The Dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum: A Comprehensive Review
The post-COVID era has ushered in a new era of cleanliness, with robotic vacuums rapidly gaining popularity. These devices, equipped with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart sensors, offer more than just convenience. They are becoming essential tools for maintaining a spotless home, freeing up valuable time and energy. Enter the Dreame L10s Ultra, a powerful robot vacuum, offering a range of innovative features, including self-emptying, self-cleaning, and automatic dust collection, all at an undeniably attractive price point. But is it worth the investment? This comprehensive review delves into the Dreame L10s Ultra’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right smart home companion for you.
Dreame L10s Ultra: What’s in the Box?
The Dreame L10s Ultra comes in a substantial package weighing about 13 kilograms, boasting several components. Aside from the robot vacuum and base station, you’ll find:
- Two rotating mop pads
- A bristleless rubber brush
- A filter cleaning brush
- A power cord
- A multi-surface floor cleaner
- A dust bag
Dreame thoughtfully includes an additional dust bag, claiming a single bag can last up to 60 days of cleaning. However, while the initial price point is enticing, the replacement costs for essential accessories like dust bags and brushes can add up quickly.
Dreame L10s Ultra: Design and Setup
Setting up the Dreame L10s Ultra is a breeze. The mop pads connect magnetically, while the side brushes clip onto the underside seamlessly. Simply fill the water tank and detergent reservoir, plug in the base station, and you’re ready to go. The device can be controlled remotely through the Dreamehome or Mi Home apps, or you can connect it to your Wi-Fi for convenient Alexa and Google Home integration.
The Dreame L10s Ultra boasts a sleek, premium round design finished in white. A front-mounted camera assists navigation, while the raised LIDAR module on top houses the navigation system. The three buttons on top, Spot Cleaning, Power (or clean), and Dock, enable basic functionality without relying on a smartphone.
Dreame L10s Ultra Review: Setup, Mapping, and App
The Dreame L10s Ultra employs AI-powered RGB camera and 3D structured light technology to generate a detailed 3D map. This clever system allows the vacuum to identify obstacles, memorize paths, and differentiate between rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas. The mapping process for a 1200-square-foot apartment took about five minutes, demonstrating impressive accuracy. Users can create multiple maps for multi-floor homes and set no-go zones through the app.
The Dreamehome app is packed with customization options. The main screen displays the robot’s cleaning and charge status, allowing you to schedule cleaning cycles, target specific rooms or zones for vacuuming or mopping, and establish no-go zones to exclude areas from cleaning. The adjustable suction power and moist levels enable tailored cleaning for each area, adding to the device’s intelligence.
Dreame L10s Ultra Review: Cleaning Performance
The self-cleaning mop and auto-emptying system are the heart of the Dreame L10s Ultra’s value proposition. The base station automatically refills the detergent and water supply, cleaning and drying the mops after each cleaning session. The AI-powered navigation ensures the robot avoids collisions and operates efficiently. A child lock feature provides an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental activation. The built-in RGB camera functions as a surveillance system, offering remote viewing and two-way audio, particularly beneficial for pet owners.
The Dreame L10s Ultra boasts a powerful 5,300Pa suction power and a bristleless rubber brush, effectively picking up dust and debris from various surfaces, including carpets. The device automatically detects carpet and lifts its mop to avoid soiling, adapting to diverse floor types. While the suction power might not be the highest available, it effectively addresses the needs of most households.
The L10s Ultra does become noticeably loud on higher suction settings, which could be a concern for noise-sensitive individuals. The base station, however, operates quietly. The robot’s vocal announcements during cleaning tasks and battery charging provide clear feedback and enable easy location tracking.
The bristleless rubber brush is a godsend for those with long hair or pets, effectively preventing hair entanglement. The side brushes may still require occasional cleaning due to hair accumulation.
Dreame L10s Ultra Review: Maintenance
The Dreame L10s Ultra’s 2.5-liter water tank in the base station and 80ml water capacity in the robot ensure infrequent trips to the base station for refills. After mopping, the robot autonomously cleans and dries the mops using hot air, eliminating odor. The automatic dust collection system uses Dualboost 2.0 technology, efficiently vacuuming dirt into a dust bag in the base station. While Dreame claims a single bag can last for 60 days, it’s still worth noting the ongoing cost of replacements. Regular cleaning of the brush tray and removing accumulated dirt from the robot’s bottom are essential for optimal performance.
The Dreame L10s Ultra excels in battery life. A single charge can power the robot for up to 160 minutes of cleaning, covering a sizable 1,175 sqft space, without requiring a recharge break.
Dreame L10s Ultra Review: Verdict
The Dreame L10s Ultra stands out as a fully automated robotic vacuum and mop, requiring minimal manual intervention. Its self-emptying and cleaning features justify the higher price point, offering significant convenience compared to less sophisticated models. While the vacuuming and mopping performance is highly effective, the loud noise on high suction settings may be a drawback for some. The onboard camera and two-way audio provide an added security benefit, further extending its value.
However, it is crucial to consider the ongoing costs associated with the Dreame L10s Ultra, including replacement dust bags, cleaning solutions, and other accessories. For primarily carpeted homes, it may not be the ideal choice. But for larger homes with diverse flooring, particularly those with pets, the Dreame L10s Ultra is a strong contender, offering a powerful and convenient cleaning solution.
Pros:
- Effective vacuum cleaning and mopping
- Self-emptying and self-cleaning
- Onboard camera for monitoring
- Smart mapping and navigation
- User-friendly app for customization
Cons:
- High price point
- Loud noise on high suction
- Limited availability of replacement accessories
- Self-cleaning uses cold water, potentially less effective than hot water
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Dreame L10s Ultra depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize effortless cleaning and appreciate the convenience of automatic features, the L10s Ultra stands out as a top option. However, for budget-conscious buyers, exploring alternatives from brands like Xiaomi and Eureka Forbes might be a better choice.