We Tested the Ultra-Versatile Deebot 661 Robot Vacuum, Which Also Doubles As a Mop
Although there are dozens upon dozens of robot vacuums to chose from, very few double as a robot mop. The ECOVACS DEEBOT 661 is one of the few hybrid models that will not only vacuum your floors with just the push of a button, but mop them, too.
The vacuum stretches your dollar significantly further than other hybrid models on the market, including the ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 and eufy RoboVac L70, which cost $700 and $500, respectively. The DEEBOT 661 is priced at a much more reasonable $300 when it’s on sale. Here's why it's the best, most affordable robot mop/vac yet!
Agility and Navigation
The DEEBOT 661 doesn't feature as impressive navigation tech as competing hybrid vacuums, since it lacks the laser functionality, which probably helps account for its much cheaper pricing point. Regardless, the vacuum still managed to clean our entire floor plan.
It does bump and stumble all over the place as if it were blindfolded — and it even got stuck on a cord under the couch on our first run with it. It still gets the job done, though, and for much cheaper than the competition.
Suction Strength and Cleaning Performance
This robot vacuum's 3-inch height helps it easily clean dirt from under furniture, but it doesn’t offer as much suction and performance as the other standalone robot vacuums we recommend. It does a good enough job, though, and definitely can keep your floors looking their best between cleanings, without requiring time or effort on your part.
Just like the eufy RoboVac L70 and DEEBOT OZMO 950, its mop mode is nothing to write home about. Most hybrid models require you to wet and affix a reusable Swiffer-like pad underneath them, which they then push around to “mop” your floor. True robot mops spray water directly on your floor or have rolling brushes that help clean them more effectively.
Hybrid models, on the other hand, just trickle water slowly on the pad to keep it from drying out. They also are incompatible with cleaning solutions. Floors still get cleaner and shinier than if you didn’t mop at all, but it’s not as clean as some good old-fashioned elbow grease with a regular mop and bucket.
Ease of Use
The truth is, standalone robot mops work better and are more convenient than hybrid models that can also vacuum your floors. The problem with combo units is that you have to swap out the dust bin for a water reservoir. It's not as if after the robot vacuums your floors it can switch immediately over to mop mode. If you just plan on mostly vacuuming, the DEEBOT 661 is relatively easy to use.
We found its app to be difficult to pair with our smart speakers and found its design to not be as intuitive as other models from iRobot and Roborock. Fortunately, you can still operate the vacuum without relying heavily on the mop.
Wrap-Up
Considering the DEEBOT 661’s more affordable price point, its long, 110-minute runtime, and several smart features, for now, it’s the best hybrid model for most people. Just don't expect its mopping performance to blow you away.
Read More:
Our Reviews on Standalone Robot Mops
We Tested Handheld Vacuums for One Month and These Models Were Our Editor's Favorites
Check Out Our Favorite Steam Mops
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