ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro Review – the window cleaning robot really is that useful!

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro: Unboxing

The WINBOT W1 Pro already collects a first plus point with its generous scope of delivery, which you can definitely expect at a price of more than 300 euros. The window cleaning robot is delivered in a practical case that can be easily and safely stowed away.

The robot has its place on the left, the 4,5 m long power cable and the 1,5 m long safety rope on the right and finally the microfibre cloth and the operating instructions can be stowed in the net at the top.

Also included are 230 ml cleaning liquid and a measuring cup. Two copies of the reusable microfibre cleaning cloth are included. Replacement wipes are available through Amazon (Link) available and cost around 3 euros each.

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro: Appearance & Processing

Appearance and workmanship are okay. The square robot is 27 x 27 x 7,75 cm and weighs a light 1,53 kg due to its plastic casing. The handle made of imitation leather ensures optical quality.

There are two spray nozzles on the side at the front and back, through which the WINBOT W1 Pro sprays the cleaning liquid. The 60 ml tank is filled via an opening on the top. There is also the power button, which starts and stops the cleaning process.

The red device switch is located on the underside. The rubber rollers with which the cleaning robot moves across the window pane are also visible, as is the Velcro connection for the wiping cloth.

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro: Commissioning

The commissioning of the WINBOT W1 Pro is uncomplicated and is explained in detail in the illustrated quick guide. Although point 1 of the instructions already suggests connecting to the ECOVACS app, this step is initially optional.

We can fill the 60 ml tank of the window cleaning robot with the cleaning liquid through an opening on the top of the device. Incidentally, any standard window cleaner from the supermarket works here. Just make sure it's not one of the sticky types that could clog the spray nozzles.

The wipe should be dampened with water before use. It is then aligned and fastened to the Velcro connection on the underside.

Now connect the WINBOT W1 Pro to the power and flip the red device switch on the bottom. If the built-in emergency battery is not charged, the device cannot be started. The charging process takes about 2 hours.

The battery actually only serves as a backup in the event of a power failure. Operating the WINBOT W1 Pro without a power cable and only with the battery does not work. 

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro: App

The ECOVACS app allows a more extensive control of the window cleaning robot. Bluetooth is used as the connection standard. In contrast to WLAN, Bluetooth has a significantly lower range, but that is by no means tragic, since you should not leave the window cleaning robot running unattended anyway.

The app can be used to adjust the cleaning mode to the “Fast”, “Deep” and “Spot” levels. Depending on which cleaning mode you have selected, the cleaning pattern and cleaning speed change.

The “Automatic Spraying” function ensures that the WINBOT W1 Pro automatically determines its spraying behavior based on the window size. In addition, the cleaning repetition can be changed between single and double and there is a virtual joystick that you can use to navigate the robot manually.

ECOVACS WINBOT W1 Pro: practical test

Not every window is suitable!

Let's get to the most important part, namely the practical test. Before you "stick" the WINBOT W1 Pro to the window pane, you should be aware that the window cleaning robot does not work with all window panes or tilt angles due to its position sensor.

First of all, the window should have a minimum size of 30 x 40 cm. In addition, the angle of inclination between the glass and the horizontal plane must be between 60° and 120°.

In the test, I was able to try out the WINBOT W1 Pro on different window types. To start the cleaning process, press the robot against the window pane and press the power button on top. The window cleaning robot then attaches itself to the window pane and moves with the help of the rubber rollers on the underside.

This can make you queasy when you first use it. After all, it seems like magic how the WINBOT W1 Pro attaches and moves. Although the robot did not glide once in the test, you should definitely use the safety rope, because neither the device nor the tiles nor the person who is underneath it, depending on where it is used, can cope with a fall.

You can find out pretty quickly whether a window is compatible or not, because the window cleaning robot attaches itself firmly to non-functioning windows, but only turns in a confused circle. Cleaning works without problems on vertical windows. 

In the case of sloping roof windows, it may be necessary to manually adjust the angle of inclination of the (tilting) window, which is why the WINBOT W1 Pro is generally less suitable or not at all suitable for sloping windows, such as those found on roofs or in conservatories.

Streak-free to the corners?

After the cleaning robot has attached itself to the window, it goes straight to work. This is also clearly audible, because the motor with 2800 Pa suction power generates a volume (~72 dB) that is comparable to that of a vacuum robot.

He applies the cleaning agent to the window via the spray nozzles on both sides and then runs the microfibre cloth over it. He moves in tracks across the window. The cleaning robot indicates an empty tank with a voice announcement.

The WINBOT W1 Pro removes the dirt properly from the window pane, which is also visible pretty quickly on the dirty microfiber cloth. There are no streaks. Even heavily soiled windows with pollen dust can be cleaned by the cleaning robot after two passes at the latest.

A typical window (1,23 mx 1,48 m) is cleaned within 2-4 minutes depending on the cleaning mode. The dirty microfiber cloth can be cleaned in the washing machine, among other things.

 However, the cleaning robot does not reach every corner. A narrow strip usually remains on the edges and corners, which the WINBOT W1 Pro does not reach due to its design. However, this problem affects pretty much every window cleaning robot and not just the WINBOT W1 Pro. In the end, you still have to reach for the cleaning cloth to get the perfect view.