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The Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni excels at overcoming obstacles up to 2.1 - 2.2 cm. It stands out with real innovations like hot water mop washing technology and an auto-mop lifting function.
The Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni stands out as an exceptional climber in the world of robot vacuums.
This robot skillfully tackles obstacles up to 2.2 cm high in our tests.
This capability ensures it can easily handle high carpets and door thresholds, making it a versatile choice for different home layouts.
This model is packed with innovative features, many of which are firsts for Ecovacs. 🥇
A particularly impressive feature is the hot water mop washing technology.
During cleaning, the two mops are washed with hot water at 55 degrees, ensuring not just a surface clean but a deep and effective one.
Another groundbreaking feature is the auto-mop lifting function, new to Ecovacs.
The mops can lift up to 4 mm when the vacuum moves over a carpet.
This allows for a seamless transition from hard floors to carpets in one cleaning cycle. 🧹
With an impressive suction power of 6000 Pascal, the Deebot T20 Omni doesn't just clean; it excels on both hard floors and carpets.
To make things even easier, it comes with an integrated voice assistant, "YIKO".
It recognises a variety of voice commands, making the control of the device a breeze.
The all-in-one Omni station is the cherry on top, automating multiple cleaning tasks, saving you time and effort.
However, it's not all perfect:
- The size of the Omni station is quite large
- There are a few bugs in the mobile app
- The mobile dust container is on the smaller side.
In summary, the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is a comprehensive, high-performing package.
It's not just a robot that cleans – with its climbing ability and range of innovative features, it's a top contender in the robot vacuum market.
Advantages
Effective mopping with 6000 Pa suction power |
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Mops lift for efficient obstacle navigation |
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Low-maintenance rubber brush |
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Quiet operation |
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Mops cleaned with hot water |
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Mops dried with hot air |
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Integrated YIKO voice assistant |
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Durable rechargeable battery |
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Includes a suction station |
Disadvantages
Limited capacity of mobile dust container |
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Lacks a built-in mobile water tank |
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Higher water usage |
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App experiences minor glitches |
The base station can: Wash & dry mops, refill the water tank, add cleaning solution and empty the mobile dust container.
No need for the Dreame L10s Ultra to shy away from comparison with the top dogs in the industry. 💪
The base station is particularly noteworthy. It performs the following tasks:
- (1) Adding cleaning solution
- (2) Self-cleaning of the mops (incl. extraction of dirty water) (cleaning station)
- (3) Emptying of the dust container (emptying station)
- (4) Drying the mop pads
- (5) Filling water tank
As you can see, daily floor cleaning is automated to a large extent. 🤖
Dreametech avoids flashy extras and focuses exclusively on providing a high-quality, intelligent cleaning solution.
You’ll particularly like this Dreamebot if the mopping ability is a top priority for you. 🤩
Conclusion: You get plenty of features for the price. ⚖️
Advantages:
Fair price |
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Excellent mopping ability |
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Mops are cleaned during the cleaning session |
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Mop can be lifted 7 mm to avoid carpets |
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Strong suction power, especially on carpets |
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Good climbing performance (approx. 2.1 cm) |
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Mop cleaning intervals adjustable to m² |
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Dries mop pads |
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Detection of flat obstacles |
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Home monitoring via camera |
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Automatic emptying of the mobile dust container |
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Quiet operation |
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Base station is easy to clean |
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Detergent is automatically administered during mopping |
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Quick mapping |
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Battery power |
Disadvantages:
Corner cleaning not optimal |
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Approx. 6 cm remains unmopped along skirting boards (vacuuming does reach, though) |
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Disposable dust bag in the base station |
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Limited voice control |
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Design and quality of workmanship could be better |
Numerous premium features leave nothing to be desired with this Ecovacs model. 🎉
At first glance, you immediately notice the robot’s unique and attractive design. 👀
Top features of the Deebot X1 OMNI
But it's not just the look of the premium vacuum mopping robot that is impressive. The Ecovacs Deebot X1 OMNI is packed with top features:
- Emptying station
- Rotating mopping pads
- Washing station for the mop cloths
- Obstacle detection
- Integrated voice assistant ("Ok Yiko")
- …and more!
However, the numerous functions come at a price: this luxury robot is certainly not for bargain hunters... 💸
Mopping ability
The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni has many highlights. One of them is its mopping capabilities. 💧
Let’s have a look at the role the station plays in the cleaning process.
After a predetermined interval (10, 15 or 25 minutes), the two mopping pads are wrung out and rinsed at the station.
The benefit here is that your floors are always cleaned with freshly rinsed mops. The collected dirt ends up in the dirty water tank (and not on your floors).
Furthermore, the mobile water tank is refilled at the multifunction station.
So you are spared this (annoying) task as well.
The two mopping pads rotate in opposite directions, creating a "scrubbing effect". This results in a more thorough cleaning of your home. 🧼
And don't forget: when the job is done, the two pads are blown dry at the station (with hot air). 🍃
All these functions together mean that the wet floor cleaning process runs almost completely independently, so you can sit back and relax. 🏖️
And the mopping performance also impressed us. 👇
(Even if stubborn, dried-in stains take a bit more effort).
The combination of an impressive mopping ability and a huge range of other premium features makes the Deebot X1 a compelling option.
Although that’s only if you have the necessary funds: because the price will set you back a bit... 💸
Advantages:
Greatly improved mopping ability |
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Mopping pads are automatically wrung out, rinsed and dried at the station |
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Water tank is refilled automatically |
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Auto-empty station |
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Elegant design by Jacob Jensen |
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Gently skirts furniture (hardly any collisions) |
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Obstacle detection (also of flat objects) |
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Can detect objects even in poor lighting conditions |
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Floor cleaning (vacuuming and mopping) is mostly automatic |
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Integrated voice assistant ("Ok Yiko") |
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Quick mapping |
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Security features (surveillance camera) |
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2-way video calls possible |
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Quiet |
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Mobile phone app with many functions |
Disadvantages:
Very expensive |
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Emptying station uses disposable bags |
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Station is beautifully designed, but quite large (not everyone's cup of tea) |
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AIVI 3D obstacle detection sometimes causes difficulties with navigation |
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Individual features are sometimes not perfectly coordinated |
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App has minor bugs |
Mid-range series of Roborock.
The most impressive thing about the Robrock Q7 Max+ is the value for money.
Unnecessary “bells and whistles” and some premium functions have deliberately been dispensed with to keep the purchase price low.
Some weaknesses, like the mopping capabilities, are clearly made up for by its many strengths (suction power, emptying station, navigation, app).
For all Roborock fans who are looking for an absolutely reliable and at the same time affordable robot vacuum (with emptying station), the Q7 Max+ is a good choice. 💃
Enhanced automation and quality set this model apart from its predecessor, the S7 series.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra makes a bold promise: "Forget cleaning - really!" and it does a good job living up to that.
This robot cleaner is packed with top-notch features, with the Ultra Station being the star. ⭐️
This handy station does four things for you:
- Cleans the mop
- Dries the mop
- Empties the mobile dust tank
- Refills the water tank
Essentially, it makes daily cleaning mostly hands-off. ✋🏻
It's evident that the makers have taken the best parts of their older models and added some neat improvements.
Highlights include a new way to dry the mop, an improved brush system, better obstacle detection, and two mop settings for a thorough clean.
This model feels more like a polished version of the previous ones rather than a brand-new invention.
During our tests, its wiping function worked extremely well. 🧽
Its strong suction was commendable too.
The device also showcased good navigation skills, especially in obstacle detection.
On the downside, its side brush could be better on carpets and edges, and the use of throwaway dust bags seems a bit old-fashioned.
Plus, it's on the pricier side. 🤑
So, if you're after the latest in robot cleaning and don't mind the cost, this is a great pick.
But if you're looking to save a bit, considering the slightly older S7 series might be a good idea.
Advantages
Powerful battery for extended cleaning sessions |
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Quick battery charging |
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Energy-efficient with "off-peak" charging times |
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High Suction Power (6000 Pa.) for optimal cleaning results |
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Ultra Station handles multiple tasks: extraction, mop head washing & drying, water tank filling |
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Efficient brush system with two rubber brushes |
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Can store up to 4 cards |
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Enhanced object recognition |
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User-friendly mobile app |
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Superior data handling with no built-in camera |
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High-quality build |
Disadvantages
High price point |
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Ultra Station occupies substantial space |
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Ultra Station doesn’t automatically add cleaning fluid to the mobile water tank |
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Uses disposable dust bags in the extraction station |
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Three-arm side brush has difficulty manoeuvring corners and performing on carpets |
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No spare parts are provided |
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Underdeveloped voice control |
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Non-removable wiping module |
Best alternatives
With vibrating mopping plates and a 3D-Laser for obstacle detection, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro provides a diverse range of features at a reasonable price point.
At a reasonable price, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro offers high quality and a variety of features:
The vibrating mop feature ensures a great mopping performance.
3D Laser for obstacle detection:
At the same time, this robot vacuum mop combo is reasonably priced.
If you're looking for a good and affordable vacuum robot while not missing out on any luxury-features, the Yeddi Vac 2 Pro could be the right choice for you. 👀
Advantages
Self-emptying robot vacuum with suction station |
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Flat design |
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Vibrating mop feature |
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Excellent value for money |
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Relatively quiet operation |
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Durable battery life |
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Good cleaning performance |
Disadvantages
Inadequate obstacle detection in tests |
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Limited to one map storage per floor |
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Simplistic map details |
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Flaws in VSLAM navigation |
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Available only in white color |
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Uses disposable bags in suction station |
How do robotic vacuum cleaners cope with high doorsteps?
The manufacturers realised that this problem often occurs. Thus, they redesigned the latest robotic vacuum cleaners so they can handle high doorsteps better.
They put rollers on the bottom side of the robot vacuum.
With these special rollers, modern robot vacuums can easily overcome typical door thresholds.
But even these rollers don’t work wonders...
Doorstep / Threshold Ramps - the solution when doorsteps are too high (> 2.3 cm / 9 inches))
Even the greatest "climber" among the robot vacuums can’t overcome a door threshold of approx. 2.3 - 2.4 cm (~ 0.9 inches).
But what if your doorsteps are higher than that?
That’s not the end of the world. There’s a solution to this problem: A special robot vacuum doorstep / threshold ramp.
You can build a doorstep ramp yourself - depending on your craftsmanship - or just buy one online* on Amazon UK.
There are a few features to consider when choosing a robot vacuum doorstep ramp:
- You have the choice between a "fixed" ramp construction or a ramp that you can put down shortly before the vacuum starts cleaning and remove it afterwards.
- Make sure that the ramp matches the colour of your floor.
- If you have very high door thresholds, the ramp should have the smallest possible inclination (the ramp must be longer). The robot vacuum may not be able to drive up the ramp if it’s very steep.
- If it’s a fixed ramp construction, you have to pay attention that the ramp on the side where the door opens can’t be higher than the threshold. Otherwise, you won’t be able to open the door.
- With very high thresholds (> 3 cm), you may need a ramp from both sides. The robotic vacuum may not descend the threshold because it sees it like a precipice.
Solution No. 1: Buy a robot vacuum doorstep / threshold ramp
Not all people are skilled craftsmen and can build a robot vacuum doorstep ramp themselves.
It’s not necessary.
You can buy doorstep ramps in all shapes and colours on Amazon in the UK.
Rubber ramp
You can conveniently purchase a corresponding rubber ramp on the Internet (buy here from Amazon* UK).
Advantages:
- Very slip-resistant. You won’t have to nail the rubber ramp to the floor or screw it down in any other way.
- Flexibility. You can leave the ramp permanently in place or put it away after each cleaning.
- Low wear and tear and, therefore, long-lasting
Disadvantages:
- Rubber optics may not appeal to everyone’s taste
Aluminium ramp:
You can also buy metal ramps online* for little money on Amazon UK.
But you have to screw these to the floor.
If you don’t want to do that, you can also use self-adhesive ramps.
These ramps are available in different colours. You’ll find a matching style for sure.
Advantages:
- Cheap
- No craftsmanship skills required
Disadvantages:
- Visually not appealing
Special robot vacuum doorstep ramp made of wood (customised)
If you want a high-quality ramp, you can also buy a customised robot vacuum doorstep ramp made of wood.
You can choose the wood type and colour.
The ramps are manufactured in Germany according to your needs and are of very high quality.
Advantages:
- Visually not appealingIndividual customisation. They will adjust the ramp according to your living situation.
- Very high-quality workmanship
- Regional and sustainable manufacturing
- Beautiful look (matching your floor)
Disadvantages:
- Quite Expensive
Solution No. 2: Build your own robot vacuum doorstep ramp
If you are good at handicrafts, you can build a robot vacuum doorstep ramp yourself.
Wood is very suitable because you can buy it in almost every DIY store for little money and it looks very nice. You can also choose the best (colour-wise) matching type of wood (depending on your floor’s colour and condition).
Then you can cut the wood to the appropriate length/height and sand it down.
Once you built the ramp, you can apply a wood preservative. That’ll keep the wood in good condition for as long as possible. It won’t wear out too quickly either.
Purchase advice: What should I consider when buying a robot vacuum for thresholds?
A robot vacuum’s threshold overcomming isn’t the only criterion
If you buy a robot vac only because it has the "best climbing performance", you exclude many excellent models from the beginning.
So if you focus too much on just one criterion, you may have to go for a model with a bad price-performance ratio or make unnecessary compromises.
If your favourite robotic vacuum cleaner has problems overcoming thresholds, you can use a door threshold ramp (buy it or build it). That’ll solve the problem once and for all.
Measure your doorstep beforehand
You should measure the threshold precisely with a conventional ruler before buying.
Are the door thresholds rounded, or do they have a 90-degree edge?
We always test a robot vacuums on 90-degree edges. That way, we can maintain the necessary objectivity in our tests.
But many doorsteps have rounded edges due to wear.
A robot vacuum’s climbing performance may improve by 1-2 millimetres with rounded edges.
Just give it a try!
You've already chosen a model, but you're not 100% sure if the robot vac can handle high doorsteps?
That’s our advice: Just give it a try!
Every living situation is different. Sometimes robot vacuums simply cope better with some doorsteps than others because they are round or for other reasons.
Best Robot vacuums for high thresholds in the UK - Our Conclusion
High doorsteps can be a show-stopper for your robot vacuum.
The robotic vacuum cleaner simply stops if it can’t cross a threshold, and you’ll have to carry it to the next room.
That’s not what we’d call home automation.
Fortunately, manufacturers have recognised this problem. There are excellent robot vacuum cleaners for high doorsteps of up to 2.3 cm (9 inches) in the UK these days. Our selection of the best robot vacuums for thresholds gives you a good overview of the models.
If you live in an older flat, it’s quite common that the doorsteps are higher than 3 cm (1.2 inches). Not even the best "climbing master" among the robot vacuums can cope with that.
But don't worry. You don't have to do without a cleaning robot.
With "robot vacuum" doorstep / threshold ramps, you make your home accessible for the robot, so it can move effortlessly from room to room.
Table of Content
Reviewing and comparing the best robot vacuum cleaners for high thresholds (2024)
Best robot vacuums for thresholds in the UK in 2023:
Find out more about our favorites now
How do robotic vacuum cleaners cope with high doorsteps?
Doorstep / Threshold Ramps - the solution when doorsteps are too high (> 2.3 cm / 9 inches))
Purchase advice: What should I consider when buying a robot vacuum for thresholds?
Best Robot vacuums for high thresholds in the UK - Our Conclusion