Robot vacuum cleaners have evolved from futuristic novelties to essential household helpers, with brands like Hoover, Dyson, and Shark leading the charge. The latest models boast advanced features, moving beyond simple hard floor cleaning to tackle carpets and even offer mopping functions.
Hands-Free Cleaning: A Game-Changer
We put the Hoover HG2 Hydro Pro, a £319 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, through its paces. Its standout feature is the self-emptying docking station. After each clean, the tower automatically sucks dust and debris from the robot into a sealed bag within the dock.
This means you only need to empty the bag approximately once every 60 days, a revolutionary step up from models that require messy manual emptying after every few cycles. In testing, this was the most appreciated feature, transforming the maintenance experience.
Performance and Practicality Tested
Equipped with laser navigation, the 8.3cm tall HG2 Hydro Pro efficiently maps rooms and cleans under furniture. Its 5000Pa suction power handled everything from fine dust to larger debris like cat biscuits with ease.
The mopping function, however, is more of a light damp-cleaning pass. It's useful for maintenance but won't replace a traditional mop for tackling spills. The accompanying app allows for scheduling, mode selection, and remote control, adding significant convenience.
How It Compares to the Competition
At this price point, it faces rivals like the eufy Omni C20 (£329), which has stronger suction, and the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 (£320). The Hoover's key advantage is its ultra-low profile, making it more versatile under low-clearance furniture.
Online reviews generally praise its suction, runtime, and slim design, while noting the mop is basic and obstacle avoidance can occasionally falter.
Our Final Verdict
The Hoover HG2 Hydro Pro is a powerful and intelligent cleaner that excels at daily, hands-free vacuuming. The self-emptying function is a genuine game-changer for hygiene and convenience. While the mopping add-on is limited, the vacuum performance itself is impressive, making it a strong contender for anyone with hard floors seeking a cleaner home with minimal effort.
Price: £319.99 from Hoover and Argos.
Key Specs: 5000Pa suction, up to 160 min runtime, 8.3cm height, laser navigation.
