A true self-cleaning masterpiece – News Block

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra is one of the company’s new 2023 robotic vacuum and mop machines. After testing the all-in-one device for almost a month, I can confidently say that Roborock has another winner on its hands with this model. However, it comes at a cost.

Before moving on to the full review, it’s important to explain the subtle differences between this vacuum and the S7 MaxV Ultra, released and reviewed in 2022. The newer S7 Max Ultra model includes an auto-mop-dry feature, is available in white and black and provides more suction. The “nominal power” has also been reduced from 74W to 60W, while the volume of the dustbin has gone from 400ml to 350ml. However, none of the points should be seen as something negative, as you will read below.

Top specs, excellent performance

Most robot vacuums have a similar circular design, although they may differ in features. These appliances can independently move around your home to collect debris. They usually only have two or three physical buttons, which is probably intentional. This allows beginners to quickly start the machine with the push of a button, while experts can enjoy using compatible apps for more advanced features.

Not too long ago, robotic vacuums were notorious for falling down stairs or getting caught in carpets. Fortunately, advances in software and hardware have largely eliminated these problems and allowed robots to move in the right direction.

Like other robotic vacuum cleaners, like the Roborock S8 that I recently reviewed, the Roborock S7 Max has three physical buttons on the top of the device. These buttons allow you to turn the vacuum on/off, return it to the base, or initiate a spot cleaning mode.

Thanks to the machine’s obstacle avoidance system, the buttons work correctly from the moment you start using them. This system ensures that your robot does not get trapped in a small area or fall down the stairs to its demise.

However, given its price, the S7 Max is at its most powerful when using its app, which I’ll discuss below. The app allows the robovac to create a personalized map of your home, allowing you to clean more efficiently. Roborock has incorporated PreciSense LiDAR Navigation to allow the robot to create detailed maps of your home, regardless of floor type. Unlike traditional floor plans, these maps are constantly updated as changes are made within your home.

A few additional points about system mapping are in order. First, the S7 Max can map your home in seconds thanks to its quick mapping feature. This means you can start cleaning as soon as possible, although future jobs will be more accurate. The mapping is also designed to avoid large objects like furniture and know when they can’t be placed under a chair or table. And if your home has more than one story, the robot is up to the task, creating different floor plans for each level (although you’ll have to manually carry the device up and down the stairs).

As for battery life, the S7 Max Ultra packs a 5,200mAh battery that can power the robot for about 180 minutes. This runtime is identical to its predecessor, the S7 MaxV, which is a testament to its exceptional performance. The robot never needed additional charging during my tests in a 2,100-square-foot space. For those with larger homes, the robot will automatically return to its charging station, recharge, and resume cleaning without the need for human intervention.

Bum Bum

No doubt you are curious about the functionality of the machine, particularly its performance when vacuuming and mopping. Its 5500 Pa suction makes it very efficient at picking up debris on its way. During my tests, I evaluated its ability to pick up long hair from the bathroom rug without damaging the bottom roller of the machine. I was pleased that the Roborock S7 Max Ultra performed exceptionally well, quickly and safely removing hair and placing it in the waste bin.

I used the robot’s cleaning feature for a quick clean and it worked fine. However, I do rely on my Roborock Dyad Pro for tougher cleaning tasks, which I plan to review soon. Roborock uses sonic vibration technology to mop, allowing it to mop up to 3,000 times per minute.

One important thing to note is that the Roborock S7 Max Ultra and other similar robotic vacuums are smart enough to detect whether they’re on carpet or a flat surface that requires mopping. This means you don’t have to worry about water getting where it’s not needed.

Worry-free maintenance

Like other companies, Roborock offers robot vacuum cleaners at different price ranges. Each level offers additional features or enhancements compared to lower-priced models. As you move up the price scale, you can find vacuum cleaners with automated docking systems, like the S7 Max Ultra.

The included docking system isn’t small, measuring 422 X 504 X 420mm, and it’s missing a feature on the S7 MaxV Ultra. First of all, it comes with a dust bin that has a removable bag. In addition, there are two water containers, one for fresh water and one for dirty water.

The machine’s 350ml dustbin and 200ml water tank work with the dust bin and water mechanisms. After completing a job, the machine’s refresh function automatically kicks in when the dustbin needs to be emptied or the water tank needs to be filled. This means the base automatically sucks up debris, refills withdrawn water, or sucks up dirty mop water. But the S7 Max Ultra does a little more. It also automatically washes and dries the mop. The latter is not available on the S7 MaxV Ultra.

The process only takes a few seconds to complete. The system is equipped with advanced technology to ensure its efficiency, and it is highly recommended to watch the process at least once to fully appreciate it.

As noted above, the bin volume on the S7 Max Ultra has gone from 400ml to 350ml compared to the S7 MaxV Ultra. However, this doesn’t mean much, since everything runs automatically.

It’s all about the app

I’ve previously mentioned in my Roborock reviews that this company’s app for their robot vacuums is exceptional. Pairing the app with the vacuum is easy, and once done, you can start enjoying its full potential.

The Roborock app is available for iPhone and Android, and allows you to schedule cleaning times, adjust vacuum and mop settings, and receive notifications when parts require cleaning or replacement. The app also stores your cleaning history and provides firmware updates for your convenience.

Once the robot has mapped your home, you will notice different areas in the app. You can use this data to create cleaning zones. For example, you can tell the robot to focus on mopping the kitchen floor instead of cleaning the entire lower level.

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra is compatible with voice assistants like Apple Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. This feature allows you to customize the cleaning settings to your preferences for optimal results.

Should you buy the Roborock S7 Max Ultra?

If money is not a concern, I can confirm that the Roborock S7 Max Ultra performs as promised. Other than the huge docking station, I can’t find anything to fault this machine.

However, price is almost certainly a factor for many. If that’s the case, you can look at the best robot vacuums on the market and you’ll probably find one that does most of what this one does for less.