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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Ecovacs' Deebot T30S Combo 3-in-1 robot vacuum, mop, and handheld vacuum is currently available for $1,200.
- It features 11,000 Pa of suction power, retractable mop pads to tackle corners and edges, a new V-shaped brush to prevent tangles, and more
- The Deebot T30S's object avoidance left something to be desired, and the mopping pads don't lift high enough for medium-pile rugs.
The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is 38% off right now. For only $750, you can get one of the highest-rated robot vacuum and mop combinations.
Three-in-one robot vacuums have become my favorite type of smart household device. I already reach for my cordless vacuum daily for different purposes, whether to clean up the crumbs on the hardwood floors or to vacuum up pet hair from my dog's rug. I also run my robot vacuum and mop daily, so having both come together with the perks of a dual-dust collection system is this clean freak's dream.
Also: I tested a robot vacuum with a detachable handheld vacuum and it's a game changer
The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is the second three-in-one robot vacuum, mop, and cordless vacuum solution I've tested. The first is the flagship Deebot X2 Omni Combo Complete, which retails for $1,700.
The Deebot T30S Combo has the strongest suction power on the market at 11,000 Pa, rivaling the new Yeedi M12 Pro+. This strong suction has proven extremely effective in my home's cleanliness battle, especially on rugs and carpets. I ran the T30S robot vacuum at its highest suction setting, and it left my floors spotless, which is a lot to say in a house with three kids who don't seem to know what a trash bin is and a dog constantly leaving black and white hairs in his wake.
This capability makes the T30S one of the best robot vacuums I've tried. I wish it were better at avoiding obstacles, especially because of my messy kids. As it vacuumed downstairs so effectively, I set up the device upstairs to deal with the second floor, home to our bedrooms. The floor is divided into half carpet and half hardwood. The T30S robot vacuum constantly got tangled in random pieces of kids' stuff, such as a sock under the bed, a small stuffed animal or the edges of a blanket touching the floor.
The V-shaped brush roller is meant to prevent tangles.
This issue means I can't run the device in my kids' rooms unless I'm meticulous about what is strewn about on the floor, making it likely better for homes without younger (or messy) kids. I pick up everything under the beds using an upright vacuum anyway, so this issue hasn't been a big inconvenience.
Also: This robot vacuum performs as well as some flagship models (and it's cheaper than ever)
Vacuuming features aside, it's time to discuss the TrueEdge Adaptive Edge mopping feature. The T30S robot's mopping pads extend out to the edges of the robot to reach corners and under appliances, and they retract as needed. This feature works well around a corner or the legs of a chair, as the mop doesn't miss any spots.
The robot periodically returns to the base station during cleaning to wash the mop pads autonomously with hot water, so all you have to worry about is refilling the clean water tank and emptying the dirty water tank. Even if you think your floors are clean, I guarantee you'll be surprised at how dirty the water is.
Also: This robot vacuum might be better at cleaning than me - and I'm a neat freak
The mop pads lift automatically, and the robot increases suction power when cleaning carpets for a deep clean. Because the mop pads only lift to 9mm when cleaning carpets and rugs, they left my medium-pile living room carpet wet, which is another reason I decided to move the T30S upstairs. The robot kept all rugs and carpets in the second story completely dry, including the bedroom carpets.
On to the feature that makes the Deebot T30S Combo stand out from all competitors: the self-emptying cordless vacuum. The handheld vacuum with the T30S Combo features up to 60 minutes of runtime, rivaling the flagship Dyson V15 Detect cordless vacuum, making it a go-to for cleaning between couch cushions, vacuuming dust off air vents, and cleaning the stairs on a single charge.
Also: Finally, I found a robot and handheld vacuum combo that's ideal for apartment dwellers
We like to take the handheld cordless vacuum out to the car, and a single charge is enough to vacuum our vehicle, including the crumbs in three children's car seats. You don't have to manually open the dustbin to empty its contents into a garbage can. Setting the device down to charge at the base station after 30 seconds away from the base will trigger it to empty the handheld dustbin into the same dustbag used to empty the robot vacuum's dustbin without pressing a single button.
Accessories are included with the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo, although I wish it had a floor brush.
My only wish is that the handheld vacuum had a floor brush so I could use it on rugs for quick cleanups, as I can with the Deebot X2 Combo Complete downstairs.
ZDNET's buying advice
Ecovacs describes the T30S Combo as a midrange 3-in-1 robot vacuum. Ecovacs pairs an impressive midrange robot with a high-end base station and handheld vacuum. The result is a "midrange" robot vacuum that is regularly priced at $1,200. But it would be best to consider what you're getting for that price, plus the fact that you'll likely be able to find it discounted during other sales events, like Prime Day.
Also: Why I recommend this cordless stick vacuum over my Dyson - especially at this sale price
Even though robot vacuums and mops seem to get more expensive with each launch, a robot vacuum and mop with these specs, plus a self-emptying and self-washing station, would've cost $1,400 a year or two ago. Adding a self-emptying handheld vacuum is an extra benefit for people who want more home-cleaning options.
I'm a penny-pincher, but I see the Deebot T30S Combo as a worthy investment -- especially when you can save $200 or more off the original price, like the current $400 discount. Having the option to quickly grab the cordless vacuum to handle jobs the robot can't reach is too convenient to pass up.
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We're Watching 11 Products You Might Need to Buy
Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.
While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire at any time. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities at ZDNET.com.
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