Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Review: The smartest and most powerful, and the most expensive
Today we’re taking a look at the highly anticipated Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, the latest innovation in robot vacuums that was unveiled at CES 2024.
This powerhouse of a robot vacuum cleaner offers a formidable combination of strong suction power, a vibrating mop, hot water washing, a detergent dispenser, and intelligent dirt detection. With such advanced capabilities, it’s no wonder that many users are eager to get their hands on this impressive device.
However, the S8 MaxV Ultra’s top-of-the-line features come at a cost, and its exorbitant price tag may give some potential buyers pause. While it’s undoubtedly one of the most advanced robots for floor maintenance on the market, there are now more affordable alternatives that offer comparable efficiency and performance.
So, the question remains: does the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra deliver on its promises? Is its cleaning performance and ease of use truly worth the hefty price tag? In our review, we’ll delve into its daily functionality to determine whether it lives up to the high expectations set by its impressive features.
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Video Review
| Specs | Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra |
| Dimensions Robot Vacuum | 350 x 353 x 103 mm |
| Dimensions Charging Base | 409 x 419 x 470 mm |
| Battery | 5200mAh |
| Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours |
| Battery Life | 180 min |
| Suction Power | 10000Pa |
| Dustbin Capacity | 270ml |
| Dust Bag Capacity（L） | 2.5L |
| Mop | VibraRise mop |
| Brushes | DuoRoller bristleless dual brush roller |
| Cleaning Modes | Vacuum and Mop, Vacuum only, Mop only, Vacuum then mop |
| Tangle Detection | Yes |
| Surface Recommendation | All floor types |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Matter |
| Integrations | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Design
Visually, the S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum exudes sophistication, particularly in its sleek black finish. The design is characterized by a harmonious blend of glossy and matte textures, with a nod to modern aesthetics. The upper portion of the robot is divided into two sections, with a shiny plastic cover housing the HEPA filter and dust bin, while the other half features intuitive quick access buttons for seamless operation. The LiDAR dome, adorned with an illuminated Roborock logo, adds a touch of flair to the overall design.
Functionality is at the forefront, evident in the array of sensors adorning the front of the robot, including a camera and LEDs, ensuring precise obstacle detection and efficient dirt removal. The lower section houses a double brush roller, a FlexiArm motorized side brush, and a VibraRise vibrating mop, working in tandem to deliver thorough cleaning along baseboards and other tricky areas.
The accompanying docking station is equally impressive, boasting a generous 4 L clean water tank and a 3.5 L waste water tank, conveniently positioned for easy access. Despite their size, both tanks maintain a tidy appearance, enhanced by built-in handles for effortless handling. A removable glossy panel on the front conceals the 2.5 L dust bag and a refillable detergent tank, introducing a new level of convenience to the cleaning process.
What truly sets the docking station apart is its innovative mop maintenance feature. A dedicated brush ensures thorough cleaning of the mop with hot water, while a designated area caters to the smaller mop, effectively eliminating odors and bacteria. The final touch comes in the form of hot air drying, leaving both mop and brush pristine and ready for future cleaning tasks.
APP
During the initial setup process, the S8 MaxV Ultra maps your living space with precision, automatically segmenting rooms and identifying furniture and floor types. This map serves as the foundation for efficient cleaning, allowing you to edit, merge, or split rooms as needed and define prohibited areas to avoid. Personalization is key, and you have the flexibility to adjust floor coverings and furniture placement for optimal accuracy. With the ability to store multiple maps, the robot effortlessly navigates your home, selecting the appropriate map for each cleaning task.
The accompanying Roborock app puts precise control, allowing you to fine-tune cleaning preferences such as suction strength, mop humidity level, and cleaning sequence. Tailoring settings for individual rooms ensures thorough cleaning where it matters most, whether it’s the high-traffic entryway or the serene sanctuary of the bedroom.
For those who prefer simplicity, the SmartPlan and DirtTec features take the guesswork out of cleaning. These intelligent capabilities enable the robot to adapt cleaning parameters based on detected dirt levels, ensuring comprehensive cleaning without the need for manual intervention. The S8 MaxV Ultra’s ability to recognize carpets independently allows for seamless transitions between floor types, automatically adjusting suction power and mop behavior as needed.
The innovation extends to the docking station, with adjustable parameters for mop washing water temperature, drying time, and washing frequency. Off-peak charging options further optimize energy consumption, allowing for cost-effective recharging during favorable electricity rates.
Equipped with an onboard camera, the S8 MaxV Ultra intelligently navigates obstacles and provides real-time mapping updates. Additionally, it doubles as a surveillance camera, offering live video feeds with two-way audio for added peace of mind. Hello Rocky, the onboard voice assistant, enhances user interaction, providing hands-free control and seamless integration with popular smart home ecosystems like Alexa and Google Assistant.
With support for the Matter protocol, the S8 MaxV Ultra sets the standard for home automation integration, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of smart devices for enhanced convenience and connectivity.
Cleaning performance
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra redefines cleaning efficiency with its impressive suction power of 10,000 Pa, making it a formidable force against dirt and debris on both hard floors and carpets. Equipped with a double brush roller, this powerhouse effortlessly collects dirt and dust, ensuring thorough cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas like carpet fibers and tile joints. The addition of the FlexiArm robotic side brush further enhances its coverage, sweeping along baseboards and into corners with precision.
Putting the S8 MaxV Ultra to the test on floors laden with earth, dust, and mud proved its sweep, effortlessly tackling the mess and leaving floors spotless. Even stubborn dirt lodged in joints posed no challenge for this efficient cleaner.
Transitioning to rugs and carpets, the S8 MaxV Ultra’s robust suction and double brush roll excel at deep cleaning, effortlessly lifting hidden dust and dirt for a pristine finish. Its ability to automatically adjust suction power ensures optimal cleaning results on various floor surfaces.
Wet cleaning is where the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra truly shines. Unlike competitors that rely on rotating mops, it utilizes a vibrating mop to scrub floors effectively, especially targeting stubborn, dry stains. Paired with a rotating side mop, it ensures comprehensive coverage, even along baseboards, for impeccably clean floors. The integrated detergent tank simplifies the process by automatically adding cleaning solution to the water, enhancing efficiency and cleaning performance.
Thanks to its advanced sensors, including LiDAR and a camera, the S8 MaxV Ultra navigates obstacles with ease, avoiding them while maximizing the cleaned area. It can even identify and photograph obstacles, displaying them on the map for easy reference.
Despite its impressive performance, the S8 MaxV Ultra operates quietly, minimizing disruptions to daily life. While noticeable at higher power settings, it remains relatively quiet, allowing for peaceful cleaning sessions.
With up to 180 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra offers exceptional battery life. On average, it covers approximately 85 square meters in under an hour and a half, even with deeper cleaning settings, ensuring thorough cleaning without interruption.
Maintenance
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is designed to minimize the need for manual intervention, thanks to its large dust bin and water tanks that can handle extended cleaning sessions with ease.
Utilizing a dedicated brush to scrub the mop with hot water at 60°C and hot air for drying, the S8 MaxV Ultra ensures thorough cleaning while reducing the need for manual intervention. This not only limits mold buildup and eliminates odors but also keeps the mop clean, reducing the frequency of manual washing. Additionally, the mop is easily removable and can even be machine washed for added convenience.
However, it’s important to note that animal hair may accumulate around the brushes, particularly the side brush, requiring periodic intervention, especially for pet owners or those with long hair.
Maintenance of the base is relatively straightforward, with automatic rinsing during mop cleaning sessions. However, the filter requires frequent cleaning as it collects dirt after washing the mops and may become clogged quickly. While the filter is removable and washable, some users may find the process slightly cumbersome. A removable tray, akin to the Ultenic MC1, would have provided added convenience in this regard.
In terms of overall maintenance time, users can expect approximately five minutes of cleaning every two weeks for pet owners or those with frequently dirty floors. However, for users with less dirt accumulation, maintenance may only be required once a month, making upkeep a relatively minimal task.
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Conclusion
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra stands out as a true powerhouse in the realm of robotic vacuum cleaners, boasting unparalleled cleaning performance and cutting-edge features that set it apart from the competition. With a suction power of 10,000 Pa, a vibrating mop, and a hot water washing system, it tackles even the most stubborn dirt with ease, leaving floors sparkling clean. Its intelligent navigation and obstacle detection capabilities further enhance its efficiency, making it a truly autonomous cleaning solution that sets the standard for floor maintenance.
One of its standout features is the all-in-one docking station, which simplifies daily use. Not only does it automatically empty the dust bin, but it also washes and dries the mop, adds detergent as needed, and recharges the robot, ensuring that it’s always ready for action.
However, excellence often comes with a price, and the high cost of the S8 MaxV Ultra may be a deterrent for some users, despite its attractive appearance and undeniable cleaning qualities. Additionally, regular maintenance of the docking station is necessary to prevent the filter from becoming clogged, adding to the overall upkeep of the device.
Whether you have a relatively dirty home or a large house with pets or children and challenging floors to maintain, the S8 MaxV Ultra is sure to exceed your expectations and leave your floors looking immaculate.
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