We tested Tineco’s S9 to find out if it can finally replace the mop and bucket.
The new Tineco Floor One S9 Artist Steam is loaded with technology designed to bring an end to traditional mopping, although its performance on tile grout and areas beneath cabinets still needs improvement. Priced at $1499, this Chinese-made vacuum and mop hybrid tackles sticky stains and pet messes using strong steam and built-in sensors. But does it clean better than Dyson and more importantly, better than good old-fashioned elbow grease?
Electric mop and vacuum combos have not always lived up to expectations, especially with tougher cleaning tasks. Manual mopping, while more time-consuming, often achieves better results under furniture and along bathroom grout lines. Many wet-dry vacuums now include self-cleaning and steam features, but they still struggle with bulk, odour and maintenance. Tineco believes the S9 might change that.
The Floor One S9 Artist Steam heats water to 140°C and keeps temperatures above 99°C at floor level to ensure strong sanitisation. It also uses sensors that automatically adjust suction and moisture levels based on the floor surface. The unit can lie nearly flat, down to 12.85cm, making it easier to reach under furniture than earlier models. It handles daily debris and pet hair effectively but still struggles with kickboards and deep tile grout, which require manual attention.
Key features include a self-rinsing brush, pet hair-friendly anti-tangle design and a heated FlashDry mode that speeds up drying while cutting down odour. Maintenance is simplified thanks to easier access to waste tanks and detachable parts for manual cleaning. However, the unit’s size and weight may affect manoeuvrability and its self-cleaning cycle is quite loud. While it is more powerful than the earlier S6 model, it still shows limitations when it comes to deep cleaning.
Overall, the Tineco S9 performs well with everyday cleaning, especially in homes with children and pets. It marks a clear improvement over previous electric mop models, with smarter features and steam technology. Nevertheless, for tile grout and tight spaces, traditional mopping still has its place for now.
