In our quest for a clean and tidy home, finding the perfect robot vacuum cleaner can be quite a challenge. With countless options available on the market, each with its own set of features and functionalities, it’s difficult to determine which one will truly meet our needs. In this review, we will delve into everything there is to know about the Viomi Alpha s9 and see if it’s worth the investment. Without further ado, let’s jump in and see what this unit offers.
Pros and cons
The Viomi Alpha S9 offers several advantages that make it an appealing choice for those in search of a versatile cleaning solution. With its 2-in-1 functionality, it combines the convenience of vacuuming and mopping in a single device, streamlining the cleaning process. The advanced app control adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and control the robot remotely.
Moreover, the Alpha S9 delivers good vacuuming performance, effectively capturing dirt and debris. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. The auto-emptying feature, while convenient, can be quite loud, which may be disruptive in certain situations.
Additionally, there are additional costs associated with consumables, like dust bags, which need to be factored into the overall cost of ownership. Despite these limitations, the Alpha S9 remains a viable choice for those seeking a capable and multi-functional robot vacuum cleaner.
What’s in the box?
- Mopping pad with the reusable mop
- User manual
- Viomi Alpha S9
- Docking station
- 3 Dust bags
- 10 disposable mops
- 1 extra side spinning brush
Features
The Viomi Alpha S9 is packed with an array of impressive features that enhance its performance and convenience. It utilizes a 360° All-round Scanning & Mapping LIDAR navigation system, allowing for efficient and precise navigation around your home. One standout feature is its self-empty docking station, which automatically empties the unit after each cleaning session, reducing maintenance efforts.
With a powerful suction power of 2700 Pa, it effectively picks up dirt and debris from various surfaces. The smart app control enables seamless scheduling, monitoring, and control of the robot vacuum, while voice control adds an extra level of convenience. The Viomi Alpha S9 also boasts auto charging capabilities, ensuring it returns to its charging station when needed.
Equipped with cliff sensors, it can detect and avoid falling from elevated surfaces. The multi-floor mapping feature enables customized cleaning plans for different levels of your home, while the Y pattern mopping ensures thorough and efficient mopping. Additionally, its ability to climb 2cm high thresholds enhances its versatility in navigating different areas of your home.
Design
The design of the Viomi Alpha S9 offers both style and functionality. You have the option to choose between a sleek shiny black or a classic white finish, depending on your personal preference. At the top of the unit, you’ll find a Lidar sensor along with the standard home and power buttons.
Unlike other models, the Alpha S9 does not have a lid on top, thanks to its convenient auto-empty feature, eliminating the need for manual dust box emptying. Moving to the back of the unit, there is a 2-in-1 dust box that also houses a 250ml water tank for mopping capabilities.
The bottom of the unit features the essential components, including a removable central brush, a side spinning brush, a front swivel wheel for maneuverability, anti-fall sensors for enhanced safety, a mopping module, and main wheels for smooth movement. Overall, the design of the Viomi Alpha S9 balances practicality with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
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The base station
The design of the Viomi Alpha S9 base station is both practical and functional. Located at the front of the station are three indicator lights, providing useful information to users. One light indicates whether the dust bag is full, another indicates when the robot vacuum is being emptied, and the third displays the battery level of the robot.
Underneath the lid, there is a spacious 3L dust bag capable of holding a significant amount of debris. It’s worth noting that the base station has a height of 35 cm, which may take up some space in your home. However, this downside is outweighed by the convenience of the auto-empty feature, eliminating the need for frequent manual emptying.
Usability and setup
The Viomi Alpha S9 provides exceptional user-friendliness and a straightforward installation procedure, ensuring accessibility for all users. By following the instructions outlined in the user manual, you can swiftly and effortlessly assemble the robot and position the charging station. Within seconds of plugging it in, you’ll be ready to commence the cleaning process.
To further enhance usability, the accompanying app offers a diverse range of features and controls. Through the app interface, initiating and terminating cleaning cycles becomes a breeze, and you can conveniently schedule cleaning sessions based on your preferences. Various cleaning modes are available to cater to your specific needs.
Voice commands introduce hands-free control, adding an extra layer of convenience. Moreover, the app enables you to establish virtual barriers and define restricted areas, effectively limiting the robot’s movement. The capability to save multiple maps allows for targeted cleaning of specific rooms. You also have the flexibility to adjust the water flow for mopping and the suction power for enhanced customization according to your cleaning requirements.
Monitoring cleaning logs and running the complete cleaning program twice for a thorough cleanse are additional functionalities offered by the app. Furthermore, you can choose between an S curve or a Y curve pattern for mopping and even personalize the level of voice prompts to suit your preferences. With its intuitive app interface and comprehensive control options, the Viomi Alpha S9 ensures a seamless and personalized cleaning experience.
Cleaning performance, navigation, and carpet cleaning
The Viomi Alpha S9 showcases impressive cleaning performance and navigation capabilities. It effectively picks up dirt and dust on hardwood floors while also delivering excellent results on low-pile carpets, thanks to its 2700 suction power. The Y mopping pattern proves to be more effective than the standard pattern for thorough cleaning.
However, for tackling tough stains, alternative options like the Xiaomi Lydsto W2 or the Midea S8+ with spinning or vibrating mops may be better options. The Lidar navigation system ensures comprehensive coverage of all areas in the room.
During the initial run, the unit maps out the space completely. Subsequently, in the app, you have the flexibility to assign rooms and modify their names, simplifying the process of setting up scheduled cleanups. Overall, the Viomi Alpha S9 offers reliable cleaning performance, efficient navigation, and the ability to customize cleaning routines according to the user’s preferences.
Maintenance
The Alpha S9 boasts a remarkably convenient auto-empty station that greatly reduces the need for frequent manual emptying. This innovative feature absolves you from the burden of regularly emptying the unit yourself. However, it remains crucial to routinely inspect the brushes for entangled hair or accumulation of dirt to avert potential operational disruptions.
If you use the mopping function, cleaning the mopping cloth regularly is imperative to uphold peak performance. The docking station itself will issue a notification when the bag reaches full capacity, eliminating the need for constant checking. All in all, the maintenance requisites for the Alpha S9 are uncomplicated and effortless, allowing you to enjoy a clean home with minimal effort on your part.
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Should you buy it?
If you have areas devoid of rugs or adorned with low-pile carpets, the Viomi S9 Alpha emerges as a commendable option. Its automatic emptying functionality presents a convenient and time-efficient solution, albeit accompanied by a moderate level of noise during the emptying process. The device excels in its cleaning performance, thus establishing itself as a dependable choice for upholding a pristine living environment.
However, it is imperative to deliberate whether the array of features and controls offered by the Alpha S9 aligns with your specific needs. While it undeniably stands as a solid selection for a robotic vacuum cleaner, if you yearn for additional features or more extensive control options, there are many alternatives to choose from, and surely, you find one that suits your needs.
Ultimately, if the features of the Viomi Alpha S9 align with your requirements and are in sync with your budget, it presents itself as a great choice. Nevertheless, given the plethora of alternatives available in the market, it is highly probable that you will stumble upon a robotic vacuum cleaner tailored to your precise preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Overall the Viomi Alpha S9 is an efficient a convenient 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner. It offers advanced app control and great cleaning performance, which is a solid solution for keeping your home clean. If you decide to invest in this unit, it will serve you for a long time, especially if you take care of it and do the necessary maintenance.
