Robotic vacuum cleaners are the latest in domestic tech, taking one of the worst household chores off your to-do list by quietly getting on with it in the background while you do other, more interesting things.
Controlled and monitored via app, they begin by mapping out your floor plan before getting hardwood and carpeted floors clean of every day debris.
Most of the major vacuum brands boast a model that will roam happily around your house, but the one we’re reviewing today comes from a company better known for making portable chargers: Anker.
The brand has teamed up with Eufy on a range of RoboVacs. The X8 Hybrid also boasts mopping tech to give kitchen and bathroom floors an extra clean.
We took it for a spin to see if it passes the hype check.
Specs
- Max runtime: 180 min.
- Type of batter:. Li-ion
- Cleaning area: 180 m²
- Capacity: 400ml
- Sound level: 66 dB
- Mopping function: Yes
- Water tank capacity: 250ml
- App control: Yes
- Remote control: No
- Automatic dirt disposal: No
- Interactive mapping: Yes
- Wi-Fi, Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
- Size: H9.7cm x W34.5cm
RoboVac packaging and set-up
The RoboVac comes in a box with a carry handle to make moving it around easier. Along with the disc-shaped device comes the docking station, power adapter, extra filter, five extra disposable mopping cloths, the mop’s water tank with cloth attached and a waterproof base to catch drips, and an extra side brush (there’s one already attached) to sweep floor debris into the path of the vacuum’s ‘mouth’.
The fast-start guide makes set-up simple in just a few steps. The most important part is to figure out where the charging base will go - ideally flat against a wall, close to a mains socket. It should be kept plugged in at all times, otherwise the RoboVac won’t be able to get back home once its cleaning shift is over.
The device needs to be fully charged before you get it going, so while you wait, download the EufyHome app and connect to your Wi-Fi. This is where, if you’re so inclined, you can monitor the machine and see how it maps out your home.
Once it’s fully juiced up (the indicator will turn a constant blue once ready), it’s time for the RoboVac to rock.
RoboVac vacuum function
Naturally the first voyage out for RoboVac, who I christened Robbie the Robot on the app, was more of a recce as it worked out the dimensions of my open-plan kitchen and lounge, before wandering off into the hall.
Though one of the best things about any robot vacuum is that you can leave it to do its thing, I followed it around like a nervous parent, watching its new arrival bump over things. I hurriedly moved wires and shoelaces out of the bristles’ path and tried not to be too critical over how much debris it picked up on the first run (not much). The initial trip is all about learning and mapping, after all.
Successive trips out showed that Robbie the RoboVac wasn’t just a pretty face. There were less knocks and ominous crunches to wince at, although he did go very quiet at one point while under the bed, likely worried about the gangs of dust bunnies hiding under the slats. I had to reposition him and give him a little pep talk (restart) to get him back to operating mode. The app has a handy ‘find my robot’ button to push if yours similarly gets lost behind furniture.
In terms of cleaning, the side brushes are very effective at slinging debris under the RoboVac to be sucked up into the 400ml capacity dust box, and it hugs the edges and corners of rooms more effectively than expected, considering its circular shape. The tyres with a lift mechanism can also navigate rugs and carpeted areas with ease, provided they’re not more than 17mm high.
I live in a flat so there are no stairs to navigate but if you’re in a house you can set up No-Go Zones through the app to ensure the machine gives those a wide swerve.
RoboVac mop function
Using the mop function is fairly simple. It’s just a case of wetting the cloth and sliding it along the bracket on top of the water tank. Fill the tank with tap water and close, then slide the unit into the RoboVac - it will click and announce that the tank is attached when fitted properly.
Then just turn it on and let it get to work. Rather than drenching your hard floors, it leaves behind a thin film which dries quickly. Once finished, empty the tank thoroughly to stop smells from developing.
RoboVac app usability
With plenty of prompts and easy-to-use controls, the app is simple to navigate. Switching the RoboVac on automatically engages Bluetooth and you’re prompted to add your WiFi and password. Then you choose the model you’ve got, and you’re into the mainframe.
Here’s where you can watch floor mapping, and set cleaning schedules to work when you’re not at home - though I wouldn’t feel comfortable using it when I’m not in the house. Nothing to do with the device; more to do with the clutter and furniture I have lying around my flat.
The app also tells user when parts need to be replaced which is a handy extra.
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eufy Robovac X8 Hybrid Cordless Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Buy now £349.00, Argos
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Verdict
Having a robot to do the cleaning is an undeniably 21st century way to do house chores. Eufy by Anker’s X8 Hybrid RoboVac is great at getting under furniture and navigating various terrain as well as cleaning nooks and crannies. The mop function is also helpful, giving my kitchen and bathroom a speedy wash. I love having it tooling around when I’m working from home, giving my floors a quick clean to keep the place presentable on a day-to-day basis.
But neither the vacuum nor the mop function do more than a basic clean. This is great if you don’t have the time to get a manual machine out a few times a week, but not if you’re after an intensive clean every time.
