Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop review

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: Introduction

• Kind: Robotic vacuum and mop
• Docking: Self-empty dock
• Navigation system: LiDAR

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robotic Vacuum & Mop (RV2620WAUK) marks the American model’s debut robotic vacuum within the UK, although Shark has a historical past of profitable robotic cleaners in its homeland, together with the Shark ION, which we reviewed approach again in 2021.

This newer mannequin, revealed earlier this yr at SharkNinja’s first-ever EMEA Launch Occasion, brings a number of developments over its predecessor, although it nonetheless falls brief in sure areas just like the app and mopping system.

And, though it’s an ideal mid-level contender, going up in opposition to the likes of the Eufy Clear X8 Professional, the Yeedi Dice and the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+, it’s additionally value noting that Shark has a more moderen vary incoming: the Shark PowerDetect Robotic that was unveiled in September at IFA 2024.

Learn on for our full Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 evaluate.

Design and elements

• Bagless Self-Emptying System
• Module Swapping for Mopping
• Easy App with Restricted Options

The Shark Matrix 2-in-1 is out there in two variations: the RV2620WDUK, which comes with a normal dock and a dustbin that wants manually emptying, and the pricier RV2620WAUK with a bagless self-empty station.

For each configurations, it’s the identical precise robotic you get, a moderately plasticky affair with a number of gray accents on prime of what’s extensively a shiny black quantity.

It’s the latter is the mannequin that we have now on evaluate right here and, for the sake of £100, it’s nicely definitely worth the improve in case you can stretch to it.

Self-emptying stations aren’t unusual today, however Shark’s take is a bit completely different.

As an alternative of utilizing luggage that it’s good to eliminate, this station has a 1.8l bin that works very like a conventional vacuum cleaner’s mud container.

The bagless design does imply you’ll want to scrub a number of filters periodically, however you get monetary savings on consumables and keep away from creating extra waste; a giant plus for eco-conscious customers.

One disadvantage is that the docking station solely empties the dustbin although; it doesn’t refill the water tank or clear the mopping pads.

And talking of mopping, Shark’s method feels considerably outdated on the Matrix. You’ll want to manually swap the vacuum module with a separate mopping unit, which features a sonic scrubbing function and homes the 400ml water tank and microfibre fabric.

Whereas this method is useful, it’s cumbersome in comparison with different robotic vacuums that provide built-in mopping and the power to raise mopping pads when not in use.

On prime, is the LiDAR dome sensor and a few handbook buttons for beginning a clear, or sending the robotic again to base.

Beneath, the Shark Matrix 2-in-1 has the a brush roll, with rubber anti-tangle flaps and a aspect sweeper, however with a twist: it makes use of air to blow particles into its path, which is a pleasant contact for edge cleansing. The comb roll is designed to reduce hair tangling, which ought to scale back upkeep time.

The app

The SharkClean app permits for extra management however lacks the bells and whistles of rivals, particularly Chinese language manufacturers like Roborock and Ecovacs, who’ve extremely in-depth apps with an absolute avalanche of settings.

I even discovered that some options by no means labored, such because the Mission Full report, which refused to indicate me something.

The preliminary setup is easy and also you do get to provide your Matrix robo a hilarious identify, akin to Clear Latifa and Steve McClean.

When you’re up and working, you’ll ship the robotic out for an preliminary ‘Discover mapping mission however, for me, the mapping failed the primary time, merely presenting me a clean map.

As soon as it’s all sorted, mapping continues to be fairly fundamental and, not like the likes of Roborock, it doesn’t divide rooms routinely, it’s important to manually set them.

Creating and enhancing room zones may also be a bit fiddly, and drawing exact carpet zones to keep away from mopping carpets is a clumsy course of that doesn’t all the time work easily.

Additionally, as a substitute of displaying a reside map throughout cleansing, the app shows solely the robotic’s icon transferring about.

For properties with a mixture of carpets and exhausting flooring, this lack of refinement may turn out to be irritating.

In use

• Highly effective Vacuuming
• Good mopping for lighter stains
• Struggles with extra cussed grime

In our testing, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 confirmed its strengths. On carpet, it dealt with most messes nicely, notably in Matrix Clear mode, which doubles down on cleansing by going over areas in two instructions.

That stated, the usual cleansing mode left some particles behind, particularly on softer carpets.

On exhausting flooring, it carried out higher, amassing most grime in a single move.

Nevertheless, edge cleansing was hit-and-miss, particularly on the usual mode, the place I observed some particles being left behind and even unfold round.

Matrix Clear mode improved the state of affairs, although a little bit of mess remained, notably flour that was pressed into the ground.

For mopping, the outcomes had been typically spectacular, dealing with espresso and purple wine stains on a picket flooring, with ease.

It additionally did nicely with my mud take a look at, choosing up each strong grime and dried-on stains. Nevertheless, when confronted with more durable challenges like dried ketchup, the Shark Matrix 2-in-1 couldn’t totally clear the mess.

As for pet hair, it collected strands successfully, although some hair wrapped across the brush roll, fortunately, it’s straightforward to take away.

Noise ranges had been affordable, clocking in at round 65dB, which is pretty quiet for a robotic vacuum.

Talking of noise, and the Matrix has some good little jingles in-built to sign the beginning and finish of cleans.

Battery life is respectable too, with the robotic lasting as much as 110 minutes on a single cost, sufficient to scrub a few rooms in my testing house.

Remaining ideas

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robotic Vacuum & Mop delivers strong cleansing efficiency and is especially good for properties with predominantly carpet or exhausting flooring.

Its self-emptying, bagless station is a standout function, providing long-term value financial savings. Nevertheless, the simplistic app and the necessity to swap modules for mopping detract from its total attraction, particularly for households with blended flooring.

The app is a bit naff and there are a number of options lacking from rival fashions however, for sheer cleansing energy and long-term worth, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is a powerful contender, particularly in case you’re glad to handle the occasional handbook module swap.

How we take a look at

After we publish our opinions, you possibly can relaxation assured that they’re the results of “dwelling with” long run checks.

Robotic cleaners often reside inside an ecosystem, or a variety of merchandise that – supposedly – all work in concord. And they’re designed to supply a variety of various cleansing choices. Due to this fact, it’s unimaginable to make use of a robo cleaner for every week and ship a verdict.

As a result of we’re testing good residence package all day, on a regular basis, we all know what issues and the way a selected good cleansing machine compares to alternate options that you may also be contemplating.

Our opinions are complete, goal and honest and, in fact, we’re by no means paid on to evaluate a tool.

Learn our information on how we take a look at robotic vacuum cleaners to study extra.

FAQs

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: Specs