SwitchBot S10 robot vacuum: Impressive hands-free cleaning with dual-station design
SwitchBot S10 robot vacuum cleaner. Pictures: SwitchBot.
I’ve tested numerous robot vacuums over the last few years, and the SwitchBot S10 is the first I used with a dual-station setup. The S10 is one of the first robots to use this unique design, which means no more manual refilling or emptying of water tanks.
Unlike traditional robot vacuums requiring frequent manual intervention for water refills and dustbin emptying, the S10 automates these tasks. The primary station handles dust collection and charging. It boasts a four-litre dust bag capable of holding up to 70 days' debris. The circular robot features a mop drying function, which uses hot air at 50°C to prevent mould and bacteria growth.
The secondary station connects to your home's water and drainage system. It autonomously manages the clean and dirty water, whether you hook it up to your sink, dishwasher, or even a toilet. The box includes various plumbing hardware to ensure compatibility with various setups. The station includes small water tanks for those who prefer a non-plumbed setup, but these are smaller than standard tanks and will require frequent manual refills.
Setting up the water station might initially seem daunting, but I managed it with limited plumbing skills and knowledge. The process is straightforward, and SwitchBot provides comprehensive, manageable installation videos for a competent DIYer. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, It would be a small job for a professional.
When I first read the press release on the S10, I was concerned about having a water station plumbed to a water outlet while also being connected to power. However, the water station operates primarily through the robot and an internal battery.
On first use, you have to tell the robot where the water station is on the virtual map in the app. The flexibility of placing the two stations in different rooms is highly convenient, accommodating various household layouts. Without the optional tanks, the water station has a low profile (10cm) which makes it easier to find a location to hide it away.
The S10 is the first robot vacuum I’ve tested with a roller mop, a departure from the traditional spinning or vibrating mop heads. This design ensures the mop head is continuously cleaned during operation, significantly enhancing hygiene. In my tests, I found it could effectively clear dirt and stains.
During cleaning, the robot transitions seamlessly between its tasks. It vacuums, mops, and returns to the water station to exchange dirty water for clean water, all without manual intervention. This process takes about 1-2 minutes, after which the robot resumes cleaning. The dust station's drying feature ensures the mop head remains fresh and ready for the next cycle.
A slight drawback of the roller mop design is its edge-cleaning capability. The mop does not extend to the robot’s edges, missing areas close to walls and furniture. The robot is 35.5cm wide, while the roller is 19cm long, offset to the side and 3cm shy of the edge. Despite this, I found the S10 one of the most effective mopping robots I’ve tested. It also does a great job cleaning and drying the mop resulting in less maintenance.
The S10 offers 6,000 Pa of suction power, sufficient for most household cleaning needs. The robot adjusts suction automatically when transitioning from hard floors to carpets.
The robot lifts the mop head when encountering carpets and rugs, preventing them from getting wet. This feature works flawlessly, maintaining the integrity of the vacuuming and mopping functions.
The SwitchBot S10 supports Matter for integration with popular smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. However, current functionalities are limited to basic controls like starting, stopping, and returning the robot to its base. Enhanced features, such as room-specific cleaning commands, are not yet supported but could be future firmware upgrades.
Mapping your home with the SwitchBot app is intuitive. The robot will scan the floor area using Lidar, and you can then edit the map by adding no-go zones and door sills, as well as splitting or merging rooms. The app allows for easy setup of the dual stations, marking their locations accurately.
You can also create schedules and do-not-disturb times and control the robot remotely via a virtual joystick.
The S10 features AI obstacle avoidance, which, once enabled, turns on the camera while cleaning to recognise and avoid obstacles such as cables, pet waste, etc. While not perfect, it works well, but even SwitchBot reminds you in the app to clear the floors before cleaning.
SwitchBot plans to introduce a humidifier and dehumidifier to integrate with the S10. The robot will transport clean water to the humidifier and dispose of dirty water from the dehumidifier. While this feature is not yet available, it promises to add significant value to an already impressive system.
The water station includes a detergent dispenser, and SwitchBot even includes two cleaning solution satchels.
The SwitchBot S10's dual station design, efficient cleaning performance, and smart home integration make it a top contender for those seeking a hassle-free, high-tech cleaning solution.
The SwitchBot S10 is great for anyone looking to upgrade their home cleaning experience. With the potential for future enhancements, this robot vacuum is not just a purchase for today but an investment in smart home convenience.
SwitchBoth S10 RRP €1,305 (currently €936 from amazon.co.uk)
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