The Narwal Freo X Ultra, launched earlier this year, captured our attention with its unique design and powerful performance. Now, its successor, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra, has debuted at IFA 2024, promising even more impressive features. This upgraded model is a significant improvement over its predecessor, making it a strong contender for those seeking a truly hassle-free robot vacuum experience.
Setting up the Narwal Freo Z Ultra is a breeze. From unboxing to vacuuming, the process takes less than 20 minutes. Simply plug the device in, sync it with the Narwal mobile app, and let it perform a quick mapping run to understand your home’s layout. Then, it’s ready to tackle your chores. The mapping process was remarkably fast, accurately analyzing the entire first floor of my condo in just a few minutes. I didn’t have to make any manual adjustments, but the Narwal app provides ample flexibility for customization if needed.
One of the standout features of the Freo Z Ultra is its docking station. Unlike many competitors, which leave the robot exposed while charging, the Narwal’s docking station completely covers the vacuum, protecting it from curious pets or children and giving it a sleek, tidy look. This attention to detail sets the Narwal apart from the pack.
Narwal has made a significant effort to ensure the Freo Z Ultra doesn’t disrupt your daily life. It operates remarkably quietly, producing just 58 decibels, considerably lower than the typical 70dB for robot vacuums. While higher suction levels can increase noise, the low-power option provides a swift and quiet cleaning experience, making it ideal for homes with pets. Neither of my normally anxious pups was startled by the noise, a huge win for pet owners. It’s also adept at detecting and avoiding pet toys and accidents, ensuring it stays clear of any potential messes.
The docking station is equally quiet, extracting dust from the vacuum quickly and efficiently in just about 5 seconds. With a dustbin capacity that can hold up to 120 days of debris, the Freo Z Ultra requires minimal intervention. This impressive capacity, nearly double that of other robot vacuums, makes it a highly desirable option for those who prefer a hands-off cleaning system. Further enhancing its automation, the robot seamlessly integrates with Google Home, Alexa, and Siri.
While many robot vacuums rely on swinging mop pads for edge cleaning, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra takes a different approach. It utilizes triangular mopping pads that twist, allowing it to reach tight crevices and maximizing coverage. While this twisting motion might seem a bit odd, it effectively tackles small spaces. Additionally, a detachable duster on the side cleans baseboards simultaneously with the mopping action. The mopping pads apply up to 12 Newtons of downward pressure, effectively removing daily messes like spills and stains during real-world testing. When transitioning to carpet, the mopping pads lift 12mm, which might not be ideal for plush carpets. While this shouldn’t be an issue for low-pile carpets or rugs, thick rugs may experience their fibers brushing against the mopping pads. Compared to other robot vacuums that detach their mopping pads or stow the mopping plate on top of the robot, this aspect leaves room for improvement.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra boasts a powerful 12,000 Pa suction, placing it among the most powerful robot vacuums available. It combines this impressive suction with the Ultra-Quiet Zero Tangling Floating Brush 2.0, a brush designed to prevent hair and pet fur tangles. The brush’s silicon pad helps minimize operating noise, effectively reducing noise levels at lower power settings. While higher power settings do produce more noise, the improvement over the Freo X Ultra is noticeable. The combination of two side brushes, excellent obstacle avoidance, AI DirtSense for automatic setting adjustments, and a dustbin that lasts for 120 days makes this robot vacuum a comprehensive cleaning solution.
With a price tag of $1,500, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra is one of the most expensive robot vacuums on the market. However, its immense suction power, large dustbin, and unique edge cleaning solution justify its price for many shoppers. While its 12mm mop-lifting clearance may not be ideal for homes with plush carpets, it excels in many other aspects. If you prioritize power, automation, and a robust cleaning experience, the Narwal Freo Z Ultra is a compelling choice.
