Roomba i Robot

The best robotic vacuum cleaners from iRobot

The American company iRobot is considered a pioneer in the field of robot vacuum cleaners. The first generation of the Roomba, which is appreciated worldwide, came onto the market in 2002. Since then, a lot has happened in the development of course. A Roomba i Robot is characterised by proven functionality and comprehensive features. Both entry-level models and absolute premium devices with the latest innovations are offered. This means that there is something for virtually every requirement.

Which i Robot hoover is a good choice is presented below. You will also find out what you should consider in this context. We hope to be able to help you with this guide.

Roomba i Robot – These models are recommended

iRobot Roomba 960

iRobot’s vacuum robots are so popular that the manufacturer has already named one of its models the “people’s robot”. The model iRobot Roomba 960 is considered absolutely proven.

The robot hoover is 9.1 cm high and can therefore drive under many types of obstacles without complications. You can let it start by pressing a button on the housing or program it via the app. Among other things, the app allows you to adjust the running times to your own preferences. In addition, with the help of the accessories included in the scope of delivery, you can draw a virtual wall to designate objects/entrances as a forbidden zone. Thanks to the built-in Dirt Detect technology, the robot can even recognise particularly dirty areas and approach them directly.

In addition, voice commands can be issued via Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant. The Roomba has the smart vSLAM navigation technology, which is why it maps the premises over time. This makes maintenance as economical and fast as possible. Furthermore, it can be mentioned that 3 attachments are installed. In addition, the associated filter can also reliably pick up fine debris, such as pet hair.

iRobot Roomba 605

The hoover robots from iRobot can definitely be described as quality goods. Nevertheless, the manufacturer can also offer favourable prices. Particularly good value is the model iRobot Roomba 605 .

This robot vacuum cleaner is well suited for beginners as well as for small households in general. In the basic version, it works without an app and is then put into operation via the housing. Cleaning is done according to the chaos principle. Various sensors (iAdapt) reliably prevent collisions and possible falls down stairs. After about 60 minutes, the Roomba 605 returns to the charging station on its own.

The manufacturer recommends the device for all types of surfaces – including carpets. The 3-stage cleaning system sucks up all sizes of particles. The AeroVac filter ensures that pollen, animal hair and other allergens remain inside. This is comparable to a HEPA filter. Furthermore, the separate accessories allow you to draw virtual walls if necessary to put the robot in its place.

iRobot Roomba i7

iRobot Roomba i7 .

This robot hoover basically comes with all the technology you could need. This includes, for example, the vSLAM navigation technology, which maps the premises precisely. This even works across several floors. This means you can expect maximum efficiency in room maintenance. The robot starts cleaning either by voice command, by pressing the Clean button or after precise programming via the app. The cleaning is done with a corner brush and 2 rotating rubber brushes.

You can not only set the start time, but also define the care for each individual room. The Dirt Detect technology also comes into play. The robot vacuum recognises heavily frequented areas and targets them. Of course, this model also returns to the charging station independently. However, it initially runs for up to 75 minutes, which once again makes it clear that even extensive areas are no problem.

Roomba i Robot – What to look for when choosing a hoover

Dimensions & design

Robot hoovers are generally much more compact than classic hoovers. However, there are also some significant differences in this segment. It is very important to look at the height. After all, it determines which objects can be swept under. In general, robotic vacuum cleaners are often between 9 and 12 cm high.

An iRobot Roomba is between 9.1 and 9.3 cm high. Accordingly, a large number of objects can be successfully vacuumed underneath, which keeps the subsequent effort within limits. However, it could be even better, because some devices from other manufacturers are less than 7 cm high.

In addition to the height, the attachment also plays a significant role. While every robot vacuum cleaner can now cope quite adequately with hard surfaces, carpets can still be problematic. Interlocking brushes have proven to be the best way to “comb out” the debris.

Some of the i Robot hoovers have several attachments, which ensure particularly thorough cleaning results. While a corner brush transports the rubbish inwards even from areas that are difficult to access, all surfaces are successfully vacuumed by the two rotating rubber brushes in the central unit.

The Braava series can also be equipped with a wiping function. Even stubborn dirt is removed via a water tank and wiped away by a cloth with capillary fibres.

Navigation

A robot vacuum cleaner works either on the chaos principle or on the basis of smart navigation. Both can be an effective solution. However, the larger the area to be cleaned, the better the navigation should be.

The Chaos principle comes with a price advantage and is built into the 600 series. iRobot calls the navigation here iAdapt 1.0, which means that collision and impact sensors are already present. Thus, the robot navigates confidently through the premises without causing damage or taking damage itself.

In larger premises, the chaos principle can lead to complications. Here, there is an increased probability that some areas are visited unnecessarily often, while others are cleaned too infrequently. As a result, an even cleaning result cannot be achieved.

The models of the 900 series as well as the highly decorated i7 series have the so-called vSLAM navigation technology at iRobot. With the help of cameras and sensors, the robot vacuum collects data points and maps the premises. As a result, it always knows where it is. As a result, each area is approached evenly and heavily soiled segments are even deliberately prioritised (Dirt Detect).

In general, 3 technologies have proven to help a robot hoover navigate:

• Collision sensor: This prevents rough contact with walls and furniture, so that the robot does not suffer any damage from impacts. In addition, it recognises landings and, with good devices, doorsteps.
• Camera: With its help, the robot orients itself and follows parallel paths in the room. The structured work is maximally economical.
• Scanner: A laser scanner is used to create a map of the room. After a while, the robot then travels evenly through all areas.
  Programming

Basically, you can charge an i Robot hoover and have it start right away at the touch of a button (just press the Clean button). This is of course convenient and saves time. In the medium term, however, it is more useful to make use of the programming options.

The simple models can only be adjusted in their running time. However, this is already practical, because the units then start working even when you are not there. When the battery capacity is nearing its end, they automatically return to the charging station.

With the high-quality models, you can also use the app to draw virtual walls so that sensitive areas are not hit. You can also give the robot direct commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant.

In some cases, it is even possible to programme several floors. The i7 robot can even identify different floors and create individual maps for each. This is ensured by a large 1.3 GHz quad-core processor.

Range

Robot vacuum cleaners are powered by a lithium-ion battery. Its capacity determines how long the robot runs without interruption. The larger the premises, the greater the capacity should be. They are expressed in the unit mAh (milli ampere hours).

While inexpensive models can sometimes only work for 30 minutes at a time, an i Robot hoover can run for between 60 and 75 minutes. This already ensures a reasonable area performance/time unit. The charging time is often +- 3 hours, which can also be classified as good. To breathe new life into a deeply discharged battery, a complete night is required.

The capacity of the container determines how often it has to be emptied. With iRobot, it ranges between 0.4-0.6 litres, which is definitely enough for several runs. Here, too, the volume should also increase as the size of the premises increases, so that effort is not required too often.

Filter

It can also be worth taking a look at the type of filter. While on the outside there may be problems with large particles, the reverse is true on the inside. Some filters filter quite coarsely, so that small particles are swirled up and returned to the room – a nightmare for allergy sufferers.

Allergy sufferers and babies are best helped if there is a HEPA filter. This can reliably retain fine particles such as dust mites, pollen and animal hair. In the EU, they are divided into 3 different classes:

• EPA filter (Efficient Particulate Air filter)
• HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter)
• ULPA filter (Ultra Low Penetration Air filter)

An i Robot hoover uses AeroVac filters. This corresponds to the HEPA class. Incidentally, from HEPA level 13 onwards, 99.95% of particles are removed, so that really every allergy sufferer can breathe easy.

Volume

The noise level can prove to be a significant factor in everyday operation. If the robot vacuum cleaner is unreasonably loud, this has a negative effect on many circumstances. Examples include mental work, conversations, relaxing activities as well as general stress levels. Pets may also be startled.

You can tell whether your model of choice is low-noise by the sound level, which is expressed in dB (decibels). According to laws, only hoovers with a maximum sound level of 80 dB may be approved in the EU. This means that hearing damage in adults can be ruled out. Quiet, however, is definitely not the case.

A robot vacuum cleaner with a maximum of 65 dB can be classified as relatively quiet. An i Robot hoover can reach a commendable 60 dB. However, some models reach a peak of 70 dB, which is why a careful look is always required. Incidentally, there is not yet a model on the market as a whole that is hardly noticeable. This development is still pending.

Price

Of course, the price also has a certain influence on the decision. In principle, it should be in a fair proportion to your own requirements. The more comfort and the more smart technologies you expect, the more you have to invest. In particular, powerful lithium-ion batteries and comprehensive navigation systems are associated with a surcharge.

An i Robot hoover can be as cheap as it is expensive. Therefore, there is something for every wallet. The entry-level model Roomba 605, for example, is already available for less than 200 Pounds. Absolute premium devices, such as the Roomba i7 and its automatic suction station, cost around 1000 Pounds.

i Robot hoover – What it has to offer you

A vacuum cleaner from iRobot has many advantages to offer you. The Roomba models have proven themselves in countless households. Because the manufacturer has been working on robotics for private household appliances for more than 2 decades, you can always rely on the hoover’s work. Nevertheless, not every requirement can be met. So that you can comfortably weigh up the pros and cons, we have created a table for you below:

Video: Review about the iRobot Roomba 960