iRobot invented the Roomba, so is its newest floor bot, the iRobot Combo j9+ still a market leader? The company has made some possibly curious choices about how this bot works, so in this hands-on review I’ll try it out, show you what it’s good at and what it won’t do. And I’ll explain why this mopping miss isn’t actually anything to worry about.

iRobot Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop review

Plus I talked to iRobot about this bot and they gave me some interesting insight about why it does —and doesn’t—include some popular features.

What you get

iRobot has been taking its time advancing in the robot vacuum world. As the de-facto inventors of the robot vacuum, making Roomba as synonymous with floor cleaning as Asprin, Jello and Kleenex are with their own product categories.

This is iRobot’s first foray into a fully automated vacuum and mop combo unit. The company is several years behind competitors Roborock and Ecovacs, but in my opinion, if they’ve taken their time developing the product in hopes of making it the best it can be, this may have been worth the wait.

The Roomba Combo j9 robot itself has a very unique design where the mopping plate actually lives on top of the robot on a set of articulating arms. When the robot detects that it needs to begin mopping, it lifts the mop and plate off its own back and settles it under its backside.

Watch my hands-on, in-home full review of iRobot Combo j9+

The Roomba Combo j9+ comes with an automatic dustbin emptying and water-refilling station that can manage some of the maintenance for you (the Plus in the name denotes it has that auto-empty base). I will say the base station is both compact and extremely well-designed, using what appears to be a wood grain top to help it blend into your space a little better; you could even use this as a small side table, and that’s exactly what iRobot intends.

(By the way the iRobot j9+ is the vacuum-only version of this bot, in case you’re wondering. ‘Combo in the name indicates the Roomba can mop, while the ‘+’ denotes an autoemptying base station.)

What you won’t get

It is worth noting what you will not get with this unit, particularly because these features are extremely common on robot competitors. The base station is smaller because it has a more limited feature-set: The mopping plate is not going to be cleaned or dried by the dock. It’s up to you to keep the mopping pad tidy.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to iRobot team about this new floor robot. iRobot tells me this is for a few reasons; primarily that it feels self-cleaning base stations become nasty and dirty themselves after a few days or weeks of self-cleaning and the company is trying to figure out if it can do better.

iRobot says the company has been prioritizing dirt and dust pick-up and making their robots the absolute best at vacuuming. They developed some impressive vacuuming and dirt detection features, and even improved object recognition and hazard avoidance (Roombas can detect and avoid pet poop, by the way), something the company was already extraordinarily good at.

The question I have is does the hyper-focus on vacuuming mean the robot will not be as adept at mopping? We will find out in my cleaning tests.

Something you should know: no mopping-only option

There is something you should know before we get too much further. This robot has only two settings; it will vacuum, and it will vacuum and mop together. There is no mop-only setting. Within a few days I found this extremely disappointing… But we will get to more on this and why I think it’s a problem coming up.

Set up

Setting up your Roomba is going to be a really easy process. I’ve set up quite a few floor cleaners from iRobot and have always found the experience quick and easy.

You’ll power the robot on by plugging it in, and ensure that it’s got a little bit of charge. Then use the iRobot app to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. The app is easy to follow and takes you through the process step-by-step. I was online and ready to roll in about five minutes. The first thing your robot will need to do is create a virtual map of your home. It does this by going out on an initial vacuuming run, and using its array of cameras and sensors to map your space. I had a very accurate virtual map on the very first day.

With the virtual map you can schedule room-specific cleanings, find your robot at any time, or even create no-go zones and the app makes this easy even for newbies.

Cleaning tests

Mopping technology

Let’s get a closer look at the mop.

Some robot mops use a simple flat cloth dragged across your floor and call it mopping, or perhaps they may use a sonic vibration of the pad to help scrub, while other (more expensive) bots use spinning fluffy pads to scour.

The Roomba j9+ appears to have tried to find a middle ground, and opted for a narrow, crescent-shaped flat pad with a microfibre cloth on top for its mopping. There is obviously no spinning, and no vibration, but iRobot says the bot uses what’s called smart scrub which combines downward pressure on the mopping pad with a back-and-forth motion over stains that it detect with its cameras and sensors.

You can see this in action in my video; the bot runs back and forth over the floor, overlapping its motion to rub stains and spills away.

This combines with downward pressure from the bot is what should be able to scrub off even dried on spills and dribbles.

Cleaning – you can’t just mop

Now with that said, you don’t get to decide when and where your robot mops; the robot does it for you. This is because iRobot says the dirt detection features are so robust that you shouldn’t have to intervene.

But in truth there were many times when I had drips and dribbles on the kitchen floor that I just wanted taken care of, and had to wait for the robot to figure out when to mop on its own. This usually followed a lengthy bout of vacuuming, meaning it was more often than not just faster and easier for me to wipe up small spills with a cloth… which honestly is probably true of a lot of floor bots.

Every time I test out a robot vacuum they all go through the same cleaning test; for mopping, I will spill drips and dribbles on the floor of things like coffee, soy sauce or juice. I will let some of these dry to see how well the robot is able to scrub up dried-on messes. When it comes to vacuuming I will also sprinkle finer things like flour or sugar, rice or oatmeal and larger cracker pieces on both carpet and hard floors to test suction.

As you can see with the mopping…
The Combo j9+ was okay at wiping up small damp spills, but sometimes the mopping pad wasn’t saturated enough to completely clean a spot, and would smear things around. Id’d give it about an 8 or 9 out of 10 on wet spills.

With dried on spills I can say the Smart Scrub feature makes a huge difference. I let it tackle dried coffee on the floor just on a single-pass setting. As you can see in the video it did quite a poor job, and left most of the spill behind. When I sent it back to the same area with the smart scrub feature enabled, it was easily able to scour away the entire area, including a large dried spill I made accidentally and didn’t think it would get. By the time the Combo j9+ was completely finished, the floor was spotless.

One last little caveat I’ll add here is that for the most part the robot should be able to figure out how best to clean your home on its own; however if you create a special clean zone, you may not find the smart scrub feature enables by default and you’ll have to turn this on yourself.

Retractable mopping pad: better or worse?

iRobot has some thoughts on why a retractable mopping pad—the Auto-Retract Mopping System is better than simple mop lifting, saying that a few millimetres of lifting may not be enough to prevent rugs from being dampened, or germs from being spread onto carpets or rugs.

Vacuum tests

When it comes to vacuuming the Combo j9+ is quite good at getting dedicated spills off the floors. It does appear to have the ability to see when there’s more debris or dirt and it will make numerous passes over a very dirty area.

On carpet and rugs, the Combo j9+ was also good at the dedicated spills, picking up about 95-99% of those, but it was less adept at getting the stubborn pet hair that tends to congregate on rugs.

Prioritizes dirtiest rooms first

One of the features that’s interesting about the Combo j9+ is what’s called Dirt Detective.

Dirt Detective creates a cleaning plan based on how often each room is cleaned and how frequently dirt is detected in each room. You can see the current state of clean in the iRobot Home App. Selecting Dirt Detective to start cleaning will enable your robot to automatically prioritize the dirtiest rooms and use the most optimal cleaning settings for each.

I can confirm that when I sent the j9 out it would often start in my kitchen, which I’d say is the room that needs the most attention.

Last note on the vacuuming; iRobot refuses to play the pascals game. By that I mean the company does not disclose what the suction power of its robots is (usually shown in pascals, like many other manufacturers do). The company tells me this is because “suction does not always equate to better cleaning performance. Suction is only one factor in a complex cleaning equation that includes agitation, type of debris, air path, sealing, etc. Many robot vacuum makers list inflated suction power figures, which is more of a marketing tactic.

Fair enough.

Zone cleaning

If you want to have your robot clean higher traffic or frequently dirty areas more often, you will need to create what’s called a cleaning zone. Unlike some other robots, you cannot simply choose a zone on the spot and have your robot go out. You will need to create these zones in advance and store them in the app. (Great for regular cleanings but not as great for the, ‘oops I dropped some sugar over there’.)You can do this by going into your robot, and choosing your map. Once you have clicked into the map you will see the option for Zones and Clean Zones. Once you create that zone once, you can use it again and again.

Runtime/Battery

Didn’t see a runtime declared on the iRobot website, but surfing around and checking the Amazon listing, it appears we can expect about 140 minutes of runtime on a single charge.

Overall review: iRobot Combo j9+

Overall the new iRobot Combo j9+ won me over, because at its heart it cleans really well. Let’s go over the pros and cons.

On the pro side, the design of the base station is quite lovely, and the auto mop refilling is helpful, as is the auto emptying of the dustbin. Obstacle avoidance and hazard recognition is outstanding, and there was not one time where the bot got stuck and I had to rescue it. I think the cleaning power is excellent, and the dirt detective feature does truly seem to work; more often than not I definitely found it working harder on dirtier areas. And with the smart scrub feature enabled, the mopping plate is truly able to power away even set in and dried on stains. Plus the more it cleans and learns your house, the more it will learn where dirt tends to congregate and it can prioritize cleaning those areas first.

That’s not to say this robot doesn’t have its downsides; in the end, they may or may not be major dealbreakers for you but they are things you should be aware of. For starters, you cannot simply ask this robot to go out and mop. It decides where, and how it cleans. I did find that it struggled suctioning finer pet hair out of plusher rugs and left quite a bit behind.

There is no automatic cleaning of the mopping pad, and after a while, it did start to smell quite musty and mildew. My recommendation would be to wash the pad every few days if you see it picking up more spills. There is an extra step or two to create special cleaning zones and you can’t simply enact a spot cleaning. I did also find the dustbin didn’t quite empty fully every time; it was really just a few crumbs left behind that wouldn’t impede the next cleaning, but it’s something I’ll keep an eye on. The other downside for some folks is going to be the high price.

Recommended retail price is about $1799CAD/$1399USD (though I have seen them on sale for much less). if you spend just a smidge more you could upgrade to a floor-cleaning robot that does have more self-cleaning and mop-washing features. You can find it on Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.

Even so, taking a look at this bot on its own merits, it’s a mostly capable and thorough floor bot that does a great job. I can definitely recommend the iRobot Combo j9+ to you and it’s now my top pick for iRobot floor bot.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post iRobot Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

What’s next for the company that basically invented the robot vacuum? iRobot and its Roomba seems like it’s been left behind as the robot floor bot category has evolved… while others are creating fully automated floor machines, Roomba is just kind of ticking along making minor upgrades. So is it still worth getting a Roomba? Especially when the much-touted mopping feature wouldn’t perform as advertised?

Review: iRobot Combo j5+ robot vacuum with mop

Picking the right Roomba vacuum for your household in 2023 involves understanding a few terms in the way the company names their vacuums. The “Combo” moniker indicates the vacuum having mopping capabilities as well while the “+” points to iRobot’s Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal docking station being included for the price. Basically, opting for the non-plus model leaves you with the small charging station puck, and saves you around $200 USD.

Read my review of iRobot Roomba s9+

What you get

The Roomba Combo j5+ is a dual purpose vacuum and mop from iRobot. While some bots can manage vacuuming and mopping, and do either one or both at the same time all on their own, this particular bot does require some help from you to switch it from vacuum-only mode to vacuum and mop. You’ll see why in a sec. The $999 Canadian price put it near the uppermost tier of vacuum robots but since that top end has continued to climb even higher approaching $1500 or $2000CAD, I guess in a way you could call this a more mid priced option.

Determining whether the iRobot Combo j5+ is a good fit for your household involves identifying the vacuum’s limits. There is a reason why the pricier Roomba j7+ and j9+ models exist after all. Think of the Combo j5+ as a robot vacuum which you’ll primarily use as a vacuum with the mopping feature as something you could use if you don’t mind the sacrifices that come with it.

iRobot makes this obvious with its “swap and mop” system because why have a dedicated dust bin when you can use the included Combo Bin for both mopping and vacuuming?

Unfortunately, the Combo Bin removes the vacuum’s ability to automatically empty its contents to the docking station because the water tank within the bin blocks it. iRobot’s Dirt Detect technology which causes the vacuum to work harder in dirtier areas also doesn’t work with the Combo Bin installed. Keep those caveats in mind before buying as iRobot advertises the self-emptying capability as a core feature. On the upside, having swappable bins is quite neat as you can choose between having more space for longer vacuuming sessions or sacrificing some space to do a little bit of mopping.

What’s in the box?

There’s not a lot in the package; you’ll get the recharging and Auto empty dock with power cord, your j5 Roomba robot, and an extra bin for mopping alongside a small cloth. An extra filter is also in the box.

The auto-empty bin is smaller than some of the other newer floor bots, because all it’s doing is emptying the dustbin; there’s no auto-refilling or autoemptying or self cleaning of the mopping module here. It’s actually got a nice design that’s a little smaller and more elegant than some others.

Set up

It’s been quite some time since I set up a Roomba vacuum, but I’m delighted to report that little has changed; these robots will set up in just a couple of moments with just a few taps on the iRobot app. Once you get your bot plugged in and it has a partial charge, you can add it into the app and connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Once connected to Wi-Fi you’ll be able to have all automated control over your cleaning bot.

Extra setup steps

I’m going to jump ahead here for a moment and let you know there’s an extra step to the set up process that may or may not be made clear to you—it was not to me.

You will need to add the mopping bin to your iRobot app before you will be able to clean with it. I’m led to believe by iRobot customer service that instructions on this should be included in your package, but they were missing from my box. That meant a frustrating few hours of troubleshooting and a call to customer service for help. I’ll get to more on this in a sec…

Mapping your home

The first time you send your robot out it will begin to map your home. iRobot says it may take several runs through your house before it is able to generate a full map. While this is much longer than many other floor cleaning robots today, it’s not that bad. I had my map generated on the first day, within about 2 hours.

When you’re ready to mop you’ll need to swap the bins. First slide the small tab from the cloth into the notch on the bottom of the mop module, then lay the cloth onto the grippy velcro which will hold it securely in place. Then fill the water tank. With this mopping module, the water tank is actually quite small (210ml/7oz). You can see it in this particular photo/video; the water tank wraps around the dust bin, which means the dustbin size and how much it can pick up it also smaller.

When you make the switch, your robot should automatically detect it’s time for a wet-dry combination clean and also start water flowing.

How does j5+ compare to j7?

The Roomba j5 essentially converts Roomba’s j7 vacuum to a hard floor vacuum & mop system with the switch of a bin.

Vacuum suction power

Despite scouring the Internet, I was not easily able to find out what the declared suction power of this robot vacuum is. This is a pretty common spec that many people are familiar with, measured in pascals. I found it a little odd that this was not information that was made obvious.

Vacuuming

You can expect the Roomba j5+ to move around your home in neat, efficient rows for a wall-to wall clean without missing a spot. With overlapping passes, your robot purposefully & logically cleans in parallel lines across multiple floor types.

The vacuuming is actually quite good and I’d say the j5+ gets about 95-99% of all debris.

One other thing I absolutely need to point out here is the jet engine level noise the J5 combo produces when it is auto emptying the onboard dustbin. It is easily one of the loudest auto emptying sequences I have ever heard, and it seems to go on forever.

The onboard dustbin gets emptied into an enclosed bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, depending of course how often you’re running it.

Mopping – not as easy as you think

I ran into some trouble when I decided to switch to mopping.

I filled the mopping tank and loaded the mopping place into the robot. Water immediately starts leaking onto the pad, so don’t fill the tank until you’re absolutely ready to use it, and don’t set it down on any wooden surfaces.

Despite supposedly being able to understand when each plate is installed, the j5 began a series of auto-empty attempts. It tried to empty the bin three times in a row.

No auto-emptying with Mopping plate

The problem of course is that this bin is not actually compatible with the auto-empty station.

The mopping plate essentially covers the port where the auto-emptying takes place, which means when you have the mopping tank installed, your robot cannot empty its own bin.
This is actually a huge problem, and if you were thinking you would just simply leave the mopping plate on all the time, this means you can’t do it if you want the robot to empty itself out.

Setting aside that frustration for the moment, I went looking for any instructions about what I was doing wrong when trying to initialize the mopping. There’s no manual and only basic three-step instructions in the box, so I followed the directions to go to iRobot owners guide website. In case you need yours you can find it here.

After going through the manual with a fine toothcomb, I couldn’t find any reason why the mop would not start cleaning. I swapped the tanks back around a few times and tried again with the same results; the Auto-empty bin kept trying to evacuate the mop. I also could not schedule the mopping clean in the iRobot app, and at no time would the app recognize when the mopping bin was installed.

I finally broke down and dialed iRobot’s customer service number (1-877-855-8593). After waiting for about 30 minutes I learned one needs to add the mopping plate to the app as a special accessory in order for it to work!

Nowhere in any of the instructions included in my box does it say you need to add the bin separately, but the customer care rep told me this is standard operating procedure for this robot.

How to add iRobot Combo mopping bin as a special accessory

To do this, you need to go to the iRobot app and hit the hamburger menu in the top right. Choose Add your product, then let it search. Choose Scan QR Code and scan the QR code which is printed on the top of the mopping bin. You’ll get a confirmation and further instructions on how to use it.

Actual mopping: no mop lifting

If you’ve created a home map, you can use it to create “No Mop Zones” giving you better control of the areas you want to mop and don’t want to get wet. To be clear, there’s no mop lifting, so if the j5 does venture onto a rug, with the mop attached you might find it damp afterwards. I actually didn’t find it would get rugs damp enough to worry me, but my rugs aren’t super precious.
You also need to prepare yourself for the extra manual work involved with mopping. The docking station doesn’t come with refilling water tanks so you need to refill every time, and it lacks automatic mop cleaning or drying features (again, you’ll pay dearly for these on other robot models).

How well does it mop?

All of that aside it’s time to get to how effective it is as a mop… and unfortunately the news is not good. This mop is mostly limited to a light dusting wipe to follow up your vacuuming. It’s not really going to clean or mop anything, and certainly nothing substantial or dried on. I tried it on an extremely small of dried coffee and I’d say it was only able to remove about 50 or 60% of it..

Hazard recognition and detection

iRobot as always been one of the leaders when it comes to hazard detection, recognition, and avoidance. In my experience I robot is still doing a good job with this. The robot did not get stuck or trapped at all in my testing.

Overall review: iRobot Combo j5+

Overall have to say I’m extremely disappointed in this robot. iRobot was one of the first robots I ever reviewed and I have a lot of love for the brand, but it appears the company has just not kept pace with the rest of its competitors. I can see the way this review is leaning without even tallying things up, but let’s go over the pros and cons anyhow.

On the pro side, it vacuums well, and empties its own dustbin into a sealed bag. The Combo j5+ is also outstanding at hazard avoidance and navigation, including at avoiding poop (though since I don’t have that problem I could not personally verify this).

When it comes to the cons, I’m going to need a few lines here to recap; You have to swap dust bins out in order to mop. The mopping bin must be set up as its own accessory before it can be used. The mop has no scrubbing or vibrating properties to scour away dried-on dirt. The auto emptying is jet engine loud. There’s no adjustable suction or water flow and no mop cleaning or drying. The tank constantly leaks water and should be emptied and put away after each use. If you are using the mopping plate you can’t Auto empty the dust bin so you do manually need to tip it into a garbage can. The dirt detection feature also does not work if you have the mopping plate installed. And the mopping is really only good for a light dusting wipe. Finally, this is a very expensive floor robot to have this many limitations.

Selling (regularly) for about $999CAD/$799USD, there’s just no way to justify this kind of price. My recommendation would be if you like the iRobot brand, to go with one of their budget bots like i3+ EVO since it will have many of the vacuuming properties you’d be looking for at a far lower price. I also love the peerless vacuuming abilities of my Roomba s9+ which I still run three times weekly. If you want better overall floor cleaning ability including better mopping, I’d recommend spending a few hundred dollars more and getting a more premium-level automated floor cleaning bot something like the Ecovacs T20 Omni or one of Roborock’s vacuum and mops. I am also about to review the newest iRobor flagship bot, the iRobot Combo j9+ and I have high hopes this will be a lot more versatile.

Shop the iRobot Combo j5+ robot vacuum on Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Review: iRobot Combo j5+ robot vacuum with mop appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

I’ve owned a robot vacuum of one kind or another for years. The convenience and ease with which they can keep your home tidy between deep cleanings is important to me. While the cleaning properties and helpfulness of these gadgets have been hard to argue with, the price has kept this technology out of reach for a lot of customers. That may change with the launch of the Roomba® i3+ robot vacuum. This iRobot version is packed with advanced features and has a softer new look. Starting at a much more budget-friendly $749CAD, the Roomba i3+ gives you some of the features of the higher end Roombas like intelligent navigation, self-emptying capabilities using the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, and it lets you control almost every aspect of your clean using the iRobot app. So is this budget bot on par with pricier vacuums and how well does it clean? Let’s dig in since I had a chance to have one of these running in my home for a few weeks of review…

A word about older models of i3+

I’ll make a quick note here about anyone who bought the original i3+. If you purchased your vacuum a few years ago, it was simply known as the i3+, without the EVO designation. The great news for anyone who owns one of the original bots is that a firmware update will give you the mapping smarts, without you needing to purchase a brand new bot. Kudos to iRobot for that, and for dropping the price on this model, while adding those smarts.

Starting at a much more budget-friendly $549US/$699CAD, the Roomba i3+ gives you some of the features of the higher end Roombas like intelligent navigation, self-emptying capabilities using the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, and it lets you control almost every aspect of your clean using the iRobot app. So is this budget bot on par with pricier vacuums and how well does it clean? Let’s dig in since I had a chance to have one of these running in my home for a few weeks of review…

What do you get with iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo?

In the package you’ll get a new look round Roomba vacuum; the new look is thanks to a softer woven panel on the top of the bot. While iRobot says it’s meant to be more durable, and that the woven texture will minimize fingerprints and collect less dust, I think it’s more likely you just won’t be able to see the dust and prints so well any more on the textured surface.

The i3+ works just like any other Roomba, it kind of feels its way around your room by nudging into things, then avoiding obstacles or blocks and moving on. Cliff sensors prevent it from falling down stairs.

Also in this kit is the iRobot Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit. This automatic empty container was launched a couple years ago on pricier Roombas like the i7 and s9 (the + in the name indicates the disposal base is included). You do also have the option of just purchasing the vacuum bot for a lower price.

What’s the advantage of the iRobot Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit?

This dustbin is a game changer for vacuum owners and it has a few features which make it an upgrade worth considering.

The clean base means the Roomba can now empty itself. The newest Robot in the Roomba fleet is available with a special dock that contains a dustbin and sealed vacuum bag, so that any time the Roomba is full, it’ll head back to its base station and automatically empty itself. This dock is also a charging station, and the robot will go home to recharge before finishing a clean if it needs to.

Once it docks you’ll hear the internal vacuum come on (yes, this is very much a vacuum within a vacuum!) and it sucks all the dirt out of the onboard dustbin and into a bag inside the base. You’ll never see a grain of dirt.

The emptying process is loud and I’d say it sounds like a regular upright vacuum on full, and it’s definitely quite a contrast to the low noise level of the Roomba itself.

Special vacuum bags to keep grime & allergens in

Roomba i3+ and its Clean Base also has a high efficiency filter and Allergen-Lock bags that capture 99 % of pollen, mold, and dustmites plus cat and dog allergens. That means that when the vacuum empties itself it’s not spewing dirty air back into the room. The base and bags should hold about 60 days worth of cleaning debris, depending on how often you use your bot. In my experience, sweeping every few days only, the bag lasted 3 months!

Getting started with smart mapping

For this bot to work effectively, you need it to first map your space. Essentially your Roomba i3 will go out all over your house and use its sensors to draw an accurate floorplan of your home. Then you can use that to do room-specific cleaning.
Creating the smart map will probably take several passes. You can make this happen all in one day by repeatedly sending the bot out on suction-less mapping runs, or you can just instruct it to go out and clean over a few days. The app will tell you when it’s had enough time in your house to generate the automatic map.

View the map, make adjustments and label rooms

Next, view the map and label your rooms. This will involve putting dividers between rooms or spaces, and giving each room a label. The i3 did a very accurate job of mapping my space. The labelling and naming is pretty straightforward and is easy enough to manage.

Once you have all of your rooms labelled and assigned, you’ll be able to schedule or initiate room specific cleanings on the spot whenever you want. More on that in a bit…

Roomba s9 on left and the i3 on right.

How well does Roomba i3+ clean?

To the question you all no doubt have: how well does this less expensive Roomba clean?

I’ve found overall Roombas clean very well and this robot is no exception; Roombas can pick up a lot of different things, from pet hair, to crumbs, from fine dirt or flour to grittier bits like cereal or crackers. While bigger and looser items like cereal pieces might ger spun across the floor by the brushes sometimes, I find they do gert picked up in subsequent passes.

Special power features of iRobot i3+ Evo

This robot has 3-Stage Cleaning and 10 times the power of older iRobot models says iRobot, which allows it to better inhale embedded dirt, debris and pet hair. Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes underneath also provide different ways to get dirt off the floor and into the bot.

Dirt Detect technology

Something called Dirt Detect Technology removes dirt from high-traffic spots thanks to special sensors that recognize areas that need more attention, prompting the robot to clean them more thoroughly. In my experience with this it was kind of hard to see it working; I didn’t notice it going over certain spots more than others, so I’ll take iRobot’s word for this for now.

How does Roomba i3+ handle different floor types?

The Roomba i3+ handles going over multiple types of floors quite well.

In my home it went from tile to hardwood to carpet and cleaned each floor well. I’ve heard from viewers on my YouTube channel that it doesn’t handle tall transitions between floors well, but in my home it hasn’t been an issue (though honestly my transitions are mostly flat). In short, I would say this Roomba does a great job vacuuming up.

The i3 can get around and underneath things where the pet hair tends to collect, like underneath chairs, dressers and narrower spaces in the hallways.

And the i3 even did a good job of getting into tighter spaces and getting close to corners thanks to a spinning brush near the front of the bot, however his round shape means he can’t get into them perfectly.

That’s another difference the i3 has from the more expensive s9: the D-shape of that Roomba is meant to let it nudge into corners better. With that said, the tiny brushes that extend from the Roomba i3 do increase the robot’s reach.

Overall I was pleased with how the robot was able to clean, and the spaces he was able to get into, but yes, corners and narrow areas are sometimes a challenge.

Handy Spot Cleaning with Roomba i3

The i3 Roomba also has a very handy ‘spot clean’ mode and it works very well. If you drop something on the floor or have a particularly dirty or dusty area, you can carry the Roomba over to it and choose ‘spot clean’.

The i3 starts a spinning dance, sweeping in a series of swirl patterns and picks up whatever’s in that small area. I decided to test this feature by pouring some flour on the floor and then bringing the Roomba over to test it.

I have some grout missing from spots on our tile floor, and while the Roomba did not have the suction power to get the flour out of those deeper crevices, he was able to get every last bit of flour from the tile surface.

Does Roomba i3 get stuck?

I will say I have come home a couple of times to find my Roombas hovering over the stairs, or stuck on a rug or a stray pair of underwear, but it’s not too frequent. That’s because if the i3 gets in a spot he can’t get out of, he’ll just shut down and wait for you to rescue him, beeping out a few ‘help me’ chirps.

He also has a built-in ability to untangle himself from any cords he may get caught on.

Even so, I find Roombas are the least likely of all the robot vacuums I’ve reviewed, to ever get stuck.

Schedule your clean for when you’re not home

Using the schedule feature in the iRobot app, you can choose which days of the week and times of day you’d like your robot to clean for you, making it easy to sweep up while you’re at work or out.

Is iRobot Roomba i3 noisy?

One of the questions many shoppers have when shopping for a robot vacuum is, will it be noisy when it’s running? I can say with confidence, that all vacuums are noisy; where we can debate is the degree of noise. Most folks would not be able to sleep through a robot vacuum cleaning cycle, and you probably wouldn’t want to take a zoom call when it’s running. The handy thing about your robot housekeeper is that you can schedule him to do your bidding while you’re outside, running errands, or otherwise not home.

The emptying of the Dirt Disposal unit is ear-splittingly loud by contrast and audible even clear across the house.

Will my Roomba i3 work with Google or Alexa?

One of the great things about iRobot’s Roomba devices is that it works with both Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant. That means you can just ask your assistant to send it out, send it home, pause the clean and more. I’ve found the digital assistant features work very well and they’re very convenient. Getting them set up involves linking your digital assistant app to the iRobot app, and from there you can say, ‘Google, tell Roomba to sweep the house’.

Can a Roomba robot vacuum replace an upright vacuum?

This is a question I get all the time. The answer is, that depends. While Roomba is a great way to keep regular maintenance down, it can’t go everywhere.
In my experience, it does a lot but you may still need to keep a larger or more powerful vacuum with some attachments to do deeper cleans now and again, and to get into small spaces and handle things like carpet and upholstery.

Overall review: iRobot Roomba i3+ with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal

Overall, this vacuum does a lot: it cleans very well, and I love the automatic dirt disposal, since it cleaner and means I don’t need to empty my bot daily. Any downsides to this device can be fixed by upgrading to different Roombas: if you wan to get that home mapping and clean by room, upgrade to a i7 or s9. While I do think Roombas still get caught or stuck more than they should, that’s a hazard of not picking up dog toys, socks or phone cords before you clean.

I think this Roomba is a great blend of useful features and an affordable price point.

The post Review: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO with Clean Base Dirt Disposal appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How to care for your iRobot Roomba: easy maintenance tips

While each vacuum or Braava jet mop will have its own specific requirements, generally speaking there are some things you can do to keep them in good running order.

How to care for iRobot Roomba: Wipe down the shell & clean sensors

Your robot vacuum or mop navigates using special sensors. They look like little tinted windows.

Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any dust that might impede them seeing their way around.

Similarly, underneath there’s cliff sensors that prevent your robot from falling off ledges. Make sure these are clean too.

Need help locating your sensors? The locations can be found here.

Want to check out more about these robots before you buy? read my reviews of the iRobot Roomba i7+ with Clean Base, the Roomba s9+ with Clean Base, or the Braava Jet m6 mop.

How to care for iRobot Roomba: Clean brushes and rollers

Even if they’re still spinning and the vacuum is still running, fibres, string, threads and hair can get tangled up in the brushes, and these will also hide in the locking mechanisms that hold the rollers in place.

Keeping the rollers clear is important because tough fibres can actually get pulled tight and cut through the rubber if you leave them in place for too long… a fact I found out when I went to shoot this video. Time for a new roller!

Remove the rollers by popping them out; the frame around the rollers opens with the pinch of a level, and each roller is clearly marked with a shape so you put it back correctly. Pull them out, untangle or cut anything obstructing them, and remove any tangles from the ends.

You can and should also remove the front caster wheel and the corner or edge brushes to pull out tightly wound or hidden tangles too. (In some cases you might need a screwdriver.) Either way, it’s pretty easy. Awkward as it is to grasp, pull on the caster wheel and it will pop out.

How to care for iRobot Roomba: Clean the dustbin and bin well

Dust accumulates, not surprisingly in the dust bin and the bin well where it sits. Empty the bin first naturally, then remove the filter. The filter by the way is not washable so if it’s really dirty it might be time to order a replacement.

How to clean iRobot Roomba filter

You can tap the filter to clear dust or use a brush.

Rinse the bin with warm water, and make sure you get all the corners and crevices. Then let it air dry completely before replacing it.

Wipe out the bin well with a damp cloth and remove any debris that’s lingered.

How to care for iRobot Roomba: Keep charging contacts and base station clean

One last cleanup…  you’ll want to wipe the charging contacts on the robot and base station, and wipe any dust or debris from around the base station and vacuum intakes and suction ports.

Now’s also a good time to empty your dust bag if it’s full.

Those are the key tips for you to keep your new Roomba running smoothly.

Shop iRobot Roomba, replacement parts, and vacuum bags on Amazon.

Top tips to help your Roomba have a long life

If you need some quick tips on the best way to keep your Roomba running smoothly, these are some of the best quick fixes out there.

Regular Cleaning:

1. Empty the Dustbin: After every cleaning session, empty the dustbin to prevent it from getting too full, which can affect the vacuum’s performance.
2. Clean Brushes and Rollers: Remove hair, debris, and tangled threads from the brushes and rollers. Regularly check and clean these parts to prevent clogs and maintain suction.

Routine Maintenance:

1. Check Filters: Clean or replace the filters regularly (depending on the model). Clean filters ensure optimal airflow and suction.
2. Inspect Wheels and Sensors: Periodically check the wheels for debris or tangled hair. Clean sensors to ensure they function correctly.

Preparing the Environment:

1. Remove Obstacles: Clear the area of any cords, loose items, or small objects that could obstruct the Roomba’s path.
2. Use Virtual Walls or Barriers: If needed, use virtual walls or barriers provided with some models to limit the vacuum’s access to certain areas.

Charging and Storage:

1. Charge Properly: Ensure the Roomba is placed on its charging dock after use. Keeping it charged maintains battery health.
2. Storage: Store the Roomba and its charging dock in a dry, cool place when not in use.

General Tips:

1. Software Updates: Keep the Roomba’s software updated to access the latest features and improvements.
2. Schedule Regular Cleanings: Depending on your usage and needs, set regular cleaning schedules to keep your space consistently clean.

Deep Cleaning:

1. Periodic Maintenance: Consider deep-cleaning the Roomba itself. Follow manufacturer instructions to disassemble parts for a thorough cleaning.
2. Servicing: If the Roomba experiences issues beyond basic troubleshooting, consider contacting customer support or professional servicing.

Usage Guidelines:

1. Use on Compatible Surfaces: Roombas work well on a variety of surfaces but ensure they are compatible with the specific model you own.
2. Supervision: Especially in new environments, supervise the Roomba initially to ensure it navigates properly and doesn’t get stuck.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help maintain your Roomba’s performance and ensure it operates smoothly for a long time.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you chose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post How to care for your iRobot Roomba: easy maintenance tips appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How do I spot clean with iRobot Roomba J7+?

It used to be that previous bots would allow the robot to be set down in a certain area, and then with the push of a single button on the vacuum, it would clean in a widening circle, effectively doing a targeted cleaning in small areas. With the j7+, I’m sorry to say that feature is officially gone, and I called iRobot to confirm it.

But that may be for a good reason: That’s because the smarter these new robot vacuums get, the more you can customize what they can do. So with the j7+, you’re supposed to now use your custom created home map to direct your bot to a specific place in the home to do a targeted vacuum. Here’s how to do it:

How to clean small areas with iRobot J7+

In the iRobot app, click on the map. You’re going to create a couple of  what are referred to as Clean Zones: In my home I have the Work Triangle in the kitchen.

• Tap Zones to add or create a new zone.
• Choose Add a Clean Zone and you’ll be presented with a square.
• Drag the corners to adjust the square and then place it where you need it.
• Label the zone.

With your Zone created, you can ask Google or Alexa to Clean the Back Door, for example.  Don’t have a voice assistant? You can create a shortcut on the iRobot Roomba app if you like.

• Touch Favourites.
• Choose the plus + sign to add a new zone.
• Scroll down to see you Clean Zones and then tap to add it as a favourite.

So that’s how you can spot clean a small area in your home with your Roomba. Is this as quick as putting your bot down and pressing a button?… probably not, but it is convenient and completely hands free.

So next time you’ve got a pet hair tumbleweed, some spilled flour or crumbs or some kicked off dirt by the door, just remember you may not have a spot clean button but you can direct your iRobot Roomba J7+ to clean a specific room, or a zone you’ve created.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post How to Spot Clean with iRobot Roomba J7+ robot vacuum appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

iRobot j7+ robot vacuum review

I received a sample of the iRobot Roomba j7+ with Clean Base Dirt Disposal unit to test and review in my home. I’ll tell you what’s new and if it seems improved, how well the bot cleans, how the new features work and if I can recommend this bot for your home cleaning needs.

A quick word about the mopping thing: Many robot vacuum companies are making dual vacuum and mops all in one device. I find it interesting and surprising that iRobot has not gone this route, meaning if you want mopping in your iRobot world, you will still need to purchase the separate m6 mopping robot, which I’ve reviewed here. It’s a solid bot, but having two bots does take up additional space and costs more. But ‘nuff said on this topic. Let’s get to the j7+…

Getting started: Creating a map for robot vacuum smarts

For this bot to work effectively, you need it to first map your space. Essentially your Roomba will go out all over your house and use its cameras and sensors to draw an accurate floorplan of your home. Then you can use that to do room-specific cleaning.

Creating the smart map will take several passes. You can make this happen all in one day by repeatedly sending the bot out on suction-less mapping missions, or you can just instruct it to go out and clean over a few days. The app will tell you when it’s had enough time in your house to generate the automatic map.

View the map, make adjustments and label rooms

Next up you’ll have to view the map and label rooms. This will involve essentially putting dividers between rooms or spaces, and assigning each room a label, and I can say my bot did a very accurate job of mapping my space. The labeling and naming is pretty straightforward and is easy enough to manage, though the app is a bit slow and plodding when saving your information and changes, but it will make smart suggestion for room labels (and it guessed most of mine correctly!)

Once you have all of your rooms labelled and assigned, you’ll be able to schedule or initiate room specific cleanings on the spot whenever you want. More on that in a bit…

iRobot j7+: What’s in the box?

In the box you get the round Roomba robot, the newly redesigned Clean Base Dirt Disposal and cord, two sealed dirt disposal bags, plus an extra corner brush.

Meet iRobot Roomba j7+

The Roomba j7+ is a self guided robot vacuum. It has all of the features of the existing iRobot vacuums, but it does have some subtle differences and some new tricks.

The navigation camera is now located on the front of the unit, rather than the top. This helps the j7+ steer itself more accurately according to iRobot, as well as provide photo information (more on that later).

The unit has been redesigned in the looks department but also for an even more gentle cleaning experience: It moves more quietly, and this version can also turn off the vacuum mode while it travels between cleaning areas. It also ‘sees’ its environment better so doesn’t need to bump forcefully into your furniture and baseboards.

iRobot Roomba j7+: What’s New? Design.

The new j7+ boasts a shorter Clean Base disposal unit, designed to fit under a table and keep it out of sight. This will be welcome news for Roomba fans, as the older style of Clean Base it much taller and tends to stick out in the home or apartment. Fluted panels give the design a bit more interest and a leather pull tab on the base lid also softens the look.

The bags used inside the clean base hold all the dirt from the robot, so you never need to touch the dustbin to empty it. Each bag should hold up to 60 bin-emptyings before needed to be swapped out.

The Roomba robot itself has also kind of been updated for a more modern look: instead of the all-black plastic, there’s now the addition of a spun metal centre.

While the small metal panel and leather pull-tab are nice touches, both of these devices still look pretty utilitarian and robotic. A really inspired redesign would probably utilize a faux wood wrap on the base station and more of a choice of colours in the bots. In my own, never requested opinion, a nice Scandi-inspired white-and-wood look would be the ultimate re-design. But I digress…

New Features: iRobot Roomba j7+

iRobot has made some improvements to the Roomba, most of them focused on how and how well it cleans—and a significant part of the development budget went to improving hazard recognition.

Hazard recognition and poop avoidance

The j7+ features upgraded hazard recognition, and the engineers spent a lot of time and energy training Roomba to both identify and avoid commonly dropped items like headphones, phone cords, socks, and more. More importantly for pet owners, iRobot promises that the j7+ will avoid solid pet waste, so no more poop-op-floor-art upon arriving home.

iRobot tells me this will soon be followed by more object recognition objects such as shoes and socks via a software update in the near future, and that as time goes on, iRobot will continue to add more objects to the list of items that tend to prevent a Roomba from completing its work.
Luckily I have well trained younger dogs, so the poop thing was not some thing I got to try first hand. But we do have plenty of situations where a dog toys, cords and cables, and more will end up on the floor. In my experience using the new j7+ the hazard recognition seemed to work. I left some cords deliberately in its path and it didn’t get tangled.

Photo alerts about obstacles

If the j7+ finds an unknown obstacle, it will take a photo of what it sees, send it to your phone, and let you decide whether it should register this as a permanent or temporary hazard. If you just forgot something that morning, mark it as temporary and Roomba will just clean that area next time. If it’s something permanent, like a new potted plant, you can steer your bot permanently away.
After a few uses, you’ll get push notifications asking you to review these alerts, or you can look them up manually.
To access the reports, go into your History, choose the clean and then pull up the drawer from the bottom of the app screen.
Doing this helps make the bot smarter not just for me but for everyone.

AI Learning for gentler cleaning plus geofencing

The j7+ features intuitive AI learning to clean your space better. It does this by slowing when reaching a wall or furniture, to avoid forceful collisions.
Did I notice a gentler clean. I didn’t really. The j7 still banged mightily into things like baseboards and some furniture.

Geofencing

The new iRobot Roomba j7+ will also recognize when you’re not in the space, through your phone’s location services and geofencing, and can clean when you’re away, and stop when you return.

How to set a geofence schedule on j7+

How to set up go to Schedules, New Schedule and click on Automation at the top. You can choose what it will clean and what will trigger the start or the stop; you can use your location via your smartphone, when your August door lock unlocks or engages, when you garage door opens or closes and more.

Cleaning time estimations

Another new and handy feature is estimated cleaning times. Previously the s9 and i7 bots would just do their thing and while you could limit cleaning to certain rooms, you never knew how long the bot was going to be. Estimates are handy, since if you have guests coming over, you can see how long it would take to clean the living room and kitchen area and plan accordingly.
It seems like you need a few passes for the bot to learn how long areas should take, so this might not pop up for you right away.

Clean just a room or one area

If you want your bot to clean just one or two rooms or areas, hit the New Job button and choose the rooms. You do need a finished map for this to work.

Smarter scheduling

Previous iterations of even the smarter Roombas still required you to manually set and maintain a cleaning schedule. But the new j7+ can start to take note of when you repeatedly said the bot to clean and suggest an automatic schedule, so you don’t always have to do it.
It takes a while for it to learn your habits and schedules, so I’ve not been presented with this option just yet.

Using Roomba vacuum and iRobot m6 mop together

iRobot j7+ will also work in tandem with iRobot’s m6 mop. Like the iRobot Roomba s9 and i7, I’m able to link these two bots together for tandem floor cleaning. This means the vacuum will go out first and pick up all the debris, then it essentially tags in your mopping robot to finish up strong with a wipe down. You can choose this option when you create a schedule, or during at-the-moment cleaning.

How well does iRobot j7+ clean?

I put all my vacuums through the same tests; I get them to sweep up finer things like flour or sugar, middle sized bits like rice or oatmeal and bigger cracker pieces, on both carpet and hard floors.

The robot does a pretty good job at vacuuming and what it might miss on one pass, it usually gets on another.

The j7+ seemed a bit haphazard, but I suspect it’s still in its learning phase. I’ve tested some bots out where they go in very deliberate overlapping lines. The j7 was all over the place and seemed to cover the same ground multiple times while leaving other areas un-vacuumed. Once I even set it up to clean a small zone to get some flour off the floor and though I sent it to that exact area twice, it missed it both times. It could be because it’s white powder on a white floor?
But.. Another time, I sent it out to clean and it seemed to zero in on oatmeal crumbs, backing up and taking a couple of runs at the area like it was targeting it for a deeper clean. Reading up I learned this is the Dirt Detect mode. When the robot detects an especially dirty area, it will engage Dirt Detect mode, moving in a forwards/backwards motion to clean the area more thoroughly. The light ring indicator will flash blue. It was pretty cool to see it in action.
So far the j7 is keeping things clean and it’s its working its way up to some of those even smarter features.

Spot cleaning on iRobot j7+?

I had the hardest time trying to figure out if the new j7 still does spot cleaning. Spot clean sends the robot in widening circles to target a specific area wherever you place it. There’s no longer a spot clean button like on other iRobot bots, I saw nothing in the app, and I couldn’t figure it out.
I finally called iRobot customer service to ask and they told me the Spot Cleaning feature is not available on the j7+, and that because the robot has advanced mapping features that let you create commonly cleaned zones, you can just use the mapping or voice assistance to direct it to a specific location in the home.

I’m actually disappointed with that since I found the spot cleaning feature handy. It was easy just to put the bot down somewhere and press the button. Now I need to create a zone to do this, which adds steps.

Noise level

The j7 seems quieter to me than other vacuums; maybe just a bit, but it’s not quite as noticeable as before. ?
When it comes to the emptying though, it’s like Hercules taking off; it’s loud and prolonged and will wake up anyone in the house.

How does iRobot j7+ compare to i7+ and s9+?

If you are shopping one of the smarter and more expensive Roombas, they do all largely the same basic job; sweeping and vacuuming your floors on their own. If you already have the i7+ or s9+, should you upgrade? In a word: Maybe. If you think the hazard recognition, perhaps in particular the poop detection would be in valuable in your home, that alone would make it worth the upgrade. While the new hazard recognition, gentler cleaning, smarter scheduling and minor re-designs are all cool, they are probably not must haves for existing i7+ or s9+ owners. If you have a much older bot, or no robot vacuum at all, the new j7+ gives you plenty of reasons to make the move now.

Overall review: iRobot j7+

Overall, the j7+ is the first major evolution for the Roomba in years, and a chance to improve over earlier models. The hazard recognition feature is vastly improved, and with the opportunity to review what the bot is seeing, you can help make it even smarter. It keeps the bot from getting stuck or tangled, meaning it completes more jobs for you.

The bot cleans well and I like the new design; it is a bit less industrial. iRobot bots are super easy to set up and schedule

Downsides? It does take a few passes to get your space mapped and early on in your bots life it won’t be as thorough, deliberate or as good as it will be the more you use it, so patience, grasshopper. The other downside is that if you want mopping capabilities, you do still need a second iRobot mopping bot, which can weigh heavily on the household budget.

But overall I really like having an iRobot bot in my home and I can recommend it for you. The Roomba j7+ robot vacuum with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal retails for $1049.99 CAD and the Roomba j7 robot vacuum without the Clean Base can be purchased for $799.99 CAD from Amazon, below, or iRobot’s website.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post iRobot j7+ robot vacuum review appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

By Dave Ware

Fans of the Roomba will be excited to hear that iRobot has just released its first new robot vacuum in years, the iRobot Roomba j7+.

When the original Roomba came out, it was first seen as a curiosity. Then it became a cultural icon, with sitcoms talking about the vacuum and a parade of online memes and videos featuring the Roomba (and pets riding on them!). Now Roomba has taken its place as a common household accessory that makes cleaning easier.  In the tech world, new versions always mean more features, improvements on existing features, and new ideas. Let’s see what the j7+ has to offer.

New iRobot Roomba vacuum: Meet iRobot Roomba j7+

The Roomba j7+ has all of the features of the existing models, but it does have some subtle differences. The navigation camera is now located on the front of the unit, rather than the top. This helps the j7+ steer itself more accurately, as well as provide photo information (more on that later).

The unit has been redesigned for an even more gentle cleaning experience. It also moves more quietly, turning off the vacuum mode while it travels between cleaning areas. That means a less distracting experience for you.

iRobot Roomba j7+: What’s New?

The j7+ boasts a shorter Clean Base disposal unit, designed to fit under a table and keep it out of sight. This will be welcome news for Roomba fans, as the older style tends to stick out and looks out of place in the home or apartment. The bags will last up to 60 emptyings before needed to be swapped out.

The Roomba itself has been updated for a more modern look, featuring a spun metal look and leather pull tab. iRobot must have had a lot of feedback about the look of the Roomba, and decided to make the new model fit in with the modern home. The i7+ looks less industrial and iRobot says it’s designed to stick out less in your space.

New Features: iRobot Roomba j7+

With the benefit of feedback from the community, iRobot has made some improvements to the Roomba, most of them focused on improving the method and quality of its cleaning performance.

Hazard recognition and poop avoidance

The j7+ features hazard recognition, which avoids headphones, phone cords, socks, and underwear. More importantly for pet owners, iRobot promises that the j7+ will avoid solid pet waste, so no more terrifying surprises upon arriving home.

The j7+ features intuitive AI learning to clean your space better. It does this by slowing when reaching a wall or furniture, to avoid bumpy collisions. The new iRobot Roomba j7+ will also recognize when you’re not in the space, through your phone’s location services, and can clean when you’re away, and stop when you return.

Cleaning time estimations

If you have guests coming over, you can see how long it would take to clean the living room and kitchen area and plan accordingly.

If the j7+ finds an unknown obstacle, it can take a photo, send it to your phone, and let you decide whether it should clean or go around it. You can then use that decision to make rules for future cleanings, making your Roomba even smarter.

After using the j7+ for a while, it will start to learn your schedule, and suggest a cleaning schedule. You can also link it to the Braava jet m6 mopping robot to coordinate vacuuming and mopping activities.

The j7+ is the first major evolution for the Roomba, a chance to improve things over earlier models. It also features all of the advances in spatial and wireless connection to schedule cleanings, and make those cleanings more efficient and more thorough.

I’ll be working to get hands-on with this new robot to put it to the test, so post any questions you have about this bot in the comments below. Stay tuned for a full review soon…

The Roomba j7+ robot vacuum with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal retails for $1049.99 CAD and the Roomba j7 robot vacuum without the Clean Base can be purchased for $799.99 CAD on www.irobot.ca

The post iRobot announces new Roomba j7+ Robot Vacuum appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

How to use iRobot Home app to make the most of your bot

A host of improved features take the hassle out of scheduling and cleaning your device, creating a more user-friendly experience.

Read more:

• iRobot Braava jet m6 mopping robot review

What’s new with iRobot Home app?

Scheduling is simpler—and suggestive!

Some features have rolled over from previous versions of the iRobot Home App, like the ability to set cleaning schedules. This allows you to set specific times and days for your device to clean, so you can fit vacuuming or mopping into your schedule.

The revamped app will now make suggestions based on your cleaning habits, looking for patterns in your scheduling behavior, to assist with customizing your cleaning routine. The app also now provides season cleaning alerts, like pet shedding times, so you can get ahead of a mess before it happens. As a double dog owner, I find this infinitely helpful and it means I can schedule more frequent cleanings to keep the pet hair tumbleweeds to a minimum.

On Demand cleaning lets you target specific areas easier

These scheduling features pair well with the new On Demand cleaning controls. Using the app you can now target specific areas of your home for cleaning, drawing where you would like the device to clean. Like previous models, the app collects mapping data of your home from your connected device, creating a visual layout within the app that you can label. This interactive map can be used for designating on demand cleaning areas, as well as Keep Out Zones (more on this later). This control allows you to focus cleaning on high traffic areas, or to address an unexpected mess – perfect for tidying up after a party or sweeping or mopping up pet tracks on a muddy day. You can also use this feature to keep your device out of your way while you do other tasks, like sending your device to clean the living room before guests arrive while you are preparing items in the kitchen.

Better control over Keep Out Zones

As previously mentioned, the overhauled iRobot Home App allows you to create and manage personalized Keep Out Zones. Previous generations of robots needed magnetic tape or battery-operated ‘lighthouses’ to create barriers, but now, this all happens within the app.

Using a map of your home, you can mark off areas where your bot may run into trouble, like areas where it can easily get stuck or in rooms where there may be small objects (like children’s toys or many cables and cords) or just keep it away from the dog’s water dish.

iRobot app learns where it has trouble and recommends no-go areas

Get your iRobot m6 mop to clean anywhere—or avoid some spots

The app can even make suggestions on where you might want to set these zones based on tracked data from the device, alerting you to areas where your device often gets stuck or where it has difficulties navigating.

Smart location control means you don’t need to ask

All of these features allow you great control over where, and when, your device cleans. The intuitive app also has buttons allowing you to quickly start a cleaning cycle, so you can vacuum the house while you are out running errands or gone for a meal. The app can also be integrated with smart thermostats, door locks and other devices, so they can communicate. This will help the device know when you are not home, based on the data from the smart devices, so it can run without disturbing your day. The app can also be integrated with smart home devices, like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple devices, for further control and ease of use. Now you can ask your device to start the vacuum while you’re in the bathroom, or send it home before you start a video conference.

The new iRobot Home App controls most devices, but is best paired with the Roomba s9+ and i7+, and the Braava jet m6, to ensure you get to take full advantage of all that the iRobot Home App has to offer.

As you can see, the iRobot Home App offers many improvements on scheduling and cleaning functionality, allowing you greater control over when and where your iRobot device cleans. With new intuitive features, like Keep Out Zones and on demand cleaning, cleaning is a breeze so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying life.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you chose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post What can you do with iRobot Home app? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

The post What’s the difference between iRobot Roomba i7+ & s9+? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.