NARWAL review

Its two oscillating mop heads clean up lighter dirt, spots and grime with good results. Floors often look noticeably fresher after a run. The base station can clean the mops automatically, so the upkeep needs little effort, and the mopping side of the design is where it stands out most.

Vacuum pickup is its weakest area. On carpeted and hard floors it can leave hair, crumbs and other dirt behind, and that performance may worsen over time. Its edge brushes do little to lift dirt from corners and along edges, so a separate vacuum may still be needed to finish the job.

It is aimed at households with lighter cleaning needs. People who want a machine that handles mopping and base station upkeep with little effort will find that appealing. A lack of an auto-emptying dust bin is one trade-off to weigh before buying.

The robot navigates a room well for most of its job and frees itself when it becomes stuck. Edge brushes and other extra features do little to lift dirt from corners and along walls. It keeps pace with many machines in its class, though it is not the most advanced design around. Owners who want a dependable mopping helper will find its movement adequate for everyday floors.

Battery life is one of the features that stands out on the Freo, letting it work through a long cleaning run. The mop function and base station add to the sense that the machine can handle a whole floor. Owners with larger homes may appreciate needing fewer charging breaks during a run. Weighing battery life against the lighter vacuum performance helps shoppers decide if the model suits their floors.