March 16, 2023, 4:37 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

At CES 2023, the Roborock S8 series was unveiled. Initially, it was unclear when the vacuum robots would hit the market, but it’s now confirmed that sales of the S8 model will start on March 16, 2023. The S8+ and Pro Ultra are expected to be available soon. myHOMEBOOK was able to test the Roborock S8+ in advance and was quite surprised by the results.

Contents and Setup of the Roborock S8+

The Roborock S8+ is delivered with its accompanying contents in a medium-sized box. Inside, you’ll logically find the vacuum robot, along with a user manual, a charging cable, a mop attachment, a spare dust bag, and a charging and suction station. The latter is only included in the Plus version. The “normal” S8 standard version comes only with the vacuum robot. The assembly of the charging-suction station is quite quick and essentially self-explanatory. Only the setup had some hiccups.

To get the Roborock S8+ ready to go, it must be connected to the app. Android and iOS users can either download the Roborock app or use the Xiaomi Home app. Both devices, meaning the smartphone and the Roborock, must be on the home network or Wi-Fi. Since our smartphone was initially not on any Wi-Fi, the setup in the app took a bit longer, and pairing with the vacuum robot proved somewhat more complicated. After several attempts, it finally worked, and the Roborock S8+ was essentially ready to go. However, there’s a caveat–the vacuum robot must first be charged, as it arrives with a battery level below 20 percent, which is the minimum required for it to function.

First Impressions

Visually, the Roborock S8+ with the charging-suction station is very simple and stylish. We had the white model, but the vacuum robot is also available in black. It’s not too heavy and can be relatively easily placed in a room. The only important thing is that there’s a power outlet nearby to connect the station.

The Roborock S8+ features both vacuuming and mopping functions. A closer look reveals that the dust container is located on the top. At the front, there’s a water tank with a capacity of 300 milliliters.

On the underside, two rollers or rubber brushes (“DuoRoller”) are integrated, which are an upgrade from the previous model S7. Additionally, the mop can be attached to the underside. Navigation is aided by “LiDAR” laser technology (“Light Detection And Ranging”), and a Reactive-3D solution detects obstacles in the environment.

First Test on Carpet and Laminate

After assembling, setting up, and examining the Roborock S8+, we conducted the test. With enough battery, we first let the vacuum robot clean a carpeted floor. In the Roborock app, there’s a button labeled “Clean.” Clicking it prompts the Roborock to leave the charging station and start its work.

It quickly became apparent that the robot reliably recognized obstacles and cleaned the floor evenly. The app also allowed us to see how the Roborock explored and mapped the room. It quickly recognized walls and didn’t constantly bump into them, instead moving along the baseboards. After a short cleaning session, we opened the dust container. Inside, there were pet hairs and small particles.

After the vacuuming session, we conducted the mopping test on a laminate floor. For this, we attached the mop to the back and filled the water tank about halfway. The Roborock immediately recognized that it was no longer on a carpeted floor and switched to vacuuming and mopping mode. We also scattered tea powder on the floor to see if the Roborock would vacuum and mop simultaneously. And indeed, it did–the Roborock vacuumed up the crumbs and mopped over the spot. The mopping function uses sonic mopping technology, scrubbing the mop with 3,000 movements per minute.

The noise level during vacuuming and mopping is more than tolerable. Only when the dirt is being suctioned into the dust bag in the charging station does it become noticeably louder. There’s also another plus point: The Roborock S8+ recognizes when you remove the dust container or water tank and gives commands in English. Exaggeratedly speaking, the robot “talks” to the user.

Also interesting: Vacuum Robots in Test–The 9 Best Devices for Every Household

https://oembed/myhomebook/affiliate/c90a60b563c0f6113bd7287f1568888251614e0c45c3210c2f05e44c3de1cad8/8e6e2b30-0677-421d-83d2-e1e4481878f8/embed

Pros and Cons of the Roborock S8+ in Test

First and foremost: The Roborock S8+ has significantly more pros than cons. Let’s start with the positive aspects of the robot.

Pros

• With a suction power of 6,000 Pascal, the Roborock S8+ is leading compared to many other models, which was also evident in practice.
• Additionally, the vacuuming and mopping performance is noteworthy and definitely impressive.
• It’s also positive that the Roborock quickly recognizes obstacles and navigates through rooms, scanning the environment.
• Even though we initially had issues, the setup via the app is generally quick and self-explanatory.
• Compared to the previous model S7, there are several upgrades, including the DuoRoller, meaning the two rollers on the underside of the robot, and the slightly larger water tank.
• In the app, you can also set up “No-Go Zones” to prevent the vacuum robot from moving there.
• Additionally, cleaning times can be scheduled so the vacuum robot can clean even when you’re not home.

Cons

There were some drawbacks, though not too significant.

• One issue was the noise level during suctioning in the station, which is quite loud.
• Additionally, the Roborock S8+ occasionally had trouble docking into the station, sometimes spinning in circles or moving left and right to find the optimal docking position.
• Perhaps not a downside for many, but a minor flaw: The included Quick Start Guide is only in English.
• Furthermore, the website is not particularly clear and user-friendly, requiring interested parties to scroll extensively. Also, there’s no online user manual (Update from 04/04/2023: Manual is available online).

More on the topic

Advantages and disadvantages For who is a 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner worthwhile?

Alternative to the Iron Discount Steamer Put to the Test–Is It Really Worth It?

Specifications of the Vacuum Robot at a Glance

Conclusion on the Roborock S8+

Overall, the Roborock S8+ impressed in the test and is a recommendable product. Compared to many competing models, this model scores well in terms of specifications and features. As mentioned, there are significantly more pros than cons. In practice, the Roborock definitely convinced us.

The contents are more than sufficient, and the setup and assembly are generally quick. Price-wise, it is affordable in the robot vacuum category. The latest Roborock model is available for just over 600 euros.