Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 Review: A Deep Dive into Premium Floor Cleaning

The Roborock F25 series has been a popular choice for many, and now, Roborock is refreshing this line with advanced new models. This in-depth review focuses on the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2, exploring its capabilities, particularly its integrated steam generator. Beyond a refreshed aesthetic, what does this high-end model offer in terms of performance and user experience? We put it to the test to uncover its strengths and any potential drawbacks.

Unboxing and What’s Inside

The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 arrives in a standard-sized, well-protected cardboard box, ensuring the device is safe during transit. Upon opening, you’ll immediately notice the prominent roller brush, the charging dock with its power cord, and the instruction manual. Further down, the package includes a flexible brush, an additional filter, and a second cleaning pad. While a small sample bottle of cleaning detergent is typically expected with such devices, it was not included in this particular review unit. The main unit itself comes in two parts, requiring minimal assembly. Attaching the handle is straightforward: simply push it into the main body until you hear a soft click, and you’re ready to go.

Design and Functionality

Roborock distinguishes itself by offering a more streamlined product lineup compared to some competitors, such as Tineco, which can have a bewildering array of models. This approach simplifies the decision-making process for consumers. The first generation of the F25 series featured numerous models, but the second generation, at launch, consists of just two: the entry-level F25 Gen 2 RT and the more advanced F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2, which is the subject of this review. The ‘Ultra Steam’ model’s key differentiator is its steam generation capability. However, its unique dark brown color scheme is arguably just as striking. In person, the device looks exceptional. The subtle yet rich dark brown accents, visible on the outer edges of the wheels and various handles, immediately signal that this isn’t just another generic-looking vacuum cleaner. The matte plastic used for most of the casing can easily be mistaken for black, adding to its sophisticated appeal. The overall shape largely retains the design language of the first-generation F25 family. The handle is ergonomically designed with an anti-slip silicone grip on the inner side. Conveniently located here is a trigger to activate special turbo modes or boost steam generation. On the outer side of the handle, you’ll find buttons for power, mode switching, and initiating the self-cleaning cycle. The main body of the vacuum is sleek and minimalistic. A clear display at the top shows battery status and current operating modes. The dirty water tank, with a capacity of over 700 ml, is positioned at the front. While some may prefer a rear-mounted tank for aesthetics, like the one on the Tineco Floor One S9 Scientist Complete, the front placement offers easier access, making it more practical for daily use. This tank features a handle and a dedicated release button. While it’s possible to remove it with one hand, using both hands provides more stability. The tank itself comprises two main parts, with a filter located at the top. The device stands approximately 110 cm (43.3 inches) tall. The base unit is about 26.5 cm (10.4 inches) wide. At its edge, the height is around 10 cm (3.9 inches), but the main tank protrudes slightly, which could potentially cause it to brush against lower furniture, leaving minor marks on softer surfaces. The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 can lay almost flat, making it easier to clean under furniture, though it is slightly taller than competitors like the Tineco models. The clean water tank is a two-part design, which is always appreciated, as it eliminates the need to pre-mix solutions before each cleaning session. It holds 1000 ml of water and approximately 100 ml of detergent. A clear indicator allows you to monitor water levels during cleaning. Directly beneath this tank is the rotating brush roller. The front of the cleaning head features a movable silicone squeegee that efficiently collects excess water. Above this, six vents release steam. The base also incorporates wheels powered by SlideTech 2.0. While the tread might not look overly aggressive, the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 demonstrated excellent traction in practice, with fewer slips compared to some other devices. The charging dock is standard in size and shape, presented in black, and complements the vacuum’s design well. Its functions are streamlined compared to those of robotic vacuum docks: it charges the device and is essential for the automatic self-cleaning and drying processes.

Smart Features and App Control

The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 seamlessly integrates with Roborock’s excellent mobile application, familiar to users of their robotic vacuums. Pairing is exceptionally fast, and the entire setup process, including a firmware update, took only about 10 minutes. The app is well-translated and user-friendly. The vacuum also supports various voice prompts, which can be activated in the settings (English is the default). While the app offers robust control, it’s largely supplementary for daily operation. However, it’s highly recommended to connect to the app before the first use, as it allows for precise customization of cleaning parameters. The main screen provides an overview of the device’s charge level, quick access to cleaning history, shortcuts for self-cleaning and drying, and settings for various cleaning modes.

Real-World Cleaning Performance

Preparing the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 for action is quick. Simply fill the separate tanks with water and detergent, and you’re ready to clean. With an impressive suction power of 25 kPa and excellent brush pressure, the cleaning quality is virtually flawless. The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 excels at picking up dust, crumbs, sand, and even larger debris like dry leaves. It effectively tackles both wet and dry stains, delivering a level of cleanliness that often surpasses even top-tier robotic vacuum cleaners. A blue light feature is intended to illuminate dust and debris, though its operation was inconsistent during testing, sometimes activating in well-lit areas and failing to turn on in complete darkness. For most general cleaning, the automatic mode proves highly effective. The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 intelligently detects heavier soiling, indicating this on its display and automatically adjusting suction power and water distribution accordingly. For stubborn or greasy stains, switching to steam mode is recommended. Full steam power typically engages about a minute after activation. The steam generator performs exceptionally well and evenly, making a noticeable difference in cleaning tough grime. The silicone squeegee efficiently removes excess water, leaving floors cleaner. However, the device isn’t without its limitations. When the clean water tank is full, the unit weighs nearly 7 kilograms (approximately 15.4 pounds). While the motorized wheels assist with movement, carrying the device over thresholds or up stairs can be cumbersome. The unit’s height and somewhat restricted maneuverability mean it may not reach areas as easily accessible to compact robotic vacuums. Its overall agility is typical for this type of upright cleaner. One significant advantage is the generous capacity of both water tanks. During cleaning sessions in a home exceeding 100 square meters (approximately 1,076 square feet), there was no need to pause to refill the clean water tank or empty the dirty water tank. This is a notable improvement over some competitors, such as the Tineco S9. Overall, the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 impresses with its steam output and cleaning efficacy. For insights into other premium cleaning solutions, consider our reviews of the Dyson Spot Scrub AI Robot Vacuum or the Dreame X60 Ultra Robot Vacuum.

Battery Life and Charging

The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 is equipped with a high-capacity battery designed to provide up to 100 minutes of operation in automatic mode. When using the steam mode, you can expect approximately 30 minutes of runtime. During our tests, cleaning an area of about 110 square meters (1,184 square feet) took approximately 30 minutes, with a usage split of 60% automatic mode and 40% steam mode. After this session, the battery indicator still showed 30% remaining. In automatic mode alone, achieving over an hour of cleaning time is easily attainable. A minor drawback is the battery level indicator’s precision, which shows increments of 5%. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact battery consumption of the automatic self-cleaning cycle (it uses at least 5%). The quick self-cleaning process after a cleaning session takes less than 10 minutes, which is typical for flagship models. Charging the device is relatively slow. After two hours of charging, the battery level increased by 55% (from 30% to 85%). A full charge from empty is estimated to take around 3.5 hours.

Maintenance and Care

Replacing the roller brush or filter is a quick and simple task. Accessing the dirty water tank is even faster. After each cleaning session, it’s essential to open the tank, dispose of the dirty water, and ideally rinse the internal strainers. While only needing to do this once for a large apartment is convenient, manual cleaning isn’t always pleasant. Removing hair and other debris from the irregularly shaped mesh filters can be a bit tedious. While maintenance is less cumbersome than with some models like the Tineco S9, it still requires hands-on cleaning, unlike the fully automated maintenance of some high-end robot vacuums.

Technical Specifications and Pricing

The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 sits in the premium price segment. While exact pricing may vary by region and retailer, it typically retails at a price point comparable to other top-tier steam-cleaning vacuums, often around €700-€800 or $750-$850 (based on the original price of 3399 PLN, which is roughly $850 USD or €780 EUR at current exchange rates). Here’s a summary of its key specifications:

• Suction Power: 25 kPa
• Noise Level: Up to 70 dB during operation
• Drive and Maneuvering: SlideTech 2.0 technology supported by AI, with mechanically assisted wheels
• Dirt Detection: Intelligent DirTect system
• Display and Indicators: LED display and blue light illumination for dust
• Connectivity and Control: Dedicated mobile application and voice prompts
• Hot Cleaning System: Steam cleaning (up to 180°C / 356°F) and hot water washing (90°C / 194°F in the station); hot air drying at 95°C (203°F)
• Body Design: Lays flat at 180° (cleans under furniture with a clearance of 12.5 cm / 4.9 inches)
• Clean Water Tank Capacity: 1.0 liter (1000 ml) + 100 ml detergent dispenser
• Dirty Water Tank Capacity: 0.72 liters (720 ml)
• Maximum Runtime: Up to 100 minutes in ECO mode / up to 30 minutes with steam
• Maximum Power Consumption: 380 W suction motor + 285 W water heating
• Weight: 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs)

Conclusion: Our Verdict

The Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 truly embodies a flagship cleaning device. Its comprehensive design and exceptional cleaning performance were particularly impressive during testing. The cleaning quality is outstanding, with the hot steam effectively tackling even stubborn grease stains. Its long battery life, well-designed app, and aesthetic appeal further enhance its value. However, this premium performance comes at a premium price. Potential buyers should also be prepared for its somewhat limited maneuverability in very tight spaces and the need for manual emptying and cleaning of the dirty water tank after each use. Despite these minor drawbacks, it stands as one of the best floor cleaners on the market. If you’re seeking a high-performance steam-mop vacuum cleaner, the Roborock F25 Ultra Steam Gen 2 is undoubtedly a compelling option that is unlikely to disappoint. Source: Our own work. Opening photo: Krzysztof Wilamowski

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