Typically, laptops, smartphones and, less commonly, monitors and computer peripherals are sent to our editorial staff for review. But this time there is a special case: a vacuum cleaner. True, there is no lack of technology and even futurism, because the device is packed with electronics and can talk. But how to judge the single most important thing—cleaning floors and carpets? We haven’t defeated a single laminate stain with the Dreame H12S, and now we’re ready to explore what it can do.
Characteristics
- Type: cordless vacuum cleaner with washing capability
- Cleaning method: wet and dry
- Power: 300W
- Maximum suction: 16 kPa
- Battery: 6 x 4000 mAh
- Noise level: 76 dB
- Color: black
What does Dreame dream about?
It may be the first time the Dreame brand has reached the Russian market. The Chinese company Dreame Technology has spent nine years developing household appliances that leverage advanced engineering and smart features.
The H12S is a fresh model in the Russian lineup of cordless washing vacuum cleaners. A standout feature is the washing function: instead of a traditional dust bag, it uses two large water tanks. A rear tank holds 900 ml of clean water, while a front tank holds 700 ml of used water.
The operating principle is simple: clean water wets the roller brush to rinse the coating, while the suction draws in fine dirt and any spilled liquids. If coffee spills on laminate in the morning, there’s no need to crawl around with a cloth. The H12S can handle both ground coffee and a puddle, washing the mess with soapy water and collecting the used liquid in the waste tank.
Power on suction reaches up to 16 kPa. The motor is brushless, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
The stock design is straightforward. Press the lever, pull the tank toward the user, and detach it from the unit. Water is poured directly from a tap. Keep in mind the hole isn’t wide, so aim carefully to avoid spills. Add about 10 ml of liquid detergent to the clean water for more effective cleaning. The kit includes a bottle of cleaning chemicals for initial use, though replacements will be needed later for specific tasks.
After cleaning, detach the front tank and drain the gray water. Stagnant water can create odors and a slimy residue on the inner walls. Those who aren’t in the habit of emptying a traditional dust bin will find a similar routine with the H12S. It’s wise to empty unused liquid from the tank, particularly in homes with hard water.
There is also a dry cleaning mode and a Turbo setting for stubborn dirt. The voice assistant guides users when to switch to Turbo, though understanding the Chinese accent can feel quirky. Some users might find the voice module reminiscent of inexpensive toys rather than a premium helper.
This is the basics!
The H12S is wireless, liberating movement around the room and eliminating cord tangles. There’s no dragging of a motorized housing, no constant impedance from a power cord. The overall footprint remains compact, though the unit is heavier than many stand-up vacuums due to the water tanks. To offset this, the engineers added a semi-autonomous feature: tilt the cleaner toward you (the roller should not exceed about 140 degrees) and the unit will advance smoothly.
The frameless roller brush design lets users get close to walls or baseboards, with a claimed clearance of no more than 6 mm.
The built-in battery offers around 35 minutes of normal-use runtime, a bit less in Turbo mode. Whether this is enough depends on the home, but H12S may complement another vacuum rather than replace a traditional corded model. Fully charging takes about four hours.
A round, non-touch LED display provides real-time data: current suction mode, water levels, clog alerts, brush issues, battery percentage, and contamination severity. The system even senses when suction should step up to Turbo to tackle a tough stain, indicated by a red or orange glow. Once the stain is removed, it reverts to normal mode to conserve power, shown by a green indicator.
The roller brush is easy to replace. To access it, remove the protective visor by pressing two buttons, then pull the brush out from the side handle.
The charging base doubles as a washing and drying station for the roller brush, keeping the vacuum stored between cleanings. The kit includes storage cups for a replaceable air filter, a spare roller brush, and a cleaning brush for the waste water bottle. The standout feature here is automatic self-cleaning: water flows between tanks and runs through the roller brush with bubbles and a hiss. Before starting the process, ensure there is enough clean water available and at least 20% battery charge, or the unit may refuse to wash itself.
The final step before storage is drying the roller brush. This takes about an hour, during which the device emits a warm air stream around 55 degrees to prevent odors and mold. Tests show the process can be lengthy, with a noticeable hum around the 15-minute mark. Some users simply remove the brush to air-dry it more quickly. It is a common, practical routine for many owners.
Dreame H12S stands out with its smart features, offering a useful supplement to a standard vacuum cleaner that lacks a wet cleaning function. It excels at quick cleanups, washing, and handling puddles. For a full Sunday cleaning session, a traditional vacuum may still be preferred.
The Dreame H12S certainly looks stylish and has a presence that makes it hard to hide away. Some people would rather keep it on display as a decorative touch than tuck it away in a pantry.
Performance is swift: the H12S can be brought off the base and tackle localized stains in moments.
[VG Times]