iRobot all however pioneered the robotic vacuum class — the unique Roomba dates manner again to 2002 — so I anticipated nothing however good issues from the decades-under-its-belt Roomba Combo j9+. It is definitely a horny cleansing machine, with trendy gold accents and a decor-friendly dock. It additionally guarantees to resolve an issue widespread to fashionable vacuum/mop combos: mop pads dragging on carpet. It delivers on that account, however you might need to cope with a special drawback. In the meantime, the value tag is not for the faint of coronary heart (or funds). Is it well worth the splurge? Will this robotic maintain your flooring clear with a minimal of fuss? Here is my Roomba Combo j9+ evaluate.
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VERDICT: iRobot’s robo-cleaner is comparatively simple to make use of, sensible about obstacles and good at transitioning from onerous flooring to carpet. Nevertheless it’s higher at vacuuming than mopping, and with out an auto-washing dock, it is onerous to justify selecting this over different robots in the identical worth vary.
- Enticing dock design
- Distinctive mop cleverly avoids carpet
- Digital camera-based steerage system good at avoiding obstacles and pet waste
- Simple to arrange rooms and zones throughout the app
- Can detect dirtier areas and focus extra cleansing consideration there
- Decrease-than-average profile means it could possibly extra simply match underneath furnishings
- App-based instruction guide is restricted in scope and onerous to learn
- Dock does not clear or dry mop pad; you do
- Mop pad can get caught underneath rugs
- Water tank awkward to refill
- App does not present real-time cleansing progress or robotic location
Roomba Combo j9+ setup
That can assist you get arrange, iRobot provides a pair of illustrated quick-start pages, which I discovered clear and informative — to some extent.
As soon as you have discovered a house for the dock and rolled the j9+ into it for charging, the iRobot app handles the remainder of the setup course of. It is fairly good at displaying you the fundamentals, however take observe that the app-based Proprietor’s Information is mainly a PDF that is onerous to learn (as a result of it is so tiny) and restricted in scope. In case you’re searching for assist with particular options or operations, you will not discover it right here.
Fortunately, the app is fairly intuitive total. I will not say it is novice-friendly, as a result of there are a couple of areas that confused me (and I’ve used a lot of these items). For instance, why are there “Empty bin” and “Refill tank” controls when these issues are purported to occur mechanically? Why does clean-zone setup supply weirdly particular names like “coat rack” and “desk,” that are extra like obstacles I might quite it keep away from?
Roomba Combo j9+ options and efficiency
Like most robo-vacs at this worth level, the Combo j9+ can sweep, vacuum and mop — and achieve this on demand or at scheduled occasions. It self-empties its dustbin into the dock, which additionally comprises a clean-water tank that have to be refilled sometimes. (Simply how typically is dependent upon how typically you clear your flooring, however iRobot estimates 30 days.)
A phrase concerning the dock: It is among the many prettier ones I’ve seen, with a wood-paneled prime that might truly make a pleasant little finish desk, seeing because it does not ever have to be lifted. As an alternative, you entry the water reservoir by opening the front-facing door. The draw back is that reservoir is broad, not tall like in most different docks, and subsequently slightly unwieldy once you’re attempting to refill it.
In my assessments, the Roomba carried out moderately properly total, although it was slightly gradual and meandering at first. iRobot notes that it could possibly take 3-5 runs for the Combo j9+ to create an in depth map of your flooring. Different fashions I’ve examined get this completed after the primary outing, however to iRobot’s credit score, the map right here appears extra correct and detailed. I additionally like how simple it’s to call rooms, create dividers and set up no-go zones — duties another robo-vac apps make sophisticated.
However why does not the app present the robotic’s place or cleansing progress on that map whereas it is operating? That is a fairly widespread characteristic in different cleaners. You do get standing notes like “dampening pad,” however I miss having the ability to see precisely the place the robotic is — particularly if it will get caught and I’ve to hunt it down. (The app does have a “find” characteristic, although, which can play a sound that can assist you discover it.) I used to be additionally stunned that my cellphone did not notify me when cleansing was completed.
Much less shocking: The Combo j9+ did a tremendous job sweeping and vacuuming, which is smart given iRobot’s pedigree on this space. It is also fairly good at avoiding obstacles, thanks partly to a camera-powered steerage system. You probably have pets, you will be glad to know iRobot ensures the Roomba will steer round any detected “accidents,” which might in any other case result in a fairly nasty mess. (If it fails to take action, you are entitled to a free robotic substitute.)
A clear sweep, however what about mopping?
It is the mop that’s arguably probably the most fascinating characteristic right here. Some robots use a flat pad mounted to the underside; others make use of spinning brushes. The problem with each designs is what occurs when the machine rolls onto carpet: The moist mop finally ends up dragging on it. Some newer fashions can mechanically elevate their pads or brushes, which helps on low-pile carpet, however there’s solely so excessive they will go. Something with slightly top nonetheless will get moist.
The Combo j9+ has a mop pad that is constructed into the prime. When there’s onerous ground to be cleaned, that pad swings out on a mechanical arm, then tucks beneath the robotic. It is a intelligent resolution, one which positively solves the wet-carpet conundrum.
Additionally intelligent: iRobot’s SmartScrub know-how, which causes the robotic to maneuver forwards and backwards over drawback spots, the machine equal of elbow grease. Alas, in my testing this did not work fairly in addition to spinning brushes, particularly with sticky stuff like jam. The pad cannot get into corners, both, although brushes have limitations there as properly.
There’s one different hiccup with the mechanical-arm design: On a couple of events the mop pad obtained trapped underneath the nook of an space rug, I believe as a result of the robotic did not have sufficient room behind it to again up. This occurred with two totally different rugs in two totally different rooms.
All robo-cleaners get caught occasionally. My important grievance with the Roomba is that whereas it makes use of clear water on each mopping run, it will not truly clear its personal mop pad, one thing most different high-end robos can do. Whereas it isn’t tough to take away, wash and change the pad, it is an additional step for me — and one thing else I’ve to recollect. A robotic vacuum/mop ought to require minimal intervention from its proprietor; the entire level of spending this type of cash is to free your self from ground chores.
It is also price noting that I encountered an operational glitch or two throughout testing. At one level I began a “vacuum and mop in all places” cycle and it solely vacuumed. The following time round, it labored because it was purported to. Equally, throughout one cycle it ran out of battery energy and returned to the dock to recharge, however by no means ventured out once more to complete the job.
Roomba Combo j9+: Do you have to purchase it?
There’s rather a lot to love about iRobot’s flagship robotic, from its pleasing design to its intelligent mop that solves an actual drawback with these sorts of machines. It vacuums notably properly, and I additionally respect its capability to keep away from obstacles (particularly pet waste) and detect areas that want further consideration.
Nevertheless, I do not assume it is as efficient at mopping as robots that make use of spinning brushes, and I do not like having to scrub the mop pad myself — not once I’m spending this a lot cash. That facet alone makes this more durable to suggest than, say, the most recent Roborock mannequin (which I am at present testing).
Talking of cash, although, it is price noting that regardless of the $1,400 MSRP, the Combo j9+ is continuously discounted to $1,000 — virtually each different month, in truth. That makes this slightly extra palatable relative to rivals priced lots of extra. If this appears like your cup of robotic, positively wait on the market pricing.
