Is called Q5 Max + and he is the new born in the house Roborock. Launched in mid-December, it is a very interesting product because it features high-end technology at a decidedly very competitive price. It promises to simplify household cleaning thanks to its powerful suction, automatic emptying system and affordable price. We put it to the test.
The design and the base
Installation is really simple: just screw the robot base to the charging station – which makes it more stable, avoiding accidental movements during emptying – and attach the cable to the socket. Small and compact, in an elegant black, it does not need large spaces and adapts to different furnishing styles. Under the base cover there is a 770 ml bag for collecting dirt (there are two supplied in the package): the “Plus” in the name in fact indicates the function of automatic emptying. This means that when the robot has finished its tour, it transfers the powder to the base. A slightly noisy operation, but which can be excluded for example during night time via the app.
The robot has a classic, round and essential design, with three buttons and a turret PreciSense® LiDAR (the same technology used in car navigation systems) which allows accurate mapping. Below we find two rubberized wheels, which do not scratch the parquet and are capable of climbing a few centimeters in altitude. Then there is a side brush for the edges and two anti-tangle rubber rollers with DuoRoller technology that rotate in the opposite direction, are easy to remove and clean even under running water.
The aspiration
Let’s see it in action. After connecting it to the wifi network, you can choose between one mapping quick and a longer, complete first cleaning. Through the app it is possible to customize cleaning, defining the type of floor in each room and setting virtual barriers to delimit the areas not to be cleaned. The map returned is precise and accurate. We let the robot wander around the room and it never got stuck. Not even when he slipped under the sofa – the turret is low enough to allow him to easily pass even under furniture – or under the table between the legs of the chairs. No problems even with the base of the stools, with the carpets or with a small one height difference thanks to its wheels which have good traction capacity. The aspiration from 5500 Pa it is powerful and the side brush does not leave out the most hidden corners and areas close to the skirting board.
The “puff test”
As usual, to really put the Q5 Max+ to the test, we challenged it with my daughter’s meal and in particular with some rice that fell during lunch. A sticky and difficult food to pick up, but by setting the robot to maximum suction and with a couple of coats the result is excellent. Obviously, with such a test, some stains remain on the parquet, since, unlike other Roborock products, it does not have an integrated washing function (but the washing accessory can be purchased separately). It is therefore not a floor cleaning robot, but the suction is definitely powerful for its price range.
Maintenance
As mentioned, the Roborock Q5 Max+ it empties itself at the end of cleaning or when it is full. In our test, despite the tricky baby food test, only a little rice remained in the drawer at the end of emptying. However, the tank is totally washable under running water, as are the rubber rollers. You will then need to occasionally clean the sensors and empty or replace the dust bag in the base. In any case the container gives 770 ml greatly reduces the frequency of emptying.
The app
THE’applicationall in Italian, is simple to use and provides step-by-step guidance both in the first configuration and in modifying the map and program settings. The presence of pre-set sequences further helps the user to orient themselves. Furthermore, it can be connected to voice assistants such as Google Home or Alexa for a truly “smart” experience thanks to integrated voice control.
The price
The Roborock Q5 Max+ has all it takes to place itself among the best robot vacuum cleaners in its price range.
Furthermore, for the entire Christmas period, until December 31st, it is on promotion – at the Mediaworld stores and on Mediaworld.it – at 249 euroswith a discount of 100 euros on the launch price set at 349 euros. Definitely worth considering for a last minute gift.