Midea MVCR01 and MVCR12
In this review, we'd like to share information about the Chinese-made Midea VCR01/VCR12 robotic vacuum cleaners (also known as MVCR01 and MVCR12), which are designed for dry cleaning. These models are intended for domestic use only and are not intended for industrial use. Both models are capable of picking up small debris, hair, and dust from hard floors and low-pile carpets. Wet cleaning is not supported. A review of the specifications and functionality is provided below.
Equipment
The Midea VCR01/VCR12 package includes:
- Robot vacuum cleaner.
- Charging base.
- Power adapter.
- Remote control.
- Brush for care.
- Two spare side brushes.
- Operating instructions.
- Warranty card.
Midea equipment
The robot is supplied exclusively to the Russian market, as evidenced by the Russian-language branded packaging. The front features an image of the cleaning robot, while the back of the box contains an overview of the specifications, the manufacturer's and importer's addresses, and certifications.
Design
The Midea VCR01/VCR12 household robot vacuum cleaner has a sleek and understated appearance. The two models differ only in the body color: the first is white with silver accents, while the second is white and pink. The body is made of durable plastic and is round. The robot vacuum cleaner's dimensions are quite compact: 300 mm in diameter and 78 mm in height. Viewed from the front, the device features a round dust container compartment cover and a single on/off button.
VCR01
VCR02
On the side of the robot there is a protective bumper, a connector for connecting the power adapter and ventilation holes.
Side view
On the back of the Midea VCR01/VCR12 robot vacuum cleaner, on the bottom, there are two drive wheels with a rough tread, a small front wheel, a pair of side brushes, a suction hole in the center, a power switch, and contact pads for recharging.
Bottom view
Technical specifications
The Midea VCR01/VCR12 robot vacuum cleaner has average characteristics, consistent with its price and belonging to the budget price category.
We have provided an overview of the characteristics of the robot vacuum cleaner in the table below:
| Type of cleaning | Dry |
| Nutrition | Ni-MH battery, 14.4 V |
| Battery capacity | 1000 mAh |
| Opening hours | 60 minutes |
| Charging time | 300 minutes |
| Power consumption | 18 W |
| Maximum height of obstacles | 15 mm |
| Dust container type | Cyclone filter (bagless) |
| Dust container volume | 300 ml |
| Overall dimensions | 300*300*78 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
The robot vacuum cleaner's battery is a string of twelve small AA-size nickel-metal hydride batteries, which have a capacity of 1000 mAh and a battery life of 40-60 minutes.
The Midea VCR01/VCR12 dust bin, with a 300-milliliter capacity, contains a standard filter and a HEPA filter for more thorough air purification. The dust bin will likely need to be emptied after each cleaning cycle (maximum two), as the bin's capacity is small and will often become clogged. There's no indicator, so you'll need to check the level yourself.
There is no information about the noise level of the device in the information, however, as the cleaning test showed, the noise level during operation is quite noticeable (it can’t be called quiet in any way).
Functional capabilities
The robot cleans rooms with two side brushes that sweep up debris and direct it to the suction opening, through which it is drawn into the dust collector.
To scan the room, the robot vacuum cleaner uses an infrared beam, which is harmless to humans, animals, and plants. Thanks to obstacle and height sensors, as well as a protective bumper, the Midea VCR01/VCR12 can avoid collisions with surrounding objects, falls from elevated surfaces, and possible damage.
Operation of sensors
To reduce time and optimize the cleaning process, the Midea VCR01 model features the ability to navigate according to a room plan. The VCR12 model does not offer this feature, which is another minor difference between the two models.
Cleaning modes of Midea VCR01/VCR12:
- automatic – the robot vacuum cleaner uses a set of programs in a specific sequence and cleans the entire available cleaning area;
- Spiral - the robot moves along a spiral trajectory, and when the additional "Turbo" mode is selected, the device's fan starts to operate at an increased speed, providing a more thorough cleaning of a specified small area;
- random – the device cleans the room by making random movements in a straight line and crosswise;
- along walls - Midea VCR01/VCR12 moves only along the perimeter, providing cleaning along baseboards, furniture and in the corners of rooms;
- Z-program (zigzag) – the device cleans large areas in a zigzag pattern.
Remote control
Operating instructions
The Midea VCR01/VCR12 robot vacuum cleaner manual includes safety precautions, application areas, a general description of the device, its components, and how it cleans up debris. It also provides key operating and maintenance information, including its functions, troubleshooting tips, and troubleshooting options.
You can download the operating instructions in Russian by following the link: Midea manual.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- Low price (up to $80 in 2019).
- Discreet, attractive design.
- Small size.
- Not bad suction power.
- Russification.
- Collects small debris, dust and hair.
- Different operating modes.
- Certified dealer in many cities.
Cons:
- Ni-MH battery with low capacity, short operating time and long recharging time.
- Small dust collector capacity.
- Poor navigation.
- The noise level is above average.
- It doesn’t clean corners well and doesn’t sweep up loose products (sugar, salt, etc.).
Considering the low price, most of the downsides are to be expected, so if you're looking for a robot vacuum under $100, this one is definitely worth considering.
Finally, we recommend watching a video review of the Midea VCR01/VCR12:
Analogues:
