Sticky Floors No More? Roborock’s 180°C Steam Mop Vacuum Tested

If you’ve ever battled dried-on pasta sauce, sticky juice spills, or the grime that builds up around kitchen counters, you know that a standard mop-and-bucket routine often leaves a film behind. Roborock’s latest wet-dry vacuums promise to change that — one with steam heat that rivals a professional cleaner, the other with a foaming action that targets stubborn spots. But which one actually delivers on sticky floors? I’ve compared the roborock F25 Ultra and the roborock F25 ACE Pro side by side to find out.

At a Glance

Both models carry the same overall rating and a similar price point, but their approach to cleaning sticky messes is quite different.

Where the roborock F25 Ultra Wins

Steam Power for Set-In Stains

The F25 Ultra’s headline feature is its 180 °C steam mop. That’s not just warm water — it’s superheated steam that can loosen baked-on grease, dried food, and sticky residues that a damp cloth would merely smear. If you have tile floors in the kitchen or bathroom, this steam capability makes short work of grime that’s been there for days.

Hot Water Mopping at 86 °C

Beyond steam, the F25 Ultra also offers 86 °C hot water mopping. This is useful for daily maintenance: hot water dissolves oils and sugars more effectively than cold, so even without the steam setting, you’re getting a deeper clean on every pass.

High-Temperature Self-Cleaning

After you finish mopping, the F25 Ultra runs a 90 °C self-cleaning cycle on its brush and mop head. This heat kills bacteria and prevents odors from building up in the machine — a real plus if you use it for sticky kitchen spills that can sour if left damp.

Maneuverability with AI-Assisted Wheels

The F25 Ultra features AI-assisted wheels that help it glide around furniture and corners. Combined with its 180° flat design (which lets it reach under low cabinets), you can clean tight spaces without wrestling the machine.

Best for: Households with tile, stone, or sealed hardwood floors where sticky, dried-on messes are common — especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Where the roborock F25 ACE Pro Wins

Higher Suction for Dry Debris

The F25 ACE Pro pulls 25,000 Pa of suction, compared to the F25 Ultra’s 22 kPa. (Note: 25,000 Pa = 25 kPa, so the ACE Pro has about 14% more suction power.) That extra suction is noticeable when vacuuming up cereal crumbs, pet hair, or sand tracked in from outdoors — it picks up fine dust and larger particles in one pass.

JetFoaming Against Stains

Instead of steam, the ACE Pro uses JetFoaming technology to tackle stains. This creates a foam that clings to vertical surfaces and crevices, breaking down sticky spots without the need for high heat. If you’re concerned about using very hot steam on certain floor types (like some vinyl or laminate), the foaming approach is gentler while still effective.

Anti-Hair Tangle Design

Pet owners and long-haired individuals will appreciate the anti-hair tangle feature. Hair tends to wrap around standard brush rolls, requiring manual removal. The ACE Pro’s design minimizes this, reducing maintenance time.

Hot Water Self-Cleaning + Hot Air Drying

Like the F25 Ultra, the ACE Pro has hot water self-cleaning, but it adds hot air drying to the cycle. After cleaning itself, the machine blows warm air through the brush and mop head, ensuring they dry completely. This further reduces the chance of mildew or musty smells between uses.

Best for: Homes with a mix of hard floors and area rugs, households with pets, and anyone who prefers a lower-temperature cleaning method for delicate flooring.

Verdict by Use Case

You should choose the **roborock F25 Ultra** if:

• Your biggest frustration is dried-on, sticky messes on tile or stone floors.
• You want the highest available heat for sanitation (180 °C steam + 86 °C hot water).
• You value AI-assisted maneuverability for navigating around furniture.
• You don’t mind that the self-cleaning cycle lacks hot air drying (the 90 °C wash is still very effective).

You should choose the **roborock F25 ACE Pro** if:

• You need stronger dry suction for pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust.
• You have laminate or vinyl flooring where high steam temperatures might be a concern.
• You want anti-hair tangle to reduce maintenance.
• You prefer a machine that dries itself completely after cleaning (hot air drying included).

The bottom line

Both models share the same core DNA: a 180° flat design that reaches under low furniture, similar pricing, and the same user rating. The decision really comes down to your floor type and your messes. For sticky, greasy, set-in stains — the kind that make you reach for a steam mop — the F25 Ultra is the clear winner. For everyday vacuuming and mopping with a gentler approach to stains, plus better hair management, the F25 ACE Pro is the more versatile choice.

Either way, you’re getting a capable wet-dry vacuum that handles both vacuuming and mopping in one pass — no more switching tools mid-clean.