The Best Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Updated on 4 May 2023

After 6 hours of research, comparing 18 popular devices and testing 14 of them, the Xiaomi W10 Pro convinced us the most for its price/quality ratio.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best high-end

Xiaomi W10 Pro

In our tests, we found it to be very heavy (6.4 kg). However, thanks to its self-propelled brush (which has to be mounted), it was very easy to handle. The display is quite large and easy to read. It shows the remaining battery level in per cent, and a coloured line notifies the level of dirt on the floor. The parking position is very handy, as it allows you to automatically stop operation while holding the hoover upright on its own, and then resume cleaning in the previous mode. In total, there are three modes: Auto, which automatically and effectively changes the power depending on the dirt on the floor; Water Suction, very useful for absorbing liquids; and Turbo, for tackling the toughest stains. Overall, in our view, the performance lives up to the price. It was the most efficient of all the vacuums we tested when vacuuming a broken egg in its shell. It is also the quietest of this selection during operation (69 to 70.1 dB) and during self-cleaning (maximum peak of 69 dB). Its biggest weakness? Its autonomy, although it is within the average (32 minutes in Auto mode).

 

 

Best Mid-range

Dreame H12 Pro

This high-performance model has a very efficient automatic mode. Particularly quiet for this type of device, it is also ultra-light and offers good ergonomics.

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Dreame H12 Pro

Like the H11 Max (which we also tested), the H12 Pro proved to be efficient in our tests. It has the same large clean water tank (900 ml), but the dirty water tank is larger than the other version (700 ml now compared to 500 before). Its large LED display could have been a little brighter, although it is still easy to read. It shows which of the 3 modes is in use (Auto, Ultra, Absorption), the self-cleaning phase in progress (cleaning with water or drying the rollers with hot air at 55°C), any problems and the percentage of battery life remaining. Weighing only 4 kg, we found it very handy and its self-propelled brush further reduced the effort required. We also liked its parking mode, which stops the machine when in use and resumes cleaning when unlocked. It is also the quietest vacuum cleaner we have tested (less than 67dB). On this occasion, the brand also includes a detergent with the purchase. Finally, its autonomy is in the upper middle range (around 37 minutes in automatic mode) and a full charge takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

 

High-end alternative

Tineco Floor One S5 Pro+

Quieter and lighter than the other models we tested, this wet and dry vacuum cleaner is a good ally for efficiently sucking up spilt liquids and cleaning thoroughly thanks to its electrolysis function.

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Tineco Floor One S5 Pro 2

During our tests, we used all 4 modes of operation and validated them all. Indeed, the Auto mode managed to detect, increase the power and efficiently suck up an egg (even the shell) and ketchup. The Max mode proved relevant with a larger amount to clean and the Succion mode managed to absorb all the spilt milk. However, while it managed to suck up the smallest of dirt (such as breadcrumbs), it was not suitable for pet owners as it spread the hair rather than sucking it up. Quiet, we measured that it emitted 70-71dB in operation and only 72dB at times when self-cleaning (compared to 85dB with the Dyad). This self-cleaning is very easy to start with its dedicated button, but lasts a little longer than with other models (about 2 minutes 30). As for the operating time, it is around 35 minutes, allowing to clean easily 50 m² in depth for 4 to 5 hours of recharge. Finally, its application was complex to install via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and with mobile data deactivated.

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best high-endBest Mid-rangeHigh-end alternative
Xiaomi W10 Pro Dreame H12 Pro Tineco Floor One S5 Pro+
This vacuum cleaner from the well-known Xiaomi brand offers the best value for money of the selection. It is the quietest, most practical and most efficient model we tested. This high-performance model has a very efficient automatic mode. Particularly quiet for this type of device, it is also ultra-light and offers good ergonomics. Quieter and lighter than the other models we tested, this wet and dry vacuum cleaner is a good ally for efficiently sucking up spilt liquids and cleaning thoroughly thanks to its electrolysis function.
£ 625.44 on Amazon £ 319.00 on Amazon

 

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How did we test?

Each test started with an evaluation of the overall design of the appliance: weight and handling of the hoover, its tanks, ease of use of the different modes offered… As well as an overview of the accessories provided.

To evaluate the performance as realistically as possible, we used each machine in real-life conditions, during our daily cleaning routine in different rooms of the house (dining room, kitchen and bathroom). We then carried out specific tests in our recording studio: juice and cereal spills, egg spills, sauce spills, etc. We always concluded our tests with thorough maintenance of each vacuum cleaner.

NamePerformance assessmentBattery life in Auto modeNoise levelSelf-cleaning time + noise
Xiaomi W10 Pro5/531’ 50”69 - 70,1 dB2’ 04” - 69 dB
Dreame H12 Pro4/537’66,9 dB2’02” - 66,6 dB
Tineco Floor One S5 Pro 24/533’ 10”70 - 71 dB2’ 33” - 72 dB
Tineco iFLOOR 23/525’74 dB1’ 35” - 74,5 dB
Ultenic AC14/540’70 - 76 dB1’ 40” - 75 dB
Roborock Dyad Pro4/533’ 10”66,6 - 72 dB2’ 32” - 71 dB

 

How to choose a wet & dry vacuum cleaner ?

Recently introduced to the market, floor cleaners offer, in theory, the promise of replacing hoovers and mops with a single 2-in-1 device, capable of collecting solid and liquid waste in a single pass.

Aspirateurs laveurs

However, their still limited number does not make the choice easy. To make sure you make the best possible purchase, we have listed the key criteria to help you choose.

  • The ergonomy: it should be noted that this type of device is quite heavy, which can create discomfort during various manipulations. Therefore, a well-designed handle with easy-to-reach buttons and self-driving wheels can make the task much easier.

Aspirateur Laveur

  • The modes of use and water flow: while some models are reserved for cleaning hard floors, others are compatible with carpets and rugs. Therefore, the water flow rate and power should ideally be adjustable to suit the degree of dirt and the type of surface being cleaned. Finally, some machines are able to dry the floor directly after washing, for a real 3-in-1 effect.

Aspirateur Laveur

  • The tanks: there are usually 2 of them, one for clean water, the other for dirty water. The larger they are, the longer you can clean, but ideally they should also be easily accessible for filling and emptying.

Aspirateur Laveur

  • The ease of maintenance: this involves the maintenance of the tanks on the one hand and the brushes on the other. Most often, a small multi-functional cleaning brush is provided and is very practical. Some storage stations also offer a self-cleaning system for the rollers, which rotate at high speed and use the water in the tank.

Aspirateur Laveur

 

Other machines we recommend 

Tineco iFLOOR 2 (£239.00 upon publication): a very light and cheap alternative. Weighing just 3.5kg, this is one of the lightest models we tested. It is cheap and therefore makes some concessions by not having a display and only offering two modes of operation. Normal mode is indicated by a steady blue light, and stain mode flashes this light as more water is added. In practice, we didn’t notice much difference between the two modes in our tests, but both were quite effective on most stains. However, it is not suitable for cleaning finer or more encrusted dirt. In terms of battery life, we were able to use it for just over 25 minutes (22 minutes advertised), which puts it in the bottom half of the mid-range, and it takes 4-5 hours to charge.

Roborock Dyad Pro (£399.99 upon publication): good, but not perfect. In our tests, we found the Pro version of the Dyad to be quite good overall, without being top-notch. For example, it struggled more to vacuum eggshells, which it pushed several times before sucking them up. We also found its rollers too thin, which prevented good cleaning in the deeper grooves of uneven tiles. For the stickiest foods, it also needed countless passes before the floor stopped sticking. On the other hand, it absorbs liquids very well (thanks to the floor drying mode), and its ultra-fine edge allows it to vacuum as close as possible to the skirting boards (0.1 cm). It also has a good battery life of around 33 minutes in Auto mode, 44 minutes in Eco mode and almost 25 minutes in Max mode. It also proved to be much quieter than its previous version, with 72 dB in Max. Finally, we were able to connect to the app on the 2nd try. Among other things, it gave us access to the self-cleaning and drying parameters of the rollers (a real blast of hot air), but also to the choice of language (which is still difficult to understand, even in Spanish), and to the maintenance of the rollers and filter.

Ultenic AC1 (£466.10 upon publication): a second mid-range solution. With 1L tanks for clean and dirty water, this model is practical to use. Quite heavy (5 kg), it is self-propelled, making it easy to handle. In our tests, its four modes of operation (Smart, Max, Sterilisation and Succion) proved to be effective. It can clean and vacuum all kinds of liquids or thicker foods (ketchup, milk, crumbs, eggs), but also sticky or encrusted stains. In addition, it has an interesting operating time of 45 minutes. Nevertheless, it is quite noisy with 76 dB in Max mode and a self-cleaning that rises to 75 dB.

 

Other machines tested

Vileda JetClean (£236.67 upon publication): During our test, we found this model to be rather inefficient and unergonomic. Between its telescopic handle that can be unclipped, its wire that hinders movement and its ability to only really suck up liquids (not too greasy, not too thick and without solids), it doesn’t leave a very good impression…

Redkey W12 (£348.88 upon publication): Despite a price that can be considered attractive for this type of product, the Redkey W12 did not live up to our expectations. Its washing performance is not up to the level of its competitors and makes its usefulness frankly questionable, a flaw that cannot be compensated for by its design, which itself could be improved.

Dreame H11 Max (£372.17 upon publication): Quite intuitive and well-designed, the Dreame H11 Max has a large clean water tank (900ml) and a smaller dirty water tank (500ml). During our tests, we found the information on the screen very clear, and the wheel drive system limits the effort required, although the device is quite heavy (4,5 kg). On the other hand, it has the advantage of being able to stand on its own and automatically clean the roller once it is installed on its storage station.

Bissel CrossWave C3 Pro (£379.00 upon publication): Admittedly, we found that the power cable was a bit of a hindrance to the ergonomics during our tests. However, with its 7 m length, there is still room for improvement. It performs well with all liquids (even sweeter, thicker or fatty ones), but it is a bit lacking when it comes to larger or more solids. In the end, it is its less efficient self-cleaning system and its high noise level combined with a lower quality/price ratio that put it off our main selection.

Roborock Dyad (£385.49 upon publication): This device proved to be quite efficient in our tests. It is easy to use, and information is well-displayed, but it is penalised by its heavy weight, which prevents it from being easily moved from one room to another. The worst thing? Its limited online availability has increased its price despite the release of the new version.

Dreame H12 (£432.75 upon publication): Although its performance was good, it failed to tackle the tougher stains. In addition, its auto mode only worked more or less correctly with liquids and not with the more solid dirt that requires water. Finally, it is very noisy.

Philips AquaTrio Wet & Dry wireless serie 9000 (currently unavailable): With its many accessories, this 3-in-1 wet and dry vacuum cleaner looked like a good deal. Unfortunately, our tests proved the opposite: less efficient than other models that are half the price, a disappointing 26 minutes of operating time, and below average water tanks.

Proscenic F20 (currently unavailable): Very good in practice, this wet and dry vacuum cleaner was efficient for most of the tasks we gave it. However, we were unable to charge it properly as it stopped charging after a while. This may be an isolated defect, but we preferred to leave it out until we had tested another model.

 

 

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje

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