Description
Buyer’s Guide and Review: iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
If you’re in the market for a robotic vacuum that doubles as a mop and offers advanced features such as smart mapping and self-emptying capabilities, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is worth your consideration. Here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide and review to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of iRobot Roomba Combo i5+
Model Name: Roomba Combo i5+
Brand: iRobot
Color: Black
Dimensions: 13.4″ L x 13.5″ W x 3.6″ H
Weight: 7 pounds
Battery Life: 180 minutes
Self-Emptying: Yes, for up to 60 days
Control Method: Voice (compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant)
Included Components: Roomba i5 Robot Vacuum, 2 Cleaning Pads, Extra High-Efficiency Filter, Roomba Combo Bin, 2 Dirt Disposal Bags, Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
Key Features
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Self-Emptying Capability: The i5+ can empty its bin autonomously for up to 60 days, reducing the frequency of manual maintenance.
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Smart Mapping: It learns the layout of your home and allows you to direct it to clean specific rooms whenever needed.
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Dual Functionality: It functions as both a vacuum and a mop, providing a thorough clean for various floor types.
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Efficient Cleaning: The 4-Stage Cleaning System, including Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, adjusts to different surfaces and effectively captures pet hair.
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Voice Control: Seamless integration with smart home devices lets you control the vacuum using simple voice commands.
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Dirt Detect Technology: The vacuum can identify dirtier areas and focus on them for a more thorough clean.
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User-Friendly App: The iRobot Home app enhances control, allowing you to customize cleaning schedules and monitor cleaning history.
Performance and User Experience
Users have praised the Roomba Combo i5+ for its powerful performance, especially in homes with children and pets. The smart mapping feature is a standout, allowing for efficient cleaning without unnecessary overlaps.
Pros:
- Convenient Self-Emptying: The self-emptying feature is highly appreciated, making it easy to maintain cleanliness without frequent intervention.
- Thorough Cleaning: The combination of vacuuming and mopping capabilities provides a more comprehensive clean.
- User-Friendly Setup: Many users reported that setup through the app was straightforward and intuitive.
Cons:
- Noise Level: A few users found the vacuum to be on the noisy side, which could be an issue in quieter environments.
- Learning Curve for Features: Some users noted a bit of a learning curve in fully utilizing all features, particularly the smart mapping.
User Feedback
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Satisfaction with Cleaning: Users have shared that the i5+ keeps their homes clean consistently, especially in homes with pets. One user noted it effectively picked up pet hair and dirt, making it a useful addition to their cleaning routine.
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Setup Experience: Many found the setup process easy and appreciated the mapping feature that allowed for targeted cleaning.
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Noise Concern: While most agree the i5+ works well, some mentioned that it could be noisy during operation, particularly in smaller spaces.
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Customer Service Issues: A few users reported difficulties with customer service, particularly concerning returns and refunds, suggesting that while the product is effective, post-purchase support could be improved.
Overall Rating
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: ★★★★★ (4.5/5)
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Value for Money: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Customer Support: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
- Noise Level: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How does the self-emptying feature work?
A1: The Roomba Combo i5+ automatically empties its bin into a Clean Base that holds up to 60 days of debris. This means you won’t have to worry about emptying the vacuum frequently.
Q2: Can I control the Roomba with my smartphone?
A2: Yes, the iRobot Home app allows you to schedule cleanings, set boundaries, and monitor the robot’s performance right from your smartphone.
Q3: Is the Roomba Combo i5+ suitable for homes with pets?
A3: Absolutely! It features specialized brushes and a robust cleaning system designed to capture pet hair and dander effectively.
Q4: How noisy is the Roomba when it operates?
A4: While the Roomba Combo i5+ is effective in cleaning, some users have reported that it can be a bit noisy, especially in smaller areas.
Q5: What kind of cleaning solution can I use for mopping?
A5: You can fill the Roomba Combo Bin’s tank with a compatible cleaning solution or just water. Refer to the iRobot website for a list of suitable cleaning solutions.
Conclusion
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is an impressive robotic vacuum and mop that excels in performance and convenience. While it has a few drawbacks, such as noise level and customer service issues, the benefits outweigh the cons for many users. If you’re looking to invest in a smart cleaning solution that saves time and effort, the Roomba Combo i5+ could be a valuable addition to your home cleaning arsenal.
RICARDO J MARQUEZ –
It’s a bit noisy, and we needed a specialist to clean it at the office afterward.
Mohammed –
Over the years, I’ve owned about six robot vacuums from four different brands. The earlier models lacked power and battery life, but they did the job until they broke down after a couple of years. A couple of years ago, I purchased a lower-priced iRobot vacuum, which has been efficiently cleaning my bedrooms and offices. It has worked almost flawlessly, provided I maintain it properly and replace parts as needed. My only minor complaint is that it’s a bit noisy. I had been eyeing the i7+ for a while and finally decided to buy it. My plan was to set it up in my second home, where I visit every few weeks, to keep the dust and pet hair in check while I’m away, replacing the vacuum bag during my visits. Honestly, I wasn’t very optimistic, but I have been pleasantly surprised.
Several features stand out compared to my older iRobot. First, it’s significantly quieter—while it still has a buzz, it doesn’t sound like an industrial machine. Second, the battery life is impressive; I can get nearly an hour of cleaning from the i7+, while my older model struggles after about 20 minutes. Third, this vacuum is much smarter; it remembers where it has cleaned and resumes from where it left off, returning to the base station to empty and recharge. Lastly, my older model frequently got stuck on stairs or wedged between furniture, but the i7+ has yet to get stuck and has successfully freed itself from tight spots. There are many improvements!
The auto dirt disposal system has been fantastic so far. Whether controlled via the app or manually, the vacuum docks at the charging station, and a powerful vacuum kicks on (much noisier than the robot itself, similar to a traditional vacuum) to suck all the dirt from the robot’s container into the bag in the base unit. This process takes about 15 seconds, and a quick check shows it does a great job emptying the robot. Occasionally, I do need to clean the rollers (especially since I have pets), but I’m only doing that once every two to four weeks, which is manageable. The dirt bag lasts about four weeks, though it filled up in just two days during the first cleaning due to my four dogs and a cat. Without pets, I suspect I’d only need to replace the bag every month or two. The bag design is clever, featuring a sliding door to prevent dust from spilling when it’s removed.
I’m truly impressed with the i7+. It hasn’t caused a single issue so far, and while I know that can’t last, I’m thrilled with its performance. I’m even considering getting a second one for the other floor of the house. While it’s not cheap, when I think about paying cleaning staff for the same job, it practically pays for itself in a month. I’ve come across many negative reviews, but I have nothing to complain about.
Update: After two years, the i7s are still functioning perfectly. I also own several s9+ models, which have been troublesome; they often jam, stop working, and report dirty sensors daily. The i7s just work flawlessly. I plan to replace my s9s with i7s. I can’t recommend the i7+ enough!
pfk93 –
It’s been about 18 months since I purchased the iRobot i7+, and so far, everything is going smoothly—no issues at all. I recently did a thorough cleaning and discovered, through various YouTube tutorials, just how easy it is to maintain the wheels and remove debris. Initially, I struggled without doing any research, but once I learned the proper techniques, it became a breeze. The designers of the iRobot clearly considered ease of cleaning when creating this product. I’m happy to say it still holds a 5-star rating.
Here’s a summary of my experience with the iRobot i7+: I bought this vacuum to replace my Neato Connected, which was good at cleaning but had reliability issues; I had to repair it three times in less than five years, costing nearly $400. When the battery failed and the robot began losing its way, I decided it was time for a change.
Upon receiving the iRobot, I followed the straightforward installation instructions, updated the software easily, and let it charge fully. I set it to clean my entire house (about 2200 sq ft). It ran for about an hour before returning to the base to recharge, then resumed for another 10 minutes before stopping with an error message regarding the dust bin. I appreciated that the error message appeared in the iPhone app, which included a “Learn more” button that led to a tutorial on how to fix the issue. After cleaning the dust bin, I turned it back on, but the same error occurred shortly afterward. Just as I was ready to return the robot, I decided to search YouTube for solutions. I found a video that suggested removing the two brushes for a thorough cleaning, where I discovered a paper clip causing the blockage. Once I cleared that, it worked perfectly. The “Learn more” feature could have provided more comprehensive guidance.
I ran the iRobot several times to clean my house, but it struggled to create a complete map. Eventually, I discovered an option in the app that allowed me to map the house without cleaning. After completing the mapping, I could name rooms, adjust walls, and create cleaning areas, which was a great feature and definitely worth the upgrade from the i3.
I recently sent the robot to clean just my bedroom, and it performed flawlessly, cleaning the entire room before returning to the base to empty its dust bin, just as expected.
A few things to watch for:
1) The robot picked up a small piece of paper, which blocked the base’s opening during emptying. Thankfully, I was able to resolve the issue quickly.
2) The self-emptying feature works well but is quite loud for 15-30 seconds while processing debris. I wouldn’t recommend running it at night, as it could wake you.
3) The dust bin in the iRobot is smaller than my previous Neato vacuum. If you don’t get the i7+ with the self-emptying base, you may find yourself emptying the bin multiple times, especially if your home is larger. My Neato had passed away, so there was quite a bit of accumulated dust during the first cleaning.
That’s my experience after the first couple of days. Once I addressed the initial issues, the i7+ did a great job cleaning, operates quietly, and has some useful features in the iPhone app. Assuming I don’t encounter any further problems, I would recommend the i7+ (more so than the i7 due to the size of the dust bin).
Days 2-7 went smoothly, with no issues, and my home has stayed much cleaner compared to when I relied on manual sweeping and dusting. A couple of months later, I faced some problems, but the support team was very kind and helped me resolve them over three days. After a factory reset and complete mapping, everything functioned perfectly. I found that cleaning only a quarter of the house each day worked best, as it reduced the need for recharging and ensured the robot always returned to the charger without forgetting where it left off.
FellowCustomer –
It becomes more efficient as it creates the maps, but the noise is a downside.
Patrick and Taryn –
The Roomba i7 is truly worth the investment. Having used Roombas for over ten years, I initially appreciated them more for their novelty than for their actual cleaning capabilities. As a bachelor in a small apartment, the random movement of earlier models sufficed. However, when we moved to a larger condo with toddlers, the older versions struggled to keep up. Now, with two almost pre-teen kids and two huskies, we definitely needed a more effective solution, and the i7 has delivered.
After installing dark wood floors, we quickly discovered that everything shows up—crumbs from across the room and fur from our white and black huskies are all too visible. We regularly sweep and mop to tackle the usual messes, but there’s nothing quite like waking up to spotless floors. We chose the i7 for its mapping capabilities, but it offers so much more.
Pros:
Cons:
Regarding the choice between the i7 and the newer s9 series, I initially aimed for the latest model. However, reviews for the s9 were mixed, with issues like getting stuck and battery problems. While those may have been resolved, I opted for the i7 because it was reliable right out of the box and more affordable due to the s9 release. The s9 does offer some upgraded features, but the i7 can manage tight spaces just as well with its side brush. Overall, I recommend the i7 over the s9 for now, but that could change in the future.
Alfredo Sanchez Salazar –
The product did not match the description; they sent me an item that only vacuums. To make matters worse, I had to pay for the return shipping, which cost 2,650 Mexican pesos. They assured me over the phone that I would be reimbursed immediately upon sending the receipt, but after I submitted it, I received a response outlining their refund policy, stating it could take up to 35 days after the returned product arrives. This feels insulting, as the error was not my fault. I’ve already spent over 10,000 Mexican pesos and now have neither the product nor my money. The post-sale service to resolve issues with Amazon, suppliers, and logistics is TERRIBLE.
Alfredo Sanchez Salazar –
I purchased this Roomba as a gift for my mom, who has always wanted one. It arrived in a large box containing the robot, the self-emptying charging station, and two replacement bags.
Setting it up using the iRobot app was incredibly easy and went smoothly without any issues. The robot came with a low charge, which I assume is a shipping safety requirement.
After setting up the app, we let it charge for a bit before proceeding with the Smart Map setup. It mapped out our entire floor plan without vacuuming, and we were able to set boundaries and name each room through the app. The mapping process took about an hour as it learned to navigate around obstacles like tables and chairs.
I scheduled it to clean automatically from Monday to Friday and tested the “Hey Siri” feature on my iPhone, which worked seamlessly. The robot notifies you when it completes a cleaning session and I believe it will also alert you if it gets stuck. It handles carpets like a pro and hasn’t gotten stuck anywhere so far.
While vacuuming, it operates fairly quietly, but the self-emptying process is quite loud. I wouldn’t recommend scheduling it to run overnight, as the noise from emptying could disturb everyone.
Overall, I think this product is worth the price and I would recommend it.