Yeedi C12 Combo review: a clever multitasker that kinda sucks

Introduction

With a smart device for everything these days, Yeedi’s C12 Combo offers a refreshingly simple solution to a common problem: do you really need two vacuums cluttering your home?

This hybrid cleaner aims to solve that question by blending the convenience of a robot vacuum with the usefulness of a more traditional stick vac. The C12 Combo promises to save time and space for owners of small flats, busy households, or anyone tired of lugging out a traditional vacuum for spot cleans.

But at $700, is it the jack-of-all-trades it claims to be, or does it fall into the classic “master of none” trap? Here’s what I thought after letting this vac suck.

Design & Build: Clever and compact

At first glance, the Yeedi C12 Combo doesn’t stray far from the standard robot vacuum blueprint: sleek, circular, and designed to slide under furniture. Where it sets itself apart is the docking station, which also contains a stick vacuum. This dual-purpose design is a genuine space-saver, combining two appliances into one tidy unit. If you’re tight on storage space or simply hate clutter, it’s a welcome innovation. Also consider potential savings from having to buy two separate vacuums.

The robot itself is sturdy yet lightweight, featuring a ZeroTangle floor brush that eliminates hair clogs (a must-have for pet owners) and a decent-sized 340ml water tank inside for mopping. The detachable stick vac is similarly lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre, and comes with a crevice tool and 2-in-1 brush for versatile cleaning.

However, the base station isn’t without its flaws. While it cleverly integrates the stick vac, it doesn’t offer storage for the additional tools, which means you’ll still need to find a drawer to keep everything together. Additionally, while compact overall, the dock does take up more floor space than a standard charging base – something to consider if space is really tight.

Features: Sorta smart

The Yeedi C12 Combo shines as an all-rounder, balancing its feature set between robot and manual cleaning. The robot vacuum delivers solid performance with its 95AW motor, easily tackling everyday messes on hard floors and carpets. Carpet detection is a neat touch, automatically adjusting suction or lifting the mop as needed. The mopping system is functional but actually rather limited – it’s best for light spills rather than caked-on grime. Try to mop up anything that’s even slightly stubborn, and it’ll begin to struggle.

The stick vac adds a layer of versatility, letting you tackle stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach places with ease. Its LED headlight is surprisingly useful for spotting hidden dust, especially in dim corners or under furniture. However, the stick vac’s suction, while useable, doesn’t match up to standalone models from Dyson or Shark. It’s more of a convenience tool than a powerhouse.

Another standout I found is the ZeroTangle technology, which lives up to its name by preventing hair from clogging the brush. If you’ve ever spent ages de-hairing your vacuum, this feature alone could be a game-changer. The auto-empty bin is another plus, allowing you to ignore the robot for weeks at a time. Though this feature isn’t unique to Yeedi, and it’s worth noting that this convenience comes with a slightly larger dock.

Performance: Too many limitations

For daily upkeep, the Yeedi C12 Combo is a star performer. The robot vacuum handles hard floors effortlessly, sucking up dust, crumbs, and pet hair without breaking a sweat. On carpets, it does a respectable job, though it may struggle with thicker piles or deeply embedded dirt. Corners and edges are where it falters slightly, as the circular design makes it tricky to reach every nook and cranny. There’s no “bum-wiggle” feature like other robot vacs, unfortunately.

As I mentioned, the mopping system works for light maintenance, leaving floors looking clean and streak-free. However, it’s not built for heavy-duty scrubbing, so don’t expect it to tackle dried-on spills or stubborn stains.

The stick vac is great for quick spot cleans and handling areas the robot can’t reach, but its suction power is limited compared to more expensive standalone models. It’s a handy addition but not a replacement for a high-performance vacuum if you’ve got particularly challenging messes.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 4 hours 50 minutes per charge between them both, which is plenty for small to medium homes. I think this estimate might be with lower power suction modes, so I ran through battery more quickly after cranking this up to make up for the lack of power.

Yeedi C12 Combo verdict

The Yeedi C12 Combo is a clever hybrid that combines the convenience of a robot vacuum with the versatility of a stick vac. While it’s far from perfect (particularly in its suction power and edge cleaning) it’s a decent choice for light daily maintenance, especially in smaller homes or flats.

I just wish it packed a little more oomph, and then I could keep it around.

Yeedi C12 Combo technical specifications