'I've ditched my vacuum for a Black Friday deal robot cleaner that gets floors sparkling' - The Mirror

The Lefant M3 Max Gen-1 robot vacuum cleaner is like having help at home thanks to a duo design which vacuums and mops floors

As someone who loathes cleaning but loves a tidy home, I’m always looking for ways to make the weekly clean quicker but without compromising on results. I’ve had my eye on a robot vacuum cleaner for a while, but always wondered whether they were worth the investment or simply just a fun gimmick.

Since I love a lazy girl hack, when the opportunity arose to try the Lefant M3 Max Gen-1 robot vacuum cleaner I jumped at the chance. For the uninitiated, this clever cleaning friend boasts a number of handy features including the ability to mop, vacuum, and self-clean, meaning half the household chores can be ticked off with minimal effort.

The Lefant M3 Max robot vacuum cleaner is perfect for those who would rather be doing anything but cleaning, or for busy households who often find themselves short of time. Ideal for families or those with messy pets, it can be used for a quick post-dinner whip-round or for freshening up after a hectic week.

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What does the Lefant M3 Max Gen-1 robot vacuum cleaner do?

Some of its features include a powerful 15,000Pa suction which removes embedded pet hair, crumbs, and dust in a single pass. Whilst I was initially skeptical such a small device could rival my Shark vacuum cleaner, I was pretty impressed by how easily it picked up fine messes and crumbs.

For those concerned it might be high maintenance to care for, the Lefant M3 Max Robot Vacuum Cleaner empties debris into a 3.2L sealed dustbag (which needs to be emptied every eight weeks) and cleans its own mops by itself using 45°C hot water.

Speaking of which, the gadget features dual turbo-rotating mops that spin at 200 RPM. This allows the robot to scrub hard floors and tiles with enhanced pressure, offering a deep clean.

Pros

• Performs exceptionally well, rivalling traditional upright vacuums and mops
• Two-in-one design that cleans hard floors and carpets in minutes
• Time-saving vs manual cleaning
• Intuitive in getting to know spaces
• Self-cleaning - its mops automatically with 45C hot water - then dry them with cool air to prevent odour
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice command

Cons

• Needs decent space to store
• A little noisy when in use on powerful mode but can be made quieter
• Large to carry upstairs but manageable for most
• Round design may need a little help with small awkward spaces
• Took a while to work out how to set up voice command

I have carpets that meet hard floors in some areas, so I especially like that the mops automatically lift 9mm when the carpets are detected so as not to drench them. While I love the idea of the white version, in reality I think my grey colourway is probably the most practical option for long term use and it fits in well with most home decor styles.

Other robot cleaners available to shop right now include the Shark Matric Plus 2-in-1 Cordless Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop which has been cut in price at Argos from £250 to £219.99. It boasts a 4.3 star review score out of five on the high street retailer's website.

Alternatively, at Dunelm shoppers can buy the Narwal Freo BX3 Robot Vacuum which currently boasts a saving of £118.50. Now 30% off, the appliance is £276.50 and has a 3L dust bag and a line laser navigation allowing it to tackle mess with precision.

How to set up and use the Lefant M3 Max robot vacuum cleaner

As someone who doesn’t often find tech gadgets easy to set up, I wasn’t sure if I'd need some help with the Lefant M3 Max robot so roped in my fiance to help get me started.

It was actually pretty simple once we looked - the device comes in five pieces that are logically put together without the need to study the instructions. The separate parts are pretty easy to identify including the ramp, robot, dirty water tank, and more.

The vacuum cleaner can be used with the app and once it's downloaded and the device is located it’s good to go. One thing to note is that the robot must be placed somewhere with a 50cm clearance each side, so users will need to find it a home with decent room which may prove tricky in smaller spaces.

Shoppers also have the option to activate a voice control feature via Alexa and Google Assistant so the bot can clean desired spaces on demand. It’s worth noting that we did find this a little unclear in terms of set up however it's a really useful addition for super busy days.

Other features users can control via the app include being able to schedule cleanings, set the robot no-go zones, adjust the vacuum's suction levels, spot clean areas, and select rooms. The robot cleaner also has 190° wide-angle sensors and full-body scanning to help it easily navigate around furniture and toys. It clearly recognises objects over 4cm in height making it the ideal cleaning companion for many a space.

During the first trip the bot makes, it creates a scan of the floorplan, getting to know the area. It’s worth leaving interior doors open and removing any random obstacles from the middle of floors to give it the best chance of success.

Once it started vacuuming, I was surprised at how good the robot’s spatial awareness was. It gets pretty close to items but didn’t bump into anything, even when I moved my foot near to it without warning. Whilst it’s great for clearing up hairs or crumbs from treats left by my dog, as a smaller breed she was nervous of it whizzing around, but some pets may be unbothered.

When I received the home gadget, I hadn’t realised it also mops hard flooring which seriously impressed me. Despite its round design, it does get into relatively hard-to-reach areas, and I felt the results were definitely up to my fussy standards (trust me, that’s not something I say lightly).

One thing to note is that for those who have an upstairs, it’s relatively bulky to carry about but not unmanageable for most. I’d also say it does make a noise whilst in use in powerful mode, but no more than a traditional cordless or upright vacuum cleaner, and there is also the option to put it in a quiet mode if children are sleeping for example.

Personally, I’d still do an occasional manual clean for super awkward spaces, but would use this regularly in place of my weekly clean and for touch-ups throughout the day.

Lefant M3 Max robot vacuum cleaner review

Overall, I’m seriously impressed with the Lefant M3's performance. It’s certainly an investment at £379.99, however it’s currently discounted at Amazon meaning it’s been cut to £322.99. Whilst it’s not cheap, I do think good quality household appliances can last years, making everyday chores easier and giving a decent cost-per-use.

The Lefant M3 Max robot cleaner boasts a powerful suction, meaning my floors are left vacuumed to the same standard they would have been had I done it myself. It certainly takes the hassle out of rushing around after everyday spills, especially after mealtimes. Initially fascinated by it whizzing around, I’d say having used it multiple times it’s more than just a gimmick and shaves serious time off my cleaning routine.

For those that are time poor, I'd describe it as the cleaning equivalent to a slow cooker - I go about my work day and once I'm done the robot has tackled two of my chores for me, all without compromising on the results.