The Dreame L40 Ultra, unveiled at IFA 2024, is the highly anticipated successor to the acclaimed Dreame L20 Ultra. I had the privilege of testing this remarkable device prior to its launch, and I can confidently declare it one of the best robot vacuums I’ve encountered. Building upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Dreame L40 Ultra boasts significant enhancements, including amplified suction power, refined roller brushes, and an extendable side brush for wider coverage. While carrying a premium price tag of $1,500, the L40 Ultra surpasses expectations and presents a formidable challenge to other leading robot vacuums from brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, and iRobot.
Setting up the Dreame L40 Ultra is a breeze. Similar to most robot vacuums, the process is quick and straightforward. After downloading the accompanying app, plugging in the docking station, and syncing the robot to your smartphone, you can initiate a mapping run of your home. The mapping process is remarkably accurate, and any necessary adjustments can be easily made through the intuitive Dreame mobile app. The app also serves as a centralized control hub, allowing you to set cleaning schedules, fine-tune performance by adjusting suction levels, designate restricted areas, and even enable automatic setting adjustments for specific tasks. In essence, the Dreame L40 Ultra’s installation and operation are as simple and intuitive as you would expect from a high-end $1,500 vacuum.
The Dreame L40 Ultra employs two rotating mops for cleaning hard floors, one of which features an outward swinging mechanism to effectively reach baseboards and tight spaces. This innovative design proved highly effective during real-world testing, enabling the L40 Ultra to scrub areas that often elude other robot vacuums. Notably, the device automatically lifts its main vacuum roller brush and side brush during mopping operations to ensure cleanliness and dryness. This unique feature, rarely seen in other models, serves several key purposes. Firstly, it prevents the brushes from becoming soaked and transferring moisture onto carpets. Additionally, it helps prevent debris from mixing with moisture, mitigating the risk of unpleasant odors over time.
Another noteworthy feature is the L40 Ultra’s onboard water reservoir. This eliminates the need for the robot to constantly return to the docking station for water refills, resulting in significantly faster cleaning times, especially in homes with predominantly hard floors. Coupled with an optional cleaning solution, the L40 Ultra is equipped to tackle even the toughest stains. For an even more automated cleaning experience, you can opt for the Water Hookup Kit, which connects the docking station to your plumbing. This hands-free solution provides an unparalleled level of convenience, although it’s not strictly necessary to enjoy the benefits of the L40 Ultra.
While several robot vacuums on the market offer more suction power than the Dreame L40 Ultra, its 11,000 Pa is ample for most floor types. Even on plush carpets, the robot effortlessly removed embedded pet hair and other debris. This remarkable performance is attributed to its Anti-Tangle Tricut Brush, a feature specifically designed to handle hair, fur, and other tangled messes without clogging.
One of the most practical features of the L40 Ultra is its detachable mopping pads. Depending on your chosen cleaning cycle, these pads can be automatically removed at the docking station before the robot begins vacuuming. This clever design prevents dirty mopping pads from trailing across the floor, a common issue faced by many robot vacuum models. The mopping pads can also retract 10.5mm, although homeowners with plush carpets may find it more suitable to leave them in the dock during vacuuming.
Completing the Dreame L40 Ultra’s impressive suite of features is a docking station that handles the majority of daily maintenance tasks. Not only does it store up to 75 days’ worth of dust collected from the vacuum, but it also cleans the mops with hot water, dries them with air, and performs a rinsing cycle on the docking station’s washboard with a duo-scraper system. This ensures the robot isn’t sitting in a pool of dirty water while awaiting its next cleaning assignment. This advanced automation significantly contributes to the device’s longevity and minimizes the need for intensive manual cleaning.
While not as expensive as the Dreame X40 Ultra at $1,900, the L40 Ultra still commands a substantial price of $1,500. However, its premium robot vacuum experience, featuring a combination of powerful cleaning capabilities and sophisticated automation, makes it a compelling investment. The L40 Ultra’s detachable mopping pads, impressive vacuuming performance, and customizable settings make it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a robust, highly automated cleaning companion. In a competitive landscape that includes brands like Roborock, Ecovacs, Narwal, Eureka, and iRobot, the Dreame L40 Ultra stands out as a top contender and a must-have for your shopping list.
