Narwal Freo Z Ultra Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
- Written by The Times
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Category: Premium Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo
Best for: Busy households, hard-floor homes (suitable for carpet too), pet owners, tech-savvy users
Overview
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner is positioned as a flagship-tier cleaning robot designed to replace routine vacuuming and mopping almost entirely. With high suction, automated maintenance, AI navigation and a self-cleaning base, it targets buyers who want a largely hands-off cleaning system rather than a basic robovac.
Key Specs & Features
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* Up to 12,000Pa suction power
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* Dual 136° cameras for navigation and obstacle detection
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* Auto-empty station that washes and dries mop pads
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* App control + carpet detection
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* Dustbin capacity ~300 mL
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* RRP about $2,499 in Australia
Its dock is essentially a maintenance hub. It empties debris, cleans mops with hot water, and dries them automatically, minimising manual cleaning.
Performance Review
Cleaning Power
The suction is strong enough to pick up dust, debris and pet hair effectively.
Independent testing confirms it handles different surfaces well and intelligently avoids obstacles while cleaning.
Real-world users report impressive floor results, particularly on tiles and mixed surfaces:
“I’m so impressed with the Narwhals ability to clean my carpet and my tiles”
Mopping is consistently highlighted as its standout strength, especially for dried spills and muddy marks.
Navigation & Intelligence
The dual-camera AI system is designed to recognise objects and navigate efficiently.
Owners frequently praise its movement and obstacle avoidance:
“Navigation is superior and very very gentle.”
However, despite the ability to set up automated cleaning while out of the home, the dustbin does fill quickly and the clean becomes less effective at the end when the dustbin is full. It is best to use the Narwhal when you are home so you can empty the dustbin as it goes.
Noise & Usability
Users consistently describe Narwal robots as unusually quiet for their power level. For example, similar models were reported to run quietly enough to hold a conversation nearby. The customisable suction modes allow you to tailor the noise emission depending on your needs for the day (naturally though the noisiest setting is the most effective clean).
The companion app offers deep customisation, scheduling and zone cleaning. But the interface may feel complex:
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* Some settings are buried in menus
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* Less technical users may find setup confusing
Maintenance & Automation
The base station is one of the Freo Z Ultra’s biggest selling points:
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* Self-emptying debris storage up to ~120 days
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* Automatic mop washing and drying
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* Smart surface detection to avoid wetting carpets
This reduces daily interaction dramatically — a major advantage over cheaper robot vacuums.
Pros
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* Exceptional mopping performance
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* Strong suction and multi-surface cleaning
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* Advanced obstacle avoidance
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* Quiet operation
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* Highly automated dock maintenance
Cons
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* Premium price bracket
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* App can feel complex
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* Edge vacuuming only average in testing
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* Occasional reliability inconsistencies
Verdict
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra is not a budget appliance — it’s a premium cleaning system designed for users who value convenience, automation, and high-end features. When functioning at its best, it delivers excellent cleaning and near-autonomous operation.
Its main trade-off is complexity: buyers must be comfortable navigating a feature-rich app and occasional software quirks.
Our Bottom line:
If your home is mainly hard floors and you want a “set-and-forget” cleaning solution, this is among the strongest contenders in the flagship robot-vacuum class. If you have heavy carpet or prefer simplicity, there are cheaper, easier alternatives. \
Best suited for professionals, families, and pet owners who want premium automation — and are willing to pay for it.
