It is one of the most powerful robot vacuum cleaners on the market, thanks to artificial intelligence it accurately maps spaces, has a charging base that keeps the tank always clean and has an accessory to wash the floor while vacuuming. And – they guarantee – it is repairable for 15 years. We are talking about the Rowenta X-Plorer 240 AI+, the most powerful robot vacuum cleaner in the range. We tested it: here’s how it performed.
The design
D-shaped, which makes it more efficient along edges and corners, the model we put to the test has a charging base, not excessively large, with an automatic emptying function. Even when not in operation, the robot is therefore discreet and functional and easily finds space even in small environments. The black color makes it even more elegant. It comes with a washing module and three cloths, one for each type of floor). Furthermore, its limited height (under 10 cm) allows the vacuum cleaner to pass easily even under particularly low sofas or beds. It is equipped with a large anti-tangle roller brush – with a large opening that allows optimal suction – and a side brush for the edges.
The mapping and the app
But let’s get to the test. After placing the base in a central point of the house and downloading the app, we bring the robot close to the charging connectors and the tank emptying starts automatically. A somewhat noisy operation, it must be admitted. Especially because there is no possibility of excluding it at certain times. Once everything is installed, however, commissioning is simple and intuitive: just download the Rowenta Robots app, follow the instructions to register and connect it to the WiFi network and start the first cleaning. In this way the robot will move around the house creating an accurate map thanks to its sensors. A camera in front, 3D vision technology and the Lidar laser ensure that obstacles, even the lowest, are not a problem and that it stops a few millimeters from doors and walls. And for those who have apartments on multiple floors it is possible to create multiple maps at the same time.
The aspiration
One of the pluses of the Excellent autonomy: Rowenta guarantees up to 60 days without maintenance and up to 120m2 of cleaning without recharging. In our test, although the surface area is smaller, it actually kept its promises. Maintenance is facilitated by the app where you can both check the status of the individual elements and follow the step-by-step tutorials (including videos) to disassemble and clean them as best as possible. Or even buy spare parts.
Washing
As already mentioned, the accessory for washing the floor is included. It is a small tank to be filled with water and placed in place of the one for dust and to which cloths can be attached (there are three in the package). Through the app, it is then possible to choose the humidity level of the cloth area by area, in order to avoid excessively wetting carpets or parquet. The vibrating cloth can be used at the same time as vacuuming, so you can clean more effectively in a single pass.
Artificial intelligence and voice commands
And could artificial intelligence have been missing? Obviously not. And thank goodness: it is now an essential function in the sector, since it guides the robot within environments and helps it recognize the type of obstacles and avoid them, to the point that in our test the Rowenta X-Plorer 240 AI+ it never got stuck, neither under furniture nor when it encountered toys, cables or shoes in its path. And indeed, at the end of the cleaning he always told us what was left around. It is therefore not necessary to meticulously tidy up before starting it, thus making daily programming simpler and more functional. Also interesting is the possibility of connecting it to Alexa or Google Home to take advantage of voice commands.
The “puff test”
As with other models, we took advantage of the presence of a small child to understand how the robot behaves in daily cleaning after meals. On the floor we left crumbs, pieces of bread, some blueberries and some fish. Well, the X-Plorer 240 AI+ proved to be very useful. Already with suction in Eco mode (therefore not the most powerful) and in just one pass, only a larger morsel remained under the table (which was probably mistaken for an “obstacle”).
The price
The Xplorer 240 AI+ is generally on sale on the Rowenta website for 899.99 euros. A price perhaps a little high compared to other products on the market, but consistent with the type of device. But there is no shortage of discounts and offers: until December 2nd, on the occasion of Black Friday, it can be purchased for 699.99 euros on the Rowenta website
What we liked
The robot is small and discreet and adapts well to small environments, despite the fact that it “rests” on the charging base and the overall dimensions are therefore entirely in depth rather than in height and width. The suction is powerful and overall silent, the mapping is precise, the sensors have never caused it to get stuck. With the turret, the Xplorer 240 AI+ does not reach 10 cm in height, which allows it to even fit under the sofa. With the washing attachment and the “vibrating” cloth, a deeper cleaning is possible than other similar devices. Maintenance is really sporadic (excluding clothes to wash) and simple to carry out.
What we didn’t like
It’s a
a little noisy when emptying and there is no function on the app that allows you to exclude it at certain times. The non-integrated washing accessory can be inconvenient for those who plan daily cleaning.