Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot review: the robots aren't coming for window cleaners just yet

Telegraph

2 days ago

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What is the Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot?
You might be familiar with robot vacuums for cleaning your floors, but did you know that there is something similar for your windows? Yes, really. Still an oddity in the UK, window cleaning robots are designed to help you reach the top of your windows, whether on the inside or the outside. On paper, they're ideal if window cleaning is one of your least favourite chores.
One of the newest models on the market is the Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot. It has dual sprays and mop pads, anti-scratch edge sensors and bumpers. Having tested the best window vacuums, I was keen to see how it compared. Traditional window vacuums like the Karcher WV2 are generally better suited to interior cleaning, especially on upstairs windows, but this one promised to work at a height and beyond my reach.
Keep reading to find out if it can save you from shelling out on a professional window cleaner next time your windows need a spruce.
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How we test window cleaners
As with my review of the Tower Cordless Window Vacuum, I considered a number of key metrics including how successfully it removed water, condensation and grime, its suction power and how securely it adhered to my windows. I also assessed whether it provided a streak-free finish and the size and design of the water tank.
As I tested it on a range of different windows and even my conservatory door, I was keen to determine noise levels and the simplicity of set up. Finally, I wanted to discern how the robot cleaning device was powered and how long it took to recharge fully between uses.
Over the course of a month I tried the Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot in a range of different weather conditions, from an unseasonably hot and sunny day to a slightly windier afternoon, to see if this affected its performance.
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Suction power
Score: 9/10
You might be wary of attaching a window vacuum to one of your exterior windows, which is understandable if you live several floors up. Happily, the Hobot stuck to the glass securely. It comes with a safety cord too, although I was nervous that this could potentially cause the robot vacuum to swing and damage the window or the surrounding wall if the suction was to fail. Nothing like this happened during my tests, though.
You will need to manually move it from window pane to pane, as it can't traverse over edges and ledges. This means that it's not quite as hands-off as you might expect. But it still proves its worth on large panes.
Mop head quality
Score: 8/10
The Hobot uses two reusable microfibre pads to wipe, clean and buff away dust, dirt, bird droppings, rainwater and even some spider webs. It makes two passes as standard, unless you prompt it to change direction or focus on a specific area. At the end of its cleaning cycle it leaves a relatively streak-free finish. There were still a few smears if you looked at it from some angles though, so it wasn't quite as impressive as the results of my professional window cleaner.
The microfibre was soft, so I didn't need to worry about it scratching or dragging on glass, while the pads stuck firmly to the Velcro that held them in place. They washed and dried quite impressively. You get a spare set, which is handy when the others are dirty or hanging out to dry.
Water tank
Even though it comes with dual water tanks which add up to a maximum capacity of 160ml (80ml in each), when I first went to fill them up I assumed that it wasn't enough water to clean an entire window, let alone several in a row. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by how much water remained even after cleaning several panes. And that was when filling them to below the recommended level, as instructed.
The dual jets spray a light mist, saving your windows from becoming overly saturated. At times, some of the mist sprayed straight into the air instead of onto the window, which may be more of a problem on a windy day, compared to the calm day I tested it on. These rogue off-target jets mean some water – or cleaning solution – is wasted in the cleaning process.
Speaking of cleaning solution, the device comes with a bottle of accompanying window detergent as standard, although you can use water alone. I tried both and found the results somewhat comparable. The detergent simply added some extra shine.
Design
Score: 6/10
The unit itself feels well made and of a high quality, with a decent heft, which I appreciated given its price tag. As I didn't need to worry about carrying it too much, other than to move it into place before leaving it to do its thing, I wasn't especially concerned about its 1.67kg weight. Its slimline design makes it easy to store.
The noise is where I struggled. It's significantly louder than other window vacuums, with a strong whirring sound which I would say is comparable to a traditional floor vacuum.
More annoying still are the loud voice alerts, prompts and beeping. As soon as you switch on the device you are hit with a barrage of noise and as far as I could tell after quite a bit of research and flipping through the instruction manual, there is no way to turn this off or down.
Ease of use
Score: 7/10
After charging for a few hours to prepare the UPS system, the Hobot-S7 Pro only took a few minutes to setup. It comes with an app and remote control, with both supposedly letting you direct it and add extra sprays. But I couldn't get the remote control to work and while the app was more effective, I didn't use it much – I was more than happy to let it work without interfering.
Unlike cordless robot vacs like the Dyson VisNav, this cleaning device must be connected to its power cord at all times. It has a backup mode in case of a power outage, which keeps it in place for up to 20 minutes, but you must be within four metres (the total cable length) of a plug socket. Otherwise you'll need an extension lead.
However, I liked not worrying about stretching or standing on a step ladder to reach the top of my conservatory door myself. It navigated the glass to clean right up to the top, including the pane edges, without any required effort from me.
Technical specifications
Even though the Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot is different to a traditional window vacuum, the robot has one direct competitor: the Winbot W2 Omni Robotic Window Cleaner. It's priced at almost £200 more at its full RRP, so how do the two compare, and is it worth the additional expense?
Should you buy the Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot?
If you want to take the hassle out of cleaning your windows, or would prefer to invest in your own cleaning device as opposed to regularly shelling out for a professional outdoor window cleaner, this could be a good option. It has a rather high upfront cost, meaning it isn't exactly budget friendly, but if it saves you hiring a professional it could pay for itself over a few years.
Yes, if:
You want a relatively hands-free cleaning experience
You'd like to get right into corners
You'd rather not pay for professional cleaning
No, if:
You're on a budget
You don't want one which is overly loud or noisy
Your windows are more than four metres away from a plug socket and you don't want to use an extension lead
Hobot-S7 Pro Window Cleaning Robot FAQs
How should you choose a window cleaning robot?
Strong suction is key to keeping the robot safely attached, especially on tall or exterior windows. Robots that combine a thorough scrub with a wipe action tend to deliver the best results. Look for a robot that offers advanced navigation with edge detection, so it can clean efficiently without missing spots or getting stuck.
How long does it last?
As the Hobot-S7 Pro is plugged into the mains, it lasts as long as you need it to. In the case of a power outage, it has a backup mode to provide up to 20 minutes of usage.
How often should you use the window cleaning robot?
For some this might be every week, but for most it's every month. If you've noticed bird droppings or dust and pollen, you can increase the frequency. A good way to work it out would be to think about how often a professional window cleaner might come with their traditional window washing equipment.