We recently had the opportunity to test two significant contenders in the robotic pool cleaner market: the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Premier. Each has its unique set of features and drawbacks that cater to different user needs.
The Dolphin E10 is positioned as an entry-level cleaner specifically designed for above-ground and small inground pools. It comes at a lower price point which is attractive, but it also lacks several key features found in higher-end models. During our testing, it did a solid job cleaning the pool floor but fell short when it came to wall coverage and advanced filtration options. If you are curious about its limitations and effectiveness, you might want to read our detailed Dolphin E10 review.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Premier belongs to the premium category with its extensive features. It supports multiple types of filters, including an oversized leaf bag, and can clean the pool thoroughly, reaching even the waterline. We were impressed with its cleaning efficiency and advanced scheduling options, making it a superior choice for those looking for hands-off pool maintenance. Our complete thoughts on it are available in the Dolphin Premier review.
Both robots were carefully tested in various pool environments to give you a comprehensive understanding of their respective strengths and weaknesses. While the Dolphin Premier clearly outshines in terms of coverage and advanced features, the Dolphin E10 holds its ground as a dependable entry-level option.
In the upcoming sections, we'll dive deeper into how each of these robots performed in our standardized tests. From pool coverage and filtration ability to feature sets and warranty, get ready for a detailed head-to-head comparison.
When evaluating robotic pool cleaners, we focus on several critical areas: pool coverage, filtration ability, feature sets, and warranty. Each robot is tested over a span of three months to ensure our findings are accurate and reflect real-world use cases. This extended testing period allows us to observe how the robot performs in various conditions and over time.
For the Dolphin E10, we paid close attention to how well it handled the cleaning tasks expected of an entry-level model. Specifically designed for above-ground and small inground pools, the E10 achieved solid floor coverage during our tests. However, it fell short in areas like wall climbing and advanced filtration options. This was particularly evident when compared to more advanced models like the Dolphin Quantum.
In contrast, the Dolphin Premier demonstrated superior performance across all categories. With its advanced features, including multiple filter options and waterline cleaning, the Premier proved to be a hands-off cleaning solution. During our three-month testing period, it consistently delivered exceptional results, tackling even the most challenging cleaning tasks.
Our tests involve running each robot through a series of standardized pools, each containing various types of debris, from fine particles to larger leaves. We assess how effectively the robots navigate pool features like stairs, inclines, and corners. The E10's limited abilities make it suitable for simpler pool environments, while the Premier excelled in more complex scenarios.
When it comes to pool coverage, the Dolphin Premier far outshines the Dolphin E10. The Dolphin Premier is equipped to handle complete pool cleaning, from floor to waterline, ensuring every part of the pool is adequately cleaned. This full coverage is partly due to its dual scrubbing brushes and Smart Navigation system, which allow the Premier to navigate the pool efficiently, leaving no spot untouched.
On the other hand, the Dolphin E10 is designed primarily for floor cleaning in above-ground and small inground pools. Although it does a commendable job cleaning the pool floor, it can't climb walls or clean the waterline. This limited coverage is a significant drawback for those wanting a comprehensive cleaning experience. The E10 also lacks navigation software, which means it might miss spots and leave areas of the pool untouched.
The coverage score for the Dolphin Premier is a perfect 10 out of 10, demonstrating its capability to clean the entire pool effectively. In contrast, the Dolphin E10 scored a 7 out of 10, mainly limited by its inability to clean walls and its lack of an advanced navigation system. This scoring underscores the stark difference in pool coverage between the two models, making the Premier the clear winner for those seeking comprehensive cleaning.
During testing, the Dolphin Premier exhibited exceptional efficiency by seamlessly transitioning from floor to walls, even effectively scrubbing the often troublesome waterline area. It left the pool spotless, demonstrating its comprehensive cleaning capabilities.
Conversely, the Dolphin E10, while efficient on the pool floor, missed debris along the walls and waterline, making it less suitable for those needing a full pool clean. Its inability to climb walls further highlights its limitation in pool coverage, leaving users to manually clean those neglected areas.
If you are looking for a versatile robotic pool cleaner that can cover every inch of your pool, the Dolphin Premier is a standout choice. Its impressive capabilities make it worth the investment, especially for those seeking a hands-off pool cleaning solution. On the other hand, the Dolphin E10 remains a dependable entry-level option, particularly for above-ground pools, but may fall short of expectations for more comprehensive cleaning needs.
When it comes to filtration systems, there's a notable contrast between the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Premier. The Dolphin E10 features a standard fine filter basket, which does a satisfactory job of trapping common pool debris such as leaves and small twigs. However, it lacks the finesse and versatility of the multi-filter system found in the Dolphin Premier.
The Dolphin Premier, on the other hand, comes equipped with a multi-media filtration system that includes the standard fine filter, NanoFilters, an oversized leaf bag, and optional disposable debris bags. This multi-tiered system allows for a more tailored cleaning approach, capturing everything from small particles to larger debris like acorns and leaves. The difference in filtration capabilities is significant and worth noting for those looking for comprehensive pool maintenance.
In our testing, the standard fine filter in the E10 was found to be quite basic. It captures most common debris but struggles with ultra-fine particles that could make the water appear cloudy. In contrast, the Dolphin Premier's NanoFilters excel at this task, making a noticeable difference in water clarity. This makes the Premier far superior in terms of filtration capability.
One of the standout features of the Dolphin Premier is its oversized leaf bag, which is exclusive among Dolphin models. This bag can capture a large volume of leaves, twigs, and even acorns, making it particularly useful for pools surrounded by trees. The E10's standard filter simply cannot match this level of debris capture and would require frequent cleanings in such environments.
Another critical aspect in evaluating these filters is ease of maintenance. While both filters are relatively easy to clean, the Premier's filter system gives users the flexibility to choose the right filter for the job, reducing the frequency of cleanings. With its multiple filtration options, the Premier allows for a more customized and efficient pool cleaning experience.
Ultimately, the Dolphin Premier scores a perfect 10 in filtration ability due to its versatile and efficient multi-media filtration system. Comparatively, the Dolphin E10 scores a 6, standing out as an entry-level cleaner but lacking in advanced filtration capabilities. The clear winner in this category is the Dolphin Premier, offering substantial advantages for those who demand comprehensive and efficient pool cleaning.
The feature sets of the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Premier provide a clear distinction between an entry-level and a premium robotic pool cleaner. Starting with the Dolphin E10, it's built for simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for basic pool cleaning tasks. However, this simplicity comes with several limitations.
The Dolphin E10 offers a standard on/off switch, making it easy to use but lacking in advanced offerings. **It does not feature a programmable weekly timer**, which means users will have to manually turn it on every time they want to clean their pool. This can be an inconvenience, especially for those with busy schedules. Additionally, the E10 does not include NanoFilters or the ability to clean walls and the waterline, which are shortcomings when addressing comprehensive pool cleaning needs.
In contrast, the Dolphin Premier shines with its extensive feature set designed for a hands-off, thorough cleaning experience. Notably, the Premier includes multiple types of filters: a standard fine filter, NanoFilters, and an oversized leaf bag, allowing it to tackle everything from fine particles to large debris. The Premier also stands out for its programmable weekly timer, enabling users to schedule cleanings daily, every other day, or every three days, significantly reducing manual intervention.
The Premier also includes a feature called Media-Alert, which provides real-time filter tracking, notifying users when it's time to clean the filters. While this may seem like a small addition, it ensures the robot always operates at optimal efficiency. **The inclusion of dual scrubbing brushes and a power supply that offers advanced scheduling options further enhances its usability**.
The Dolphin Premier features dual commercial-grade motors which provide better cleaning power and energy efficiency. These motors enable the Premier to scrub walls and clean the waterline effectively, a feature set that the E10 lacks entirely. **The Dolphin Premier includes a three-year warranty, reflecting its durability and the manufacturer's confidence in its long-term performance**.
The feature score for the Dolphin E10 stands at 6, reflecting its basic offerings and the limited functionality that may not meet the needs of more demanding pool owners. In stark contrast, the Dolphin Premier scores a 9.4, showcasing its robust set of advanced features designed to offer a seamless, hands-off cleaning experience. The Premier’s superior feature set makes it the ideal choice for those seeking comprehensive pool care with minimal manual intervention.
In summary, while the Dolphin E10 provides a dependable, straightforward cleaning solution for smaller or simpler pools, it lacks the advanced features that make pool maintenance truly effortless. The Dolphin Premier, with its multi-tiered filtration system, advanced scheduling options, strong cleaning power, and waterline cleaning capability, clearly stands out as the superior option. For those looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly pool cleaning experience, the Dolphin Premier is the clear winner in our comparison.
As we come to a close, it's clear that both the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Premier have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The Dolphin E10, while a solid entry-level cleaner, is limited by its basic feature set and less comprehensive coverage. Its overall score of 6.3 highlights these limitations, showing that while it gets the job done, it leaves much to be desired when it comes to advanced cleaning needs.
On the other hand, the Dolphin Premier shines brightly in almost every category, earning a stellar overall score of 9.8. Its ability to clean the entire pool, including the waterline, and its versatile multi-media filtration system make it a top contender for those looking for a truly hands-off pool cleaning solution. The standout features like a programmable weekly timer, Media-Alert, and an optional remote control further emphasize its advanced capabilities.
While the Dolphin E10 serves as a good entry-level option, the Dolphin Premier outperforms it in every aspect, making it the superior choice in our head-to-head comparison. If you're seeking an advanced, efficient, and highly capable robotic pool cleaner, the Dolphin Premier is definitely worth the investment.
If you find that both options still leave some gaps, you might want to consider other alternatives like the Dolphin Cayman or the Dolphin Quantum. These models offer a balance of advanced features and affordability, making them excellent choices for various pool cleaning needs.
In summary, while the Dolphin E10 holds its ground as an entry-level cleaner, the Dolphin Premier emerges as the best choice for those seeking advanced features and comprehensive pool cleaning. With its exceptional performance and robust feature set, the Premier truly sets itself apart as a top-tier option in the robotic pool cleaner market.
For more in-depth reviews and to explore other top-rated options, make sure to check out our [best pool robots](/best-pool-robots) page to find the perfect fit for your pool cleaning needs.
In addition to the Dolphin E10 and the Dolphin Premier, there are other highly rated robots that might capture your attention. Among these, the Dolphin Escape stands out as an excellent option for those with above-ground and smaller inground pools. The Escape is designed to offer robust cleaning at a more accessible price point, making it an ideal alternative for those seeking enhanced performance without breaking the bank.
Next, there's the Dolphin Quantum. This robotic pool cleaner is a part of the new ProLine with an oversized XXL MaxBin and included NanoFilters, providing advanced cleaning solutions that cater to various user needs. The Quantum's design ensures maximum efficiency, making it one of the best-valued robotic pool cleaners on the market. It also features PowerJet 3D Mobility, allowing it to clean both the floor and waterline with ease.
Another superior option is the Aquabot REVA. With its gyroscope and waterline cleaning capabilities, the REVA offers an impressive combination of efficiency and advanced features. This robot also includes a smartphone app for seamless control, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize convenience and cutting-edge technology. Its ability to clean the pool thoroughly, from floor to waterline, ensures your pool remains spotless with minimal effort.
For those seeking a balance of performance and price, the Dolphin Escape is a strong contender. Its efficient cleaning capability and ease of maintenance make it a standout choice for above-ground pool owners. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Quantum excels in providing advanced features at great value, ensuring both the floor and waterline of your pool are impeccably cleaned. Lastly, the Aquabot REVA combines smart technology with robust cleaning capabilities, offering a perfect blend of convenience and efficiency.
If you want to explore more highly-rated options, check out our best pool robots to find the perfect fit for your cleaning needs.
