Roborock S5 Max review: new sweeping and mopping robot with improved features and a reasonable price

Roborock S5 Max comes with a large water tank for better mopping

The Roborock S5 Max measures 35.3 x 9.65 x 35.0 cm, its essential innovation makes the use of the wipe function a lot more pleasant. The large water tank with a capacity of 280 millilitres is independent of the wiping module, is easier to fill up and can remain permanently in the vacuum cleaner. The wiping module itself only functions as a holder for the cleaning cloth. Accordingly, handling when removing and cleaning the cloth is a whole lot easier and therefore more pleasant.

The additional water tank not only allows larger areas to be wiped in one go, but also, for example, time-controlled cleaning over several days. Depending on the soiling, the wiping cloth does not have to be cleaned daily; regular cleaning is of course still necessary to avoid unpleasant odours. The larger tank thus creates more flexibility and extends the maintenance intervals, but the effort required to use the wiping function is still considerably higher than if the unit only vacuumed.

Roborock S5 Max offers adjustable water output control via app

The amount of water used for cleaning can now be set in four stages by app, including the setting "no water". This option can be linked to the room map created by the vacuum cleaner so that it is now possible to clean wooden floors with less water than, for example, a tiled kitchen.

Roborock S5 Max: cleaning performance

From here we come to the basic cleaning functions of the Roborock S5 Max. The suction robot relies on the proven laser navigation of the manufacturer's S-models. After the cleaning start, the device travels along the outer edge of the room and maps the area or checks any existing room maps. The room surface is then systematically cleaned. The robot optimizes its paths based on the shape of the room and tries to travel up and down as long as possible for better efficiency.

If you make use of the possibility to save the room maps, the device can also be sent directly to the individual rooms. From its station, the robot then unerringly controls the desired room in order to clean it separately. The card created after the first cleaning cycle can be manually edited and corrected. In addition, permanent exclusion zones or virtual barriers can be defined in the individual rooms.

By the way, Roborock now also recommends its own iOS app, in the past the app was always called "Mi Home" by Xiaomi. The two do not differ in terms of function. In addition to the app, Roborock also offers an Alexa skill for voice control of the device.

The Roborock S5 Max sucks hard floors and carpets equally well. An automatic carpet detection system ensures that the suction power is significantly increased when driving over carpets. With a maximum suction power of 2,000 Pa, the vacuum cleaner can not only be said to have excellent cleaning performance, but as a positive side effect, the dirt collected in the waste bin is also strongly compressed, which has a positive effect on its capacity. One emptying every few days is absolutely sufficient (in our case despite a large dog in the house). The container can also be removed quickly and easily through the flap on the top of the vacuum cleaner. The dust filter inside can be rinsed wet.

Roborock S5 Max: battery and autonomy

To be able to run the device, a conventional charging station is delivered, which allows the intelligent vacuum cleaner to be recharged within 6 hours. This is clearly not very fast, given that the battery integrated in the S5 Max is 5200 mAh. But since it is also about storing the model, there is no doubt that charging will never be a problem. In short, Roborock provides an autonomy of 150 minutes.

Roborock S5 Max vs Roborock S50: what are the differences?

Apart from the changes in the mopping function, the Roborock S5 Max also shows significant improvements in other areas compared to the old Roborock S50. The predecessor, for example, does without the already mentioned option of targeted room cleaning, but only allows the definition of cleaning zones. The so-called "adaptive route algorithm", i.e. the optimization of the cleaning paths depending on the shape of the room, is also reserved for the S5 Max and S6 models.

With 2,000 Pa and a running time of up to 150 minutes, the suction and battery power is the same for both models, but the Max version is audibly quieter, the noise level in the standard working mode is 58 db, and the Roborock S5 roars through the home with 62 db. The standard mode is called "Balance" in the settings of the vacuum cleaner and in our opinion is absolutely sufficient. Alternatives include a silent mode and the more powerful "Turbo" and "Max" versions.

Bottom line

The bottom line is that the Roborock S5 Max, as well as the standard Roborock S50 and the top model Roborock S6, is an excellent suction robot. We can recommend all three units with a clear conscience, whereby the room cleaning available with the models S5 Max and S6 brings a clear increase in comfort. (Check the detailed comparison of Roborock S5 Max, Roborock S50 and Roborock S6 in this guide: Roborock S5 Max vs Roborock S50 vs Roborock S6: which one should you buy?)

The mopping function has been significantly improved with the technical innovations in the S5 Max, but still remains a less frequently used additional option for us. Both cleaning variants can, however, provide enormous support for home care, and for us as pet owners the effective suction power and the associated basic cleanliness remain unbeatable when using the suction robot on a daily basis.

The official advance sale of the Roborock S5 Max is via the Gearbest and it’s avaialble now at the price of $499 with a 15% discount. Moreover, the first 300 orders buyers also have the chance to get it at $439 with a coupon code. You can head to the Roborock S5 Max promotion page on Gearbest to know more special offer information.

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