Eureka, still relatively unknown in France, has arrived with its latest robot vacuum and mop, the Eureka J12 Ultra. Positioned in the premium segment, it directly competes with well-established models like the Roborock Q Revo. In a market where the leaders have already proven themselves, the J12 Ultra must demonstrate its place and offer a real technological advantage. Is it a simple imitator or a true concentrate of innovation capable of shaking up the hierarchy? To find out, we subjected this newcomer to a series of in-depth tests, closely examining its strengths and limitations, from its original design to its massive charging station, not to mention its suction and mopping efficiency.
Table of Contents
The design of the Eureka j12 ultra: an identity that stands out
The Eureka J12 Ultra commands its presence from the moment you open the box. Its massive base makes it one of the largest robot vacuums we've tested. This sense of grandeur is supported by the presence of two separate tanks for clean and dirty water, as well as a large-capacity dust bag.
The robot itself adopts a slightly square design, contrasting with the classic roundness of most of its competitors. Theoretically, this shape makes it easier to reach corners and get close to baseboards. In practice, our tests didn't reveal any notable advantages. In terms of materials, the matte plastic used gives a sleek appearance but can feel a little light to the touch. The docking station, on the other hand, impresses with its ingenuity, with a detachable washing area that significantly simplifies maintenance.
Unboxing: complete and thoughtful packaging
Opening the Eureka J12 Ultra box is a bit like discovering a well-crafted box: everything is in its place, designed to ensure the experience starts smoothly. The robot vacuum cleaner and mop is carefully positioned, along with its automatic charging and maintenance station. Everything is there for immediate first use.
Inside, the details make the difference: the pair of side brushes (one of which is already installed), the ready-to-use main roller brush, two mops, a pre-installed HEPA filter, and even two dust bags (one already installed in the station). This gesture of providing replacement consumables from the start is appreciable: no need to rush out and order additional accessories to get the robot fully operational from day one.
An “all-in-one” station
The Eureka J12 Ultra relies on a docking station designed to make life as simple as possible. A true maintenance center, it handles the most demanding tasks for the user. Thanks to its self-emptying system, dust and debris are transferred into a 3L bag, guaranteeing up to 75 days of worry-free peace of mind.
Beyond dust collection, the station also provides complete maintenance for the mops. After each pass, they are rinsed with clean water and then dried at 55°C, effectively preventing the growth of unpleasant odors, mold, and bacteria. The result is a robot that's always operational, with impeccable pads that are ready for use. The mobile app even allows you to adjust the frequency of these operations to suit the needs of the home.
It's worth noting, however, that the "75-day" autonomy applies only to the dust bag: the clean and waste water tanks require regular management. But in practice, the station transforms a daily chore into a simple one-time check, which completely changes the daily experience.
Compared to the more comprehensive solutions offered by Roborock or Dreame , the Eureka station is slightly less sophisticated. However, given its price positioning, it hits the mark: the user benefits from advanced automation, a high level of hygiene and formidable efficiency, without breaking the bank.
Its strengths and weaknesses
To summarize our analysis, here is a table of the strengths and weaknesses of the Eureka J12 Ultra robot vacuum cleaner:
- Ultra-autonomous all-in-one station (emptying, washing, drying)
- Powerful suction of 5000 Pa
- Efficient and precise navigation
- Deep cleaning of hard floors
- Aggressive pricing on the market
- Intuitive and comprehensive mobile application
- Good battery life
- Massive and bulky station design
- Obstacle and carpet detection sometimes could be improved
- Few spare accessories included
- Voice announcements in English only
Navigation and artificial intelligence
The Eureka J12 Ultra relies on a particularly comprehensive technological duo to orchestrate its movements. The first pillar is based on LDS LiDAR , capable of scanning the environment in 360° and generating detailed mapping in a few minutes. This solid foundation allows the robot to establish optimized and coherent routes, even in complex interiors.
Additionally, the DuoDetect AI 3D adds a layer of artificial intelligence. Using a dual camera and recognition algorithms, the robot identifies objects in its path in real time, such as cables, toys, bowls, and low furniture. This combination allows the J12 Ultra to move smoothly, even in low-light conditions, a point where many competitors still struggle.
In our extensive testing, the robot behaves measuredly when faced with obstacles. It slows down, adjusts its trajectory, and generally manages to avoid collisions. Its pet-specific recognition mode proves particularly effective in keeping pets safe and floors clean.
On the software side, the mobile application effectively accompanies this navigation system. It allows the management of multi-floor maps, the creation of prohibited zones or even the definition of virtual walls. You can also program the order of passage of rooms, an asset to adapt the cleaning to the habits of the household. Admittedly, the precision of the maps and the richness of the options do not yet reach the level of refinement offered by leaders like Roborock or Dreame , true references in the sector. But at this price point, the Eureka J12 Ultra perfectly fulfills its primary mission: to offer reliable navigation and remarkable cleaning efficiency, without compromising on the essentials.
Suction: a power that is felt from the first passes
From the very first start-up, the Eureka J12 Ultra impresses with its power. With its 5000 Pa , the robot doesn't just vacuum the surface: it effectively captures dust, crumbs and pet hair, even on difficult floors like carpets or between parquet floorboards. After just one pass, floors appear visibly cleaner, and the robot seems to leave nothing behind.
On hard surfaces like tile or laminate, the suction is constant and strong, effortlessly picking up even the lightest and heaviest debris. On carpets, the power is more than enough to extract embedded particles, without the need to increase the force further. The main brush, equipped with an anti-tangle system, can handle long hairs without blocking, ensuring smooth and continuous operation.
In this context, the argument of higher power offered by some high-end models appears more like a marketing ploy. With 5000 Pa, the Eureka J12 Ultra already offers an efficiency perfectly suited to most homes, guaranteeing impeccable floors every day.
Washing efficiency: finally a real deep clean
The eureka J12 Ultra doesn't just vacuum, it also stands out for its active cleaning thanks to its two rotating mops. These rotate at 200 RPM with a pressure of 7 N , scrubbing the floor evenly and effectively to remove even dry stains. From the first passes, the difference with robots equipped with conventional mops is obvious: here, the cleaning is not superficial, each rotation acts as a real mechanical scrubbing, making the floor visibly cleaner.
The robot offers several versatile cleaning modes: simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, vacuuming only, mopping only, or vacuuming followed by mopping. But it's especially in combined mode that the mops reveal their full potential. They ensure even cleaning over large surfaces and effectively tackle stubborn dirt. Of course, for really stubborn stains like caramelized sugar or a paint smear, you might have to go over them several times, just like you would with a traditional mop.
This style of rotating mop marks a real turning point in the efficiency of robot mops. Until now, only a few models equipped with roller or track mops could compete with this level of active cleaning. With the J12 Ultra, we finally achieve a successful cleaning , capable of making floors impeccable for daily use, while remaining simple and practical.
Carpet management: smart, but could be improved
The Eureka J12 Ultra features ultrasonic carpet detection , a valuable asset for homes with mixed flooring. The idea is simple: when the robot detects a carpet, it automatically adapts its behavior to avoid wetting it in washing mode. In practice, in combined "vacuum and wash" mode, the mops lift so the robot can safely vacuum carpets, while hard floors receive a complete treatment.
In our tests, this feature works well in most situations, especially on low-pile carpets. The robot manages to bypass or raise its mops as expected, thus avoiding wet accidents. However, on high-pile or very thick carpets, detection sometimes becomes inconsistent . In these cases, the J12 Ultra may pass lightly over the carpet with the mops lowered, which requires occasional vigilance from the user.
In summary, carpet management is generally effective and greatly simplifies the cleaning of mixed floors, but it is not yet perfect for all types of carpets. This is a point to keep in mind for homes with thick or very long carpets.
User experience and daily life
From the very first use, the Eureka J12 Ultra shows that it is not just a simple vacuum cleaner: it behaves like a real home assistant. The mobile application, Eureka Robot , makes it easy to control the robot with a clear and responsive interface. Scheduling sessions, creating no-go zones or choosing cleaning modes is done in just a few clicks, without getting lost in complex menus. For those who prefer voice control, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds extra convenience, allowing you to start or pause cleaning without even lifting a finger.
In the field, the robot is discreet and efficient. During washing, the noise remains contained, almost soothing, while maximum suction or the self-emptying cycle produces a more pronounced, but limited, noise. The experience remains very acceptable for everyday use, without disrupting household activities.
Battery life is also a strong point. With 5200 mAh , the J12 Ultra can clean continuously for up to 150 minutes , covering areas of up to 300 m² . In the field, this means you can start a session in a large house and return several hours later to find clean floors, without having to intervene to recharge the robot.
Finally, the price positioning makes this model particularly attractive. While its launch price was around €799 , it is often found between €400 and €500 , offering a level of functionality and automation that rivals much more expensive models. For the user, this is the assurance of a robot capable of managing dusting, washing and daily maintenance with almost professional efficiency, while remaining accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eureka J12 Ultra
1. Does the robot lift its mops on carpets? Yes, the Eureka J12 Ultra is equipped with ultrasonic carpet detection, which allows it to automatically raise its mops when it is on a carpet or rug, thus avoiding wetting them. This allows it to vacuum carpets while avoiding mopping areas.
2. What is the suction power and effectiveness on pet hair? The robot boasts an impressive 5000 Pa of suction power. It is designed to efficiently capture dust, dirt, and pet hair with an anti-tangle main brush. It also has a pet recognition mode to avoid disturbing pets. Customer reviews indicate that it handles long hair and pet hair well.
3. Can the robot clean in the dark? Yes, thanks to its DuoDetect AI™ 3D intelligent navigation system, the J12 Ultra can operate efficiently even in dark or dimly lit environments.
4. What cleaning modes are available? The J12 Ultra offers several versatile cleaning modes: simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, vacuuming followed by mopping, vacuuming only, or mopping only.
5. Does the base station require regular maintenance? The station is designed to be largely self-contained. It automatically empties the robot into a 3-liter bag, washes and dries the mops, and refills the robot's water tank. The user must empty the dirty water tank and refill the clean water tank "periodically," but the dust bag can last up to 75 days.
6. Does the robot encounter bugs or mapping issues? Some users have reported obstacle detection issues after a few weeks of use. There have also been reports of bugs where the robot loses its map or doesn't complete its cleaning cycle, but software updates have fixed these issues for some. The mobile app allows you to create no-go zones, virtual walls, or schedule cleaning sequences.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Eureka J12 Ultra?
A favorite that combines style and efficiency
The Eureka J12 Ultra not only delivers performance, but also boasts a sleek, modern design that makes it one of the most beautiful robot vacuums I've ever tested. From the first glance, it gives off an impression of quality and robustness, which is confirmed once in use.
Its level of automation is impressive: automatic emptying, active mop cleaning, floor recognition and adjustment of modes according to carpets… all these features considerably reduce user intervention, really simplifying daily life. Sure, the software isn't perfect and could be a little more refined, but in the field, the J12 Ultra excels where it really counts : powerful suction and efficient cleaning. The rotating mops and 5000 Pa of power ensure impeccable floors, even on stubborn stains, and the comfortable battery life allows you to cover large areas without interruption.
When you consider the price tag , often between €400 and €500, you realize that few models offer such a level of finish and efficiency. For me, the J12 Ultra is a real favorite : a complete, reliable, elegant and efficient robot, which keeps all its promises and offers value for money that is hard to beat.
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