
2-in-1 self-empty, self-refill and self-clean robotic vacuum and mop tried and examined
An improve in know-how however maybe not efficiency, the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional Robotic Vacuum and Mop can raise itself over objects and has sensors to detect filth and stains to focus on areas that ought to obtain additional cleansing energy. Ought to being the operative phrase… when it really works, it’s extremely efficient, nevertheless it does not at all times, and navigation points and a fundamental app restrict its full potential. At this stage, the most recent Shark robo feels prefer it wants just a few software program updates and a extra strong app to compete with equally priced options.
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Intelligent mopping tech -
Nice dock -
Mopping efficiency good -
A number of fashions on supply
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Efficiency hit-and-miss -
App may be very fundamental -
PowerDetect does not at all times work
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional 2-in-1: Introduction
- Kind: Robotic vacuum cleaner with mopping
- Docking: Self-emptying dock with self-cleaning
- Navigation system: LiDAR
Again in September at IFA 2024, SharkNinja took the covers off of the brand new PowerDetect vary, which consists of a plethora of various type elements, together with a trio of recent robotic cleaner choices.
Boasting the brilliantly-named NeverStuck know-how, which lifts the robotic up when on carpet to maintain the mop away, and a NeverTouch Base (which you’ll even have to the touch each every now and then) the Shark PowerDetect Robotic encompasses a 360 LiDAR and 3D sensors, Alexa integration and filth, edge, moist and stain detect features.
The three completely different fashions – NeverTouch Professional, NeverTouch and Self-Empty – all function the identical robotic (obtainable in black or white) – however the bases differ.
On check right here, to provide it its full meaty moniker, is the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robotic Vacuum and Mop with NeverTouch Professional Base, which has the mannequin quantity RV2820ZE Stateside and RV2800ZEUK right here within the UK.
With a mid-level price ticket it’s up towards the likes of the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo and the Eufy X10 Professional Omni.
I had barely completed packing away the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robotic Vacuum Cleaner (Shark’s first UK launch) when its extra highly effective sibling got here alongside.
However right here we go once more, with one other Shark robo cleaner evaluate…
Design and elements
- Auto-empty, self-cleaning dock with anti-odour tech
- Superior lift-up design
- Nifty mop launch function

Shark’s fast product evolution is obvious within the PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional.
In contrast to the Shark Matrix Plus, which was a extra fundamental choice and – dare I say, seemed a bit dated, which I described as a “moderately plasticky affair”, the brand new PowerDetect robotic seems to be way more the half, with a a lot slicker aesthetic.
The robotic itself features a single side-sweeping brush and a mixture flooring curler designed to keep away from tangling with pet hair.

The mopping bracket slides side-to-side for higher scrubbing motion and could be dropped off on the dock for vacuum-only mode, guaranteeing carpets keep dry – extra on that in a bit.

The big docking station comes geared up with two water tanks: one for clear water and one other for soiled water from mopping pad cleansing.

SharkNinja claims the clear water tank can final for 30 days. Moreover, the dock encompasses a bagless 2-litre mud bin, which Shark estimates can deal with as much as 60 days’ value of filth.
I’ve had the mannequin working round upstairs in my home, vacuuming the bedrooms and mopping the lavatory and that water tank declare definitely stands up, and the dust-bin isn’t near being full but.

On prime you’ll discover a brand new anti-odour cartridge, designed to neutralises disagreeable smells through the bin-emptying course of.
Within the field you’ll get a tin with a recent perfume and you should purchase extra at a later date.

Filters inside the dock and robotic are washable, guaranteeing upkeep of the PowerDetect is fairly easy.
Setup, app and navigation

The Shark Clear app, as I discussed within the Matrix evaluate, is a obtrusive weak spot. Whereas preliminary setup is easy, its performance is much too fundamental in comparison with rivals, though some additions – equivalent to a stay view of the robotic throughout a clear, have been added.
The mapping course of is split into two phases; an preliminary mapping run and a flooring kind detection run, which appears unnecessarily cumbersome – why can’t it do each without delay?
As soon as the map is lastly full, you’ll be able to edit it to merge or cut up rooms and create no-go zones.
Nevertheless, the app lacks a no-mop zone choice. As a substitute, the robotic depends on detecting onerous flooring for mopping.
Cleansing choices are additionally restricted to Dwelling, Rooms, or Spot cleansing modes, with the Spot mode confined to a fixed-size field that can not be resized, in contrast to the likes of Roborock, who allow you to select bespoke-sized zones to identify clear.

In contrast to the Matrix, there’s no guide management over suction energy although, which appears daft; nor any tweaking with water utilization, or the variety of cleansing passes.
It depends solely on its PowerDetect sensors to regulate these settings. Whereas this will likely go well with some customers, superior customers will miss having higher management and I discovered that areas, notably on thicker carpets, weren’t at all times that clear.
Scheduling when first launched, was equally simplistic, permitting only one schedule per day for a full-home clear. Nevertheless, this has been up to date now to let you completely different rooms to be cleaned at completely different occasions.
The PowerDetect robotic encompasses a built-in voice, which explains what’s taking place at each step, and a few catchy little bits of music too to sign the beginning or finish of a clear.
Efficiency

The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional is designed to intelligently clear, mopping onerous flooring and vacuuming each onerous flooring and carpets.
As a result of it might detect the kind of floor it’s cleansing, it solely takes the mop out if it wants it. So, when you select a vacuum solely mode, it’ll go away the mopping gear stationed within the dock.
If it wants the mop, it’ll reattach it and go and mop up, after it has vacuumed first… initially referred to as Deep, this mode was lately renamed to Vacuum + Mop.

On this mode it vacuums and mops onerous flooring on the identical time. The opposite modes are vacuum-only and mop-only; the latter of which has a barely complicated identify as a result of it does vacuum hardwood detected areas, in addition to mopping on the identical time.
These two modes will also be initiated from the silver buttons on the robotic itself – they sit alongside a return-to-dock button.

I discovered that the PowerDetect’s navigation was fairly inconsistent and the robotic usually had a tough time navigating out of sure areas.
In carpet exams the robotic’s Dust Detect sensors carried out okay however left some areas with seen bits of fluff and small particles after the primary move. A second run achieved full cleansing, nevertheless it’s a not best that it’s important to ship it out twice.
On the Matrix, you can select a extra highly effective vacuum pressure however on this mannequin it’s assumed the PowerDetect know-how will determine when an additional increase is required however sadly it doesn’t at all times work, so I’d prefer to see an choice added again in to manually select an influence mode.
On onerous flooring, the robotic carried out so much higher, eradicating all particles in a single move when vacuuming and mopping concurrently. Stain cleansing exams additional proved the robotic’s strengths. Espresso, purple wine, ketchup, and dried-on mud stains have been all eliminated effectively, albeit typically with a number of passes wanted.

Edge cleansing was first rate however not distinctive. Whereas Edge Detect and Moist Edge Detect options improved efficiency, some mud remained alongside edges. Opponents just like the Roborock Q Revo Slim carried out a lot better right here.
Noise ranges are fairly low at underneath 60dB, making it simple to remain in the identical room whereas the robotic operates.
Battery life is rated at 110 minutes on the bottom suction setting however varies relying on filth ranges.
Last ideas
The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional Robotic Vacuum and Mop is a big technological development, providing progressive options and spectacular cleansing energy. Nevertheless, it’s held again by a very fundamental app, hit-and-miss options, and inconsistent navigation.
At this value, it competes with extra polished fashions, from the likes of Roborock, Eufy and Dreame, which all supply a lot better app performance and navigation techniques.
Whereas the {hardware} is promising, the software program wants refinement. With app updates, the PowerDetect may change into a powerful contender. For now, it’s an formidable robotic vacuum that doesn’t totally justify its price ticket.
How we check
Once we publish our critiques, you’ll be able to relaxation assured that they’re the results of “residing with” long run exams.
Robotic cleaners often stay 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 not possible to make use of a robo cleaner for every week and ship a verdict.
As a result of we’re testing sensible house equipment all day, on a regular basis, we all know what issues and the way a specific sensible cleansing machine compares to options that you may additionally be contemplating.
Our critiques are complete, goal and honest and, after all, we’re by no means paid on to evaluate a tool.
Learn our information on how we check robotic vacuum cleaners to be taught extra.
FAQs
Sure, the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional is designed to wash each carpets and onerous flooring. It makes use of sensors to detect the floor kind and adjusts its cleansing mode accordingly. It could vacuum carpets and mop onerous flooring concurrently or individually.
The Shark PowerDetect has a bagless 2-litre mud bin that may deal with as much as 60 days’ value of filth, relying in your cleansing habits and the quantity of particles in your house. It’s designed to be emptied much less steadily than many different fashions.
The Shark PowerDetect sometimes takes round 4-6 hours to totally cost, relying on the present battery stage. As soon as charged, the robotic can clear for as much as 110 minutes on the bottom suction setting.
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Professional 2-in-1: Specs
UK RRP | £799.99 |
US Value | $699.99 |
Robotic Dimensions | 34cm x 34cm x 14.5cm |
Dock Dimensions | 47.8cm x 36.4cm x 44.6cm |
Weight | 11.33kg (whole) |
Launch Date | 2024 |
Good house Ecosystems | Alexa, Google Dwelling |
Run time | 110 minutes |
Bin capability | 2 litres |
Water tank measurement | 440ml |
Cost time | 4-6 hours |