that the VibraRise mop pads mount isn't removable. It is possible to replace the mopping cloth when required, but it's a challenge to remove the mount for washing manually. I've found any plush carpet that the robot crosses will come into contact with the rough Velcro like fastener system on the mounts, which can cause scratches.
The S8 Pro Ultra is equipped with a variety of smart features including support for Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The Roborock app is where you can manage and configure these advanced features. It also contains maps and advanced mopping options. The app lets you plan cleanings and monitor the battery's life. You'll need to go through some hoops to activate voice control on this model. It's a shame considering the performance otherwise.
3. Dreame X40
The Dreame X40 robot vacuum and mop is a market leader with innovative features, superior suction power and cutting-edge mowing capabilities. Its clever design permits personalized and efficient cleaning, while also saving time.
The X40 is the first robotic automatic vacuum cleaner and mop cleaner to deliver 12,000 Pascals of cleaning power, which makes it one of the top options available. This powerful vacuum cleans up the dry mess, which includes pet hair and food particles. It also comes with a high-quality mop that leaves floors sparkling clean, even without a wet pad. The X40 is also very quiet when in operation with only occasional bursts during modes changes or self-maintenance.
Another notable feature is the X40's expandable and liftable side brushes, 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 with low profile which makes it an ideal option for smaller apartments or condos. The side brush also automatically lowers itself when it spots wet spots, which is a nice touch that helps the X40 keep floors safe from damage caused by excessive back-and-forth movements.
In contrast to other robots that are restricted to a single task, the X40 can mop and vacuum simultaneously. It can be programmed to only mop the hard floors and skip carpeted areas, and reverse the process. It can be controlled using the Dreame app or via Alexa, Siri, and Google Home for smooth voice-controlled operation.
The app is simple to use and understand The X40 has many smart features that are simple to set up. Users can program the X40 to clean at specific times. It can also be adjusted to adjust suction power, alter modes, view floor plans and maps and manage mopping settings. The X40 can also track its progress and notify you when it's done.
The X40 is easy-to-maintain and offers many convenient features, making it an ideal option for busy families. The docking station automatically empty the dustbin into a huge 3.2 L bin, washes the mop pads, then refills them with fresh water and cleaning solution. It also can detect the moment when the mop pad has reached its capacity to the max and notify you of the situation prior to it bursting.
4. L20 Ultra
The L20 Ultra is a high-end robot that is among the most expensive models available however, it comes with numerous extra features that distinguish it from. The mops are equipped with a new feature called Smart DuoScrub. This uses two high-speed mops to scrub floors more thoroughly than the standard method, and it has an impressive suction power of 7,000Pa. This is significantly higher than the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra or Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni and can vacuum up pet hair and smaller dirt particles - as well as picking up spills and wet spots.
Its mops are also cleaned and dried inside the base station after every use. This is beneficial because it stops mould and unpleasant odours from building up in the storage. It also makes the mop system more efficient. This is a system we've yet to see on other robot vacuum and mop models and could be a great method of keeping your home cleaner for longer.
There are plenty of options, including the option to schedule cleaning times and adjust preferences. The app lets you make these settings or you can utilize the buttons on the device itself. The app is easy to use and offers many options for customizing the cleaning process, and there are a lot of functions that other robots don't include, such as the Clean Genius mode that automatically increases suction power when it detects dust particles instead of using an individual setting.
The L20 Ultra is also one of the most fashionable robots we've seen on the market, sporting metallic and white colors that looks elegant and classy. It's a bit heavier than some of the other two-in-one robots on this list - at around 4kg but it's not too heavy either, and it feels sturdy and well-built. The mopping design is also excellent and the double-rotating mop works well on hard floors and in corners. They can also reach down to 2mm baseboards thanks to the MopExtend feature which is a nice addition.