When it comes to vacuum and mopping robots, Roborock and Dreame are the best-known brands in Germany. The American manufacturer Narwal has been trying to shake up the German market for several years.
I have already tested the first two Freo models and have always been convinced of their strong price-performance ratio. Last I had that.
Now a new premium device follows:The Freo Z Ultra should finally be able to stand up to the top models of the competition, even though it only costs a fraction of them.
I used the little helper for around two weeks. Before the final test, for which I need more time, I would like to tell you about my experiences so far.
Finally, thanks to Black Friday and Christmas, some of you may be faced with the decision to buy such a cleaning robot. And the Z Ultra offers a lot for the money.
What kind of device is this?
The Freo Z Ultra is the successor to the Freo X Ultra and the current top model from the manufacturer Narwal.
It has an RRP of 949 euros and has numerous features that you are now used to from premium models, including:
- Automatic room, carpet and obstacle detection
- Base station with 2 water tanks, cleaning agent and dust bag
- Automatic dust emptying
- Automatic mop cleaning with hot water
- Automatic mop drying with warm air
- Suction power of 12,000 Pascals
- Photo and camera function
- Voice and app control
- Support of multiple floors
- Support time-based cleaning routines
Thanks to the self-cleaning station, the Z Ultra takes care of your floors almost autonomously. All you have to do is empty the dirty water, fill up with fresh water and replace the dust bag every two to three months.
This is what makes the Freo Z Ultra special
Price-performance:A strong argument is the comparatively low price, as top models from the competition in the form of the Roborock S8 VMax Ultra or Dreame X40 Ultra Complete cost up to 1,500 euros (RRP).
Okay, the Freo lacks some features of the high-end models mentioned, such as extendable side brushes or removable mops. Apart from that, the range of functions leaves little to be desired.
Freo-Mode:The Freo is also known for its Freo mode. The robot automatically adapts the route, water consumption and suction power to the level of pollution in the environment. But you can also choose between all sorts of other modes, includingSucking after wiping
or vice versa. There is something for every need.
Edge cleaning:The scope of delivery also includes attachable feather dusters with which the robot cleans the lower edge of the wall. The Freo automatically recognizes the Puschel and moves closer to walls or furniture if necessary.
Germ reduction:Another special feature is the dust bag. It can be air dried in the station to avoid mold formation. This is particularly useful if it sucks in moisture or the humidity in the room is very high is high.
Display in der Station:The base station has a screen on which you can activate different actions such as cleaning, drying or childproof locks. Practical when your cell phone is not nearby.
This is what I liked about the Freo Z Ultra
The Improved Station:The Z Ultra takes over the water tanks as well as the integrated Cleaning agent from the predecessor, but now finally has an integrated one Get dust bag. It holds 2.5 liters and should last up to three months thanks to compression technology. I can't judge that yet, but the dust compression was so good with the Freo X Ultra that even the small dust container in the robot lasted for weeks.
The previously mentioned air drying of the bag takes a while, but, like the heating of the mop, it is pleasantly quiet.
When it comes to design, Narwal has copied a lot from its competitors - the station looks more modern thanks to the combination of piano lacquer, brushed finish and transparent shell, but remains functional: It offers a lid on the top and a front with a magnetic holder. Everything is just a touch away.
In addition, all parts are easily accessible. This ensures a high level of comfort, including when maintaining and cleaning the station itself.
Closed station Open stationChic and pragmatic: the new station is impressive. The cleaning agent tank is at the top right and the dust bag is on the left. A floor sealant can also be used as an option.
Obstacle detection:Using AI, the new Freo reportedly recognizes up to 120 objects. I can't confirm that, but at least it recognizes every obstacle in my house - optionally including a photo. This means he reliably avoids toys, cables and shoes lying around.
I've also noticed that he now moves more carefully along chairs and other furniture. It does drag small objects like individual LEGO bricks with it. However, I recommend at least roughly tidying up before cleaning.
In the last two weeks, the Freo Z Ultra hasn't gotten tangled or stuck once on me. Let's see if it stays that way.
Suction and wiping performance:I've always appreciated the Freo models for their strong mopping performance, but they couldn't hold a candle to the competition when it came to vacuuming. Thanks to a stronger suction power of up to 12,000 Pascal, carpets are now even cleaner.
The Freo automatically detects the condition of the floor and carpets and, if necessary, vacuums the latter with an extra turbo to pull hair out of the fibers.
The Z Ultra also easily absorbs the cat litter crumbs that I have scattered everywhere. Last but not least, the rotating mops ensure strong basic cleaning.
Also cool: The Robo first wipes up liquids in Freo mode and then takes care of the rest so as not to smear everything. Although I also have a bone to pick with the Freo mode. More on that in a moment.
Other points that I like:
- The Freo always works beautifully quietly, and the noise when the dust is compressed is also pleasant
- The app looks tidy, clear andisnow in German
- The app offers numerous functions for robots, stations, route planning and cleaning
- The scope of delivery includes replacement accessories (dust bags, filters, dusters)
That could be better
Corner cleaning:Unlike high-end competing models, the Freo Z Ultra lacks an extendable mechanism for brushes or mops. Therefore, the corner cleaning is solid, but not perfect. Even the best robot vacuum cleaners can't get corners 100 percent clean.
Freo-Mode:I've always been at odds with Freo mode. In theory, the robot recognizes everything itself in this mode: the surface, room humidity and the degree of dirtiness of the environment and the mop. In practice, however, automatic cleaning raises eyebrows.
The robot itself apparently wipes clean tiles up to four times, using not only tons of water but also energy. In my opinion, all other modes (e.g. vacuuming and mopping) are more reliable and more economical in terms of water consumption.
Previously AfterwardBitchy Freo mode: The Freo immediately wiped up the milk, but distributed the cornflakes. The combination of vacuuming and wiping works much better in the other modes.
Dust bag drying:Actually an advantage, the drying of the dust bag is annoying because I can't stop it at the moment. However, the corresponding function exists in the app. Possibly a bug, hopefully soon is eliminated.
Short operating instructions:The station comes with a small print quick guide, which could be overwhelming for beginners. Even though the process is simple, my (in-laws) certainly wouldn't have gotten the Freo Z Ultra set up.
Conclusion
The Freo Z Ultra brings noticeable improvements to the X Ultra, especially the new station, better obstacle detection and edge cleaning. Although it shows weaknesses in the Freo mode, it ensures excellent basic cleanliness.
At a price of around 900 euros or, depending on the offer, even under 800 euros, it is a great value for money that I can recommend to anyone who wants to buy such a helper. Top models like Roborock's Qrevo Curve or S8 VMax Ultra or Dreame's X40 Ultra Complete offer even more features, but sometimes also cost significantly more.
