Review of Robot Vacuum E10, S10, and S10 Plus
November 30, 2024
Today, we have three Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners for review, differing in technical specifications and price. Let’s compare the features and capabilities of these devices and determine whether the extra cost is justified.
The first vacuum cleaner is the budget-friendly Robot Vacuum E10, equipped with a mopping function and decent suction power, which is sufficient for cleaning floors of hair and pet fur.
The second model is the Robot Vacuum S10. This is a more advanced robot vacuum with similar specifications but equipped with a LiDAR sensor for more precise navigation.
And the third is the Robot Vacuum S10+, featuring a full-fledged floor-washing function. This vacuum doesn’t just wipe the floors with a damp microfiber cloth but actually polishes them using two rotating attachments.
Package Contents and Design
All three vacuum cleaners come in cardboard boxes featuring images of the devices, key specifications, and functions. The package contents are also similar. Inside the box, the buyer will find the vacuum cleaner, dust and water containers, a side brush, a user manual, a charging dock, and a power cable.
The Robot Vacuum E10 and S10 come with a microfiber cloth that attaches to the water container, while the Robot Vacuum S10+ includes two rotating attachments with fabric brushes instead of the microfiber cloth. These attachments not only wipe away dust but also polish the floor to a shine.
All components and consumables are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and resistance to wear during use.
Externally, the vacuum cleaners differ. All models feature a round body with a spring-loaded bumper at the front, a rotating side brush, and control buttons on the top. However, the S10 and S10+ have a small turret on top—an LDS radar, commonly referred to as LiDAR. This sensor ensures more accurate positioning of the robot in space.
Technical Specifications of Robot Vacuum E10, S10, and S10+
In terms of technical parameters, the three vacuum cleaners have many similarities but also some differences. All the key specifications have been compiled into a comparison table:
| E10 | S10 | S10+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions, mm | 350x350x80 | 350x350x94.5 | 350x350x97 |
| Battery, mAh | 2600 | 3200 | 5200 |
| Suction power, Pa | 4000 | 4000 | 4000 |
| Dustbin capacity, L | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.45 |
| Water tank, L | 0.2 | 0.17 | – |
In terms of suction power, all three vacuum cleaners are identical. They efficiently pick up all debris in their path and can also handle carpeted surfaces.
However, there is a significant difference in battery capacity between the models. The E10 can run for 110 minutes in standard mode. It is designed for cleaning areas up to 150 m², but in practice, the actual coverage is slightly lower—around 120 m².
The Robot Vacuum S10 is also rated for cleaning areas up to 150 m², which it handles with ease. As for the S10+, its more powerful battery allows it to clean up to 250 m², even with the floor-washing function activated.
The navigation technology of the Robot Vacuum E10 differs from the other two models. It lacks LiDAR and maps its route using a zigzag trajectory. This allows it to gradually cover all rooms while thoroughly cleaning along walls and in corners.
In the S10 and S10+, navigation is handled by an LDS laser system. This ensures precise positioning of the vacuum in space, avoiding collisions with obstacles.
Design Features
Structurally, the three models differ in the placement of key components such as the dustbin, water tank, mopping pad, and some other elements. However, in terms of body shape and dimensions, all devices are similar.
The difference is noticeable only in height. The E10 is the flattest, at just 80 mm, due to the absence of LiDAR, while the S10 and S10+ are slightly taller—94.5 mm and 97 mm, respectively.
Dust Container
The dustbin in the S10 and S10+ is located under the top lid, which can be easily lifted. The container is simple to remove and open when it’s time to empty the accumulated debris.
The E10 model differs from these two—it does not have an opening lid on top. Instead, the dustbin and water tank are combined into a single dual-purpose reservoir. This reservoir is not accessed from the top (as there is no lid) but is pulled out from the rear side of the body.
The dustbin capacity is sufficient for cleaning an entire apartment:
- E10 — 400 ml
- S10 — 300 ml
- S10+ — 450 ml
If only a small amount of debris is collected, the container can be emptied every other cleaning or even less frequently. However, it’s important to empty it regularly, as a full dustbin reduces suction power and cleaning efficiency.
Brushes
In the central part of the underside of all the vacuum cleaners, there is a rotating brush that effectively collects hair, pet fur, crumbs, dust, and other debris from the floor. The package includes a cleaning tool with a blade, making it easier to remove tangled hair.
Rotating Three-Bristle Side Brush
On all three devices, a rotating three-bristle side brush is located at the bottom right. It is designed for thorough cleaning along walls and in corners. The brush can be easily removed for washing or cleaning hair that has become tangled.
Water Tank
The water tank in the S10+ is located under the lid, next to the dustbin. In the E10, it is part of a combined dual-purpose reservoir for water and dry debris, which is removed from the back of the vacuum cleaner’s body. In the S10, the water tank attaches to the bottom of the device with strong magnetic fasteners.
The capacities of the water tanks are nearly the same across all three models: the E10 and S10+ hold 200 ml of water, while the S10 has a slightly smaller capacity of 170 ml.
Charging Dock
There are also some differences in the charging stations. The Robot Vacuum E10 and S10+ come with a stylish and compact docking station, similar to many other Xiaomi vacuums. It can be placed anywhere in a room and blends seamlessly with the overall interior design. The dock is small and lightweight but stays securely in place thanks to rubberized feet, preventing it from sliding when the vacuum docks.
Charging Dock
The S10 has an even more compact charging station. Unlike the E10 model, it does not have a small platform with contact points for the vacuum to connect. Instead, the station features two protruding magnetic elements on its body that the vacuum attaches to for charging. The vacuum docks in reverse rather than front-first. Rubberized feet prevent slipping and help keep the dock securely in place.
Cleaning Functions
The vacuums can be controlled using the buttons on their bodies, but this method is very limited. Using the buttons, you can only start a cleaning session or send the device back to the charging dock. To access all functions, you need to download the Mi Home app and add the vacuum cleaner to it.
All three vacuums perform equally well with dry cleaning, despite differences in positioning systems. The Robot Vacuum E10 is inferior to the other two models only in its ability to navigate to specific rooms or set custom cleaning zones. This limitation is due to the absence of the LDS laser sensor. When the E10 is started, it simply cleans all accessible rooms sequentially.
Dry Cleaning Modes
Dry cleaning can be performed in one of four modes, which are selected in the app:
- Silent: The vacuum operates very quietly and at minimal power. The suction strength is lower, so some debris may remain on carpets.
- Standard: The vacuum runs at medium power, sufficient for most situations. It effectively collects hair, dust, pet fur, and small particles. The noise level is slightly higher than in silent mode.
- Intensive: The vacuum increases power for more thorough cleaning, making it capable of handling heavily soiled surfaces.
- Turbo: The most powerful mode, where the vacuum achieves maximum suction strength, allowing it to extract almost all debris from carpet fibers.
For wet cleaning, the water flow rate can be adjusted, with three settings available: low, medium, and high. Even at the maximum water level, the floor does not end up with wet spots. The vacuum leaves only a slightly damp trail, which dries within a few minutes.
Wet Cleaning Performance
The quality of wet cleaning is identical in the Robot Vacuum E10 and S10. These models use a microfiber cloth that is moistened with water and simply wipes the floor as the vacuum moves through the room.
The S10+, however, takes wet cleaning to a whole new level. It features two rotating attachments with soft, bristled pads. These pads are moistened with water and polish the floor surface. In wet cleaning mode, the vacuum can remove shoe marks in the hallway and other stains that the Robot Vacuum E10 and S10 may struggle with.
Conclusion
The Robot Vacuum E10 and S10 are similar in many ways, apart from a few structural differences. Thanks to the placement of the water tank at the back of the S10, its docking station can be tucked under a table or cabinet of suitable height. With the E10 or S10+, this arrangement would be less convenient, as removing the dust and water containers requires first pulling out the vacuum itself.
However, the Robot Vacuum S10 outperforms the E10 in navigation and battery capacity. The E10 is a budget-friendly device that performs well for cleaning an apartment or a small house. If more functionality is needed, the Robot Vacuum S10 is worth considering. To get all the same features plus a significantly more effective wet cleaning function, you’ll need to pay extra for the S10+. Thanks to its rotating attachments, the S10+ can remove even stubborn stains from the floor.