Roborock S7 Review and Test

When Roborock unveiled the S5 Max, it changed the way we saw 2-in-1 hybrids. It was the first robotic vacuum cleaner/mop I saw of mops in addition to vacuum cleaners.

The electronic water tank was a game changer in a way. Now, Roborock is adding another layer to that technology with audio technology. They call it VibraRise, and it adds an aspect of excitement that you won’t see in many brands. Another upgrade is the Auto Empty Dock, which will be released in a few months.

It will be available as an add-on, but there’s no word yet if Roborock will sell it as a bundle.

Positives

• VibraRise works well in Dry Spots Removal
• New hairless suction machines improve emotionsEspecially on surface dirt
• The water tank and cushion are in independent locations, so you can remove one without taking out the other
• Decent for deep carpet cleaning Although the air flow is low
• Very efficient and comprehensive navigation
• Automatic empty dock (coming soon) adds the convenience of not having to e

Negatives

• Close 70 dB At the highest power setting
• no completely replace traditional mop

Introduction to Roborock S7

The Roborock S7 solves one problem with traditional robotic vacuums and mops: their inability to clean tough, lumpy spots without leaving messy streaks. It is a problem with older models with an electronic water tank such as the ILIFE V5S Pro.

The S5 Max It was one of the best hybrid options for removing stains thanks to the electronic water tank. But it lacks excitement since then Does not contain Y . pattern Fiumi she has. However, one problem with Viomi is the time it takes to finish and the inefficiency in water consumption.

I will enumerate the list of improvements I found after testing this bot.

Learn how the Roborock S7 differs from Roomba S9+? I’ve crushed numbers and Check out this article To find out what I think.

New Vibrating Wiping Pad

Sonic vibration isn’t a new invention, but it’s the first time I’ve seen an application on a robotic vacuum. An independent motor inside the wiping unit moves a smaller portion of the pad from side to side, up to 3000 times per minute. So it’s not the whole pillow that vibrates, but a small part of it.

In tests, it was effective in removing even large, dry stains from tiles. I tried it on many messes like red wine, grape juice and tomato juice. The latter two are challenging due to their sugar content.

It was good, but it wasn’t perfect. While removing stains, scrubbing sugary items such as grape juice may leave a sticky residue afterwards.

new brush roll

Another upgrade that Roborock has added to the S7 is the bristle brush. Prior to this, Roborock used only one type of styling, the combo brush.

I like the new design because it picks up debris well with minimal debris built up underneath.

It also resists tangles better and is easier to clean because it does not contain any bristles.

Upgraded Floating Brush

In addition to the new brush, Roborock has also improved the brush assembly where it is held by adding a “floating” element to it.

This means that the brush moves up and down and rotates from side to side.

Helps the robot track dirt Even in rough terrain To quote from the Roborock product page.

Ultrasound carpet identification

The S7 has a small sensor next to the caster wheel that accurately detects carpet. It is so accurate that the cushion rises every time it passes over the rug or carpet. Another function of this sensor is to shade the carpeted parts of the map.

Currently, you won’t avoid carpeted areas on their own, but having these shadow areas makes it easy to draw blocked or mop areas because there is a reference.

Intelligent mop lift

In addition to the vibrating pad, Roborock adds a mop lift system that raises the pad (5mm) when you spot carpet.

This feature will work best on low pile carpets but not on thicker piles.

It is smart enough to prevent water from dripping to avoid wiping the rug and automatically moves down the pad as soon as it is removed from the rug.

Automatic unloading docking

Update (July 22, 2021): Roborock just released the auto-discharging dock, an add-on meant for the S7.

The Roborock S7 comes with an optional auto emptying dock that empties the robot’s trash after each run.

I should note that it is an add-on and is not included with the purchase of the S7.

It has a ramp-style design, which means that the robot sits on a ramp. One of the differences is the size of the port and where it is connected, which is Towards the main brush roll.

This differs from other brands I’ve tested like Ecovacs, Yeedi, Ultenic, and Roomba, in that it uses a separate outlet, usually smaller.

It has a system packed with 3 liter bag. Roborock says she will Holds up to 8 weeks from debris.

Furthermore, the Roborock S7 auto blank dock has two additional layers of filtration – Primary filter and HEPA filter It can sift up to 99.9% (or 0.3 microns) of dust particles from the exhaust vents.

Here’s a closer look at the primary filter.

and HEPA filter.

It comes unassembled out of the box, and it comes with an Allen wrench/screwdriver tool, so no additional tools are required to assemble it.

You can find the Allen tool under the ramp component with its storage compartment (Smart Roborock).

The screws are already attached to the base, and there are arrows pointing to them, so they are easy to find. Once all of them are screwed on, it is ready to use.

Consumers will also get a separate litter box designed for use with the base station.

The original litter box is unusable since the base station rRequires an open port to act as a release valve To withdraw its contents during the self-discharge cycle.

If you look closely at the area where the trash is located, you’ll see that it has a slot labeled as such with a lid that needs to be taken out.

Once the entrance is disconnected, plug in the new trash.

Another difference is that the newer trash is closed, and there is no way to open it like the old one.

The filter is detachable but the front gate is not present.

I think Roborock made the change to keep the seal tight to ensure debris doesn’t seep through any opening.

Auto discharge setting

Roborock allows users to turn on or off Auto discharge featurePlus, it has these four settings.

After testing the different modes, I don’t see any difference between them. I’ll keep it at the default (or smart) setting for best results.

How good is the Roborock S7 Auto-Empty Dock at dumping debris?

I’ve tested it on different types and amounts of debris, and it’s pretty good. For this section, I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking and leave you to decide.

Everyday dirt like dust and hair.

This time, I collected more dust and hair from Dyson OmniglideWhich I use to clean our rooms. Note the dirt that stuck to the filter and how the base station picked it up.

Next, a big mess test where I sprinkled a mixture of dust, hair and Quaker oats. Again, pay close attention to the filter – the huge amount of debris sticking to it.

The following experiment is performed on hair – whether it is a pet or a human. The trash can was left open to show how the automatic dump trough picks up debris from the dump inlet for this test. If you have pets, consider the S7 as it does well at brushing pet hair with the all-new rubber brush.

While the larger port on the S7 dock will accommodate larger debris, there is a limit, which is Cheerios and fruit-ring-sized debris.

Yes, the port is wide, but the path to the bag is narrow and a potential throttling point.

These tests prove that the S7’s automatic dump dock is built on a solid platform, capable of emptying debris from the robot’s dustbin and filter. I’m impressed with how well dirt sticks to the filter, which I haven’t seen on other brands.

However, it will not do well with large amounts of dirt (for example, a really full trash can). If you encounter this, you can easily empty it by opening the top door, but I doubt you will fill the trash for everyday cleaning tasks.

child lock

The Child Lock feature (accessed through the app) disables the robot’s buttons to prevent children from accidentally operating it. It is practical, especially for those with active young children who are very curious.

Mop mode only

S7 has New “deep” scanning mode The motor shuts down completely and concentrates on scanning. Roborock tells me that the S7 turns at a tighter angle which results in more overlap and better moving dirt.

Even with the wipe-only option, the vacuum motor still runs when it detects carpet.

cross pattern

I also noticed the new cross pattern that the S7 uses.

This robot will move in horizontal and vertical part if you look at the map (above). This new pattern aids in accuracy, allowing the S7 to pick up debris with better accuracy.

Currently, this feature is only available with the S7, but Roborock says they’ll be rolling out an update, so older models like S4 Max, S5 Max and S6 MaxV He will be able to access it.

However, out-of-production models such as the S4 or S5 may not benefit from this navigational upgrade.

Design

The S7 retains the same circular bezel, as seen on older Roborock models with the same three-button interface. Above these buttons is a knight-rider indicator light that flashes a different color depending on its current function.

Flashes white when sweeping, blue when wiping, and green when charging.

The trash can still load from the top, but with a slight increase in capacity – up to 470 ml.

Both the HEPA filter and the dust bin are washable, facilitating a thorough cleaning process.

Underneath it, it retains the same brush design – a fully rubberized brush and the main brush.

Behind him is the new scanning unit.

Water tank

The S7 electronic water tanks are still rear-loading and get a slight bump in volume – up to 300ml.

Roborock says you can’t use the cleaning solution because it will corrode the internal components.

I like the new design because the mop and water tank are in independent positions, which means you can remove one without taking out the other. This was not the case with older S-Series options.

Application Features

Next, we will look at the various features of the app that the S7 brings to the table. This model is only compatible with the Roborock app, but not the Xiaomi Home app, which shouldn’t be a concern as the Roborock app already has a room naming feature that was absent before.

live maps

The S7 has a live map that provides real-time information about the location of the bot in real time. It’s something that’s absent in the iRobot app, which makes Roborock a compelling alternative to Roomba.

mop way

There are two options – standard and deep. The Standard option allows users to vacuum and mop simultaneously as both tabs are enabled.

In contrast, the “deep” option turns off the vacuum drive so that the robot can scale and focus only on scanning. In this mode, the robot will rotate in a narrower radius, be more compact, and remove stains better.

containment

The S7 retains containment features such as an invisible wall, restricted areas, and restricted areas. These are useful features as they provide a way for users to block a bot’s path through the app.

Edit room

Users can split, merge and name zones on this tab. The app will, by default, attempt to separate rooms after the initial run, but these partitions aren’t always accurate, so the option to do it manually is always a good thing.

The room naming feature is usable with Alexa for those who prefer to use voice.

adjust or adapt

Each room in your house may have different types of flooring. So Roborock has an in-app customization feature to set cleaning preferences to suit each area. For example, you can turn the wiping feature inside the kitchen on or off when cleaning a mostly carpeted bedroom.

Selective room cleaning

Users can tell the bot to clean a specific room(s) under the Room tab in the main interface by clicking on the map.

area cleaning

Area cleaning is similar to selective room cleaning, but instead of tapping on the area you want to clean, you can draw a box. It’s a more accurate spot-cleaning version, but unfortunately, there’s no option to save areas.

Save the map

Currently, all S-Series bots can save up to 4 map levels. Users can customize each area as they see fit with as many invisible walls, restricted areas, or mop areas as needed. Auto Map Detection ties it all together, enabling the S7 to clean up multiple levels without changing them manually in the app.

carpet reinforcement

Suction is maximized when it automatically detects carpet. One option is to use Balanced or Turbo to clean hard floors with this feature to extend battery life.

above

When this feature is turned on, the scanning bracket will rise 4 millimeters when it detects the carpet or when it is docked. You can turn this feature off if you have rubber mats that can be wiped.

Unlimited scheduling

One of my favorite features of the Roborock app is unlimited scheduling, where users can schedule as many rounds as they need. Within each slot, users can select their preferred cleaning and scanning modes and choose a specific map.

How much power does Roborock S7 have?

According to the Roborock website, the S7 has 2500Pa of suction. Same number as the S6 MaxV and 500 more than the S5 Max.

However, airflow tests reveal a different result. I used an anemometer, and the S7 had less airflow than the S5 Max and S6 MaxV.

One reason could be the brush’s larger surface area, which limits airflow.

The good news is that the new brush does an excellent job of picking up debris (more on that in the Cleaning Test section).

How does Roborock S7 navigate?

The S7 retains the LIDAR sensor, which is a staple on all S-Series variants. One reason to use a laser-based robot is that it doesn’t rely on light, unlike VSLAM robots with a top-mounted camera.

You can allow your S7 to run in dark conditions, and it will still accurately generate the map. This would not be possible with VSLAM (eg, Roomba I6) because it needs light for the camera sensor to work.

Coverage is excellent because it picked up most of the scattered Quaker oats after the first pass, even on the edges.

Obstacle avoidance is another powerful suit. It didn’t hit anything hard. The S7 is one of the best smart robot vacuums in avoiding obstacles despite the lack of a front camera.

Automatic recognition of the room

Another feature worth noting is the automatic room recognition feature, where the robot loads the correct map based on an initial scan. This means that users do not need to switch the map manually when they take the bot to another level as the app does for them.

adaptive route algorithms

When the robot navigates your home, it will choose the most effective pattern as it passes through. The S7 also adapts to the crosshairs pattern as the robot moves from north to south and from east to west to provide better accuracy.

cleaning performance

I was curious to see how well different types of debris could be cleaned with my new brush roller, so I ran the usual tests.

Here are the results.

• Total: 94.31%
• hardwood floors: 99.7%
• Carpet (surface): 98.9%
• deep cleaning: 78.85%
• Sand on hard floors: 99.8%

Despite the less-than-expected airflow, the S7 did an excellent job of picking up surface dirt while still being decent in the compact sand. The new brush stroke did its best at picking up surface debris on hard floors, scoring close to 100%.

hard floor results

• Quaker Oats: 99.8%
• coffee: 100%
• Quinoa: 99.8%
• pet litter: 99.2%

The S7 was excellent on various types of hard floor debris, rising up to 99% in all tests. I’ve noticed minimal debris dispersal with the side brush because it doesn’t spin as fast.

Even with the pet droppings, the throw was minimal and a big reason to pick up a large percentage.

sand on hard floors

Sand is one of the most difficult things to clean on hard floors. Even with reduced airflow, the S7 still I picked up 99.8% on average. An eye test showed that it picked up debris cleanly, and there was no accumulation of sand on the brush and its surroundings.

hair wrap test

Another test I did with the S7 was to try wrapping hair with five and seven inch strands. Here are the results.

• 5 inch test: 75% in the trash, 25% around the brush
• 7 inch test: 44% in the trash and 56% around the brush

So the new design isn’t completely tangle-resistant, but the bristle-free nature makes it easier to detangle. Detachable end caps also help remove buildup on axles.

Edge cleaning test

One of the problems they have with round-shaped robots is their inability to clean the edges efficiently. The S7 has these difficulties, but it was a decent cleanup of most of the debris in this area. Didn’t pick up every bite but cleaned most of them.

Carpet cleaning

A decent new brush makes the S7 above average at cleaning carpets, picking up a high percentage. However, the scores are not as high as hardwood floors but are still above average on surface debris.

Low stack results

• Quaker Oats: 98.2%
• coffee: 97.2%
• Quinoa: 100%
• pet litter: 100%

As expected, the S7 performed worse on fine debris like ground coffee, but it was excellent at picking up 100% of quinoa and pet litter. But overall, the percentages are above average and in line with other Roborock models.

Mid-stack results

• Quaker Oats: 98.8%
• coffee: 97.6%
• quinoa: 100%
• pet litter: 100%

The results on a mid-pile rug reflect the lower levels of pile that it struggled most with ground coffee. Oddly enough, it picked up a slightly higher rate on this surface. The grades reveal the S7 as a robot capable of vacuuming at least medium rugs or rugs.

Deep cleaning results

I tested the S7 with 100g of sand on a medium-pile rug, and it picked up an average of 78.85% In two tests – higher than S6 Max V (77.65%) but less than S5 Max (84.75%).

It’s not as good as the Roomba I6 or 980, but it’s still a good percentage considering it has one of the lowest airflow scores of all Roborock’s options.

scanning performance

Now to the moment of truth. How does Roborock S7 clean stains? Can the new vibration feature handle these bugs better than S5 Max or S6 MaxV?

To find out, I tried it Three different types of spots Red wine, grape juice and tomato juice.

Here are some before and after photos, first with the red wine.

Then grape juice and tomato juice.

The photo doesn’t show how the S7 cleaned the stains after one pass – something that is impossible without excitement.

It was difficult at first to remove the red wine stains during the first test because the pad was not completely damp. But once it has enough saturation, it removes the stains.

One solution is to pre-soak the pillow and then squeeze out the excess water. The pad should be damp but not soaked in water.

Avoids Pour the cleaning solution Inside the tank as it will damage the internal components – spray the pad with your favorite cleaning solution.

How noisy is the Roborock S7?

I used a sound meter to measure the noise, and here are the results.

• calm: 59.4 dB
• balanced: 60.1 dB
• Turbo: 64.6 dB
• the above: 69.8 dB

It was quiet in its calm surroundings at just under 60 decibels. However, this was not the case on the Max setting with close to 70 dB.

How long does Roborock S7 last?

The S7 keeps the same 5200mAh Li-ion battery and will run for Up to 180 minutes in silent mode. However, this number will decrease with higher power settings.

With recharging and resuming, uptime shouldn’t matter because this robot will resume cleaning after recharging if it hasn’t finished running beforehand.

What comes in the box?

1. Roborock S7 robot (included with side brush and main brush)
2. scan slide
3. Manual and quick start guide
4. charging base
5. stopper

Parts Availability

Over the past few years, more and more third-party brands have started selling Roborock components such as filters, main brushes, side brushes, and even a battery. So this bodes well for the long-term sustainability of this product.

Unfortunately, users will have a hard time getting hard-to-find parts like the side wheel unit or the side brush motor. Roomba It still prevails in this aspect in popularity as most parts are available online at stores like Amazon or eBay.

maintenance

Next, we will take a look at the various components that users will have to replace or clean at specific intervals.

1. main brush: The new brush design of the S7 should last longer because it gets rid of bristles. However, you still need to check it at least once every two weeks to clean any hair or debris built up from the stain wipe. The rubberized construction makes it easy to clean and remove any hair that gets stuck around it.
2. Side brush: The next item on the list is the side brush. The hair will tangle on the tentacles or base. Clean this part once or twice a month, maybe more if you have pets or live with someone who has long hair.
3. Brush assembly: The other part that needs cleaning is the main brush assembly, especially after sweeps. The stain residue will stick to this area, so use a slightly damp towel to wipe the stain.
4. Dustbin: Empty the trash after each cleaning cycle to prevent dust mite breeding. Both the filter and the dustbin are washable, so they are very easy to clean. Do this at least once a month. Don’t forget to check the area under the trash can for any dirt buildup. I use a handheld device to clean this area if I see debris.
5. Wheels: Use a microfiber towel to wipe up any debris that has accumulated on the sides and wheels of the wheels. Do this at least once a week, but increase the frequency if you are using this spot cleaning robot.
6. Fall sensor and carpet: Underneath this robot there are sensors that prevent the robot from falling off cliff points and detecting carpets. A dry clean microfiber towel is an excellent tool for keeping these sensors clean.
7. Mop pad and water tank: Wash the wiping pad after each run because you don’t want bacteria and germs to spread. I would advise consumers to buy more, so they have something to use if you toss that soiled in the washing machine. Do not leave water in the tank for extended periods – only when using it for daily wiping.
8. the body: Get a clean microfiber towel to wipe the robot’s body.

Product Spec.

Where can I buy a Roborock S7?

The Roborock S7 will be available on Amazon. Check the link below for the latest prices.

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you buy through the link above, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win for us!

Does the Roborock S7 offer excellent value?

It will depend on the cost of the S7. Will it be as expensive as the S6 MaxV with AI? If so, I would reconsider as the S5 Max offers the same functionality but at a reasonable cost.

However, an upgraded mopping unit, mop lift, new brush roll, and navigational upgrades make this a compelling choice, especially for those who appreciate the excitement it brings to the table.

In tests, it cleaned dry stains after one run — even sticky dirt like grape juice stains.

Cleaning performance is similar to others Roborock models But slightly less effective on the built-in wreck than the S5 Max. But expect a sticky residue if you choose to use it to clean sugary stains. But she managed to tackle the mess after a second round.

5 Reasons to Buy Roborock S7

1. Excellent scanning performance: The VibraRise is excellent at cleaning lumpy dry spots and does so after one run of three passes.
2. Great at sweeping: The S7 scored high on most cleaning tests, especially with surface debris.
3. Intelligent mop lift: Users can now leave this robot to work without worrying about setting non-mop areas because the mopping unit automatically lifts itself when it detects a carpet.
4. Mop only mode: There is an option to shut off the motor and use it exclusively as a robot wiper.
5. cross pattern: The robot heads north, south, east and west for maximum accuracy when sweeping floors.

Verdict: The vibrating wiping pad works

When I first heard about this product, I didn’t know what to expect. But after days of testing, the new wiping unit is already working, capable of spot-drying dry cleaning.

I’ve tried it on the big ones that you wouldn’t normally use a robotic mop on, and it cleaned up completely. It’s a game changer, in my opinion, and I would expect other brands to copy this feature if the market receives it well.

Cleaning performance remains similar to other Roborock options and makes the S7 a true two-in-one robot vacuum and mop choice that does both tasks extremely well.

If the automatic unloading dock works well, we have a great product on our hands. But even without it, this model is an excellent alternative to consider.