14 Nov
Blog

Bissell SpinWave Robot Vacuum: A Basic Bot That Cleans Well

The Bissell Spinwave wet and dry robot vacuum

“This is a very simple robotic vacuum that works as advertised. No more, no less. "

  • Simple vacuum, simple interface

  • Dry vacuum cleaner and pug

  • Low profile fits under most furniture

  • Simply change / empty the trash can

  • No frills

  • Inefficient travel routes

I am probably the worst person to test a robot vacuum. I have two children and two dogs, my house is on two levels, which means there are stairs everywhere, and we may vacuum our house every quarter as well. As a result, our carpet is terrible. But maybe all of these things make me perfect for testing a robotic vacuum? When Bissell asked me to take his newest bot for a spin (no pun intended), I was all in. Here's what I found out:

The Bissell SpinWave wet and dry robot is a very flat floor sweeper and mopper that covers the basics of floor cleaning. As the name suggests, there are two modes. The mode is determined by the attachment to the robot. The dirt cup puts the vacuum in dry mode and the mop head puts the robot in wet mode. The vacuum itself is short enough to fit under my couch, kitchen chairs, and even the step board along my kitchen counters. These are all pleasant surprises.

No frills

The vacuum (which my daughter called "Turbo") only navigates with optical sensors and shock sensors. The vacuum cleaner neither maps rooms with unusual technology like the Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid with its lidar, nor does it do anything particularly clever. It uses structured gyroscopic navigation (back and forth pattern) and returns to places it may have missed. The only other sensors are a downward-facing sensor, which prevents strips from moving, and a soft-surface avoidance sensor, which prevents the robot from hitting carpets while mopping. This is a basic robotic vacuum.

I've tested the vacuum on carpets – very dirty carpets – and ceramic tile floors. Both the vacuum passed the hair and grain tests, which was good. Some larger pieces of debris such as lollipop sticks and some cheese stick packaging were not picked up. All in all I would say that the robot vacuum is not as strong as the upright vacuum normally used. However, the advantage of using a robotic vacuum cleaner is that you can use it far more often and even schedule it for the night or other times that I normally wouldn't vacuum. If you run a robotic vacuum cleaner several times over the course of a week, it will become just as powerful as the post, depending on how often we are currently using it.

When a vacuum cycle is complete, or when the battery goes low, the vacuum finds its way back to its charging station. There the vacuum charges wirelessly. After several vacuum cycles, the vacuum will still easily find the charger. The installation instructions recommend that the Base Station be placed in an area 40 inches on each side. I placed them under a chair less than 4 inches on each side, however, and the vacuum still found the charger flawless.

Works wet and dry

Let's move on to the mop mode. The vacuum comes with a bottle of solution that you mix with water. Just take out the bin and insert the mop head. So you are simply in mop mode. The mop attachment has a garbage can that is significantly smaller, but can still collect dust and dirt before running over it with a mop. It's always a good idea.

Bissell Spinwave Robot Vacuum with wet and dry attachments

In wipe mode, the vacuum becomes very stubborn in small corners. I watched the robot mop the same 4 "x 1" corner for about 10 minutes before finally maneuvering to the rest of the floor. The robot has algorithms that tell it where to go, but I can't find a method in the madness. I have no doubt that the vacuum covers the entire floor, but I am not sure that it does this in the most efficient way

There are some things the vacuum doesn't do that I would want in a second generation device. There is no way to block the vacuum in certain rooms. Since the vacuum does not map your home, there is no way you can prevent it from migrating to places it shouldn't be. Even additional sensor barriers that you could purchase separately would be a welcome addition. It would hit the board I put across the threshold of my son's room to keep the vacuum out and the baby gate that I used to keep the vacuum in the kitchen.

I initially struggled to get the stain cleaner to work. I found out because I didn't get the robot to where I wanted to clean it. Bissell's support website provided the answer, but the app didn't prompt me to tell me that a clean patch couldn't start while the device was still in the charger. I would also like to see the option to remotely control the vacuum for spot cleaning.

Don't forget to empty it!

The dust collector fills up very quickly. It is worth repeating that I have two children and two dogs. That's why I have to empty the trash can after every cleaning to keep it running. Unfortunately, like the iRobot Roomba S9 +, the robot doesn't automatically empty the trash can, but that's about a third the price, either. It's okay to schedule several cleanings a week, but it's difficult to empty the bin every morning after a clean. A notification from the app would be nice.

This vacuum absolutely covers the basics and nothing else, but at this price point it doesn't really have to cover anything else.

The outer casing of the vacuum is very sensitive to abrasion. I mentioned earlier that the vacuum cleaner can be cleaned under the kickplates of my kitchen cabinets, but it has often left a scuff mark that makes the vacuum cleaner look beaten up. Fortunately, the scuffs have been polished off with a clean cloth and some cleaner, but it would be nice to see a more abrasion-resistant finish in the future.

After all, the vacuum is not compatible with smart assistants like the Google Assistant and AmazonAlexa. It's not terrible. Actually, it's more of a footnote. It would be nice if you could start a cleaning cycle with a voice command, but to be honest. Starting the app or pressing the start button on the vacuum itself is not difficult.

Our opinion

Overall, this is a very basic vacuum that offers limited robot vacuum functionality and little else. But that's perfectly fine as it's available at a low price for the rest of the field. The normal retail price for this vacuum is $ 400. This is a bargain for a wet / dry vacuum. Even better, at the time of this writing, Bissell is making a sale that will bring the price down to $ 250. That's a staggering amount.

Is there a better alternative?

Naturally! There is no shortage of robotic vacuum cleaners. We have several recommendations that cover the scope. But this package offers a lot of value, especially at the discounted price of $ 250. At this price point, it competes with the Lefant M571 Robot Vacuum, which also wipes. However, these vacuums are at the bottom of the price spectrum, and the cut corners don't detract from that overall value.

How long it will take?

The Bissell SpinWave wet and dry robot vacuum is made of solid plastic. Sensors keep it away from falls and falls. The battery can even be replaced. I don't see any problems with this vacuum that will last long. It comes with a 1 year limited warranty.

Should I buy it?

Yes! Despite all the compromises this vacuum makes, Bissell is a well-known brand that has long been active in the vacuum sector. This vacuum absolutely covers the basics and nothing else, but at this price point it doesn't really have to cover anything else. As long as it covers the entire floor, you are golden. There are more advanced robotic vacuums out there for sure, but none for that kind of value and with a brand name.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Review: Always Hungry Vacuum Stick

LG CordZero A9 compressor holds it in hand

LG CordZero A9 compressor

"With a big appetite and a bunch of tools, the LG CordZero A9 compressor is ready to be cleaned."

  • Versatile set of attachments

  • Free-standing charging station

  • Dust container can be compressed

  • Two batteries included

  • Larger pieces of dirt can cause problems

  • The LG ThinQ integration is a little useless

Cordless vacuums seem to be all the rage in household cleaning these days. They bridge the gap between portable handhelds (think dustbusters) and traditional poles by offering the best of both worlds. While Dyson clearly stands out from the crowd with its legendary suction power and meticulous engineering, several other companies have tried to capitalize on this trend.

LG is no stranger to small appliances and it's clearly a focus for the company. The CordZero A9 compressor seems like an ambitious proposition because of its versatility, but it must first and foremost prove that it can clean. Not only clean well, but also very good.

Versatile cleaning options

The LG CordZero A9 compressor does not immediately deviate too far from the well-known designs that we have seen on other cordless vacuum cleaners. What sets it apart are the various accessories, the charging station and the batteries that come with the package. This model covers all bases as carpet, hardwood and furniture cleaner.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The accessories consist of the following: a universal nozzle, a punching nozzle, a splitting tool and the combination tool. Using the universal nozzle felt uncomfortable at first, until I realized that you could extend the length to make it more comfortable to use when vacuuming carpets. I also like how effective the power punch nozzle is at pulling smaller pieces of dirt off furniture, but it's almost useless for hair-strewn scratching posts because it has problems sucking up larger bunches of fur. This is due to the close spacing of the hard plastic brush in the nozzle.

A base from which to rule them all

Unlike other cordless vacuum cleaners, it has a free-standing charging station for added convenience when storing and charging the accessories. Most other battery sticks come with a base that you need to attach to a wall or something else. However, this is a separate unit. I think it's great that I don't have to attach it to the wall. LG certainly spent time designing the charging station, given all the little details that go with it. For example, there are clamps that make it easier to manage the charging cable so it doesn't get messy.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Not only does it charge the vacuum while it's plugged in, but there is another compartment to charge the spare battery. Dyson's V11 torque is designed for a running time of 60 minutes. This corresponds to the running time of a single battery for the LG CordZero A9 compressor. If I have two batteries, I can suck much longer. There's nothing worse than an empty vacuum while you're in the middle of your cleaning routine.

Good extraction, large dust container

What I like about the universal nozzle is that I rarely see hair growth. It is also intended to fight hardwoods and carpets. Picking up larger pieces of dirt or debris such as cereal can be problematic because the opening is not that wide. Instead, I am forced to raise the vacuum a little so that it absorbs them. For other smaller and finer bits of dirt, it's a champ – they often vacuum them up on the first pass while a second does the job.

The washable components and filters of the CordZero A9 compressor show that LG designed this model with minimal maintenance in mind. The five-stage HEPA filter system is said to filter 99.99% of dust and dirt. And yes, it has built-in Wi-Fi with LG ThinQ integration that not only tracks the cleaning process but can also run diagnostics to reveal potential issues. While it's a nice touch, if you keep track of how long I've spent cleaning the modes, the overall experience doesn't make sense.

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 1 out of 9

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 2 out of 9

As the name suggests, the LG CordZero A9 compressor can squeeze its trash can with the lever on the device. This corresponds to a maximum capacity of 33.8 ounces versus the 25.6 ounce capacity of the comparable Dyson V11 Torque Drive. It's useful in the sense that I don't empty it as often as other vacuums, but it doesn't have the best emptying mechanism. There is a lever on the bottom that opens the lid to dispose of the contents. However, I find that my hand often gets dusty because it is right next to the lever when it is opened.

Our opinion

It's an admirable accomplishment from LG as the CordZero A9 compressor is quite a punch down at $ 600. It stands out in every category for being an outstanding cordless vacuum cleaner in the high-end sector.

How long it will take?

Despite the mostly plastic construction, this vacuum rod has a considerable processing quality. As mentioned earlier, many of the components, including the filter, can be washed. It comes with a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty. However, the intelligent inverter motor has a 10 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive can clean better and has more suction, but you pay an additional $ 100 for it. There is also its sibling, the V11 Outsize, which offers a larger dust bin and replaceable batteries.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the LG CordZero A9 compressor moves right between performance and features to make it a well-rounded option.

Editor's recommendations




15 Aug
Blog

Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog Cordless Vacuum Review

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum cleaner for cats and dogs upright

Miele Triflex HX1 cordless vacuum cleaner for cats and dogs

"The Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog is versatile, powerful and a great cordless option."

  • Lots of tools and configurations

  • Bin empties no dust cloud when emptying

  • Extremely strong

  • Compact

  • Expensive

  • Short battery life

Bagless vacuum cleaners are notorious for blowing dust back into the air when emptying. In 2016, Miele promised its bagless vacuums would not do this. Four years later I finally got one to test out, the Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog.

This cordless vacuum cleaner is modular and can be assembled in several ways, including a handheld device. Miele said it was made for pets so I put it on my scratching post.

Attach

For my current vacuum, I have a reusable shopping bag with accessories. Miele offers a wall bracket for the HX1 that can also accommodate several attachments. I suspect there is just no neat way to store the bulky hand brush attachment so it has to lie on the floor next to the vacuum.

In addition to the hand brush and the standard vacuum head, the Miele comes with a splitting tool, upholstery accessories and a dust brush. The hand brush, the upholstery accessories and the dust brush were needed to clean my scratching post. This is not the fault of the vacuum. My scratching post is a mix of carpet platforms, squishy pillows and a Papasan chair shell to relax in. Great for cats, terrible for cleaning.

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum brush head for cats and dogsJenny McGrath / Digital Trends

The reason the vacuum is called the Triflex is because it can be configured to be strictly hand-held (to quote the Beastie Boys) or to work in two different floor styles with the container closer to the floor or in near the handle. Replacing the various nozzles and brush heads is mostly easy, but removing the rod that extends the vacuum handle can sometimes require a tug of war.

With the dust bin, motor, and battery, the vacuum weighs about three pounds, with no accessories that don't add too much weight. It's definitely handy, but it can get tiring for people who are used to using only one hose with an attachment. There is no getting around having to hold all of the vacuum when using it like a dustbuster.

maximum power

With the handle of the HX1 you can choose between three power settings. Let's face it, the only time you're probably not using maximum power is on delicate carpets. The maximum setting lives up to its name and has soaked everything up in sight. The hand brush worked great on the scratching post platforms which are usually a little tricky to clean. The dust brush and upholstery tool were better on the softer surfaces, like the pillows, which had plenty of cat fur. It still took time and patience to go over the furrier areas several times, but the tree was far less furry after vacuuming.

In addition to the scratching post, I also tested the Miele on carpeted and hardwood floors with a variety of substances, including rice and cereal. With some vacuum cleaners, I've found that vacuuming small pieces of debris can get over wooden floors. Not so with the HX1. It held everything in, even if it struggled with – admittedly bulky – completely intact gold graham squares. However, it picked up almost everything else and did an impressively thorough job.

The maximum attitude lives up to its name and has absorbed everything on site.

The vacuum cleaner's standard brush head has a low profile that fits very nicely under my bookshelves and console table, which are sometimes too low for larger vacuum heads. It also comes with a spotlight if you slide it into those dark corners.

Jenny McGrath / Digital Trends

It took about 12 minutes to completely clean the scratching post. The HX1's battery lasted at max. This is a little short compared to some of the competition and there is no backup battery for larger jobs. The battery lasts about an hour in energy-saving mode. The lifespan is a little shorter than that of another direct competitor, the Dyson V11 Outsize, which extends to a slightly longer 120 minutes in eco mode. It takes four hours to charge the battery, which is standard on cordless vacuum cleaners.

Undustables

With my own bagless vacuum cleaner, I usually take it outside before emptying it in the trash. It gives off a cloud of dust that redistributes exactly the kitten scales that I wanted to banish first. The HX1 certainly had large particles in the bin by the time I finished vacuuming, but when I opened it to empty it, that pile of dust was missing. The filters that you clean by removing them every month and banging them against the walls of your trash can really seem to hold it all in.

Miele Triflex HX1 vacuum power switch close-up of the cat & dogJenny McGrath / Digital Trends

Everything about the HX1 is pretty small, including the dust bin. It holds about half a liter of dirt and other trash. The capacity is good enough for apartments or studios, but requires frequent emptying for larger houses. The Dyson V11 Outsize, for example, has a much larger 1.8 liter garbage can. The container is opened with a twist of the container at the top, a little different from most other vacuum cleaners. You probably have to read the manual for the first time to find out, but it's pretty easy after that.

Our opinion

At $ 699, the Miele Triflex HX1 Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner is comparable to some high quality Dyson vacuum cleaners. The battery life is short and it can be very difficult in handheld mode. However, it is a very powerful, user-friendly vacuum. And the lack of a cloud of dust? * Chef kiss. *

Is there a better alternative?

As great as the HX1 is, Miele's price tag is just too high for many people. There are certainly cheaper vacuums like the Dyson V7 ($ 288) or the Tineco Pure One S12 ($ 530).

How long it will take?

Consumer Reports found that cordless vacuums had questionable reliability due to their reduced battery life. The HX1 is otherwise well constructed and comes with a one year warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you have a relatively small house that you can vacuum in about 15 minutes and want to spend hundreds of dollars on a cordless device, the HX1 is a great choice. It's powerful, versatile, and doesn't take up too much space.

Editor's recommendations




07 Jul
Blog

Shark IQ Robot R101AE Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Review

Hai iq robot vacuum rating 3

Shark IQ Robot 101AE with self-draining base

"The self-draining ability of the IQ robot combined with its ability to clean only certain areas allows me to schedule 30 days and achieve a truly automated cleaning experience."

  • Empties

  • Excellent suction power

  • Useful home mapping

  • Reasonable price

  • Loud operation

  • The robot needs a week to learn the environment

I'm too lazy to do robotic vacuum cleaners.

I don't want to make sure the dog bowl is out of the way, pull my shoes out of the middle of the entrance, and move my laptop cable and cell phone chargers so the robot doesn't eat them. I also don’t feel like emptying the trash can regularly.

I recently had the opportunity to review a new Shark robot vacuum called IQ Robot. What does the Shark IQ Robot have compared to the millions of other robot vacuum cleaners on the market? Is it nicer Smarter? Will it fold my laundry? What makes it special?

Well, like the Roomba i7 plus, the Shark IQ R101AE is an automatically emptied robotic vacuum cleaner. It is also said to have exceptional suction power, a self-cleaning brush roller, advanced mapping functions and a relatively affordable price. Given that features tend to increase pricing, it's reassuring that Shark keeps them relatively available.

Let's see if this self-draining robot is as good as it sounds.

Get ready

When I opened the box, I found the Shark IQ robot with the self-cleaning brush roller, wheels and main components already installed. To complete the assembly of the robot, all I had to do was snap open the two front side brushes, which are one-sided. I also found the self-draining base that also serves as a charging station. Finally, there is a mat included in case I want to set up the IQ robot on a carpet area. I did not use the mat because I placed the device on a hard floor.

Erika Rawes / Digital Trends

The setup process was very simple. It took less than five minutes. After fully charging the robot, which took six hours to fully charge the battery, I installed the Shark Clean app and connected the voice control device to Alexa.

Yes, it empties itself and is pretty cute

Erika Rawes / Digital Trends

I can hear the dirt being sucked out of the robot every time the robot interacts with the docking station. The emptying station is also without a bag, so I don't have to worry about replacement bags or environmental damage caused by plastic.

Thanks to the self-draining bagless technology, I can leave the vacuum alone for about a month. When it's finally time to empty the dirt, I just lift the container up and push a button to throw dust and dirt into a trash can.

Much better mapping than previous Shark robots

Earlier Shark robot vacuum cleaners like the ION R85 weren't particularly good at card technology. The R85 has intelligent sensor navigation with which it can avoid objects and move around the house. However, it does not have a visual assignment.

The new Shark IQ Robot is far ahead of the ION R85 in this regard. It does not repeatedly drive over areas where it has already been cleaned, and it creates a map of your house in the app that allows you to select specific areas in which the robot should clean. For example, you can instruct the robot to only clean the master bedroom or living room and they know exactly where to go.

Powerful shark suction

This vacuum has an amazing suction power. The suction power is better than most upright units I have encountered. As a result, my floors were completely free of dust, dirt and dog hair. However, what really impressed me about the IQ robot was its ability to pick up large debris. We have a lot of trees on our property, so my family and I track a lot of dried leaves. The robot picked up all of the last leaves, crumbs, and scraps of food left on the floor from the day.

The IQ robot comes with 8 feet of magnetic strips that I can use to block areas where the robot shouldn't be driving. I cut the magnetic strips into smaller pieces and put the strips in front of my dog's crate, around their feeding area and in front of an area where there are many cables and charging cables. This way, I don't have to move anything before I have vacuumed or cleaned up, which cancels the purpose of automated cleaning.

Planning, automatic top-up and more

I can set the IQ robot to clean on a schedule. In general, the robot vacuum planning features are not too useful since the user has to empty the trash can and prepare the cleaning area between cleanings. The self-draining ability of the IQ robot, combined with its ability to clean only certain areas, allows me to set a 30-day schedule and have a truly automated cleaning experience. The robot has a battery life of 90 minutes on a single charge. However, if the robot runs out of battery juice or the dust container fills up during cleaning, it will return to the station to get more battery power or drain itself and then continue cleaning.

The robot also speaks and lets me know when problems arise. If I can't find the robot, the app has the "Find my robot" function that the robot uses to beep so that I can find the device if it gets stuck under a couch or in a cabinet. Since it is compatible with Alexa and Google Home, I can also use voice commands to control the IQ robot.

The robot is a bit loud

Erika Rawes / Digital Trends

This vacuum makes a lot of noise. It's louder than any other robot vacuum I've used during operation. It is also extremely noisy when the robot empties the dirt into the self-draining base. When emptied, it sounds like one of those vacuum cleaners in the car wash. It frightened my dog ​​for the first time, and now she looks at the robot every time he approaches the docking station and waits for him to make the loud noise.

For me, the volume of the device wasn't too much of a problem as I can just stop my Hulu show when the vacuum approaches. But for those who have young children or in a home situation where they need a robot vacuum that works quietly, this could be a problem.

There is a learning curve

Most robotic vacuum cleaners take some time to learn your home. This device had to vacuum my house for eight days (14 separate cleaning cycles) before a complete map of my house was created. For the first week before the card was ready, I couldn't set the robot to only clean certain rooms.

The robot couldn't find the dock when he was still learning my home. It searched for about 45 seconds and then the robot said aloud that it couldn't find the dock and asked me to put it on the dock manually. It still worked normally and emptied itself after I put it on the dock, but I was a little surprised that it couldn't find it on its own. After about five days, the robot started to locate the dock with no problems.

Warranty info

The Shark IQ robot is guaranteed for one year.

Our opinion

The practical and powerful Shark IQ robot solves most of the problems customers have with robotic vacuum cleaners. There are a few drawbacks – the robot is noisy and it takes about a week to learn the house and unlock all of its features – but since the IQ robot is cheaper than other robots in its category, I'm still happy with that Total unit.

Are there any better alternatives?

The main competition to the IQ Robot is the iRobot Roomba i7 Plus, an excellent machine with excellent mapping functions and exceptional cleaning performance. The two main differences between the IQ Robot and the i7 Plus are the price and the fact that the IQ Robot is bagless.

You can buy the IQ Robot for $ 600, which is the normal retail price. The i7 Plus costs around $ 1,000. The i7 Plus is also self-draining, but the emptying station contains disposable bags. The customer must replace the bag after the trash can has been emptied 30 times.

How long it will take?

With visual mapping and smart home compatibility, this robot is technologically exactly where it should be. Functions such as self-draining and the option to select certain cleaning areas make it even better and bring it a little ahead of the curve.

There's no reason to believe that the Companion (Shark Clean) app will soon end support for the IQ Robot, and you shouldn't have to worry about the quality of the robot either. All parts and components feel robust and well made.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you don't want to worry about vacuuming at all, this robot is a good investment.

Editor's recommendations




09 May
Blog

Roborock S6 MaxV Review: This Robotic Vacuum Has Eyes

Roborock S6 MaxV lifestyle

Roborock S6 MaxV Review: It can find and avoid your socks

"It's not perfect, but the Roborock S6 MaxV can detect and avoid clutter when cleaning."

  • Efficient cleaning

  • Strong suction power

  • Long battery life

  • Accurate map layouts

  • Has trouble recognizing some obstacles

  • It is expensive

Robotic vacuum cleaners save time, which we could all use. In the world of robot vacuum cleaners, innovations have become more and more convenient, including bots that empty their trash bins themselves and two-in-one models that wipe. Despite all these advances, some lack the intelligence to intelligently avoid clutter in the home.

The Roborock S6 MaxV hopes to change this with a pair of cameras equipped with reactive AI obstacle detection and a Qualcomm chip. Can it actually dodge and weave? Or is it still getting upside down in trouble?

Avoid hit-or-miss obstacles

When I gave the Roborock S6 MaxV a whirl for the first time, I was curious whether it could intelligently bypass or clean obstacles.

It definitely looks like this. First, there is a raised window on top that stores the bot's lidar navigation system, which is used to map rooms. From there it goes on to the vacuum floor, while two cameras in the front take pictures at 30 frames per second (FPS) to avoid obstacles.

I usually spend some time pre-cleaning before cleaning – lifting dog bowls off the floor, putting clothes away, and making sure the charging wires on all my devices are tucked away properly. However, the new Roborock wants to eliminate this process.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

I was glad that I managed to clean a small box that I left in the middle of the floor. In another case, it crept slowly to a sneaker and then sucked around it.

To really test his ability, I left a few whoppers on the floor to simulate what could happen if your pet left a surprise on the floor. The first two piles were cleaned perfectly around them, but not the third – it was run over instead. So it could avoid your four-legged friend's accidents … or not.

Robotic vacuum cleaners also have problems in closed, confined spaces. They often pinch themselves in a position that they cannot leave. With a Qualcomm APQ8053 processor that works behind the scenes in conjunction with its stereo cameras, I was hoping that the Roborock S6 MaxV would avoid such complications.

I was disappointed to see that it got stuck in the small crack under my entertainment center and forced me to get in to save the day. I was even more annoyed that it was having trouble recognizing the beveled edge of my side table – so it kept dancing back and forth as it moved along that beveled edge. This is actually not uncommon since all of these vacuum cleaners have difficulty cleaning these oddly shaped devices.

I was disappointed that it got stuck in the little crack under my entertainment center.

Overall, object detection appears to be a hit or miss. The Roborock S6 MaxV didn't seem smart enough to work without supervision. However, future firmware updates that optimize learning skills may make it smarter. Other robotic vacuum cleaners don't have this luxury, including more expensive bots like the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus and the Neato D7. You will just run over everything on your way.

An efficient cleaner

Thanks to its lidar navigation system, the Roborock S6 MaxV is an efficient cleaner. Seriously, it doesn't waste time. It tends to follow an S-pattern when cleaning open spaces and go through for quick and efficient coverage. That's the beauty of the technology used by some other vacuum cleaners worth over $ 500, like the Eufy RoboVac L70 and the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo 930. It is practically a matter of course that these vacuum cleaners perform well thanks to the integrated lidar navigation.

Corners are also not suitable because the single rubber brush sweeps up dirt in the direction of the underside brush. It's worth noting that unlike the bristle brush used by most vacuum cleaners, it's rubber, so it lasts longer. In addition to the exceptional cleaning capabilities, the model's 2500 Pascal (Pa) suction power is the strongest in Roborock's product line. It collects almost everything on its way.

Carpets are firmly cleaned thanks to the strong suction power, but long strands of hair can sometimes clump together and get tangled in the roller. Fortunately, it can be easily removed as there is a cleaning tool to remove these tangles.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

In addition to vacuuming, you can also wipe with the S6 MaxV by attaching the supplied pad and filling the removable water tank on the back of the robot. The best thing about it is that it saves time having to do separate cleansing, so you vacuum and wipe at the same time. As dirt collects through the front, these vacuumed surfaces are wiped off during movement. The wiping performance is no different from other vacuum cleaners I have tested. Water splashes from below and is then evenly distributed by the pad on the floor as the robot moves forward.

The Roborock S6 MaxV is an efficient cleaner.

I am impressed with how well it is able to clean rooms. In places where there may be more dirt, such as near the litter box, a second pass is required to completely cover the area, but that's all.

Because of its efficiency, it is able to clean my entire apartment without needing to charge it – it has been cleaned with a lot of battery for 50 minutes without interruption / the battery life is also better than many of its competitors – it is designed for 180 minutes would be more than enough to vacuum and wipe my place twice. For comparison: The iRobot Roomba i7 has a maximum runtime of 75 minutes.

App that rocks

The Roborock app offers a wealth of useful tools and insights into cleaning the Bot Vac. I am particularly amused by the card they created for my apartment. It intelligently recognizes spaces on its own. I can clean a specific room by selecting it on the map.

It also shows what objects it comes across when cleaning. Do you remember the "shit" it could see? Well, it is clearly visible where it was found on the map. Small details like this make the app better than others I've tested. It doesn't happen often that an app helps me track down a missing pair of socks.

The app provides insight into maintenance and how many hours are left before the filter, side brush and main brush need to be replaced or cleaned.

While the Roborock S6 MaxV can clean independently, I can take full control of the robot vacuum cleaner manually using the screen control with the app. It's like operating a remote-controlled toy. Useful? Maybe not, but it's definitely fun.

It's like operating a remote-controlled toy.

If the app is not your thing, there is always voice control. It supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. I can order him to start cleaning – or return to his charging station.

Our opinion

There is still work to be done before I can trust this robot vacuum to be cleaned by itself without me having to oversee it. On a positive note, it's a two-in-one bot that can suck and wipe – something that works very well. It's expensive at $ 749, but it's better than another robot with a camera, the $ 1,150 Deebot Ecovacs 960.

Are there any better alternatives?

Yes, but you won't find many that include object detection cameras. The Deebot Ecovacs 960 is a similar option, but more expensive.

Roborocks S5 is a combined vacuum and wiping robot that costs less than $ 500. It's worth a look if you don't (or don't want) high-end room allocation and object detection features.

How long it will take?

There's a lot of technology in this, so it wouldn't be a surprise if people were worried about longevity. As long as proper maintenance is carried out, e.g. For example, removing tangled cables from the brushes and removing the various sensors, the Roborock S6 MaxV should work in perfect condition. In the event of a manufacturer defect, there is a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor.

Should I buy it?

Yes, if only because it is much cheaper than its closest rival.

Editor's recommendations




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