Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro test: the chic and shocking window washer

Ecovas Home will also provide some recommendations such as avoiding use during freezing or water presence periods, probably for adhesion. Likewise, certain types of windows are not designed to be cleaned with the device.

Ecovacs winbot winbot wnebot test: a glass washing robot that makes the job

If the Robot vacuum vacuum tests are usual on CNET France, we also test connected devices facilitating other household chores. Among the most tedious and repetitive, we find the washing of glass surfaces, this task that we readily repel on the day after. And if a robot did it for us ?

This is the promise of Ecovacs with its Winbot W1 Pro model which proposes to carry out the chore for you. At first glance, we may wonder how it works, but a first contact with the object can already enlighten us. Let’s discover this model which could save us precious time.

Ecovacs had the good idea to store your aircraft and accessories in a small suitcase rather well arranged. Even if the device is not necessarily designed for use in mobility situations, we appreciate this capacity to facilitate storage and possible transport in another home.

On the unpacking, in addition to the robot, 2 microfiber wipes, the power cables and securing cables as well as a cleaning product and its glass dosters glass in the plastic product,. A manual and a quick starter guide are also provided.

The device has a imitation leather handle which gives it a neat touch. We also see the button that launches the cleaning and the rubber valve which gives access to the tank for filling.

On two sides of the device, 4 nozzles in total will be responsible for spraying this same liquid. The brand recommends using it as a priority, it will therefore be necessary to provide them with them. Only problem, recharge is still difficult to find online. The manual specifies that it is however possible to temporarily use water.

Under the device we discover the system that will cause the device: two rubber caterpillars and a central suction orifice to keep the robot vertically.

The quick starter guide is available in paper version, but also via the application. After connection of the robot and start -up with the push button under the device, we scan the QR code via the Ecovacs Home application which will guide us in the start -up, simple and close to what we know with the vacuum cleaners Robots for floors.

Ecovas Home will also provide some recommendations such as avoiding use during freezing or water presence periods, probably for adhesion. Likewise, certain types of windows are not designed to be cleaned with the device.

Once configured, we discover the options available to us as the double pass or even the possibilities of control. A message warns us that the emergency battery is not yet loaded, a prerequisite for carrying out our first cleaning. This will serve in the event of a temporary failure of the sector food and is therefore essential.

After the full load carried out, we will be able to continue our discovery of this model by launching a first cleaning.

The next day, when launching our first cleaning, after letting the battery load a few hours, the application refused to recognize the robot. Without visible reset button and after many manipulations, it was therefore necessary to call on assistance by Chat d’Ecovacs. This was quite responsive and gave us the trick (which should have appeared on the FAQ that we had consulted beforehand) which consists in pressing 30 seconds on the start-up button.

Even without it it would have been possible to start the Winbot W1 Pro, it is indeed capable of doing its job without the application. A simple press of the button or the fact of putting it against the glass when the local sensors detect a window edge is enough to trigger a “quick cleaning”.

For his first he was reserved for him something strong: a bay window with dry traces of several days that would have requested long minutes of manual cleaning. Not only did our Winbot did the job, but he did so in a rather correct way in view of the result.

This efficiency, much better than that of the Hobot 2S is probably due to the instruction provided to us by the user manual which consists in moistening the wipe of the device. On the other hand the spraying of the product is more abundant. It is not a question of droplets, but indeed liquid that helps to remove all traces.

If we can blame him for the noise created by the strong aspiration, we are satisfied with the effectiveness of the course carried out. Quick enough for a modest size window it detects the edges and goes up or down gradually by covering the surface to be cleaned in a rather effective way.

A little surprised by this so good result, it was still necessary to test the W1 pro by climbing a notch on the scale of the dirt level. Inlaid dust and other strange things deposited on our windows by some badly high volatiles did not resist him either.

Looking at it, we are still forced to notice that cleaning is not entirely perfect. If it is a good distance, we notice that the edges are not impeccable. Note that this test was carried out in “1 passage” mode and that the option in the application to do a deep cleaning would probably have done much better.

Another remark, there are traces visible to the place where the robot stops. Even after drying, these traces remain and it takes a manual intervention (certainly fast) to overcome it.

The Winbot W1 Pro is therefore not entirely perfect, but it is more useful than the Hobot 2S which could not do better than delete dust in a superficial manner.

The Hobot 2S robot supports you in cleaning and maintaining windows and windows of your homes. It goes via a remote control or an application and allows you to clean dry, with water or the product, clinging to glass surfaces thanks to a suction system. Security allows you to retain the robot in the event of a fall.

However, he has some defects in common with his competitor: he is noisy, which is rather reassuring since the aspiration allows him to hold in place on the surfaces, the anti-drop hook is not always easy to set up according to the window and the edges cleaning is perfectible.

However, we do not hesitate to recommend it, as it allows you to clean effectively in sometimes not necessarily accessible places, such as the upper-letters. The safety battery ensures that it can be used even without its security grip. On the other hand it is very simple to use and may suit most users, even without a smartphone. At less than 400 euros, this is an investment valid for allergies to cleaning windows.

Read the full test

• Writing note

Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro test: the chic and shocking window washer

One of the most tedious household chores can be subcontracted to a robot. We tested the Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro, a LAVER robot. Now let’s see if it is really effective and above all to whom this product is addressed.

Ecovacs is best known for its vacuum robots. It nevertheless offers a small range of robots of windows gathered under the name of Winbot. The Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro is the latest addition to the family and stands out for the presence of nozzles that will automatically project a cleaning product on the surface to be treated. Its ambition is to make their transparency virginal to all your windows and bay windows. So we tested it and pushed in its last entrenchments.

This test was carried out from a product loaned by the manufacturer.

Design

Ecovacs treats the look of its Winbot W1 Pro with soft lines, dressed in a white dress punctuated by a silver and round surface. Its leather handle, with stitching, brings a last touch of style to a robot which turns out to be elegant despite its function.

At the front of the upper surface of the machine, we have the button Power. We will come back to its use below. Just on its right is a rubber cover which gives access to the tank of the Ecovacs cleaning product.

Two pairs of nozzles are located at the front and back of the product. They make a cross -projection of the cleaning liquid to cover a maximum of surface.

Now let’s go back the robot to discover a two -part structure. The most outside, gray surface, displays two caterpillars and darker areas that are used to maintain cleaning wipes. The central part, white surface, displays the suction system in its center; It is he who will keep the robot against the glass. We also have a red switch Power (to activate before the button on top), and at the bottom right an indicator of the level of cleaning liquid.

You will notice the two cables coming out of the back of the robot. One is linked to food, the second is a rope that allows you to secure the robot using a carabiner.

The storage case of the Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro

With dimensions of 27 x 27 x 7.75 cm, this robot does not display excessive dimensions. As much as a robot vacuum cleaner easily finds its place in an interior and is used very regularly, as much a washing robot is more punctual use. To simplify everyday life, Ecovacs offers a rather successful storage case. It is covered with a pretty and soft gray fabric, which covers a rigid shell. You can very easily transport it to your country house or demonstrate it to a friend.

The case is spacious and offers three storage spaces. The largest is dedicated to the robot, the second for the power supply and the cleaning liquid. Finally, add the net to store the manual and the two microfiber cleaning wipes that are delivered with.

Embedded sensors

Forget laser telemers and other sophisticated sensors. Here, it is a question of ensuring that the robot browses glass surfaces and nothing else. So we have two types of sensors. The first is the equivalent of a bumper on a robot vacuum cleaner. Four in number, one per corner, they will amortize a shock against a window edge and indicate to the robot that he cannot go further.

The second type of sensor is placed at the same level, but on the lower part. It is a detection technology for anti -reflective edges, which allows the robot to clean windows without framework. If the robot detects ” empty “And not transparency, he will step back.

Application and management

App level, we use the same as that dedicated to the brand vacuum cleaner. So we have no unpleasant surprises, with an already known interface.

The installation process is the same as for vacuum robots. You must choose your robot from the list of products offered by Ecovacs, turn on the device and follow the indications of the app. We are really handed and the process does not take more than five minutes.

Click Add to launch the installation process // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

Ecovacs only offers two robots of windows so you will not have to get lost // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

The robot connects to Wi-Fi, but you will not have fun launching a remote cleaning // Source: Yazid Amer-Frandroid

The installation completed, you just have to select the robot in the app of the app. As for an Ecovacs vacuum cleaner robot, you will have to press on Access Nett. intell To take control of the Winbot W1 Pro.

The icon at the top right aggregates all the messages that the robot can send you // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

We then find an interface very close to that of the aspirate robots. If it is not that the card is replaced by a fixed image which is useless, except to illustrate the chosen cleaning mode. Below, you have three tabs that correspond to the three different cleaning modes available: Fast, In depth And Specific. In the latter case, the robot makes a single vertical passage from the starting point of your choice.

The central image is only used to illustrate the selected cleaning mode // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

You will quickly get used to using only cleaning in twice // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

For each of these modes, you will be able to specify the number of passages (1 or 2) and if the robot must, or not, automatically spray the cleaning liquid. On both sides of the button Reading, which is used to launch the treatment of the glass, you have two very practical functions. The first, left icon, gives access to a remote control to manually control the robot. The second icon, on the right, orders the robot to go to a corner of the window of your choice.

The remote control is ideal for refining a cleaning // source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

This function allows you to order the robot to go to a specific corner, very practical when you treat a large veranda // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

Finally, if we have a menu of Settings, It does not offer any configuration options, except to change the language of the robot.

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 PRO maintenance and accessories

The maintenance is minimal on this robot. Nevertheless, there are two points on which you must remain vigilant to fully enjoy your Winbot W1 Pro. The first concerns the nozzles that can get crash and see their reduced efficiency. To avoid this, just clean them regularly with a damp cloth.

Second point, washing your windows with dirty rags is ineffective, ditto with the wipes delivered with the robot, so it is necessary to wash them after each use. If you have large areas to be treated, those accompanying the product will then be insufficient to guarantee quality cleaning.

Performances and uses

Unlike a robot vacuum cleaner that you just have to put on the ground to start his office. A window washing robot requires a little more preparation.

Before use

The robot must be supplied electrically and, for this, we have at our disposal a 4.5 m cable. It is of course possible to complete it with a light extension if you feel the need. In the event of a power cut, a mini emergency battery (650 mAh) takes over. Be careful, it is only there to maintain the robot for a few minutes on the glass surface, while you intervene.

A 1.5 m cable, with a carabiner at the end, is connected to the device. He is there to prevent a brutal fall on the ground of the robot. Which can be practical when you treat the inner part of a veranda for example. In the case of windows, attaching it is often unnecessary and still must have an anchor point available.

Turn on the robot before placing it against a glass // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

The carabiner is a security that is not to be overlooked // Source: Yazid Amer – Frandroid

The wipes should be wet and not sipped with water // Source: Yazid Amer – Fandroid

Then you will have to fill the robot with Ecovacs cleaning liquid. The manufacturer advises against using a different brand, so at your own risk. The bottle supplied with the robot contains 240 ml and the robot has a 60 ml tank. This capacity is in theory to treat an area of ​​20 m² or 10 to 15 m² if you treat very dirty surfaces. You must therefore add to the purchase price of the robot, that of the cleaning liquid: 9.99 euros for 240 ml or 24.99 euros for 1 liter.

Finally, place the microfiber cleaning wipe, previously moistened and wrung, under the robot. Turn on the robot and place it against the surface to be treated, which the robot will automatically detect. He will then launch the suction process that keeps him against the surface. If you press the second a second time Power, The latest cleaning mode selected in the app will be launched.

To turn off the robot, you must first hold it by the handle and only after pressing the button for five seconds Power.

Navigation and detection of obstacle

The robot performs a fairly slow zigzag movement, but which turns out to be very precise. When the robot meets a window edge, it detects it and changes its trajectory. If you have edges without edges, it will have the good taste of never exceeding the limits and staying well on the window.

However, he is unable to spend small obstacles. So, if you treat a veranda and it is not one piece, you will have to start the operation for each game. For a window of 45 x 175 cm, count about 8 to 10 minutes in mode In depth and two passages. Approximately half this time in mode Fast.

Cleaning efficiency

This product offers three cleaning modes, the one named Fast will be enough for windows which are not too dirty and we then obtain a very satisfactory result. There can remain slight traces and in this case a manual finish or restart a cleaning cycle will be enough to eliminate them. The mode In depth is the one you will favor if your windows are very dirty. This includes external aggressions like leaves that stick to the surface, bird droppings, without forgetting the fingerprints of our charming toddlers.

We then reproduced what domestic incidents or children can inflict on our windows, such as fingerprints, hands or those left by a cat’s legs. We kissed the thing by spreading a knob of butter, apricot jam and finally scribbled the surface with a felt. We then allowed the whole for a few hours.

Cleaning mode Fast is clearly insufficient here. The mode In depth will clean the essentials at the first pass, but it generates large traces on the window. If you opt for a second pass, the traces will only grow. Indeed, the wipe is then too dirty to achieve its office effectively. We then advise you to replace it and launch a second cleaning. If you opt for two passages, traces should completely be eliminated. Only downside, the pieces of fruit of the jam can be found on the edge of the windows. If we have used this material, it is to simulate bird droppings and avoid you uncrowding photos. We tested the robot on a veranda by the sea and taking up the same process, we got rid of all the bird excrement. However, it is necessary to intervene manually to remove the residues that can accumulate on the edges.

Faced with extreme situations, this Winbot W1 Pro behaves very well. It really simplifies life and after its passage the windows are impeccable. There can remain a few traces and poorly treated edges, but it remains on the fringes.

Price and availability of Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro

The Ecovacs Winbot W1 Pro at a price of 449 euros on the Ecovacs site, as well as at Amazon, Fnac, Darty, Rakuten and other partner resellers.

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