Having covered many robotic vacuum cleaners over the years, I have realized that these dustbusters will keep on getting better with every tech innovation. Presently, some models excel at cleaning tiles, hardwood, and carpet while others are specifically designed to handle pet hair, capture fine dust particles, and navigate obstacles effectively. Despite advancements in technology, one persistent drawback of robotic vacuum cleaners that has always put me off is their inefficiency in mopping a space and offering a hands-free service to the user.
I am not denying the existence of vacuum cleaners that have mopping capabilities but to find a truly hands-free robot vacuum and a mop combo has proven challenging. This is where SwitchBot enters the frame with its ‘SwitchBot Floor Cleaning Robot S10’, a hands-free vacuum cleaner and mop that not only accumulates dust for up to 70 days but also self-empties for hot air drying. This means you can go months without touching your vacuum, as it will autonomously clean your floors, mop your tiles, fill the dust bag, and even drain dirty water on its own. Well, at least that’s what the company claims.
To my fortune, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Switchbot S10. I believe the following analysis will not only provide you with my first-hand experience with the much-touted hands-free robot vacuum cleaner but also help you determine your buying decision. Additionally, the review also reflects on various aspects of vacuum cleaners, and whether the company stands tall to its claims or falls flat on its back.
Packaging and Content:
The SwitchBot S10 consists of four main components: the robot, a vacuum dock for charging and debris disposal, a water station for connections and waste disposal, and an optional water tank if you choose not to connect to a water line. While these components are separate, compared to typical single-unit docks, some users might prefer an integrated unit to conserve floor space.
Speaking of the two units: the vacuum dock is responsible for auto-emptying and drying whilst functioning as a charger. However, the biggest highlight of the package is the second dock which is an auto-fill and drain water station. The second station is compatible with an external water tank and handles water refilling and draining. Other components include two side brushes (only one can be used at a time), three dust bags, and two 75ml cleaning solutions.
Assembly:
Before purchasing, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary water connections that are compatible with Switchbot S10. The vacuum cleaner can connect to various water sources like dishwashers, washing machines, or faucets, and it comes with all the required connections. This is important considering that the water station comes with built-in pipes that connect to running water, allowing it to drain and refill itself without manual intervention.
In case you don’t have a water line compatible with SwitchBot S10 at home or lack a washing machine or dishwasher, SwitchBot gives you an offer to opt for external water tanks that can be connected to your water dock station. Unlike its competitors, the external water tank is quite small and requires human intervention refills and emptying, which kills the whole purpose of buying a hands-free vacuum cleaner and mop.
Performance of the Vacuum and Mop:
Both the mop and vacuum of S10’s are equally impressive. I didn’t encounter any difficulty with vacuuming or mopping but wasn’t impressed with the size that always became a hindrance in cleaning small spaces, nooks, and corners. While the S10 struggles with tight spots, it effectively cleans up wet and dried debris.
What’s Good:
Offers Hands-Free Service: One limitation of robot vacuums is their need for occasional human intervention to empty the vacuum bag or water tank but that is not the case with Switchbot S10 as it addresses this issue by automating these tasks effectively. The Switchbot S10 not only allows for direct water line connections to fill and empty itself but can also operate for months without human intervention. Of course, it would require instructions via the SwitchBot application or SwitchBot Universal Remote that is compatible with the SwitchBot curtain roller, and other accessories coming from the company’s foundry.
Easy Mapping: While I did struggle with plumbing and assembling the pipes, setting up the S10 robot for mapping was not that difficult. The Switchbot app allows you to map your dock stations, using LiDAR (a laser method measuring light and distance) technology. Next, you can send the S10 out to map your floor.
What’s Bad:
Installation: While the assembly process is straightforward, it is quite time-consuming. To deal with the robot vacuum cleaner and auto-empty dry station isn’t a hassle but to operate the drain water station is a bit tedious. The most difficult part is plumbing as it involves a lot of screws and patience. It took me about 50 minutes to assemble on my own. I would have almost given up had it not been for the manual and YouTube guide (my patience and perseverance) that came to my rescue.
Poor Battery Backup: Another aspect where I was left disappointed is the battery backup. Though it touts a run time of 220 minutes, but my vacuum was getting extensively drained, requiring frequent recharges and resulting in incomplete cleaning sessions. But if you decrease the suction power and offer a flat space for the vacuum to operate, I assume the battery can surely go for 180 minutes, if not 220 minutes. Not to mention, the irritating noise it makes while vacuuming.
Conclusion:
The S10 isn’t Roomba but it vacuums pretty well. Though it costs an arm and a leg, it does provide good value with its hands-free feature. I experienced no issues while vacuuming, mopping, refilling empty stations, and operating the application. Despite, all the good features, I believe SwitchBot needs to make the assembly process a bit easier, as everyone isn’t a pipe fitter to quite configure how to connect the robot to their plumbing.
NOTE: This is neither a sponsored article nor a biased one. The review is a personal opinion of the editor based on the experience he had with the vacuum cleaner. We however thank SwitchBot for sending us the robotic vacuum cleaner for independent review.
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