Ultenic D7 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Review

The most decent, powerful self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners stand in low three-digit to four-digit values.

The introduction of non-Roomba brands has shaken the market and reduced prices (great news for consumers!).

However, consumers should be prepared for some compromises and Ultenic D7 is no exception.

I ran this robot through my usual series of tests to see what the trade-offs were and whether they were worth considering.

Professionals

• Cheap variant of a self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner
• One of the cheapest alternatives to smart navigation
• Large bag with automatic emptying (3.75 liters)
• Thorough enough navigation
• Above average on hard floors

Disadvantages

• It lacks advanced navigation features such as restrictions
• Not very good on the carpet
• The mop function is not suitable for heavy stains

Introduction to the self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner Ultenic D7

Ultenic D7 is one of the cheapest self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners available. This variant is the second Ultenic robotic vacuum cleaner with automatic emptying after the T10.

But the former is several hundred dollars more expensive with more sophisticated LIDAR navigation.

D7 navigation is easier. It uses a gyroscope like Roomba I3 and Roborock D4, so it’s cheaper.

However, the absence of SLAM (or VSLAM) limits its navigation features.

Yes, it can move in straight lines, but the D7 cannot store maps. Therefore, it lacks advanced features such as room retention and selective cleaning.

View from above

The D7 has a minimalist interface with three buttons at the top. These are not traditional pushbutton switches.

It affects the touch screen and is probably too sensitive because it automatically resets the WIFI connection if you flip it flat (say to clean the brushes).

One solution is to place it on a book so that the top sits at an angle and not flat on the ground.

The D7 comes with a remote control, but consumers can connect it to the Ultenic smartphone app and unlock all the features.

Iimportant note: The application says you need to connect it to WIFI Ultenic-XXXX, but select SmartLife-72B4 instead robot and application pairing.

Bottom view

Below it, the D7 uses a standard robotic vacuum cleaner configuration – one side brush and a primary (combo) brush.

Its combined brush is similar to that Roborock S5 Max and S6 MaxV but with (slightly) softer bristles.

One-sided brush

This robot uses a side bristle brush, which is standard on most robotic vacuum cleaners.

It helps the robot catch dirt along the edges and direct it towards the main brush.

Dustbin design and volume

The D7 has a dustbin at the back, which also serves as a water tank.

Its impurity volume is below average (only 280 ml), but this is not a factor with a spacious 3.75 liter bag inside the base station with automatic emptying.

The volume of the water tank is slightly larger (300 ml), but I would not rely on this robot only when mopping.

Other robotic mops such as ILIFE W400 or W450 will work better than a hybrid robotic vacuum cleaner / mop when mopping floors.

Mopping Pad

The D7 comes with a mop pad that consumers slide behind a dustbin / water tank.

Its rear location allows this robot to vacuum and mop at the same time.

This robot has an electronic water tank with adjustable water level through the application.

However, it lacks an active mixing system like this Roborock S7 or a Dreame W10and will not be effective in removing stains.

Automatic emptying of the station

Finally, we look at the base station D7, which automatically empties.

Its design and location of the front ports is similar to the T10.

Both have a vertical port that connects to the rear slot for the robot bin.

Unfortunately, it does not have a ramp, which jeopardizes alignment on uneven surfaces.

Ultenic recommends using this on a solid surface so that the ports are aligned.

One of the variants with the D7 is its smaller bag (Volume 3.75 liters), which will last 60 days (according to Ultenice).

This number may vary depending on aspects such as the environment, frequency of use, etc.

Application features

Ultenic D7 is compatible with the Ultenic application. Please note that it comes with a remote control, but pairing the robot and the application will provide the best user experience as it unlocks all the features.

1. Live map (species)

Ultenic comes with a live map, but I don’t think it’s useful because it’s too small and the map isn’t very accurate.

Unlike the more expensive T10 with LIDAR, the D7 only uses a gyroscope, but does not have an optical sensor, so the map is not as accurate.

2. Cleaning modes

The application allows consumers to choose between four different modes under the main interface.

1. Deep: It is the most thorough D7 navigation.
2. Fringe: Focuses on vacuuming the perimeter or edges.
3. Point: It spirals around the area three times three feet and returns to the dock.
4. MOP: It switches off the vacuum cleaner motor and wipes the floor.

3. Power and mop settings

Consumers will have several options for setting up the power supply and mop.

There are three power and mop settings. Please do not bother setting the lowest power, as it does not have enough airflow to vacuum the dirt.

Depending on the type and volume of dirt, I would stick to the standard or maximum setting.

4. Empty the dust container

When you click on this icon (top right), the application will display this option and allow users to empty the robot’s trash on demand.

5. Frequency of automatic emptying

Another option in the Ultenic application is to adjust the frequency of self-emptying.

Consumers can choose once after each cleaning. Two cleanings, three cleanings or never.

I would leave it by default (after each cleaning) to keep things in order.

6. Find my robot

Helps consumers find a lost robot by playing a tune. I used it once during the testing process when it wedged under the storage cabinet.

7. Scheduled cleaning

Consumers can use this feature to schedule D7 cleaning.

It is possible to create automated runs several times a day, which helps prevent the accumulation of dirt.

Unfortunately, consumers cannot choose a specific area to clean because this robot does not have VSLAM.

8. Record cleaning

Cleaning records are similar to the cleaning history feature for other brands, which shows previous cleaning runs.

There is no other function other than showing how much you have used the robot.

It’s similar to a car’s odometer.

When you tap each run, the corresponding map, run time, etc. are displayed.

9. Consumables record

This card shows when consumables such as the primary brush, side brush, and filter need to be replaced.

Please note that this is a time-based system, so consumers must take due care and visually inspect these components to determine when to replace them.

How to navigate Ultenic D7?

One of the biggest disadvantages of the Ultenic D7 is its navigation sensor.

Unlike the LIDAR-based T10, the D7 uses a gyroscope as its primary navigation tool.

This downgrade has several consequences.

First, it limits the D7’s navigation capabilities.

Although it can move in straight lines, that’s all.

This option has no premium features like invisible wall or no-go zones because it can’t store maps.

Consumers should not expect too much from this robot in this category, because it lacks the necessary sensors for this task.

Coverage test

Due to its limitations, I am impressed with the D7 coverage tests.

Despite the low airflow, he picked up a good chunk of Quaker oats scattered around the room after the first pass.

This test shows the ability of the D7 hard floor and its effectiveness.

What is the performance of the Ultenic D7?

Robotic vacuum cleaner manufacturers do not have universal statistics for measuring performance.

So I used an anemometer to measure the air flow with D7 and here are the results.

• Eco: 7.91 CFM
• Standard: 9.68 CFM
• Max: 12.75 CFM

The D7 doesn’t have a lot of airflow, but it has enough to pick up dirt on hard floors, which we’ll look at in the next section.

However, don’t expect too much on the carpet.

I would not recommend this option for carpet because it lacks raw strength. In addition, its automatic emptying station is not ideal for carpet due to its unevenness.

Cleaning performance

Next we will look at how well Dreame D7 cleaned various disorders such as Quaker oats, coffee grounds, quinoa, hair, sand and pet bedding.

First, here are the results.

• Overall: 81,42%
• Hard floor: 98.65%
• Hard floor sand: 94,73%
• Carpet: 91.85%
• Deep cleaning: 40,45%

With the above score you can see that the D7 is better at vacuuming hard floors than carpets.

He gained almost ten percentage points more, which may not sound like much, but it is important for these experiments.

These results confirm that the D7 docking station with automatic emptying is not suitable for carpet because it relies on a vertical port.

If you have read comparison of the best self-emptying roboteven the Ultenic T10 has the same problem because the carpet is not a flat surface.

Hard floor results

• Quaker oats: 98.8%
• Coffee grounds: 96.4%
• Quinoa: 99.8%
• Pet litter: 99.6%

Ultenic D7 rose the most on hard floors, as evidenced by its average of 98.65%. It has enough movement to pick up a variety of dirt, from light Quaker oats to heavy things like pet litter.

Sand on a hard floor

One disadvantage of low airflow is that it reduces the trapping of dirt such as sand.

Became on average 94.73%which is slightly below average even for a budget self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner.

This option is not something I would recommend if you need to clean heavy dirt.

Hair wrap

Another fight for the Ultenic D7 is its inability to resist tangles.

I planned to test it on five- and seven-inch strands, but with five-inch hair it struggled (powerfully) (only 14%) that I didn’t even bother testing on seven-inch hair.

Carpet results

Next we will look at how well the D7 has attracted the rug (low and medium pile).

Low pile

• Quaker oats: 98.2%
• Coffee grounds: 77.6%
• Quinoa: 99.6%
• Pet litter: 89.8%

The results show that D7 is struggling with two things on the carpet, heavy and fine dirt.

The lowest percentage was recorded for pet bedding and coffee grounds, lower than for Room I3 and Yeedi Vac Station (other budget self-emptying robots).

Medium pile

• Quaker oats: 98.8%
• Coffee grounds: 80.2%
• Quinoa: 99%
• Pet litter: 91.8%

These results almost reflect the results of the low pile experiments. Above average for light dirt, but struggles with heavy and delicate things.

Deep cleaning

Another experiment I did with the D7 was a deep cleaning test, in which I painted 100 grams of sand on a medium pile carpet.

This did not work, it only gained 40.45% on average.

Again, the weak airflow is a big reason why the D7 does not absorb sand properly on the carpet.

Moping results

I tested Ultenic D7 on red wine stains to see how effective it is in removing stains.

Here are the photos before and after.

The results were less than ideal because D7 only removed some stains.

And it wasn’t a clean passage, because it left sticky residue, which I then had to wipe off on my own.

This experiment shows that consumers cannot rely on the D7 only for demanding cleaning, but only for light tasks on already clean floors.

Better hybrid capabilities of a robotic vacuum cleaner / mop, such as Roborock S5 Max or S7 offers better results.

How Noisy is the Ultenic D7?

I use a sound level meter to check the noise level on the D7 and here are the results.

• Eco: 60.1 dB
• Standard: 62.3 dB
• Max: 65.9 dB

If the low airflow has a plus, then it is a low noise level. The Ultenic D7 is not too noisy, reaching a maximum of 65.9 decibels at maximum setting.

So you can use this robot and still talk at home with your partner or children without having to raise your voice.

Where can I buy Ultenic D7?

Right now, Ultenic D7 is only available directly from the Ultenic website. As soon as this page is released on Amazon, I will update it.

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Is Ultenic D7 worth it?

The D7 is one of the cheapest robotic vacuum cleaners available, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious customers.

But it’s worth it?

It will depend on your expectations and how much you are willing to spend.

The D7 lacks critical navigation sensors that limit its potential, and low airflow prevents it from cleaning.

It’s decent on hard floors, but I wouldn’t recommend it on a carpet because of a weak engine and suction.

3 reasons to buy Ultenic D7

1. Availability: The D7 is one of the cheapest (if not the cheapest) self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners.
2. Suitable for hard floors: On hard floors, despite the below-average airflow, it caught up well.
3. Large bag capacity: The 3.75 liter bag lasts at least a month in everyday use.

Verdict: Great price, not so great performance

After thorough testing of the D7, I found that its performance is lacking in several respects.

It was decent on hard floors, but below average on carpets with poor deep cleaning tests.

Navigation lacks advanced features such as map retention, map saving and selective room cleaning, so it is limited in this respect.

So the bottom line is that don’t expect too much from this robot. It will move efficiently, but that’s all.

The good news is that it’s probably the cheapest self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner available, and that should mean something, especially for bounty hunters.