Home - Organizer

I swapped all of my kitchen appliances for this one high tech gadget, and it’s already making me cook more often

1:00 am | October 14, 2025

Thermomix TM7: one-minute review

There are few times I’ve been so excited about a home appliance in my career as a lifestyle gadget reviewer as this; I’ve just finished testing the Thermomix TM7, an incredible, almost all-in-one device that can do everything from kneading bread all the way to sous vide. If you’ve ever lamented about your countertop space, this might just be the appliance for you. Still, there’s an interesting journey to perfection – or even just maximizing this device – that might color your choice to join the hype train.

I’ve tested almost all of the key functions available, and I must say I’m very impressed with the range on offer. Do I think it’s the best possible solution for each and every one? No, but I will say it makes tremendous efforts to cover all bases. I’ve made everything from bread to curry and smoothies using the Thermomix almost exclusively for every step, and I’ve never seen an appliance quite like it.

There are, of course, some trade-offs here. It’s bulky, and having a dishwasher is practically a must if you intend to use it regularly. Owing to its very powerful motor, it can also be pretty loud in use; we shudder to use it past 8pm in case our neighbors think we’re testing jet engines. It’ll also be a massive pain to stash away, so prepare for the Thermomix TM7 to be a mainstay on your countertops. If you can handle these setbacks, you’ll be more than happy to introduce it into regular meal prep and cooking rotation, though.

I’m also divided on the included subscription plan; you have three months of access to Cookidoo, wherein you’ll find ample recipes specifically tailored to the appliance, but after that, you face a $89 / £50 annual subscription fee. Of course, the machine is far from redundant after that period if you choose not to join up, but it will require a lot more manual input. In that sense, I don’t love the long-term landscape for Thermomix fans; especially given its lofty list price. I feel they could offer a little more as part of the base offering to help users, but if you’re willing to dole out further, it’s worth the investment.

All that being said, there’s a lot to love here, and a thriving community of users to support your Thermomix journey. New customers are encouraged to join up for one of the in-person training sessions; personally, I didn’t, and I found it pretty easy to learn the ropes and make best use of the machine, so don’t view that as a compulsory step if the effort to make it to a class is too great. Either way, you end up with a powerful, capable and relatively low-effort kitchen powerhouse.

Thermomix TM7: price and availability

Available for $1,699.00 / £1,349 / AU$2,649 direct from Thermomix
Encouraged to buy through a Thermomix 'Consultant'

Unlike a majority of the appliances we test and review here at TechRadar, the Thermomix can’t be easily purchased through standard avenues. You won’t find it on the shelves of a department store or lurking on Amazon during Prime Day; instead, you can exclusively buy this appliance from Thermomix itself, either online or through a Consultant, for $1,699.00 / £1,349 / AU$2,649.

What’s a Consultant? Basically, a brand representative who makes a commission from selling and delivering training to new Thermomix customers. Now, I’m not one of these, but you’ll find a fair amount of content online from people who are affiliated with the brand as such.

In addition to the appliance itself, there’s an array of extra tools and accessories that you can purchase to unlock further recipes and cooking methods. The standard package comes with the TM7 base unit, mixing bowl and lid, a Varoma steaming tray, the power cord and three tools: a spatula, butterfly whisk, and simmering basket. You also get three months' access to the Cookidoo platform, which costs $66/£50/AU$89

Value score: 3.5/5

Thermomix TM7: specifications

Motor	500W power, speed adjustable from 40 to 10,700 rpm
Materials	High-grade plastic, food compatible housing, stainless steel mixing bowl
Dimensions (base + mixing bowl)	253 mm x 405 mm x 336 mm (WxDxH)
Weight (base + mixing bowl)	6.5kg + 2.1kg (8.6kg total)

Thermomix TM7: design

It’s hard to make a 'pretty' kitchen appliance, but the Thermomix TM7 is far from ugly. Large and in charge, the TM7 is a hefty piece of equipment for your countertops; and given its 8.5kg wight, you’ll probably want to keep it there rather than stash it in the cupboard if you’re looking to use it regularly. It takes up a lot of room, too; it stands at 33.6 x 25.3 x 40.5cm (H x W x D), but you’ll also need to find space for the 13.1 x 38.3 x 27.5 cm Varoma basket and other tools.

While I’ve not tested previous devices, the TM7 is a notable departure from older Thermomix designs. Since 1971, the appliance has seen a fair few design changes, but in the more recent years, it’s stayed fairly consistent until now. A new 10-inch multi-touch display is the headliner here, seated upon the main base and offering a bright surface from which to follow along with recipes. It’s pretty responsive and performs consistently, barring the occasional spot of lag if you're dashing around the screen too quickly.

Above the screen sits the 2.2L stainless steel mixing bowl, clad in a black insulated cover with a large, forward-facing handle. This cover locks in place using a lever mechanism on the right-hand side of the bowl, which keeps the bowl and blade inside secure; I found this could be a little stiff at times, and might be challenging for weaker hands to operate.

At the top of the device sits the lid, which has a removable steam cap so you can mount the Varoma steaming tray on top when needed. The steaming tray is 45% larger than the previous generation, and I found it was ample space to cook enough chicken for a six, maybe even eight-person meal.

One thing I will note about the steaming tray, lid, and outer cover is that the black plastic is an absolute grease-magnet. After cooking, it’s covered in oily marks and smears, and that’s where the dishwasher becomes a vital part of this package. I don’t have one in my apartment, so all cleaning was done manually, and when I tell you I felt cursed by the TM7, I mean it. The lid, in particular, is a real pain to clean by hand, and I had to re-clean it three or four times before I was satisfied the grub was gone.

I’m also not overly keen on the lid design, as it lets out a lot of cooking smells. Having researched older models, that’s a big change that has negatively affected the reception of the device, and while it’s by no means worse than using a saucepan on the stove, it’s definitely worth noting if you’ve got a TM6 or older device you’re not 100% sold on trading in.

Design score: 4/5

Thermomix TM7: performance

The real reason you’ll want a Thermomix TM7 is all in the performance. My favorite local chef uses his Thermomix to make a wide range of soups and sauces as well as doughs and batters, and that’s just the beginning of what this tool can do in both personal and professional environments.

This stand mixer-cum-blender-cum-steamer-cum-food processor can even sautee your veggies, meaning there’s way less washing up at the end – so long as, of course, you have a dishwasher.

The screen and Cookidoo app will walk you through each step of cooking, starting with measuring out your ingredients with the built-in scales. These are pretty accurate, providing you’ve got a solid flat surface to place the Thermomix TM7 upon.

Most of the recipes I tested were from Cookidoo, but I’ve got really mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it’s incredibly useful for learning the machine; there’s a great variety of recipes, and I love that you can customize these for your preferences. The customizable home screen and meal planning are genuinely useful, especially for homemakers or power users, and the user experience for following the step-by-step guidance is pretty good.

That being said, I think there’s a lot of room for improvement. Almost every recipe I’ve tried has been way under-seasoned, and there are moments where the instructions aren’t clear enough; pre-heat the oven, sure, but is the suggested temperature for a conventional or fan oven?! Right now, I’m not sure it’s worth the monthly subscription after the initial trial period, though I’ve not actually seen how useful the machine is without it; I’m really hoping it doesn’t render it useless.

A huge miss for me is that you can’t remotely control the Thermomix TM7, despite the Cookidoo platform being accessible on other devices. Thermomix has hinted at this future utility, but I’d ask why they rushed to release the product without it; it feels pretty essential to me in the age of smart devices.

Image 1 of 3

Image 2 of 3

Image 3 of 3

I started my Thermomix journey by making some of the recommended starter recipes; Thai peanut chicken with coconut rice, which uses only the Thermomix to cook at each stage (though you will need vessels to put some ingredients aside in at various stages). You begin with the Peanut sauce, putting in sliced garlic, roughly cut ginger and olive oil into the mixing bowl. After a three-second whizz, scrape down the sides and whizz again, before sauteeing the contents.

At this stage, I was already pretty impressed; the blades are incredibly powerful and sharp, able to quickly mince my ingredients to a suitable size, and the machine has saved me from having to turn on the stove and grab a frying pan. You can use this setting manually, too, searing and browning ingredients up to 160°C without needing a recipe from Cookidoo selected.

After adding some liquid ingredients to the mix for the sauce and switching on the machine to cook and slowly stir the contents for five minutes, the sauce is finished and can be put to one side while you make the rest. Now, given there’s another 20 minutes before it’s time to reintroduce the sauce, this is one of the early pitfalls for the Thermomix; concurrent cooking for more complex meals isn’t always a choice.

That being said, I loved that in the next stage, the rice is cooked in the main mixing bowl while the chicken and vegetables cook in the Varoma on top using the steam from below. The con? Well, you have to wash the sticky sauce out of the mixing bowl first, and it’s not as easy as the “quick rinse” suggestion the Cookidoo app makes. It was worth it in the end, though; the results were tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice and delicious (albeit very heavy and unhealthy) peanut sauce. It’s a pretty bitty way to cook the meal; I’d sooner cook the sauce separately in a saucepan while the rice and chicken cook to halve the overall cooking time, but it’s neat to see a meal like this made possible using mostly just the machine itself.

Next up, I tried making another suggested starter recipe: Pão de água, or Portuguese water bread. Using just bread flour, water, yeast and salt, the Thermomix TM7 was able to handle everything from mixing to kneading and even proving the dough. However, the process was a little more mixed, here, in my experience.

Primarily, that’s because of the kneading; nobody wants to watch as an expensive appliance visibly teeters while in use. I don’t think it moves enough here to launch itself in any kind of dangerous way, but it can’t be good for the screen, internals or motor to be jostled so much. If I were regularly making large batches of dough, I’d be seriously considering wedging the machine in somewhere it can’t scuttle out from.

However, I have to say, I was really impressed with the results. The dough proved wonderfully within the mixing bowl, and after a slight mishap (read: user error) that saw me unlock the mixing bowl and pour the blade out with the dough, the bread came out of the oven well-risen, delicious and with excellent texture.

Image 1 of 4

Image 2 of 4

Image 3 of 4

Image 4 of 4

Undeterred, I moved on to my next test: mushroom and cannellini bean soup. Here, I wanted to see if the food processing and blending were up to scratch, and they most certainly were. After cooking down the ingredients, the machine blitzed through the contents and left me with wonderfully smooth, tasty soup. The only issue? It was painfully loud while doing so.

Thermomix claims the TM7 has a quieter motor with “noticeably less noise, especially at low speeds”, but that certainly doesn’t extend to more challenging tasks. I was genuinely worried about damaging my ears when standing close to the device, and no wonder; when I crushed frozen berries in the machine to make sorbet, my sound meter measured 99db (equivalent to a subway train) at only the fifth of nine speed settings. With more crumbly contents, that dropped to 87db, and with sugar alone, it was 73db.

Some of this is to do with the powerful blades, but I have to wonder if the vented lid design and mixing bowl shape mean there’s rubbish sound isolation. I haven’t tried previous models to see if the issue is new, but the TM7’s redesign does have less cladding around the side to help prevent sound spillage, which definitely means blending past 8 PM is a non-starter in my apartment building. I will say, though, the sorbet was delicious, and the butterfly whisk attachment to whip it into a smooth texture is excellent.

Overall, it’s a mixed bag for me, and a lot of this comes down to personal preference; if you’re an accomplished cook who just wants a super powerful blend and mixer for handling some of those dishes that need constant stirring and a thin consistency, you’ll love the Thermomix TM7. Similarly, if you’re a homemaker without a great love for cooking (or washing up!) it’s a great way to make a low-effort meal for a whole family. I would argue it could be really useful for those with accessibility needs, too, but unfortunately, the bulky design and size of the device make it hard to lift and operate.

However, if you live in close proximity to neighbors, have children with early bedtimes, don’t own a dishwasher or just really enjoy the art of home cooking, you probably can (and should!) live without the Thermomix TM7.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Thermomix TM7?

Buy it if

You want an easy, almost all-in-one kitchen appliance

The diversity of settings and cooking tools in the Thermomix TM7 makes it one of the most capable appliances available today.

You want some inspiration in the kitchen

The Cookidoo platform grants access to a wide range of recipe ideas for a range of dietary needs, but also gives you the agency to adjust these to your own liking.

You need high-performance blending and food processing

The Thermomix TM7 doesn’t just have great settings; it performs well across the board with them. Blending, in particular, is a real strength.

Don't buy it if

You don’t have a dishwasher

I cannot impress upon you how annoying it was to clean without one. The many fiddly components, the smudge magnet plastic materials and its heft make hand washing a real chore.View Deal

You hate subscriptions

Cookidoo comes at an added cost of $65/£50/AU$89, which is way less than your average streaming service, but more than some will be able to stomach given the device’s lofty list price.View Deal

How I tested the Thermomix TM7

I used the Thermomix as many times as possible to cook for myself over a three week period, trying both the in-app recipes as well as manual mode. To test the features as advertised, I opted to try most of the recipes from Cookidoo's 7-day crash course, which helped to understand the machine's abilities.

I made bread, baked goods, full meals, sauces, soups, stews and desserts in the Thermomix TM7, comparing the experience of each against my cooking experience. I'm a confident home cook with experience in cooking almost all of the meals I tried by hand, comparing my experience to traditional methods as well as methods that use a range of the best kitchen appliances.

I've been testing home appliances for years now, and in that time I've tried a huge range of the best blenders, best air fryers, best food processors and beyond. I've developed a keen sense for value, performance and good design through my testing experience.

WEFFORT’s Motorized Smart Shades are smooth and quiet, with plenty of options to ensure they suit your home

7:00 pm | October 12, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

WEFFORT Smart Shades: one-minute review

WEFFORT offers a ton of different smart shade options, including roller, cellular, zebra, roman, sheer, outdoor, woven wood, drapes, and more. Within each category, you’ll find a variety of neutral colorways and differing degrees of light filtration/blocking. I ordered the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white for two identical windows in the same room.

You can choose to charge your blinds via a wall charger or a solar charger; I got one of each. You also choose your home’s ecosystem; I chose Apple’s HomeKit but it also works with Google, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and several others. You can also get a remote control – either one-channel, five-channel, or 15-channel.

Installation initially went relatively smoothly, though the included screws are low quality and the threads will strip if you’re not careful. The major hiccup, however, was that one of the strings wasn’t wrapped around the motor correctly, so the blind would not lower all the way on one side. After some back-and-forth with customer service, who provided detailed instructions and videos, I was able to get it working properly.

Once that was done, the blinds worked like a dream. I set up an automation, so the blinds open each day at sunrise and close each day at sunset. I also utilized the remote control and Siri voice activation. They work exactly as expected.

WEFFORT Smart Shades - two of them, closed, with sunlight filtering through — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

WEFFORT Smart Shades: price and availability

Starts relatively inexpensive
Order directly from site or Amazon
Gets fairly pricey with customizations

You can order WEFFORT Smart Shades from WEFFORT's website or from Amazon in the US. You'll be able to see all of your options more easily if you order directly from WEFFORT, though you might find some sale prices though Amazon.

The shades start at $119.99 USD (about £90 / AU$180). I ordered two shades for two pretty large identical windows. I selected the 60% light-filtering Lattice Series Roman Shades in white with a battery motor (as opposed to hard-wired) and measured for an outside mount. I added a five-channel remote control, solar charging panel, and chose the HomeKit Motor over Thread. All told, my total was $1,013.94 (about £750 / AU$540) for two shades.

Value score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: design

Had some hiccups with installation
Shades look fine, if not luxurious
Smooth and quiet operation

You'll need a drill and the know-how to use it in order to install the blinds. Note that the included screws are not up to the quality of the rest of the kit; if you're not careful, you can strip them pretty easily. But the trickiest part was that one of the strings that control the blinds got out of place, which meant that one of the shades would not lower all the way. Eventually, with help from WEFFORT's customer service, I was able to fix the string and get the shades working correctly.

WEFFORT Smart Shades back view — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

You can order the shades with whatever sort of smart home ecosystem you like, whether you prefer Apple HomeKit, Samsung, Google, Amazon Alexa, Homey, Hubitat, or something else. However, for this kind of customization, you'll want to order from WEFFORT directly. Custom orders on Amazon can be a bit tricky.

I set mine up with Apple's HomeKit, there was no need to download any other app to get this done. In addition to controlling the shades via HomeKit and Siri, they can also be controlled via remote control.

WEFFORT Smart Shades closeup of valance — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I ordered 60% light-filtering shades, and that's what I got. The light filters through pleasantly, but the harshest rays of summer middays are blocked when I want.

As for the aesthetics, well, these don't look or feel like super expensive shades. The fabric of the shades is more like plastic than anything. The string that raises and lowers the shades is very thin. The valance is functional-looking, not anything special. It all looks fine though; I don't need shades to look fancy, I need them to work. And they do work. Operation is smooth, quiet, and flawless.

Design score: 4/5

WEFFORT Smart Shades: performance

Set up with Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Google, and more
Control with your phone, your voice, or remote control
They just work

When you place your order, be sure to choose your motor type carefully. The Standard Motor uses just the remote control. The Zigbee motor works with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat and other Zigbee 3.0 Hubs. The Z-Wave motor can be used with Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and Hubitat. The Matter motor works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung, and Google. The HomeKit motor just works with the Apple ecosystem.

WEFFORT Smart Shades setup screenshots — (Image credit: Future)

I found the shades easy to set up with Apple's HomeKit without having to download any other apps. Once set up, you can tell Siri to open and close your blinds, or use the app to choose the exact percentage open you want them.

You can set up Scenes and Automations to have the blinds open and close when or under what circumstances you prefer. I like my blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset; once I set that Automation I can forget about it and the blinds do just that.

WEFFORT Smart Shades looking up at motor — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

As I mentioned earlier, I did have an issue with a twisted string at first. I'm not sure if the shades came that way or if that happened during installation. With the string twisted, the blinds would not fully lower. I did speak with customer service via email; they sent me instructions and videos until I was able to fix the issue. Since then, everything has worked flawlessly.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the WEFFORT Smart Shades?

WEFFORT Smart Shades score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	They start out fairly cheap but get pricey with custom options	4/5
Design	More functional than fancy	4/5
Performance	Get through setup and these shades perform like a dream	4.5/5

Buy it if

You like many options for control

You can choose from a variety of motors so you can use just about any brand of smart home digital assistant. Or you can go old school and just use a remote control.

You want differing kinds of window coverings

WEFFORT offers a variety of smart shades, blinds, and drapes in various colors and light-filtering levels.

You want to set it and forget it

Set up Automations and Scenes so the blinds open and close at the time or in the specific situation you choose and you'll never have to think about them again.View Deal

Don't buy it if

You're looking for a bargain

You can get some basic shades pretty inexpensively, but once you go up in size and add upgrades, the price climbs quickly.

You want a no-brainer setup

You'll need to be handy with a drill and have a little techy know-how. I initially had a twisted string that didn't allow full closure, but worked through it.

You need easy removal

These do get drilled into the wall, so they may not be ideal for renters.View Deal

WEFFORT Smart Shades: also consider

Want some other, similar options to check out? Here are a couple of TechRadar favorites to consider.

SmartWings Smart Blinds

These are fairly similar to WEFFORT blinds, but maybe you'll see some different options you like more here. Read our SmartWings Smart Blinds review to find out.View Deal

GrayWind Smart Blinds

GrayWind and WEFFORT are sister companies, and I found them to be fairly similar. Again, you may find some different options here, so it could be worth checking out. Here's our GrayWind Smart Blinds review.View Deal

SwitchBot Blind Tilt

This renter-friendly, budget-friendly option attaches to your existing blinds and doesn't even require a drill. Read our SwitchBot Blind Tilt review to learn more.View Deal

How I tested the WEFFORT Smart Shades

I installed the WEFFORT Smart Shades on two different windows in my dining room and tested them over two weeks. I opened and closed them a variety of ways, including using the remote control, the HomeKit App on my iPhone, and voice commands to Siri. I also set up an Automation to open the shades at sunrise and close them at sunset.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2025

Image 1 of 8

A variety of images showing WEFFORT Smart Shades — (Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

Image 2 of 8

Image 3 of 8

Image 4 of 8

Image 5 of 8

Image 6 of 8

Image 7 of 8

Image 8 of 8

Roborock’s new stick vacuum is a whizz at cleaning, but the fast-draining battery and lack of an Auto mode hold it back

5:55 pm | October 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances Vacuums | Tags: AU, US | Comments: Off

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra: two-minute review

Product info

This vacuum is available in two iterations:

H60 Ultra (not yet released at time of writing)
H60 Hub Ultra

The Hub version is the model I've reviewed here, and comes with an auto-empty dock. The standard version is almost identical, except there's no dock and the wand can be released to bend forwards.

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a cordless stick vacuum that boasts a range of useful features, including an auto-empty dock that removes the need for messy dustbin wrangling. Roborock is best known for its robot vacuums, but the H60 range (of which the Hub Ultra sits right at the top) marks a serious expansion into manual vacuum cleaners. I've been using the H60 Hub Ultra for the past two weeks, to get a feel for how it performs and to figure out if it can compete with the rest of the best cordless vacuums on the market.

At first, I was thrown off by the design of the floorhead. The roller is mostly soft, and it didn't look like it would agitate carpet fibers sufficiently for a thorough clean. I needn't have worried, though: this vacuum sailed through my cleaning tests, on both hard floors and carpet. In addition, it avoided hair from becoming tangled around the brushroll throughout my review period, and boasts what is, perhaps, one of the brightest, most effective lasers I've come across in all my vacuum-testing experience.

The floorhead is also shallow enough to clean right into awkward spaces (it's one of very few vacuums to be able to shuffle right under my low sofa), and the telescopic wand means that its height can be adjusted to suit you. If you opt for the version of the H60 without the auto-empty dock, you'll be swapping out the telescopic wand for one that can bend forward to 90-degrees.

Speaking of the auto-empty dock, it works very well (perhaps not surprising when you consider this is the brand behind many of the best robot vacuums on the market) – and it's a big effort-saver, as well as being a strong choice for allergy-sufferers. Design-wise, it looks more stylish, too, than rival dock options, and the hidden storage for detail tools is an inspired design flourish.

So why haven't I awarded the Roborock an outright win? This is mostly down to battery life. In anything above the lowest mode, the battery drains a little too quickly. In medium mode – which most people will be using, most of the time – I managed 25 minutes of cleaning, which is too little time to cover a larger house in one go. The issue is exacerbated by the lack of an Auto mode. Many modern vacuums can auto-adjust suction power based on dirt levels and/or floor type, to provide a thorough clean without wasting battery. The H60 relies on you to change the mode manually.

That's the short version; read on for my full Roborock H60 Ultra review.

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra in reviewer's living room — (Image credit: Future)

Roborock H60 Ultra review: price & availability

List price: $599.99 / AU$999
Available: US, AU, Europe (not UK)

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra launched in September 2025, and is currently available in the US, Australia, and various countries across Europe (not including the UK).

In the US, it has a list price of $599.99 – but since I started reviewing, I haven't seen it sold at this price; it's been available for $499.99 at Roborock, Target and Amazon. In Australia it has a list price of AU$999, but at the time of writing was discounted to AU$499 at Roborock. That's equivalent to around £450-£490 at list price (Roborock does have a presence in the UK, so I'm hopeful these vacuums will make their way over at some point). The standard H60 Ultra – minus an auto-empty dock – is also on its way. I don't have pricing information for this model yet, but it will definitely be a bit cheaper.

At list prices, the H60 Hub Ultra sits in the premium price bracket. With discounts (which look like they might be common), it might just sit on the cusp between mid-range and premium. The vacuum feels high quality, and the auto-empty base amps up value for money. However, I'd expect an Auto power mode in that price bracket, and far superior battery life.

Looking at comparable models with an auto-empty base, there's the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Clean & Empty, with a list price of $499.99 / £549.99/ AU$999.99, but discounts are common. That model has multiple automation capabilities, and offers better value for money than the H60. There's also the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, which has a list price of $1,099.99 / £1,199.99 / AU$1,699.

Sitting at the top of the Dyson range right now is the V16 Piston Animal, with a list price of £749.99 / AU$1,349 (it currently isn't available in the US). It, too, lacks an auto-empty base – although apparently one is incoming soon.

Value for money score: 3.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra specs

Weight (body only):	4lbs / 1.8kg
Weight (vacuum with wand and floorhead):	6.6lbs / 3kg
Bin size (onboard):	0.5L
Bin size (dock):	3L
Max runtime:	90 mins
Charge time:	3hrs 30 (3hrs 15 on test)
Vacuum dimensions (H x L x W):	45.1 x 9.8 x 11.5in / 114.6 x 25 x 29.3cm
Dock dimensions (H x L x W):	33.4 x 11.4 x 11.4in / 84.8 x 28.9 x 28.9cm
Filter:	HEPA
Max suction:	210AW

Roborock H60 Ultra review: design

Stick vacuum with button operation, telescopic wand and info screen
Auto-empty charge dock with hidden storage for two detail tools
Floorhead is mostly soft with rubber fins, and kitted out with a laser

The Roborock H60 Hub Ultra is a premium stick vacuum with an auto-empty dock. The vacuum itself looks much like any other stick cleaner, except perhaps it's a little more classy. It switches on and off with a button, and other information is conveyed via a large screen that covers most of the front of the vacuum.

There are three power modes, which you switch between using a second button. The system adopted to tell you which mode you're in isn't terribly clear: two "whoosh" symbols appear for the lowest-powered mode; three, for medium mode; and six show in max mode. I could have done with some color coding or even just a Low, Mid, Max for easier, at-a-glance decoding. Battery status is much clearer to decipher: the cleaner counts down from 100 as the battery runs down.

Screen on Roborock H60 Hub Ultra, showing percentage battery and cleaning mode — The "whoosh" symbols indicate the mode you're in, while the number tells you how much battery is left (Image credit: Future)

Rather unusually, the wand is telescopic, and can extend from around 17in / 43cm to around 25.6in / 65cm in length. This means it's adjustable to a length that's comfortable for your height. With the wand contracted, the total height with the floorhead flat on the ground is 36.6in / 93cm; fully extended, it's 44.9in / 114cm tall.

This adjustable height also allows for the dock to come in a bit shorter. The bin section needs to connect to the dock, which can mean that some auto-empty docks end up being rather statuesque. Here, the stick vacuum can collapse down to fit in at a lower level.

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra in its dock, in reviewer's living room — (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of the dock, Roborock has gone for a white, curved cuboid design with a dark base. It isn't especially exciting to look at, but neither will it stick out like a sore thumb in your kitchen or utility room. (In my mental ranking of attractive auto-empty bases, it sits below the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, but above the Shark PowerDetect Cordless.)

The vacuum charges via the dock, but its primary purpose is to house a generous 3L dust bag, into which the onboard bin will empty itself whenever the vacuum is docked. This dust bag is fully sealed and comes with HEPA filtration.

There are a couple of big benefits to an auto-empty dock. The first is that it means you can get away with a smaller bin on the vacuum itself, which can result in a lighter and more streamlined vacuum overall (Roborock has taken advantage in this regard, supplying a small onboard bin of just 0.5L).

The second benefit is that emptying the bin is much cleaner and needs to be done less frequently. Roborock says the large dust bag in the dock will only need replacing once every 100 days – although, of course, that will vary depending on how much dust you're busting. Nevertheless, this might be welcome news for allergy sufferers, and those who aren't really a fan of maintenance tasks.

Image 1 of 2

Close-up of main floorhead for Roborock H60 Hub Ultra vacuum — The H60 Ultra comes with one general-purpose floorhead (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Close up of underside of main floorhead for Roborock H60 Hub Ultra vacuum — The roller is mostly soft, with some rubbery fins (Image credit: Future)

The design of the main floorhead is a little unusual. Most vacuums have a mostly plastic roller, fitted with bands of stiff bristles and perhaps also bands of soft brushes. Here, the whole thing is covered with a soft microfiber-style covering, with rubbery fins that wind around it. There's nothing especially rigid there – it reminds me of Dyson's Fluffy floorhead for hard floors. Before I began testing, I had my doubts over how well it would agitate carpet fibers to release any trapped dirt.

Elsewhere, this main floorhead is kitted out with a wide-angle laser to illuminate dirt that might otherwise be missed. Most brands' headlamps are white, but Roborock has gone for a Dyson-inspired lime green. There are also anti-tangle features to prevent long hair from becoming wrapped around the roller.

Detail tools in the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra dock — There's room in the dock to store accessories (Image credit: Future)

Like pretty much every stick vacuum on the market, the wand can be removed and a detail tool added to turn the unit into a handheld vacuum. Here you're supplied with a mini-motorized tool and a 2-in-1 crevice tool. One feature I especially like, and which I haven't seen before, is that there's a home in the dock for the two detail tools to nestle safely out of the way.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: performance

Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet
Laser is bright and useful, and the floorhead can fit under low furniture
Auto-empty is mess-free and saves effort

To kick things off, I used the H60 Hub Ultra to do a general clean of my flat. What was immediately noticeable is that the floorhead propels itself forwards when you switch it on – so much so that it can feel like the vacuum is running away with you a bit.

While this does take the effort out of moving forward, unfortunately it has the opposite effect when you're pulling the vacuum back towards you. Perhaps if you could figure out a route that snakes around your home, never requires you to pull the vacuum backwards, it would be ideal.

Aside from the pull-back problem, the H60 feels relatively comfortable to use. The mechanism for the extendable wand is smooth and easy to adjust, and it means you can raise or lower the vacuum to the perfect height for you.

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra — The extendible wand means you can get the vacuum to the perfect height for you (Image credit: Future)

In use, the floorhead feels really different to other carpet floorheads I've tested, because it's so soft. In fact, I was so disconcerted that I checked back in the box a couple of times to make sure there wasn't a second floorhead in there that I'd missed.

On carpet, it felt like the roller might not be vigorous enough to pick up much dirt, but the dust and fluff building up in the dust cup told a different story (as did the suction tests, which I'll get to in a minute).

There was the occasional "sticky" bit of fluff on the carpet that stubbornly refused to be lifted, but in general the floorhead did a very solid job of cleaning my carpets. I even used it to clear up after a visit from an especially hairy dog, and it pulled an impressive amount of fur from my carpets. I didn't encounter any issues with the floorhead as a result of my own, armpit-length hair becoming wrapped around it, either – after two weeks of testing, the floorhead roller remains completely hair-free.

Using the H60 Hub Ultra on hard floor felt much more natural, and it did a great job of clearing dust and dirt. In addition, the laser illumination really comes into its own on hard floors: the light is bright and wide, and shows up fluff and hair very effectively. (It might even be slightly better than the light on my Dyson Gen5detect, the current reigning laser-illumination champ.)

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra with green light illuminating a corner — The H60 has some of the very best laser illumination I've seen (Image credit: Future)

I guess I've been spoiled, but during general cleaning, the one thing I really missed was having an Auto mode. A number of vacuums these days can intelligently adjust suction depending on the floor type or dirt levels. I was vacuuming away, thinking "but how do I know it's working?".

If you're not a professional vacuum reviewer, and are used to using your eyes to assess vacuum performance, this may not be a problem. Perhaps the more relatable issue was that I had to keep a hand free to manually shift modes when moving from carpet to hard floor, to preserve battery life.

However, extra credit should go to Roborock for creating a vacuum that's great at cleaning under furniture. The floorhead's relatively shallow profile and compact docking mechanism mean it can lie almost completely flat, easily reaching right into the dusty depths beneath my sofa. (Note, if you opt for the version of the H60 that doesn't have the auto-empty dock, you'll get a wand that can be released to bend forward to 90-degrees, for even easier cleaning under furniture.)

Roborock H60 Hub Ultra cleaning underneath a sofa — The floorhead is excellent at getting right under furniture (Image credit: Future)

Like most stick vacuums, the H60 Ultra can be reconfigured for use as a handheld. The two tools provided will cover a wide variety of cleaning tasks, and the mini-motorized tool did a particularly good job of pulling pet hair from my sofa.

A slightly weird quirk is that if you swap tools without switching off the suction, the rollers won't rotate and the laser won't turn on. This can be fixed by switching the machine off and on again.

The telescopic wand actually makes getting the vacuum into the dock easier and more comfortable than I've experienced with other auto-empty machines I've used. Roborock says bin-emptying takes 10 seconds, and on test that proved accurate.

The auto-empty process was also relatively quiet, and in almost all instances, all the dust disappeared from the onboard bin in one go. The only time I had an issue with the auto-empty function was after I'd had a shedding dog visit – the hair-filled bin didn't empty at all the first time I docked the vacuum, but everything was sucked out on the second go.

Generally speaking, if you have space for one, I think an auto-empty dock is an excellent investment. They really take all the hassle and fuss out of a daily vacuum.

Suction tests

Moving on to the official suction tests. The H60 Hub Ultra performed far better than I expected considering the slightly weird floorhead.

I sprinkled loose, dry tea on the carpet to represent fine, gritty debris, then added a pile of oats and dry lentils to represent chunky debris. In medium mode, it scooped up pretty much everything in a single forward pass – if you look very closely, there are a few specks of tea remaining, but this is still an extremely strong result.

Image 1 of 3

tea and oats / lentils on floor before suction test with Roborock H60 Hub Ultra vacuum — Tea and oats / lentils on floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 3

Carpet after suction tests — The tea after a single pass in medium mode (look very closely and you can see a few specks remaining) (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 3

Here's a video clip of the tea test:

And a clip of the oats / lentils test:

I then repeated the same tests on a hard linoleum floor. Here, the results were equally strong: all mess was sucked up in a single forward pass. What's especially impressive is that none of the oats and lentils either pooled in front of the floorhead or were pinged around the room, as often happens in this test.

Finally, on to the edge test. The results here were a little weaker, but not awful. I sprinkled oats along the edge of my hearth in my carpeted lounge. Approaching from the side with the main floorhead attached, the majority of oats were sucked up – but a strip was left along the edge. Approaching front-on proved more successful.

Image 1 of 2

Oats along the side of a fireplace — Oats before the edge test (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Oats being cleaned from along the side of a fireplace — ... the results after a single pass, approaching from the side (Image credit: Future)

Overall, a really strong performance from the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra. The cleaning power proved excellent on both hard floors and carpet, and it was comfortable and easily maneuverable in use. My only minor complaints are the lack of an Auto mode, and the fact it's so intent on only moving forwards.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Roborock H60 Ultra review: battery life

8 mins 38 seconds in max, 25 minutes in medium
Roborock quotes 90 minutes for min mode
Recharge took 3 hours 15 mins

Roborock promises up to 90 minutes of cleaning per charge. This would be for the lowest-powered mode, and I will test and time this as soon as possible.

From the rapidly depleting battery indicator, I could immediately tell that runtimes in higher-powered modes would be significantly shorter. In the medium mode, it lasted 25 minutes – long enough to do a good amount of cleaning, but perhaps not enough for a whole large house. In maximum mode, the H60 lasted 8 minutes and 38 seconds, which again isn't terribly impressive.

The lack of an Auto suction mode is a down-side here. As well as saving you effort, Auto modes help eke out battery life, because the vacuum is only ever using the actual amount of suction power required for that particular cleaning task.

If you bleed the battery on the H60 Ultra to flat, it will take 30 minutes to start charging again. Roborock quotes a 3 hours and 30 minutes recharge time; I recorded slightly less than that at 3 hours and 15 minutess (including the extra 30 minutes where it just sat on its perch and did not charge). On the plus side, the charge dock makes keeping your vacuum juiced up straightforward.

Battery life score: 3 out of 5

Should you buy the Roborock H60 Ultra?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Premium, but there can be good discounts. Decent pricing for a high-quality vac with auto-empty, although I missed an Auto mode.	3.5 / 5
Design	Premium-feeling stick vacuum with telescopic wand and laser illumination. Effort-saving, auto-empty charge dock.	4.5 / 5
Performance	Excellent suction on both hard floors and carpet, with no hair wrap around brush roll. Floorhead can get right under furniture, and laser is nice and bright. Auto-empty works well.	4.5 / 5
Battery	Officially up to 90 minutes, but only 25 minutes in medium mode, and no battery-maximizing Auto mode.	3 / 5

Buy it if...

You suffer from allergies or hate bin-emptying

The auto-empty dock means once dirt and hair is sucked up, it's very difficult for it to escape back into the air. This also takes all the effort out of emptying the bin.

You have lots of hard floor

As the floorhead is very soft, you won't have to worry about it scratching delicate hard floors (it's also great on carpet, for the record). The dust-illuminating laser is also ultra-useful on hard flooring.

You're short

The telescopic wand means you can adjust the height of this stick vacuum to be comfortable for you. It doesn't go much longer than your average vacuum, but petite users will appreciate the ability to shrink down the wand to their height.

Don't buy it if...

You have a big house

The runtimes in higher power modes here aren't great, so if you have a big home you'll either need to commit to the lowest suction mode, or to pausing to recharge mid-clean.

You want an intelligent cleaner

Many premium vacuums these days can adjust suction and/or roller speed intelligently, based on floor type and dirt levels, for a low-effort, effective and battery-efficient clean. There's no Auto mode to speak of here.

How I tested the Roborock H60 Ultra

I used the Roborock H60 Hub for two weeks in my one-bedroom flat, which has a mix of carpet and linoleum floors.

I set up the charge station in my lounge and used the H60 vacuum regularly for a fortnight, to get a general feel for maneuverability, cleaning effectiveness in each mode, battery life, and any usability issues. I also took note of how well the Hub station's auto-empty feature worked and if it proved a genuine effort-saver.

To gain a more objective view of this vacuum's performance, I also ran a series of standard suction tests. For these, I sprinkled dry tea (to represent fine dust) and an oat / dry lentil mix (to represent chunky debris) on hard floors and carpet, and observed how efficiently the vacuum cleared it up. I also assessed how the H60 dealt with hair (my own, armpit-length human hair, and that of a visiting Cocker Spaniel ) and cleaning along the edges of rooms, and timed how long it took to run the battery flat in different modes, and to recharge it again.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

First reviewed October 2025

I was blown away by this robot vacuum’s mopping performance, but it’s let down by frustrating software quirks

9:30 pm | October 5, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Robot Vacuums Smart Home | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Narwal Flow: two-minute review

The Narwal Flow is a high-end, self-emptying hybrid robotic vacuum with an especially unusual and impressive mopping system. I've been testing one out for the past fortnight, and the performance is such a mixed bag that coming to a definitive conclusion is tricky. On one hand, its mopping is among the best of any robovac I've tested. The mop pad is mounted on a wide roller, which extends outwards to reach into corners, and uses hot water to clean both your floor and itself. The system works remarkably well.

The Flow's vacuuming abilities are also strong, and it performed very well in TechRadar's standardized tests. It's not only very powerful (up to 22,000 Pa of suction), but cleverly adjusts the speed of its rotating side brushes to prevent dry debris from being flung across hard floors. It also performed very well at in my obstacle avoidance tests. There don't seem to have been any negative results of installing the LiDAR module in the back of the bot instead of in a raised puck on top. The benefit is that the overall profile is relatively shallow, which means the bot can clean beneath low furniture.

On the other hand, the Flow occasionally let itself down. During one cleaning task, it spilled a large amount of debris from its dust bin onto the floor, despite being set to automatically empty itself into the base station. The robot then drove over the mess, lifting itself off the ground enough to trigger its cliff sensors, and requiring help. Another time, it repeatedly failed to enter a room and, despite not vacuuming a single square centimeter, returned to its charger and declared the task a success.

The app is also so packed with adjustable settings that it'll likely feel intimidating to robovac rookies – an issue compounded by numerous examples of poor translation. I have no doubt these issues can be addressed by software updates, and I was ultimately still very impressed by the Flow's cleaning performance. The fundamentals are sound, it just needs a little finesse to reach perfection.

That's the short version – read on for my full Narwal Flow review, including an in-depth look at the design, performance and value for money, plus how it compares to the rest of the best robot vacuums on the market.

Narwal Flow robot vacuum in its dock — (Image credit: Future)

Narwal Flow review: price & availability

List price: $1,499.99
Launched: August 2025
Available: US

The Flow launched in August 2025, and a month later its price fell from $1,499.99 to $1,299.99. That's for what Narwal calls the basic dock, which contains a dust bag and tanks for clean and dirty water. A smaller dock that plumbs into your water supply for a full hands-off experience costs $1,599.99, but was discounted by $200 during the pre-order phase.

Currently, the Narwal Flow is only available in the US. The brand hasn't announced plans to bring the Flow to the UK just yet. However, it's available in some European countries, including Germany, for €1,299 with the standard dock and €1,499 for the smaller, plumbed-in dock. Those prices were cut for a limited time at launch to €899 and €1,099 respectively. The Flow is not currently available in Australia.

Even at the new, lower list price, the Narwal Flow is firmly in the premium price bracket for robot vacuums. It sits above other high-end robovacs, like the $1,099 Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni, but below the lofty $1,599.99 recommended retail price of the Roborock Qrevo Curv. However, discounts are common in the robot vacuum market, so in many cases you'll be able to take list price with a pinch of salt.

If you're comfortable with the idea of a four-figure vacuum – something we've all had to get used to as their features and performance continue to grow – then the Flow feels like good value. This is especially true when you start digging through the spec sheet and the many, many pages of features and settings accessible in the app. Things like the use of hot water with the mopping system – to clean the floor, not just the pad itself – and an extending, track-based mop help the Flow stand apart. I'll come back to these features in more detail later.

Like other robotic vacuums, the Flow will require replacement parts over time. Examples include dust bags and detergent for the mopping water, and the spinning side brushes can also be replaced if they wear out or break. Narwal sells a kit of parts that includes two mops, two filters, a replacement roller brush, three dust bags, two bottles of detergent, two pairs of side brushes and other accessories. But it's rather expensive, at $259.99.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Narwal Flow specs

Max suction:	22,000Pa
Robot diameter:	13.8in / 35.1cm
Robot height:	3.7in / 9.5cm
Dock dimensions (W x D x H):	16.9 x 15.6 x 18.2in / 43 x 40 x 46.1cm
Dust bin volume (base):	2.5L
Water tank volume:	Requested
Base type:	Charge, auto-empty, wash mop pads with hot water, dry mop pads with hot air, refill clean water, self-clean
Max threshold clearance:	1.6in / 4cm
Mop type:	Roller track with hot water mopping
Mop pad lifting:	0.5in / 1.2cm
Max runtime:	190 mins

Narwal Flow review: design

Hybrid robot vacuum with LiDAR integrated to give a shallower profile
Track-style roller mop that can extend, with hot water mopping
Comprehensive dock with hot water mop cleaning and self-clean cycle

The Narwal Flow is a robotic vacuum cleaner and mop with a self-emptying charge station that also cleans and drys the integrated mop. As well as emptying the robot's onboard dust bin, the charge station empties the robot's dirty water tank and refills it with clean water. For an even more hands-off approach, there's an option that has a dock that can be plumbed in (I didn't test this version).

Dock for the Narwal Flow base — (Image credit: Future)

The standard base station is comprehensive. It'll take care of basic things like charging the bot and emptying the dust, but also tasks like refilling the onboard water tank, washing the mop pads with hot water and drying them with hot air. It'll even clean itself, rinsing the dirty water tank and pipes with hot water. It's a shame, then, that there's no automatic detergent dispenser; instead you just add cleaning solution to the clean water tank.

I like how the robot is housed almost entirely inside the charge station, instead of protruding out the front when parked. This makes for a neater appearance, and means the system takes up less floor space than some rivals.

As with other robovacs, the Flow asks for plenty of free floor space around the base station, though. Officially, you should keep 18 in / 45cm free to each side and in front of the dock. This isn't critical though, so you can put the dock in a corner of the room (or next to a kitchen cupboard, as I have) and the robot will still drive in and out just fine.

Narwal Flow robot vacuum with internal dust cup removed and placed on top — (Image credit: Future)

The underside of the robot houses a rotating, anti-tangle brush, a pair of spinning side brushes, two wheels that promise to lift the robot over thresholds up to 1.57 in / 4cm tall, and a reusable mopping pad.

Unlike some other robotic vacuums, the Flow's spinning LiDAR unit is housed within the body instead of mounted on top, which reduces its height to 3.74 in / 9.5 cm, which is on the shallower side for a robot vacuum and means it's able to drive beneath low furniture.

When in use, the mop pushes down onto the floor with a force of 2.7 lbs / 1.22 kg to help it scrub at dirt and dried-on stains, while grime is scraped off, and the pad is fed with clean water. The mop uses water warmed to 113F / 45C while in use, then lifts by 0.47in / 1.2cm to keep clear of carpet and rugs.

Narwal Flow flipped over to show roller mop — (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some other robotic vacuums, the rotating side brushes of the Narwal Flow do not pivot outwards to reach further into corners. Instead, there's a clever mechanical solution: one brush on each sweeper has a hinge halfway up. When the bot approaches the edge of a room, the sweeper changes direction of rotation, causing the hinge to open up and extend the reach of the brush.

The mop does extend outwards, getting it closer to walls but not quite within touching distance.

Setup

Setting up the Narwal Flow is relatively quick and easy. The spinning brushes clip into place, then it's just a case of picking a good spot for the charging station, filling the water tank, letting the robot charge its battery, and using the Narwal app to connect the robot to your Wi-Fi network. After that, you're prompted to send the Flow out on a mapping mission, where it quickly drives around, without cleaning, and uses its vision system to map your property.

The Flow performed this quickly and did a decent job of splitting the floor plan into rooms. It even correctly labeled the kitchen and living room, spotted how the latter is carpeted, and placed icons to represent a dining table, chairs and sofa. I had to adjust some of the wall locations, then split the hallway and downstairs toilet into two rooms, but this process is all quite intuitive.

Narwal Flow dock with lid open to show internal water tanks — (Image credit: Future)

The Flow also spotted a couple of obstacles – a cable and some shoes – and marked them with relevant icons on the floor map. Narwal says the Flow can recognize 200 different types of objects this way – and yes, that includes pet mess. This system was inconsistent, as it later mistook a stainless steel kitchen bin for a mirror and labelled a single table leg as 'other' despite previously adding the same table and chairs to its map of the kitchen. Up to four maps can be saved, which is handy if you live in a multi-storey house instead of an apartment.

Lastly, the Flow offers smart home integration and support for voice commands via Siri, Alexa and Google Home. However, there's a bit of clunky Chinese-to-English translation going on here, which can make some settings nonsensical. That aside, I like being able to ask Alexa to 'clean the kitchen', for example, or set up a Siri Shortcut to control the Flow.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Narwal Flow review: performance

Strong vacuuming and excellent mopping when you get the settings right
Occasional navigation failures
Impressively thorough self-cleaning from the dock

Narwal suggests the Flow is best left to think for itself. This is because, while there's lots of granular customization of cleaning schedules and mopping strategies to sink your teeth into, Narwal's artificial intelligence, called Freo Mind, can be summoned to do the thinking for you.

The AI adjusts the cleaning strategy based on the room and how much dirt there is. It'll adjust the suction power, mopping water usage, cleaning frequency and other variables on the fly, and work especially hard on tougher stains.

Narwal Flow on carpet in tester's home — (Image credit: Future)

This is most obvious when tasked with mopping dried-on stains, which the robot will scrub at repeatedly, sometimes with multiple trips back to the docking station to clean the mop and grab more warm water, before the job is done.

The Flow's intelligence and navigation skills are mostly good, driving very close to walls but rarely crashing into them, and cleaning in neat, straight lines.

But it isn't perfect. On one occasion the Flow pushed a chair about 12in / 30.5cm across the kitchen floor, then seemingly got stuck, unsure of where to go or how to get back to its charger. I was also disappointed to see how the Flow once dropped a large amount of debris onto the carpet after cleaning, and another onto its own dock when returning to base. The robot can be set to empty its bin either after every clean, or intelligently based on how full it is, but in neither scenario should the bin be overflowing. Those minor hiccups aside, during general use I found the Flow to clean very well indeed.

Vacuuming tests

Now for the specific cleaning tests. I started by challenging the Narwal with a mixture of crushed digestive biscuit and flour on a wooden floor. I set the robot to its lowest suction setting and asked it to vacuum the area just once, and with what the app refers to as 'standard coverage precision', instead of the more meticulous option.

I started on the lowest of four suction settings (this is called 'Quiet, and lives up to its name, reaching just 58 dB.) Most of the debris was collected after a single pass. But, while the Flow managed not to flick dirt around the room, as some other robovacs are guilty of, larger pieces of food were missed, and there's no doubt I could have done a better job with a handheld vacuum or a dustpan and brush. The bot then returned to its dock and disinfected the internal bin. I measured this process at 42 dB; noticeable in a quiet room, but only slightly louder than a refrigerator.

I repeated the test at the next suction level, called Normal. This picked up more debris, but still left some behind – and I also noticed how the robot left two sizable trails of crumbs at the entrance to its charging dock. I then selected the highest setting, called Super Powerful, but before starting the app suggested I try 'Vortex suction power', which was previously hidden but, the app said, was suitable for the current area I was cleaning. Vortex suction is much louder, at 76 dB, but did an excellent job, picking up almost all of the crumb mix and leaving behind only a few faint trails.

As a final test, I scattered some more of the crumb mix and this time selected the Narwal Flow's Freo Mind setting, which promises to intelligently adjust depending on the environment and dirt level.

The robot drove in a more meticulous way, but left quite a few patches of crumb in its wake, plus some trails of debris spread around by its tank tracks. Honestly, I was expecting a little better here. As is almost always the case with robovacs, the best approach is to have it vacuum the entire room twice, rather than focus on a single area from which it is likely to flick dirt. This approach produced the best results.

Next, I repeated this test in a carpeted lounge. Strangely, the robot repeatedly failed to even leave the kitchen, yet twice proudly told me it had completed the task (and stated how it had cleaned 0.0 square meters in the app).

After the third failure, I asked it to vacuum the entire lounge instead of a custom zone. This also failed, and – after deleting the map and creating a new one – I discovered the Flow had designated the lounge carpet as an area to 'Cross' instead of 'Clean'. This is intended for rugs, creating the option to avoid them, but in this case it meant the robot refused to enter the room. A notification explaining this would have been helpful.

Image 1 of 2

Crumb mix on a carpeted floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Clean carpet after the suction test — ... and the results of the crumb test (Image credit: Future)

Issue resolved, and even the lowest suction mode did a fantastic job of vacuuming the carpet, with only very small patches of the crumb mix left behind. It was an impressive performance, and I liked how, even in 'standard' coverage precision, the Flow methodically drove twice across the selected zone. I repeated the task using Normal suction with two vacuuming cycles, and the carpet was cleaned perfectly.

Image 1 of 4

Oats on a carpet ahead of suction test (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 4

All the oats cleared away after the suction test (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 4

Oats on a wooden floor before the oat suction test — Oats on a wooden floor before the suction test (Image credit: Future)

Image 4 of 4

Hard floor after suction test, with oats cleared — ... and the results (Image credit: Future)

For my next test, I used oats to see how the Flow performed with larger debris. On a hard floor it passed with flying colors, even with the lowest suction level. Crucial here is how the Flow's rotating side brushes vary their speed depending on the task, so instead of flicking the oats around – as many other robovacs do – the Flow slowed down and picked up almost everything.

On carpet I saw similarly impressive results, with just a single pass on the lowest suction enough to leave the floor totally spotless.

Mopping tests

Next, the mop test. For this I tested the Flow with some spilt water, then a few drops of ketchup smeared across a wooden floor and left to dry. For every mopping task, the bot first cleans its mop with hot water inside the base station, then sets off. The Flow did a great job of wiping away the spilt water, without pushing it around and creating more mess, but the rotating side brushes are dragged through the liquid (and, later, the ketchup too), so could start to smell over time.

The Flow's Freo AI function didn't scrub at the ketchup as much as I'd hoped, and instead returned to base after one pass without properly cleaning the area.

Image 1 of 3

Water and ketchup on a hard floor, ready for the mopping test (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 3

Results of mopping test, after one pass — .. after one pass (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 3

Results of mopping test, after two passes — ... and after two passes (Image credit: Future)

I tried again – this time with the mopping set to 'meticulous' and with increased water usage to help loosen and remove the ketchup stain – and the floor was left spotless. Worth noting is how the Flow comes with a bottle of detergent, but this is added manually to the base station water tank, instead of being administered automatically, via a separate tank, as is the case with some premium robovacs.

Especially impressive is how the mop uses hot water to clean the floor, then is itself washed with more hot water and dried inside the base station after every task. Remarkably, even after a few weeks' use and the ketchup test, the mopping pad still looked like new.

Obstacle avoidance tests

Finally, obstacle avoidance. I tasked the Flow with vacuuming my lounge and placed a shoe, a sock and a USB charge cable in its way. The robot did an excellent job of avoiding every object, while still vacuuming very closely to each of them.

Narwal Flow robot vacuum avoiding a sock — (Image credit: Future)

I was particularly impressed by how it dodged the charge cable, since most robovacs fail at this test. The app showed an icon of a cable on the map, but strangely didn't identify the sock and shoe.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Narwal Flow review: app

Some poor Chinese-to-English translations
A ton of settings to explore – in fact, an overwhelming number
Drains phone battery quickly when left open

The Narwal app is a complex beast, packed with adjustable features and settings. It's designed nicely though, and most of the menu system is logical enough, although some questionable translation into English will have you scratching your head.

Ideally, you'd leave the Freo Mind AI to work everything out for you. But I found the Flow vacuumed best when configured to perform two cycles with strong suction and the coverage precision set to meticulous. Mopping worked best when set to two cycles, with normal water usage and, again, the meticulous coverage mode.

Beyond that, there are pages and pages of settings to read through and tinker with. There's even a setting to increase suction power to compensate for living at high altitude, a graph to show the 'health index' of the dust bag over time, and three options for how intensely the mop is dried. A 'simple mode' that strips out most features would be welcome.

Image 1 of 3

Screenshots from Narwal robovac app — (Image credit: Narwal / Future)

Image 2 of 3

Image 3 of 3

More helpfully, you can create and save up to four maps, so using the Flow across multiple floors is possible, and there's a page showing you when each consumable accessory will need replacing.

One of the app's best features is how shortcuts can be created for common cleaning tasks. I made one called After Meal, which is configured to vacuum the entire kitchen with normal suction and two passes. These shortcuts live on the home page of the app, and begin with a single tap.

It's a good app, but there's too much going on for the average user. I'd urge most buyers to take manual control of the various cleaning functions, see what works best in your home, then set up a handful of shortcuts to fit your use case. I prefer this approach to relying on the Freo AI and trusting the robot to always do the right thing. Lastly, I noticed the Narwal app runs quite hot and quickly depleted my iPhone battery when left open.

App score: 3.5 out of 5

Should you buy the Narwal Flow?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	Expensive, but justified at least in part by an extensive feature list and generally very strong performance.	4/5
Design	Hybrid robot vacuum and mop with integrated LiDAR and extending, track-style roller mop. Comprehensive dock.	4.5/5
Performance	Vacuuming is strong, mopping excellent, and the dock's cleaning functions are impressively thorough. Let down by occasional bugs and navigation issues.	3.5/5
App	Nicely designed, but overflowing with far too many features and settings and some poor translation into English. A resource hog that makes your phone run hot.	3.5/5

Buy it if...

You need a great mop

For homes with predominantly hard floors, the Flow is a great robot – the mopping is amongst the best I've tried, and it's remarkably good at keeping itself clean, dry and odor-free. Get the plumbed-in dock for a fully hands-off experience.

You rely on obstacle avoidance

The Flow is very good at avoiding obstacles, then plots their location on the floorplan and even takes photos of whatever it encounters. It didn't once ingest a stray sock or charge cable during my testing.

You want minimal maintenance

The Flow empties its dust bin, but also disinfects itself after vacuuming, then washes its mop with hot water and dries it too. After several weeks of use, and producing two tanks' worth of filthy used water, the mop still looked like new.

Don't buy it if...

Your priority isn't mopping

Much of the cost here is related to the advanced mopping and mop maintenance features. If you don't have a ton of hard floor or intensive mopping needs, this probably isn't the robot vacuum for you.

You want simplicity

With pages of settings to adjust, function names that don't always make sense, and some poor translation, the Narwal app can be overwhelming. One-tap shortcuts can be created, and work well once you've spent some time configuring them, but the app could be more user-friendly.

You're on a budget

Naturally, a four-figure robovac won't appeal to consumers who want to spend less. Thankfully, there are plenty of more affordable options from brands like SwitchBot, Roborock, Tapo and Eufy, although not all can mop as well as the Narwal Flow (or at all).

How I tested the Narwal Flow

I set up the Narwal Flow and used it as my own vacuum cleaner and mop for a couple of weeks, before conducting a series of specific tests. During the initial period, the Flow was tasked with vacuuming and mopping the entire ground floor of my home. I experimented with the Flow's ability to create additional maps, and used it to clean my first floor bedrooms and bathrooms too. The specific vacuuming, mopping, navigation and obstacle avoidance tests are outlined in the Performance section above.

Read more about how we test robot vacuum cleaners

First reviewed September 2025

I’ve tested more than 50 air purifiers, and this is the model is my hands-down favorite – here’s my long-term review

11:30 pm | October 4, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Air Quality Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: US | Comments: Off

Levoit EverestAir air purifier: two-minute review

Air purifiers designed for large rooms tend to be big and bulky – but the Levoit EverestAir Air Purifier is an exception to that rule. It's a slim machine that can fit into tight spaces, and fit flush against a wall, but which packs enough power to use in extra-large spaces.

Inside, you'll find a 3-stage filtration system that includes a washable pre-filter, and a H13 True HEPA filter and an activated charcoal filter combo. I have an open plan home with no walls separating the living room and kitchen, and the EverestAir did an excellent job of purifying the space quickly and effectively, including clearing my neighbor's cigarette smoke. In fact, this is one of the most effective air purifiers I've ever reviewed – and I've tested over 50 of the best air purifiers on the market.

The mode I used most often was Auto, where a laser dust sensor scans for airborne particles and increases or decreases the fan speed as necessary. There's also a Sleep mode and a Turbo mode.

The control panel includes plenty of options, but they're clearly presented and the information is easy to navigate and digest. The air quality score, along with color-coded rings, provide you with an at-a-glance overview. At the touch of a button, you can also cycle through readings for specific particulate matter, such as PM 1.0 (fine dust and microtoxins), PM 2.5 (dust, smoke, and pet dander) and PM 10 (pollen, ash, and airborne allergens). There's no remote control, but you can control the EverestAir from a distance using the companion app, which includes options to turn the device on or off, switch modes, create a schedule and more.

Normally, the airflow on an air purifier is in a fixed position. However, the Levoit EverestAir has adjustable vent angles, which is ideal for directing the clean air to suit the position of the purifier. Cleverly, when the air purifier is not in use, the vents close completely to keep dust out.

That's the short version – read on for my full Levoit EverestAir review.

Levoit EverestAir air purifier in reviewer's kitchen-living room — (Image credit: Future)

Levoit EverestAir review: price & availability

List price: $499
Available: US

The Levoit EverestAir has a list price of $499.99 and is available to purchase direct from Levoit US via Amazon. While Levoit does have a presence in the UK and Australia, at time of writing this model wasn't available in either territory.

The Levoit EverestAir replacement filter is rather expensive ($99). However, it only needs to be replaced every 12-15 months with normal use… so you could think of it like a $50 filter that needs to be replaced every 6 months, if that helps.

In the air purifier market, the Levoit EverestAir is considered a mid-range purchase. It's more expensive than the Levoit Core 300S, which is TechRadar's top budget air purifier choice. On the other hand, it's significantly less pricey than the likes of the Dyson Purifier Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP04. For me, the features, functions, and build quality certainly justify the price, and it delivers strong value for the money.

Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Levoit EverestAir specs

CADR:	354 CFM / 601 m³/h
Size:	18.9 x 8.5 x 23.2in / 48 x 21.6 x 58.9cm
Control:	Buttons, app, voice
Filters:	Pre-filter, H13 HEPA, activated carbon
Modes:	Low, medium, high, Auto, Sleep, Turbo
Contaminants detected:	PM1, PM2.5, PM10
Model code:	LAP-EL551S-AUS

Levoit EverestAir review: design

Sleek, compact design with easy filter access and wheels for moving
Vents can be angled to suit the position of the purifier
Can be controlled via touchscreen buttons, a companion app, or voice

Air purifiers can be bulky, but the Levoit EverestAir Air Purifier has a sleek design that's less than 9 inches / 22.9cm wide. When I'm working at my desk, it's usually positioned in the tight space between my desk and sofa.

The EverestAir has a white front, stainless steel back, and black top, and the design is unique enough that visitors to my home often point to the machine and ask what it is. (For context, I also have a TruSens air purifier that looks like a speaker, and a Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin speaker that looks like a football, so you can understand how it's easy for guests to get confused.)

Levoit EverestAir air purifier with filter casing removed — (Image credit: Future)

As well as looking stylish, it's very functional. Levoit has added wheels underneath, which make it easy to roll the whole thing around (it weighs 20.7lbs / 9.4kg, so it's not really heavy, but I wouldn't want to pick it up). Some purifiers have to be turned upside down to access and remove the filter. However, with this air purifier, I merely need to gently pull the panel door and it comes off immediately.

I also appreciate the fact the vents are adjustable, enabling me to customize my airflow. By touching the Angle icon, I can choose to set the vent angle to 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees or 90 degrees. So if I put the air purifier under my kitchen island, I can angle the vent so the clean air flows out and away from the island rather than blowing upwards into the bottom of the countertop.

Levoit EverestAir air purifier in reviewer's hallway — (Image credit: Future)

On the top of the purifier you'll find a touchscreen control panel. With white text and icons on a black background, the display panel is clear and easy to read, and the contrast is sharp enough that the items are visible in bright light as well as no light. On the left hand side of the panel, you'll find options to toggle between three special modes (Sleep, Auto and Turbo), as well as buttons to access 'Air info' and filter info. To the right of the control panel are the controls for speed, vent angle, and the timer function, as well as the on/off button.

Of course, you don't have to use the touchscreen panel for control if you don't want to. You can also adjust settings using the companion app, where you'll find options to turn the purifier on or off remotely, change the mode, create a schedule, explore air quality, or check on remaining filter life. There's also support for voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Levoit EverestAir review: performance

User-friendly display with useful information
Cleans air quickly and effectively, even in large spaces
Auto mode works well to detect pollutants

One unique feature of the Levoit EverestAir is that it provides a clean air score as a percentage. The air purifier works this number out based on the concentration of particles and changes in detected particles during the purification process. Keep in mind that the clean air percentage is based solely on particles, not odors or gases. Typically, in my home, the score is between 98% and 99%.

By default, the Air Info button displays the clean air score as a large percentage, in the center of the control panel, and surrounded by rings that are color-coded to indicate air quality. The ring is blue when the air quality is very good, green when it's good, orange when the air quality is moderate, and red when the air is bad.

Press the Air Info button again and it'll show you PM (particulate matter) information. One press shows PM 1.0 (fine dust, micro-toxins), a second press shows PM 2.5 (dust, smoke, pet dander), and a third press shows PM 10 air info (pollen, airborne allergens).

When the air purifier is in Auto mode, it will automatically detect a change in the air's quality and boost or lower the airflow in response. There have been plenty of occasions where I've noticed a change in fan speed, looked down to see what was happening, and noticed that the air quality indicator rings had turned orange. That usually means my neighbor is smoking, and the air purifier is working hard to clean my air.

The Levoit EverestAir does an excellent job of removing pollutants from the air. That's due, in part, to the combination of filters. The washable pre-filter captures dust, lint, hair, and pet fur. I love to see pre-filters on an air purifier, because they help to extend the lifespan of the filter.

Behind the pre-filter is the H13 True HEPA main filter, and it is designed to trap such pollutants as fine dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander. Lastly, the high-efficiency activator carbon filter is what makes the air smell so clean. The carbon absorbs smoke, fumes, and odors, ranging from secondhand smoke to smells from food and pets.

Filters removed from Levoit EverestAir air purifier — (Image credit: Future)

The average air purifier has a CADR (clean air delivery rate) in the 200 range. However, the Levoit EverestAir has a much higher CADR: 354 CFM (cubic feet per minute). In my bedroom, the air purifier can clean/change the air around 5 times per hour when it's on the highest setting and my bedroom door is closed. In the living room, which is open to the kitchen and the steps leading downstairs, it cleans the air around twice an hour.

The Levoit EverestAir does an excellent job of clearing odors. This is due, in part, to the activated carbon filter, which is specifically designed to absorb odors. One pleasant surprise I discovered as I was testing: most air purifiers have to be set on high to clean the air and remove odors. However, even on a medium setting, the Levoit EverestAir effectively cleans the air.

For the purposes of this review, I recorded how long it took for the purfier to clear the smell of second-hand smoke in various spots in my home. It completely removed smoke from my bedroom in roughly 10 to 12 minutes, and took 20-30 minutes to clear the smell from my large, open-plan living space.

Don't let anyone fool you. Air purifiers on high tend to be noisy. On Turbo, this one gets quite loud as well – although not as loud as many others that I've tested. The noise level ranges from 24db on the lowest setting to 56dB on the Turbo setting.

If you're looking for a setting that creates minimal disturbance, you'll want to activate Sleep mode. This turns off the display and uses a fan speed that is lower than the Low speed. It's great for people who like to keep the air purifier running all night, but are easily bothered by lights and noise. However, I tended to use a higher setting overnight.

Screenshots from companion app for Levoit EverestAir air purifier — (Image credit: Levoit / Future)

As a general rule, I'm quite happy to manually operate the control panel on the top of the machine. However, for testing purposes, I also downloaded the app to my smartphone and controlled the air purifier by this method. The app was easy to set up and integrated seamlessly, providing the same level of control as the touch controls.

Regarding maintenance, every two to four weeks, I've wiped the exterior with a dry cloth, and vacuumed the pre-filter. On other occasions, I've also rinsed the pre-filter in the sink, and washed it with a damp cloth and liquid detergent. Every three months I use the vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the dust sensor on the side of the air purifier.

The process for changing the filter is really easy and entails removing the front cover, removing the old filter, cleaning any dust or hair with a vacuum hose, and inserting the new filter.

Performance score: 5 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit EverestAir?

Attribute	Notes	Rating
Value	It's not a budget pick but considering the features, it's well worth the money.	4.5 / 5
Design	Slim and compact considering how powerful it is. Adjustable vents, and manual, app, and voice control options.	4.5 / 5
Performance	User-friendly with controls that are easy to read and understand. It also cleans the air quickly and efficiently, and app integration is seamless.	5 / 5

Buy it if...

You want a purifier you can tuck out of the way

The Levoit EverestAir Air Purifier has a slim design that doesn't take up much space, and it can fit into tight spaces and still work effectively. Also, since the vents are adjustable, you can angle them so the clean air is directed out into the room.

You want a purifier for a larger space

The Levoit EverestAir has a higher-than-average CADR (clean air delivery rate) to quickly remove pollutants from the air, and the pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated charcoal filter combine to trap particles of various sizes.

You want something you can control from afar

The EverestAir can be controlled remotely, via the companion app, and it's also possible to set a schedule. If you're in the same room, there's support for voice control.

Don't buy it if...

You have small kids

Admittedly, many air purifiers may not be ideal to use around curious toddlers and small kids. My primary concern with the Levoit EverestAir is the adjustable vents, since their tiny fingers may get caught in the vents if they accidentally tap the adjustment button.

You're on a budget

While there are plenty of air purifiers that cost more than the Levoit EverestAir, there are also cheaper and simpler options that might be absolutely fine if you're on a budget or only need something for a relatively small space.

You want something simple

The Levoit EverestAir is very user-friendly, but there are nine different items on the display panel. Not everyone wants that level of insight or control – and there are plenty of simpler options if that includes you.

How I tested the Levoit EverestAir purifier

I've been using the Levoit EverestAir in my home for the past two years and 5 months. My house was built in 2016 and includes an open living room/kitchen and two bedrooms, and a HVAC system. During this time, I've used the EverestAir in the living room/kitchen to clear cooking smells and second-hand smoke from my neighbor. I’ve also used it – to great success – in my bedroom.

For this review, I made note of how quickly it responded to and cleared pollutants. I also explored all the various special modes and control options, including digging into the companion app. I compared my findings to other air purifiers I've tested – I've reviewed over 50 different models in my years as a consumer tech journalist – to get a feel for how it compares to the wider market and if it offers good value for the money.

First reviewed October 2025

The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is much more than just a video doorbell – but remember it’s not waterproof

6:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Comments: Off

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: two-minute review

Whereas most of the best video doorbells are sleek, with the look and feel of a traditional doorbell, the same can’t be said of the Aqara G410. Like its predecessor, the G4, this is a decidedly chunky unit. The reason why soon becomes clear when you realise it’s powered by no less than six AA batteries (even the latest ‘long-life’ Blink device only has three and most have two).

While this might not be a massive issue when it comes to operation, it does make installation a little more challenging. Aqara provides a wedge mount for installing on a door architrave but the likelihood is you will have to install it on a flat surface because of its large size.

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 video doorbell — (Image credit: Chris Price)

Furthermore, lack of waterproofing (IPX3 provides very modest protection against splashing) means you have to install in an enclosed or semi-enclosed (storm) porch rather than exposed to the elements – at least in the UK. Aqara provides screws and wall plugs for installation or alternatively there is a large and strong adhesive strip on the back of the device for placing directly onto a wall or front door.

Unusually, the indoor chime is also the hub of the Aqara system. It is here where you scan one QR code to sync the doorbell to the Aqara iOS/Android app and another to connect to various smart home platforms including Google Home. It is also here where you insert a MicroSD card (up to 512GB) to store video clips rather than paying Aqara from £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) a month to store all of your clips in the cloud. However, Aqara only provides a USB-C to USB-A cable so you will need a mains plug with a USB-A port to use.

Once set up, a 4:3 image appears in the app alongside a range of options to help you take control of your video doorbell. As well as the usual settings that allow you exclude or include parts of the image or adjust doorbell and/or chime volume, AI-based facial recognition is also included as standard. This allows you to add images of people who live in the house for the camera to store. It will then send you an alert if it spots that person leaving the house (and if it’s someone it doesn’t recognise it will say ‘lingerer detected’!)

Subscribers to the Aqara’s HomeGuardian service can also access additional functionality such as AI Video Search where you can enter keywords to search through videos more easily and AI Video Summary which will provide a one sentence summary of the video created – for example ‘courier in red T-shirt carrying parcel'.

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: subscription options

Aqara HomeGuardian (1 device): £3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) or £39.99 (about $55 / AU$80) per year
Aqara HomeGuardian (unlimited cameras): £7.99 (about $10 / AU$15) per month or £79.99 (about $110 / AU$160) per year

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: price and availability

How much does it cost? Aqara G410 £129, $129
When is it available? Available from August 2025
Where is it available? UK/US

When the original Aqara G4 video doorbell was released back in 2023, it cost £119/$119 (although it is now available online for under £100 / $100). With the new model, Aqara has managed to maintain the same price point (give or take £10 / $10), at the same as making a shed-load of improvements. These include much better viewing angle, dual-band Wi-Fi capability and much improved video resolution (2K rather than 1080p) to name but a few.

Nevertheless, the new Aqara G410 is actually towards the upper end of the price range for a video doorbell with many devices now retailing for under £100/$100, albeit without local storage so you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to store video clips in the cloud. The advantage of the new Aqara model is that, while a monthly-subscription fee is available for advanced AI-detection features, you don’t have to pay it to store video clips. Instead, you can insert a MicroSD card in the smart home hub/chime and get pretty much all of the functions without having to pay extra.

So is the Aqara video doorbell worth the investment? Much depends on how you intend to use it. If you want to use it just as a standard video doorbell to talk to whoever comes to the front door then we’d say probably not. There are simply better, and definitely nicer looking, video doorbells out there. There’s no getting around the fact that the G410 looks cheap and plasticy, like something you would have bought from a Tandy store back in the day (if you are old enough to remember them!)

However, if you want to use it as part of a home automation system so, for example, the doorbell unlocks a compatible smart lock when it sees a face it recognises, then the Aqara G4 does represent much better value for money. For example, in this scenario it’s possible to imagine the Aqara doorbell taking centre stage – effectively becoming the brain of your smart home. Just don’t get it too wet as the limited IPX3 weather resistance means this ‘brain’ could stop working completely if you return from work in a downpour.

Value score: 3.5/5

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: design

Easy installation
Chunky design
IPX3 weather resistance

Measuring 14.2 x 6.5 x 3cm (5.57 x 2.56 x 1.2 inches), there is no getting around the fact that the Aqara is big and ugly. Whereas most video doorbells on the market have the form factor of a chunky traditional doorbell, the Aqara has no such pretensions. Instead, it’s more like the shape of an old-fashioned door entry phone. At least it means it has a nice big, illuminated doorbell that visitors simply can’t miss.

That it’s so big is largely down to how it is powered. Though it is possible to hard-wire the doorbell into your existing doorbell system, most people will probably use it as a stand-alone doorbell. This means installing no fewer than six AA batteries by unscrewing the panel in the back of the unit (standard AA batteries are provided).

That’s considerably more than most battery-powered video doorbells, which usually only require two or three AA batteries unless they’re powered by a rechargeable lithium Ion battery.

Installation is relatively straightforward. Aqara provides wall plugs and screws for mounting on the door or door frame. Alternatively, there’s a very strong adhesive strip for sticking both the doorbell and chime to a suitable surface. Also provided is a wedge-mount for installing at an angle though the likelihood is that this video doorbell is simply too wide to mount on most door architraves.

Importantly, the chime/smart home hub needs to be installed on the same Wi-Fi network as the doorbell, close enough so they can communicate with one another, but also in an area of the house where you are most likely to hear it from several rooms – such as a hallway. As noted earlier, the Aqara G410 will need to be enclosed in a semi-enclosed or enclosed porch to prevent it getting wet. It also shouldn’t be mounted too high in order to get the best view from the 4:3 shaped image. Aqara recommends a height of between 1.4 and 1.5m from the ground (around 4.5 to 5ft).

Design: 3/5

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: performance

Good image quality
mmWave radar detection reduces false alerts
Complete smart home hub

There’s no doubt that when it comes to performance, the G410 represents a massive leap forward from its predecessor, the G4. Whereas the former unit offered 1080p resolution, the G410 boasts much sharper 2K (2048 x 1536 pixel) resolution. Aspect ratio too has been changed from a wide 16:9 to squarer 4:3 which is more suitable for capturing people coming to the door (although some of the latest doorbells now favour the square 1:1 aspect ratio for head-to-toe footage).

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

On the downside, the video doorbell still lacks HDR support. However, we generally we found the dynamic range was more than sufficient for recognising visitors and monitoring deliveries during the day. More problematic was night vision which was not always that clear unless the PIR on my porch light was triggered. Alternatively, it is possible to program the Aqara to trigger a smart porch light if anyone approaches your door at night.

One really useful addition is mmWave Radar detection. We recently saw the technology used to great effect on a Baseus Security S2 outdoor security camera and the same’s true here. Indeed, the technology seems a big improvement over older PIR detectors which tend to be a little overly sensitive.

This feature drastically reduces the number of false alerts from passing cars and pedestrians walking past your house which can be a problem with some video doorbells.

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

Other plus points include a very loud indoor chime (up to 95dB) – handy if you can’t always hear someone coming to the front door – and a reasonable speaker and microphone for talking to whoever is at the door. In fact it’s even possible to disguise your voice with various settings (anonymous, robot and clown). This may be useful, if say, you are a vulnerable woman and don’t want whoever is at the door to know you are home alone or simply for having fun with family and friends.

Finally, where this model really comes into its own of course is as the engine room of a home automation system. The G410 is now a fully-fledged smart home hub with a built in Matter Bridge and controller, a Zigbee Hub, a Thread border router and a dual-band Wi-Fi adaptor.

However, it’s worth noting that while the camera is technically capable of 2K resolution, this is only available if the device is used exclusively within the Aqara app. For example, if it’s added to Apple HomeKit (or any other ecosystem), the resolution is downgraded to just 1600 x 1200 pixels. As a result, images via Apple Home Kit look less sharp.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Should you buy the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410?

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Reasonable value for money if you just want to store video clips on a MicroSD card. However, if you want full AI functionality you will need to pay a sub from £3.99 a month.	3.5/5
Design	Powered by six AA batteries, this chunky unit feels quite cheap and plasticky. It doesn’t offer full waterproofing either – a failing for a video doorbell.	3/5
Performance	A big improvement over its predecessor with dual-band WiFi, better resolution and radar detection. However, image quality is reduced when viewing via smart home platforms.	3.5/5
Overall	While the Aqara offers reasonable performance and flexibility especially for fans of home automation, ultimately it is let down by poor, cheap design and lack of waterproofing.	3.5/5

Buy it if

You want to use as part of a smart home setup

Compatible with all the major smart home platforms (including Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home), the Aqara is ideal for pairing with home automation products.

You want a loud doorbell chime

The Aqara comes with a very loud doorbell chime (95dB) making it ideal for those who can’t always hear if someone is at the door.

Don't buy it if

The doorbell is likely to get very wet

Designed for an enclosed or semi-enclosed porch, the Aqara is not suitable for all homes because it only has very modest IPX3 weather resistance.

You're looking for compact unit

Powered by six AA batteries, the Aqara is a very chunky unit indeed – considerably larger than most video doorbells that fit neatly on a door architrave.

Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410: also consider

	Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera Hub	Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) and Sync Module	Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime	Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus
Subscription price	From £3.99 a month	From £2.50 a month	From £3.50 a month	From £4.99 a month
Viewing angle	175° horizontal	150° horizontal	154° horizontal	150° horizontal
Network connection	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHZ)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio	Two-way audio
Video	2K resolution	1440p Full HD resolution	1080p Full HD resolution	1536p Full HD resolution
Power	Mains or battery (6x AA batteries)	Battery (3x AA batteries)	Mains or rechargeable battery	Rechargeable battery
Hardware price	£129 (with chime/smart hub)	£59 (with Sync Module Core)	£129 (video doorbell), £29 (chime)	£129 (video doorbell), £139 (with basic chime)

If you're not sure whether the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 is right for you, here are some other options to consider:

Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2)

Powered by three lithium AA batteries, this latest video doorbell promises a long battery-life. Featuring a 1:1 shaped image, it’s ideal for capturing a head-to-toe image of people coming to the door.

Read our full Blink Video Doorbell (Gen 2) review

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Amazon-owned company Ring has firmly established itself as the ‘go to’ company for video doorbells. It offers several models including this wire-free model which also features a head-to-toe view.

Read our full Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus review

Yale Smart Video Doorbell and Doorbell Chime

A solidly built video doorbell, the Yale device offers good image and sound quality. However, streaming recorded content and speaking to people at the door can be a little slow.

Read our full Yale Smart Video Doorbell review

How I tested the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410

I used the doorbell every day for 10 days
I installed it myself
The doorbell was set up in a storm porch to the side of the door

I regularly test video doorbells, much to the confusion of local postmen when I have several up at once and they don’t know which one to press! As an experiment, I decided to leave two up for a short while, a Blink Generation 2 video doorbell on the front of the door and the Aqara at the side of the storm porch.

Interestingly, I found that most couriers/postmen rang the Aqara drawn no doubt by the extremely large doorbell button in the centre. Ideally, I would have installed the doorbell in the centre of the door, but it’s extremely wide design made this impractical. For many, it’s lack of waterproofing will also prove a massive obstacle (it seems essential for any outdoor product, at least in the UK).

It’s a shame because there is much to like about this product, including its compatibility with all the major smart home platforms, accurate motion detection and local as well as cloud storage. But without waterproofing and an impractical design it is simply difficult to recommend the Aqara G410 to TechRadar readers.

For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products at TechRadar.

First reviewed October 2025

Nanoleaf’s first ever floor lamp has transformed my living room lighting – I just wish the app was easier to use

12:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home Smart Lights | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp: Two-minute review

If there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate about Nanoleaf’s smart lights since the release of the first-generation Essentials Smart Bulb, it's the company’s ability to offer excellent products at an affordable price. And that's been carried over to the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp, which was first revealed at CES in January 2025. It’s one of the cheaper smart floor lamps available at the time of writing and performs wonderfully well, which means you get good value for money here.

There’s nothing particularly standout about it – I suppose that might partly explain the lower price point – but it’s still packed full of features, including reacting to sound, screen mirroring and extensive customizable light scenes. There's even AI-enabled customizations here – just type a word and the app will spew out an appropriate light color palette.

It does require some assembly, which I was a little apprehensive about initially, but a little help from a short YouTube video from Nanoleaf had the lamp ready to be switched on in less than 20 minutes.

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp displaying a green light hue — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

If you’re new to Nanoleaf, you’ll have an easy time of pairing it via the companion app – available for both iOS and Android – but I should mention that as someone who’s had multiple Nanoleaf products over the last few years, I ran into trouble as I hadn’t used many of them in a long time. I kept getting popup warnings that all my other Nanoleaf lights were offline, and that prevented me from connecting the floor lamp. Trying to pair each one back was a miserable experience, so I ended up deleting them – except for the Nanoleaf Essentials Light Strip that just refused to disappear (I still can’t figure out why) – which then made connecting the floor lamp via the QR code on the product (and its box) a lot easier.

When switched on for the first time, the Nanoleaf floor lamp defaults to a solid color light, but you can change that quickly enough in the app, where a plethora of user-created light combinations (or Scenes) are already available to preview and download. You can also create your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp washing a wall with warm white light — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

It’s not the brightest floor lamp we’ve tested at TechRadar, topping out at 1,700 lumens. In comparison, the Philips Hue Signe Gradient lamp sits at 2,500 lumens (but costs a heck of a lot more too), while the Govee Floor Lamp Pro is 2,100 lumens. So while it won’t necessarily light up a large room brightly, the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp manages to create a moody ambience, even if you decide that a solid white (cool) or yellow (warm) light is what you prefer.

As with any other smart floor lamp like it, the Nanoleaf is best used as a wall washer – the light facing the wall – that’s what creates the atmosphere in the room and, if you happen to set it to full brightness with a white (or whitish) light, it can be very harsh on the eyes when you look at it directly.

The transition from one color to another is fantastic and I am yet to find a hue that I don't like – whether you prefer vivid and vibrant lights or pastel shades, the Nanoleaf floor lamp handles them just as well as all the other smart lights from the brand. It’s really quite lovely and I can’t complain about anything when it comes to its day-to-day performance.

LEDs inside the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp lit in a blue light — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

I’m amazed at how many features Nanoleaf has managed to pack into this lamp. It has 24 color zones with 72 LEDs spread along it (so you can really go crazy with the customizations); it works via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or can be controlled via a Matter smart home hub; and it inherits the Rhythm Mode from Nanoleaf’s light panels that make the lamp react to the beat of the music playing in the room. Screen mirroring is also possible if you already use the Nanoleaf 4D kit on your TV (you’ll need the Nanoleaf desktop app for PC screen mirroring).

While there's no lag when it comes to using the Rhythm Mode or screen mirroring, I will say that the light palette doesn't always shift with the exact beat. And if you happen to be talking loudly over the music, you'll definitely confuse the lamp which will react to the bigger sounds in the room.

There's no arguing that it's a versatile smart light that requires no pre-planning to install (like the Nanoleaf panels) and, once fully set up, is easy to use. What it misses out on is the speaker on the base that you’ll find in the Philips Hue Signe Gradient and the Govee Floor Lamp Pro, but that didn’t bother me at all.

Screenshots from the Nanoleaf app — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

My biggest issue is with the Nanoleaf app. I’ve complained about it when testing the Essentials range and in my Nanoleaf Lines review, saying the app is not intuitive. Sadly that situation hasn't changed in the last a few years and it needs to be a little easier to use. Don't get me wrong, it's got everything you need for smart lights, but how the whole thing is set up could be a touch convoluted for some users.

Take the Routines tab, for example: I wanted to set up a weekday and a weekend routine where it switches on and off at set times. You can easily add a start time for a specific action, but there's no option to add the end time in the same routine. Instead, I found I needed to create a separate routine where the start time was essentially the end time with the action being the light being off. Schedules and routines shouldn't be this hard to do.

The Philips Hue app, on the other hand, is so easy to use, where the same functionality is allows you to add the start and end time within the same pane. Other smart home applications I've used also offer the same seamless scheduling, including TP-Link's Tapo app and Australian company Laser's ConnectSmart app.

The physical controller for the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The Nanoleaf app is necessary, though, particularly if you want to set up different Scenes (as the mixed-color lights are called) and customization is made easy via the AI Magic Scenes feature that allows you to type a word or short description to get a corresponding palette. You’ll also need it to integrate Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings or Apple HomeKit control. In fact, I much prefer using the Apple Home app on my iPhone 17 Pro, which also imports my favorite Scenes, while Siri automations makes it easy to control the floor lamp via voice commands.

If, like me, you’re frustrated with the app, there is a physical controller attached to the power cord and can be used to not just turn the lamp on or off, but also cycle through a few Scenes you’ve marked as your favorites. It also allows you to adjust brightness. That said, the controller is best used only after you’ve finished all your customizations on the app, or you may not like the color palettes that are set as default.

Despite my issues with the app, I can’t help but love the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp, and I applaud how affordable it is.

• Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp displaying a purple light hue — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review: price & availability

List price: $119.99 / £69.99 / AU$149.99 in the US, UK and Australia respectively
Available now directly from Nanoleaf or authorized retailers

Nanoleaf debuted the Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp at CES in January 2025, but it only became widely available in most major markets much later in the year. While the company announced it would retail for $99.99 in the US, that price has since gone up and it's now listed for $119.99 / £69.99 / AU$149.99.

Despite the slightly higher price in the US, that’s still an affordable amount for most people looking for a smart lamp. In comparison, the Philips Hue Signe Gradient floor lamp will set you back a whopping $362.99 / £279.99 / AU$499.95. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro costs $199.99 / £219.99 (it's unavailable in Australia), but can often be discounted to around $159 / £169, which is still higher than the full price of the Nanoleaf. Even the cheaper Govee Floor Lamp 2 costs more at $159.99 / £149.99 / AU$349.99.

Sure, the Nanoleaf misses out on the speaker base of some of the more premium smart lamps, but that’s about all, which makes it excellent bang for buck.

• Value score: 5 / 5

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review: Specs

Height	1.4m
Thickness	19mm
No. of LEDs	17
Color zones	24
Max brightness	1,700 lumens
Color temperature	2200K-6500K
Lifetime	25,000 hours

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review: Design

Slim, simple yet solid build
Easy assembly
Good height, but lacks speaker base

The Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp comes in a few individual bits in the box that you'll need to put together. As I mentioned, I was a little apprehensive about that – DIY is not my forte – but Nanoleaf has easy-to-follow instruction videos online that provide better clarity than the diagrams in the user manual.

The main components are the circular metal base, the three sections of the semicircular pole (or stem) and the light strip that fits into the assembled pole. You screw the connectors to the sections of the stem, which then gets screwed to the tiny protrusion on the base.

Image 1 of 3

The different parts of the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp before assembly — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Image 2 of 3

The Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp light strip fitted into the base — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

Image 3 of 3

The Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp light strip fitted into the top of the pole — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

The base houses a tiny connector, which is where you'll start pushing the bendy light strip into the pole. Nanoleaf suggests you fit the bottom, the top and middle, then push the rest of the strip in and not be afraid to tuck it into the base. It doesn't seem like the light strip will fit, but it surprisingly does.

Also in the box is the power cable that comes fitted with the controller. Once set up, the lamp stands 1.4 meters tall (4.59 feet), which I think is a nice height for a light like it.

I've lifted the lamp by the top of the stem and nothing has shaken loose, and neither does anything wobble despite being multiple pieces screwed together. It looks thin, but it seems quite sturdy to me. I do have to note that the base picks up dusty scuff marks easily, but those can be wiped off. I would, however, be a little concerned about scratches in the long run.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp

Attributes	Notes	Score
Value	It's feature packed and yet one of the cheaper smart lamps on the market, offering excellent bang for buck.	5/5
Design	There's nothing unique about its design, but it's sturdy for its slim build.	4.5/5
Performance	If you have no trouble with the app, then there's absolutely no issues when it comes to its colored lights, transitions or rhythmic beats.	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want an affordable smart floor lamp

It's hard to argue with the value for money you get with the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp, with plenty of useful (or fun) features at quite an affordable price point.

You want a smart light that's nearly effortless to use

If you don't run into any trouble with the app, I think the Nanoleaf floor lamp is really simple to use. And it works very well, doing what it promises to do perfectly.

You want a versatile smart floor lamp

Not only does it offer colored lighting, there are specific Scenes that work with music and screen mirroring is also available, whether that's matching what happening on your TV or your PC. Please note that TV screen mirroring requires another Nanoleaf device to work.

Don't buy it if...

You want a statement piece

It's a demure light that's not the brightest in the business. If you smart lights that stand out, consider opting for one of Nanoleaf's amazing wall (or ceiling) light panels.

You want to light up a room

The Nanoleaf floor lamp will impart mood lighting only. If you want to light a room or a task lamp, you'll need to look elsewhere.

You want a seamless app experience

The Nanoleaf app works, and it has a lot going for it – it's just not as streamlined as other smart light apps.

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp review: Alternatives

Not sure if the Nanoleaf floor lamp is right for you? Below are a couple of alternatives that you could consider instead.

Govee Floor Lamp 2

Available in most major markets, the Govee Floor Lamp 2 comes with a handy remote control so you don't need to be near the lamp to use a physical controller (or the app if your phone is in another room). It's not the brightest of lamps though and costs a little more than the Nanoleaf at full price.
Read our full Govee Floor Lamp 2 review for more details

Philips Hue Signe Gradient Table Lamp

If you want a floor lamp, but would still love changing light palettes, Philips Hue has a tabletop option, although it's a lot more expensive than the Nanoleaf. It's performance is par excellence, though, and the app experience is significantly smoother too.
For the full details, read our in-depth Philips Hue Signe Gradient Table Lamp review

How I tested the Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp

Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp displaying a yellowish light beside a picture frame speaker — (Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)

As soon as I opened the box that the lamp came in, I began the assembly process. The user manual has diagrams only to help with the setup, but you can find videos on Nanoleaf's website or its YouTube channel if you're having trouble.

Once powered on, I paired it via the Nanoleaf app and, despite the issues I described earlier, I was then able to choose some light scenes to get me started. That done, I integrated it into the Apple HomeKit app as another accessory.

I created one of my own light scenes, but didn't try another as it can be quite time consuming. Instead, I browsed a variety of user-created options and downloaded about 10 that I really liked.

I was unfortunately unable to try the lamp with my other Nanoleaf lights as I had trouble re-pairing them to the app (due to inactivity), so I tested different features on the lamp alone. I placed it in different spots in my living room, finally liking it beside a console table that houses my Sonos Ikea Symfonisk picture frame speaker, which was ideal to test out the Rhythm Mode.

I finally tried setting up routines on the Nanoleaf app, but ended up setting up schedules via HomeKit instead, which works fine for my needs.

You can read more about how we test products at TechRadar for more details.

[First published October 2025]

Small but perfectly formed, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine

4:00 pm | September 29, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Coffee Machines Computers Gadgets Home Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: two-minute review

The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine that looks great and performs extremely well, despite its modest price tag.

It has a similar appearance to its predecessor, the De'Longhi Dedica Style, but with some key improvements – including a wider drip tray that can accommodate two espresso cups. The steam wand has been upgraded with a cool-touch handle and a knurled control dial for better grip, and the machine is available in a choice of four colors (including three gelato-inspired pastel shades).

The Dedica Duo's accessories, such as the color-coordinated portafilter handle, feel robust. It comes with two pressurized portafilter baskets, a coffee scoop, a pin tool, a descaler pack, a tamper, and a stainless-steel milk pitcher. The water tank is easily accessible at the back, with a hinged lid to keep water fresh, and it can be fitted with an optional water filter.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine dispensing espresso — (Image credit: Future)

The machine is operated by illustrated buttons on top for single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Colored lights on these buttons indicate the machine's status, requiring reference to the manual for full understanding.

Although it takes a little while to heat up, the Dedica Duo delivers a good shot with a fine grind consistently. There is some minor dripping after the pump finishes due to the absence of a three-way solenoid valve.

The Dedica Duo's cold-extraction mode, while slower than preparing hot espresso, is much faster than traditional overnight cold-brewing and produces a full, mellow flavor. This cold brew is versatile, suitable for drinking straight, with milk and ice, or in blended drinks and cocktails.

My only real complaint is that the system of lights to indicate the machine's current status and any problems (such as scale, or air in the system) can be confusing, and you'll find yourself having to refer back to the manual quite regularly while you're getting a handle on things. Other than that, though, this is an easy machine to recommend and worthy of a full five stars.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: price and availability

Released in August 2025
List price of $299.95 / £279.99 (about AU$600)
Sold in the UK and US, but not yet in Australia

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo launched in August 2025 with a list price of $299.95 / £279.99. At the time of writing (September 2025), it isn't yet available in Australia, but hopefully that will change soon.

At that price, it's one of the most affordable espresso machines I’ve tested in the past year. The Casabrews 5418 Pro is in the same entry-level bracket with a list price of $299.99 (about £220 / AU$460), but it’s clear that Casabrews has cut quite a lot of corners, and it can’t compete with the Dedica Duo for build quality and performance.

Value score: 5/5

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: design

Updated design with refined details and new colors
Wider drip tray to accommodate two espresso cups
Accessories feel substantial and well made

The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is a compact, smart-looking espresso machine. At first glance it bears a strong similarity to its predecessor, the Dedica Style. It’s almost exactly the same size, but on closer inspection you’ll notice lots of refinements and improvements.

Most noticeably, the Dedica Duo comes in an updated range of colors, with classic stainless steel accompanied by soft shades of white, pink and green, which De’Longhi says were inspired by different flavors of gelato. Candy-colored appliances have become increasingly popular in 2025, and they look good, with a satin finish rather than gloss.

Image 1 of 2

De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

For me, one of the most notable updates is to the drip tray, which is now considerably wider, making it easier to fit two espresso cups underneath the portafiter when pulling a double shot. If you have a particularly tall cup, you can remove the stainless steel grille and place the cup directly on a removable ridged plate at the bottom of the tray. A nice touch, and one that helps make clean-up easier.

The steam wand now has a cool-touch handle, which is a nice upgrade, and its control dial sports a knurled texture that looks good and provides extra grip. The wand doesn’t bend, but it does pivot, and its angle makes it easy to achieve a good whirlpool movement when texturizing your milk.

Image 1 of 2

De'Longhi Dedica Duo coffee machine steam control dial — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine cool touch steam wand — (Image credit: Future)

All of the Dedica Duo’s accessories feel robust in the hand, unlike those of some other entry-level coffee machines I’ve tested recently (I’m looking at you, Casabrews). The portafilter handle is satisfyingly weighty, with a textured end that matches the steam wand dial, and is colored to match the body of the machine.

You get two pressurized portafilter baskets (one for single shots and one for doubles), a coffee scoop, a pin tool for clearing the hole of the steam wand if it becomes blocked, a pack of descaler, a weighty tamper that makes it easy to put sufficient pressure on your ground, and a stainless steel milk pitcher (with a fine spout ideal for pouring latte art).

De'Longhi Dedica Duo coffee machine accessories — (Image credit: Future)

The machine’s water tank slides onto the back, and has a sturdy-feeling hinged lid to keep water fresh. It can also be fitted with an optional water filter, but this needs to be purchased separately. The tank lifts out easily and is simple to slot back into place. You’ll need to pull the machine away from the wall to do this, but it’s so small and light, this shouldn't present a problem.

The Dedica Duo has a power switch on its right-hand side, and is operated using a set of illustrated buttons on top: single shot, double shot, cold brew, and steam. Pressing combinations of these buttons, or pressing and holding, provides access to certain menus, and the colored lights on them give you information about the machine’s current status, so it’s useful to keep the manual on hand for reference. For example, a solid white light on only the steam button means there’s probably air in the system that needs clearing.

Design score: 5/5

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: performance

Steady pressure for consistently extracted hot espresso
Cold-extraction works well, too, producing a smooth flavor
System of indicator lights can be confusing

The Dedica Duo is an excellent entry-level espresso machine, providing the steady pressure necessary for preparing consistently good coffee. The Casabrews 5418 Pro I reviewed a few weeks ago was so variable, it had me questioning whether I actually knew how to make espresso at all; the Dedica Duo has restored my faith in my own abilities. It takes a little while to heat up, but once it does, and the espresso buttons on top are illuminated, you can be confident that you're going to get a very good shot. I've been using a fairly fine grind for my coffee, and the results have been faultless.

There's no three-way solenoid, so you can expect a little dripping after the pump has finished, but that certainly isn't the end of the world.

Inserting portafilter handle into De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

The Dedica Duo’s star feature is cold extraction, and it works very well. Whereas some other espresso machines I’ve tested recently create "chilled" drinks by asking you to fill a cup with ice and then dumping a shot of hot espresso on top, the Duo’s cold brew mode bypasses the Thermoblock heater and uses ambient-temperature water direct from the tank.

This takes longer than brewing hot espresso (measured in minutes rather than seconds), but it's still a lot faster than preparing cold-brewed coffee in the traditional way (by infusing the grounds in the fridge overnight), yet the resulting flavor profile is very similar. The flavor is full and rounded, but more mellow than the same coffee extracted hot. Whether you drink it straight, add milk and ice, or use it in blended drinks and cocktails, it’s very tasty.

Image 1 of 3

Coffee dripping from De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 3

Person's hand pressing power button on De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine — (Image credit: Future)

Image 3 of 3

De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine control panel — (Image credit: Future)

It’s worth noting that the Dedica Duo isn’t a quiet machine. Unlike some advanced machines from the likes of KitchenAid or Jura, the Duo has no space in its compact chassis for sound-deadening material, so you’ll be able to hear its pump working away at full volume. Pumping water doesn’t take very long, though; but if you’re sensitive to noise then it’s something to be aware of.

For me, the only disadvantage of the Dedica Duo is the system of lights that change colour and/or blink to indicate your machine’s status or any problems. These aren’t always self-explanatory, and until you’ve learned what they all mean, you’ll find yourself referring back to the manual regularly. Perhaps it would be better to have a small row of status lights for common issues in the interest of clarity.

Performance score: 5/5

Should you buy the De'Longhi Dedica Duo?

De'Longhi Dedica Duo score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	Very reasonably priced, squarely in the "budget" bracket for an espresso machine of this type.	5/5
Design	Modern and stylish, with thoughtful touches such as a wide, adjustable drip tray and cool-touch steam wand.	5/5
Performance	Brews consistently well hot or cold, with steady pressure from the pump. Status lights can be confusing, though.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You're shopping for your first espresso machine

The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is much better made than most coffee makers in this price bracket, and the designers haven't cut corners to keep its price down.

You have limited space

At just 15cm wide, the Dedica Duo is one of the smallest espresso machines I've ever tested. It tucked in easily beside my toaster, and I'm sure you'll find space for it, even on a countertop that's short on space.

Don't buy it if

You don't want cold extraction

The biggest difference between the Dedica Style and Dedica Duo is the latter machine's cold espresso mode. If you're not intending to use that, you could save some cash by opting for the older Dedica Style instead.

You're an experienced barista already

The Dedica Duo only comes with pressurized filter baskets, so if you want the control of a single-walled basket, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo: also consider

If the De’Longhi Dedica Duo doesn’t sound like quite the right espresso machine for you, here are two alternatives in the same price bracket, both of which come highly recommended.

De’Longhi Dedica Style

If you’re unlikely to use the Duo’s cold brew function, you could save a little cash by opting for the older Dedica Duo. It doesn’t look quite as modern, and we found it difficult to fit two espresso cups onto its drip tray, but it’s still an excellent little entry-level espresso machine that comes highly recommended.

Read our full De’Longhi Dedica Style review

Breville Bambino Plus

The Bambino Plus is another compact espresso machine that comes highly recommended for beginners making their first foray into speciality coffee. Unlike the two Dedica machines, it has an adjustable steam wand with three texture and temperature settings, making it easier for newcomers to prepare the right type of foam for lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks.

Read our full Breville Bambino Plus review

How I tested the De'Longhi Dedica Duo

I used the De'Longhi Dedica Duo for three weeks in place of my usual coffee machine, and brewed coffee using a blend of fresh Brazilian and Colombian arabica beans, freshly ground using a Sage Dose Control Pro grinder. I used the tamper provided with the machine to tamp the coffee. I tested the steam wand with chilled, full-fat dairy milk and oat milk.

I flushed the machine with hot water before and after brewing to make sure it was clean, and purged the steam wand and wiped it with a damp cloth after making each drink.

For more information, see how we test, rate, and review products at TechRadar.

First reviewed September 2025

The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is a blender and food processor combo that handled almost every recipe I could throw at it

8:00 pm | September 28, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Juicers & Blenders Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: one-minute review

True to its name, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System is a blender combo that provides the functionality of three kinds of kitchen appliances in one. Nutribullet as a brand may have made its start with personal blenders, but the lineup has expanded to include

Alongside a 1,500 watt motor base, the system includes a long list of accessories: a 64oz pitcher, two travel cups with lids, a food processor work bowl, a shredding/slicing disc, a tamper, a food pusher, and a dough blade. So, it’s pretty much a full toolkit for any home chef looking to whip up smoothies, shakes, soup, dips, and more.

Smoothie made using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

As expected, during my tests, there was almost no hurdle the Nutribullet Triple Prep System stumbled at. From chopping carrots to crushing ice, the machine proved to be an exceptionally useful assistant in the kitchen again and again. What’s more, it was more user-friendly than many

There are a few problems that held the Triple Prep System back from perfection though. For one, the blades in the pitcher can’t be removed, which makes hand washing a good bit more difficult than it needs to be. As well as that, it doesn’t perform well with very small batches, given its smallest container is 24oz.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: price and availability

List price: $244.99 / £229.99 / AU$349.95
Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Sold through Nutribullet’s website and other third-party retailers

The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is widely available to buy in the US, UK, and Australia. Across all three of these regions, you can pick up the Triple Prep System directly from the Nutribullet site or on Amazon. When it comes to third-party retailers in the States specifically, some of your other options are Target, Best Buy, and Walmart.

At over $200, the Triple Prep System is undoubtedly on the higher end of the Nutribullet range. It is one of the brand’s most multifunctional machines though, so it makes sense that it would set you back more than the rest. For context, you can get a basic Nutribullet personal blender for as little as $80.

Even with that higher price tag, if it saves you the cost of buying a blender and food processor separately, the Triple Prep System is incredible value for money. That said, it’s probably not a great idea to opt for it if you don’t plan to make use of its full suite of features.

Value score: 4/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: specs

Price	$244.99 / £229.99 / AUS $349.95
Weight	8.7lbs / 4kg
Size (H x W x D)	8.75 x 8 x 7.75 inches / 22.2 x 20.3 x 19.7cm
Travel cup capacity	32oz / 900ml or 24oz / 700ml
Jug capacity	64oz / 1.8 liters
Work bowl capacity	7 cups
Presets	Smoothie, puree, frozen drinks, nut milk, dressing, chop, dough, dip.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: design

Plenty of presets to choose from
Smart attachment recognition
Slightly large footprint, but accessories nest for storage

One of my favorite features of the Triple Prep System is how it smartly recognizes which container you have attached to the base, and changes which presets are available based on that knowledge. It even modifies the duration of presets depending on which attachment you’re using.

For example, the Smoothie preset runs for 50 seconds with the pitcher and 60 seconds when using the travel cups. More blending time for a smaller container may sound counterintuitive, but your ingredients having less space to move around means that the motor has to process for longer to ensure all of the mix comes in contact with the blades.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System and accessories — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

You wouldn’t have to know all that though, because the Triple Prep System makes that change for you. The touch button layout is clean and intuitive: you’ve got start/stop controls, a pulse button, and clearly labeled presets for smoothies, soups, frozen drinks, and food processing tasks. Any preset that isn’t suitable for your attached container conveniently disappears too, helping to make using the machine an almost foolproof experience.

The majority of parts are dishwasher-safe, which offers a welcome reprieve from having to scrub out smoothie remnants and soup leftovers by hand. The extractor blade isn’t suitable for dishwasher cleaning, but given the fixed pitcher blades caused me far more struggle when cleaning than the extractor blade, I didn’t find this to be too much of an issue.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System controls — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Given the sheer number of functions this machine serves, its slighter larger footprint feels like a worthy trade. If you cook from scratch or make fancy drinks at home regularly enough, you can probably justify keeping the motor base on your kitchen counter between uses. When you go to store the Triple Prep System away in your kitchen cupboards, you’ll probably find its wealth of accessories and attachments more of a curse than a blessing.

Certain parts of the system (like the shred/slice disc) slot together or into each other so it does seem like there was some effort made to save space. However, it still is a system that requires some generous-sized kitchen cupboards.

Design: 4.5/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: performance

Consistently great results with smoothies and soups
Does a great job crushing ice
Struggles with very small batches

Blenders are Nutribullet’s bread and butter – particularly ones for making smoothies. With that in mind, it made a lot of sense to start my testing there.

The smoothie recipe that’s used during TechRadar’s testing processes is a doozy in a couple of respects. It includes blueberries, which have skin and tiny seeds for the blender’s blades to try to contend with. But it also contains kale: the fibrous leafy vegetable that’s the enemy of many at-home smoothie lovers. While kale is great for sneaking nutrients in your drinks, it can be really difficult to completely break down if your blender isn’t up to the task – and plenty of blenders aren’t.

Image 1 of 1

Ingredients inside Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Thanks to the Triple Prep System’s 1,500W motor and the guidance of its smoothie preset, I managed to blitz up a thick, tasty smoothie with virtually no off-putting ‘bits’. Any grittiness from the berries’ seeds disappeared entirely and no chunks of leaf remained.

Roughly the same was true when I tried to replicate the smoothie in one of the travel cups. Upon very, very careful inspection, there were minuscule flecks of unprocessed kale floating in the smoothie but these were few and far between, and weren’t large enough to detect in the mouth when drunk.

Crushing the ice in the travel cup gleaned far less than ideal results so I opted to try it in the pitcher instead. Don’t get me wrong, I was reasonably satisfied with what the travel cup produced: well-crushed ice with some little chunks that escaped the wrath of the extractor blade. However, I wanted to see if the added surface of the pitcher would produce a better end result.

Ice blended using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Sure enough, without much fuss, the pitcher’s blades managed to pulverize the cubes into fine, icy grounds that were just perfect for a snow cone or daiquiri. The Triple Prep System’s volume output hit a peak of 96db during this part of the test (roughly equivalent to some power tools). While this level of noise is certainly not pleasant to be exposed to for too long, it is a good bit higher than the blender’s average which was closer to 87db.

As testing continued, the Triple Prep System continued to impress. After mixing up a hummus recipe in the food processor’s work bowl on the ‘dip’ preset and scraping the sides, I was treated to a creamy dip with zero unincorporated segments of chickpeas. Thicker blends sticking under the blades and on the edge of the container was a notable problem with the Nutribullet SmartSense that I found added extra time to making this simple, delicious recipe. Thankfully, the Triple Prep System avoids the same mistake.

Image 1 of 2

Chickpeas in Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Image 2 of 2

Hummus made using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

Next, I put its shred/slice disc to work on a block of cheese and found that it provided a result that was really consistent. However, the slight inconvenience of chopping the cheese small enough to fit through the narrow gap in the food processor’s lid might make this a less attractive option in the future.

The only real disappointment I experienced during testing was how the Triple Prep System performed making mayonnaise. The pitcher was obviously too large to properly blend a batch, so I opted to use the food processor work bowl instead. The issue is that – even when I doubled the usual recipe – the container was still far too spacious.

Cheese grated using Nutribullet Triple Prep System — (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

An alternative mayonnaise recipe written specifically for a Nutribullet suggested using a 18oz cup, but the Triple Prep System not only doesn’t include a container that small but doesn’t have any more compact attachments that would allow you to gradually drip oil into the emulsion as it’s blending. So, unless you’re anticipating mixing up an industrial-sized tub of mayo, it’s worth doing this recipe by hand or with an immersion blender.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Nutribullet Triple Prep System?

Nutribullet Triple Prep System score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	It’s far from the lowest-cost option when it comes to blenders. But given the breadth of tasks it can be used for, it’s very good value.	4/5
Design	Takes up more space than many blending solutions but attachments nest for storage. Build quality is very strong.	4.5/5
Performance	Excels in almost every test. Great for smoothies, hummus, and crushing ice. Struggles with small batches.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You want a complete food prep system

If you're in the market for a personal blender, jug blender, and food processor all in one, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System has you covered.

You’d like a blender with dishwasher-safe parts

Once you’re done blitzing up something tasty, you can just pop your pitcher, processor, or cup into the dishwasher. There’s no need to hang over the sink and wash them by hand.

You struggle with chopping or dicing

If your knife skills are lacking or you just want to save yourself some time and effort in the kitchen, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System is more than suited to stepping in as your sous chef.

Don't buy it if

You just need a blender for drink prep

If you’re not much of a home chef and solely see yourself using your blender for mixing up smoothies and shakes, the Triple Prep System is seriously overkill.

You’re on a super tight budget

At over $200, there are definitely lower-cost blenders you can opt for instead.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: also consider

If you’re on the look-out for options that are similar to the Nutribullet Triple Prep System, here’s some alternatives worth considering:

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

If you need a powerful base and multiple blender cup sizes but don’t care for having a food processor, this is a slightly cheaper and more pared back alternative from the same brand.

Read our full Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo review

Breville the Fresh and Furious

If you’re a home cook but don’t see yourself batch blending too often, it probably makes more sense to opt for a jug blender that’s on the smaller side. While you don’t get travel cups with this blender, it has a variety of useful presets and is ideal for singletons or small families.

Read our full Breville the Fresh and Furious review

How I tested the Nutribullet Triple Prep System

Alongside my usual kitchen tasks, my testing involved using the Nutribullet Triple Prep System to make TechRadar’s standard test recipes.

Throughout this process, I assessed the effectiveness of both manual and preset blending. I used a decibel tracker to determine how loud the blender is during use and after each blend, I cleaned the blender attachments and accessories by hand.

The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is a blender and food processor combo that handled almost every recipe I could throw at it

8:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Juicers & Blenders Small Appliances | Tags: Australia, UK, US | Comments: Off

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: one-minute review

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: price and availability

List price: $244.99 / £229.99 / AU$349.95
Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Sold through Nutribullet’s website and other third-party retailers

Value score: 4/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: specs

Price	$244.99 / £229.99 / AUS $349.95
Weight	8.7lbs / 4kg
Size (H x W x D)	8.75 x 8 x 7.75 inches / 22.2 x 20.3 x 19.7cm
Travel cup capacity	32oz / 900ml or 24oz / 700ml
Jug capacity	64oz / 1.8 liters
Work bowl capacity	7 cups
Presets	Smoothie, puree, frozen drinks, nut milk, dressing, chop, dough, dip.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: design

Plenty of presets to choose from
Smart attachment recognition
Slightly large footprint, but accessories nest for storage

Design: 4.5/5

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: performance

Consistently great results with smoothies and soups
Does a great job crushing ice
Struggles with very small batches

Blenders are Nutribullet’s bread and butter – particularly ones for making smoothies. With that in mind, it made a lot of sense to start my testing there.

Image 1 of 1

Image 1 of 2

Image 2 of 2

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should you buy the Nutribullet Triple Prep System?

Nutribullet Triple Prep System score card
Attribute	Notes	Score
Value	It’s far from the lowest-cost option when it comes to blenders. But given the breadth of tasks it can be used for, it’s very good value.	4/5
Design	Takes up more space than many blending solutions but attachments nest for storage. Build quality is very strong.	4.5/5
Performance	Excels in almost every test. Great for smoothies, hummus, and crushing ice. Struggles with small batches.	4.5/5

Buy it if

You want a complete food prep system

If you're in the market for a personal blender, jug blender, and food processor all in one, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System has you covered.

You’d like a blender with dishwasher-safe parts

Once you’re done blitzing up something tasty, you can just pop your pitcher, processor, or cup into the dishwasher. There’s no need to hang over the sink and wash them by hand.

You struggle with chopping or dicing

If your knife skills are lacking or you just want to save yourself some time and effort in the kitchen, the Nutribullet Triple Prep System is more than suited to stepping in as your sous chef.

Don't buy it if

You just need a blender for drink prep

If you’re not much of a home chef and solely see yourself using your blender for mixing up smoothies and shakes, the Triple Prep System is seriously overkill.

You’re on a super tight budget

At over $200, there are definitely lower-cost blenders you can opt for instead.

Nutribullet Triple Prep System: also consider

If you’re on the look-out for options that are similar to the Nutribullet Triple Prep System, here’s some alternatives worth considering:

Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo

If you need a powerful base and multiple blender cup sizes but don’t care for having a food processor, this is a slightly cheaper and more pared back alternative from the same brand.

Read our full Nutribullet SmartSense Blender Combo review

Breville the Fresh and Furious

Read our full Breville the Fresh and Furious review

How I tested the Nutribullet Triple Prep System

Alongside my usual kitchen tasks, my testing involved using the Nutribullet Triple Prep System to make TechRadar’s standard test recipes.

« Previous Page — Next Page »