This 'Smart' Robot Vacuum Doubles as a Mop—and It’s as Life-Changing as It Sounds

This 'Smart' Robot Vacuum Doubles as a Mop—and It’s as Life-Changing as It Sounds

You can order it on Amazon.

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It wasn’t until I had already signed the lease and moved into my 775-square-foot apartment that I realized how little storage space it actually offered. With no hall closet and just a few spare shelves in the bathroom, unless my roommate and I could find a vacuum cleaner that doubled as decor for the living room, a full-sized device was out of the question.

Instead, we swept up dust with a broom that fit in the space between our refrigerator and a wall, vacuumed with a compact dustbuster, and mopped with a Swiffer Wet Jet that lived next to the toilet. This cleaning method wasn’t exactly efficient or sustainable, so when an invitation to test out the newest model of Ecovacs’ Deebot Ozmo robot vacuum and mop pinged into my inbox, I gleefully accepted and looked for a place to stow the high-tech cleaning gadget once it arrived.

Luckily, the Deebot Ozmo T8 is a slender device: It and its charging dock both fit underneath my sofa, where I now tuck them away when they’re not in use. The robot vacuum even connects to an app on my phone, so I can turn it on without lugging it out from its hiding space.

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To buy: $650; amazon.com.

The smartest and most advanced iteration of the Ecovacs Deebot models, the Ozmo T8 also works with Alexa devices, so you can operate it by voice control. On the app, you can see the exact path it takes around your home, and you can select preferences like your preferred vacuum power. Plus, you can set up an automatic cleaning schedule for the device to start cleaning at a specific time of day on a regular basis. This way, you don’t even have to remember to turn it on.

Once activated, the smart vacuum indicates that it’s starting to clean and whirrs to life. It uses laser technology to create a map of the space and “TrueDetect” 3D technology to identify furniture and objects to avoid as it cleans. And I can attest from careful observation of my new robot that it truly gets into every nook and cranny without bumping into my furniture and decor. It can even navigate its way up and down raised thresholds in my apartment.

On a full charge, it can clean for up to three hours, though it only takes about 20 minutes for the vacuum to get through my entire apartment. Not only does it vacuum as it moves, but it can also mop the floors simultaneously. All you have to do is fill up an included water tank and attach a mop pad (the brand offers disposable and reusable options). It automatically detects and avoids carpet while mopping, and it will increase its suction power when moving over high-pile areas while vacuuming.

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It's certainly a splurge—though it’s well worth it if your budget allows. It effortlessly knocks off two of my least favorite household chores with the touch of a button, and it does a much more thorough job than my dustbuster and Swiffer ever could. You can even purchase accessories for it that make the process more seamless, like an auto-empty station and a scrubbing mop system, which sets it apart from other smart devices.

However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can shop some of the brand’s less expensive robot vacuum cleaners. Take a look at three other models below.

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T5 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

This model offers dual vacuuming and mopping capabilities for up to three hours on a single charge. The main difference between the T5 and the T8 is that the T8 includes more advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance technology.

To buy: $591; amazon.com.

Ecovacs Ozmo 937 Robot Vacuum

The Ozmo 937 is a great option if you’re in the market for just a robot vacuum, as it does not come with the same mopping capabilities as the T5 and T8 models. Plus, it’s currently $100 off its usual price.

To buy: $400 (was $500); amazon.com.

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo U2 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop

If you’re looking for a smart device that can vacuum and mop your floors at a slightly lower price point, this option is for you. It’s ideal for pet owners since it includes a large dust bin and tangle-free brushes capable of handling pet hair.

To buy: $350; amazon.com.