Narwal Flow 2 Review
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Unboxing & Accessories
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Design & Features
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App & Operation
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Vacuuming Performance
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Mopping Performance
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Battery Life & Charging
A premium robot vacuum and mop with exceptional cleaning performance.
The Narwal Flow 2 stands out with its innovative mopping system and powerful vacuuming, offering near maintenance-free operation and impressive cleaning quality. While it has minor aesthetic and navigation drawbacks, its overall performance makes it a strong contender in the premium segment.
Advantages
- Exceptional mopping performance with consistent, streak-free results.
- Powerful vacuuming (31,000 Pa) and excellent dust/debris pickup.
- Intuitive and feature-rich mobile app with precise mapping.
- Long battery life and efficient charging.
- Comprehensive accessory package and easy maintenance.
- Effective obstacle avoidance and recognition.
- Heated water for mop rinsing and hot air drying.
Disadvantages
- Mop lift height (12mm) and robot height (9.49 cm) can be an issue for thick carpets or low furniture.
- Casing prone to superficial scratches quickly.
- Struggles with cleaning precisely in tight corners and along furniture edges.
- Noticeably loud during maximum suction vacuuming (56 dB).
- Occasional minor errors in app translation.
Contents
Narwal Flow 2 Review: The Low-Maintenance Mopping Master
The robot vacuum cleaner market is increasingly crowded, making the search for the perfect model more challenging than ever. Among the myriad of options, the Narwal Flow 2 emerges with a distinctive mopping system that promises to revolutionize floor cleaning. This in-depth review explores how this innovative device performs in real-world scenarios. Is the Narwal Flow 2 a noteworthy contender, or will it simply fade into obscurity? Let’s dive in.
Unboxing and Accessories
The Narwal Flow 2 arrives in a standard-sized box for robot vacuum cleaners, so be prepared for a substantial package. Inside, the contents are thoughtfully organized and well-protected by two layers of cardboard, ensuring everything arrives safely.
The package contains the robot vacuum itself along with its comprehensive docking station. Separately packed are a side brush and a generous assortment of useful accessories. Narwal includes a medium-sized bottle of detergent, a spare filter, and an extra dust bag. A user manual is also provided, ensuring users have all the necessary information. This impressive sales package is notably well-equipped, providing everything you need to get started.
Design and Features
As its name suggests, the Narwal Flow 2 is the second iteration of the manufacturer’s flagship model. The robot itself boasts a minimalist aesthetic. Unlike some competitors, such as the DJI ROMO P with its transparent housing, the Narwal Flow 2 opts for understated elegance.
Narwal has chosen a sophisticated matte black finish complemented by chrome-like accents. These accents, like most of the robot’s construction, are made from durable plastic. Despite this, the robot’s design is genuinely appealing, offering a premium look that blends seamlessly into most home environments.
At the front, the robot features a wide bumper, typical for most robotic cleaners. A central cutout discreetly houses a strip of illuminating LEDs and two RGB cameras. The rear of the device is equipped with a LiDAR sensor for precise space mapping. Despite the absence of a protruding module, the robot measures 9.49 cm (approximately 3.74 inches) in height, which is slightly thicker than some top-tier competitors that often come in under 8 cm (around 3.15 inches), though these models are frequently more expensive. For comparison, premium models like the Dreame X60 Ultra or the Dyson Spot Scrub AI Robot Vacuum often focus on slimmer profiles, though they might come with a different price tag.
The top panel of the Narwal Flow 2 is also quite active. A central panel features two buttons: a return-to-dock key and a power switch. Surrounding these buttons is a subtle ring that glows with a blue light, adding a touch of modern flair.
The element bearing the manufacturer’s logo can be lifted to reveal the dustbin, which includes a replaceable filter. While the dust is automatically transferred to a bag within the docking station, it’s advisable to periodically check the filter. Conveniently, a spare filter is included in the sales package.
Many robot vacuums utilize vibrating pads or rotating mops for cleaning. The Narwal Flow 2, however, employs a unique system featuring a single, long rotary brush that resembles a roller. The effectiveness of this innovative FlowWash mechanism will be detailed further in the “Mopping Performance” section of this review.
Beneath the robot, the cleaning components are clearly visible. These include a side brush, a central main brush, and the distinctive rotary mopping roller. The side brush features long bristles but unfortunately does not extend outwards. The mopping roller, however, is dynamic; it extends several centimeters beyond the robot’s body. A potential limitation is the mop’s lift height of only 12 mm (approximately 0.47 inches). This relatively low clearance could be problematic for homes with thick or high-pile carpets.
Access to the central brush is straightforward, allowing for quick removal and cleaning. Additionally, the robot is equipped with large wheels offering excellent traction, which aids in its navigation across various surfaces.
The Docking Station
The Narwal Flow 2’s docking station is quite large but features a regular, rectangular shape. This design makes it relatively easy to position even in tighter spaces within a room. The front of the station prominently displays the manufacturer’s logo and an indentation where the robot docks for charging, automatic dust emptying, water refilling, and mop cleaning.
The upper section of the station is where most of the action happens, housing two generously sized water tanks. The central unit holds 4.5 liters of clean water and 4.05 liters of dirty water. Below a discreet flap, you’ll find a 2.4-liter dust bag. According to the manufacturer’s data, this bag can store debris for up to 120 days. A separate compartment for the cleaning detergent is also located nearby.
The full mop rinsing cycle utilizes water heated to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). After completing its task, the central unit dries the mop with 60-degree Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) air. This process is surprisingly quiet and typically takes about 4 hours. Importantly, it doesn’t produce any unpleasant odors. When the robot performs tasks in the station, such as cleaning, a light strip on the station displays interesting animations, providing visual feedback.
App and Operation
The Narwal application is aesthetically pleasing and intuitive to use. While there are occasional minor errors in translation, even slightly mistranslated phrases are generally easy to understand. Pairing the robot with the app took less than 5 minutes, and within the next 15 minutes, the Flow 2 had accurately mapped my apartment, covering over 100 square meters (approximately 1,076 sq ft). The generated map was remarkably precise.
Following mapping, I proceeded to edit the map within the app. The customization options are extensive. Users can specify floor types, place virtual furniture, designate no-go zones, and split or merge automatically generated rooms. The next step involved updating the robot’s firmware, after which I could fine-tune its settings.
The settings menu offers a wealth of additional options. Users can configure cleaning parameters for each room individually. The app also includes a pet-friendly mode, which even allows for interactive play with pets, a unique and thoughtful feature.
Cleaning reports can also prove useful for tracking performance. For added intrigue, the app features an assistant and the ability to activate the robot’s camera for remote patrolling. The light strip on the station can even function as a night light, offering three selectable colors.
Narwal Flow 2 in Practice
A full cleaning cycle of approximately 115 square meters (around 1,238 sq ft), including automatic robot cleaning, took 2 hours and 7 minutes. Throughout the testing period, I primarily utilized the automatic FREO mode. In this mode, the robot begins by vacuuming carpets before transitioning to hard floors.
Over nearly three weeks of testing, the unit covered 660 square meters (over 7,100 sq ft) and operated for more than 12 hours. The robot effectively recognizes cables, shoes, and other obstacles like small plush toys. These obstacles are captured as photos and marked on the apartment map, allowing the robot to navigate around them and continue cleaning efficiently.
Despite its smart navigation, I did observe that the Flow 2 occasionally struggled with interpreting gaps, small spaces, and protruding objects. After less than a month of use, the robot’s casing showed numerous scratches. Interestingly, I did not notice any damage to furniture, and the marks were confined to the plastic covers of the robot itself. Crucially, the key functional components remained intact. While it moves swiftly and effectively, its “graceful” movement can sometimes be compromised, leading to these superficial scuffs. No other robot vacuum I’ve tested has accumulated as many scratches as the Narwal Flow 2.
Vacuuming Performance
In FREO mode, the Narwal Flow 2 commences cleaning by vacuuming carpets. During this phase, the mop is automatically lifted, and the robot employs its full suction power of 31,000 Pa. Operating at maximum power, the robot is noticeably loud, reaching up to 56 dB.
While a mop lift height of only 12 mm (approximately 0.47 inches) might not seem impressive, the robot surprisingly excels at climbing onto even soft carpets. The Narwal Flow 2 demonstrates superior carpet traversal compared to other robots I’ve tested in the past, including models from brands like DJI and Roborock.
The vacuuming effectiveness is excellent. The robot effortlessly picks up dust and larger debris such as spice particles or breakfast cereal flakes. The only minor drawback is its performance in corners and along furniture edges, where the absence of an extendable side brush means it struggles slightly to dislodge trapped dirt.
Mopping Performance
The Narwal Flow 2 truly distinguishes itself with its advanced mopping system. The only slight imperfection noted was less precise cleaning around furniture legs and in tight corners. Otherwise, its performance is outstanding. The mop applies a downward pressure of 12 Newtons (N), and the results are clearly visible. The Narwal Flow 2 flawlessly tackles both wet spills and dried-on stains.
What impressed me most was the consistency of the cleaning. The robot navigates precisely, and the damp trails left by its passes seamlessly merge, resulting in an evenly clean floor rather than just a refreshed surface. Unlike some dual-mop designs that can leave noticeable streaks, the Narwal Flow 2 avoids this issue. During mopping, the Narwal Flow 2 operates quietly enough that you can comfortably work, watch movies, or stream shows in the same room without disturbance.
Battery Life and Charging
The Narwal Flow 2 is equipped with a substantial 7,000 mAh battery, ensuring a long operational duration. Furthermore, the device intelligently recharges during intervals when it cleans its roller or replenishes water. As a result, after cleaning approximately 100 square meters (about 1,076 sq ft) in just over 2 hours, it still retained around 45% of its battery life.
For comparison, a robot like the DJI ROMO P would typically have only 20-30% battery remaining after cleaning a similar area. This indicates that the Flow 2’s operating time is exceptionally good. The device should comfortably clean around 150 square meters (over 1,600 sq ft) on a single charge.
According to the manufacturer, a full charge takes 210 minutes. While I didn’t manage to completely deplete the robot’s battery during my tests, topping up the energy from 45% took approximately 150 minutes.
Maintenance
Access to key consumable components is straightforward, making maintenance hassle-free. Virtually every filter and pad can be removed in a matter of seconds. The estimated condition of these components can be monitored within the app’s “Accessory Management” section.
Items such as the dust bag, dustbin filter, and roller brush have specific recommended usage periods. Once these periods are exceeded, the application is designed to send notifications, prompting users to clean or replace the respective component, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Technical Specifications and Pricing
At the time of this review’s publication, the Narwal Flow 2 is priced in the premium segment, typically ranging around 1,000 USD or its equivalent in local currency. While it’s not an inexpensive robot, the Narwal Flow 2 positions itself to compete with other top-tier models, which often retail for significantly more. Given its advanced features and performance, the pricing of the Narwal Flow 2 appears quite reasonable.
| COMPONENT | Narwal Flow 2 |
|---|---|
| Max Suction Power | 31 kPa (31,000 Pa) |
| Mopping System | Track-type mop, 12N pressure, 12mm mop lift, liftable roller brush |
| Obstacle Detection & Avoidance | Hidden LiDAR, 3D TrueView mapping, dual RGB camera, side structured light | Airflow | 13.68 L/s |
| Noise Level | Below 56 dB |
| Water Tank Capacity | 4.5 L (clean water), 4.05 L (dirty water) |
| Battery | 7000 mAh |
| Operating Time (Quiet Mode) | Up to 240 minutes |
| Connectivity & System | Wi-Fi, Freo Mind 4.0, Nawa AI assistant, Alexa, Siri, Google Home support |
| Robot Dimensions | 35.1 x 36.35 x 9.5 cm (13.8 x 14.3 x 3.74 inches) |
| Set Weight | 14 kg (30.86 lbs) |
Summary and Our Opinion
The Narwal Flow 2 is an impressive piece of technology. Priced more affordably than many of its top-tier competitors, Narwal has engineered an almost maintenance-free and highly effective robot vacuum cleaner. Its vacuuming capabilities are commendable, and its mopping performance is truly exceptional. The overall cleaning quality stands at the highest level. The only minor criticisms relate to its struggle with collecting debris and cleaning in tight corners.
Before purchasing, potential buyers should be aware that the mop lifts by only 12 mm (approximately 0.47 inches) and with a height of over 9 cm (3.54 inches), the Flow 2 may not be able to clean under some very low furniture. In my assessment, the most significant drawback is the robot’s tendency to acquire superficial scratches; after just a few cleaning sessions, the front of the device looked as if it had been in service for at least a year. While these are cosmetic, they do detract from its otherwise elegant appearance.
Despite these minor inconveniences, I believe the superior cleaning performance largely outweighs these points. However, I remain hopeful that future software updates will improve the robot’s navigation precision, further enhancing its appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Narwal Flow 2 utilizes a unique FlowWash system with a single, long rotary brush (similar to a roller) for mopping. This system applies 12 Newtons of downward pressure and uses 100-degree Celsius heated water for rinsing the mop pads in its station, ensuring a thorough and consistent clean.
Key advantages include its phenomenal mopping quality, impressive 31,000 Pa suction power, ability to climb even soft carpets better than some rivals, excellent battery life, and a highly practical automatic cleaning mode. It also boasts a minimalist design and a comprehensive accessory package.
Yes, some limitations include its height (9.49 cm), which might prevent it from cleaning under very low furniture, and a mop lift height of only 12 mm, which can be an issue for very thick carpets. The robot’s casing also tends to show scratches quickly, and it occasionally struggles with precise cleaning in very tight corners and edges.
The Narwal Flow 2 is well-suited for pet owners. Its powerful suction handles pet hair effectively, and the app includes a dedicated pet-friendly mode. It also intelligently recognizes and navigates around pet toys and other obstacles, capturing them as photos on the map.
Source: Own elaboration. Opening photo: Krzysztof Wilamowski
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