Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop Review: High-Tech Cleaning with a Few Hiccups

So, I picked up the Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop recently. I've been eyeing automated cleaning solutions for a while, and this one caught my attention because of its combo feature. The idea of having a single device that can handle both vacuuming and mopping seemed pretty appealing to me, especially since my apartment has a mix of carpets and hard floors.

After using it for a couple of weeks, I have a mix of thoughts. It's packed with technology like LiDAR navigation and self-emptying, which initially seemed very promising. But as with many things, real-world usage can reveal quirks you don't see on the box.

The initial setup was straightforward enough, although I did hit a snag with the WiFi connection, which only works on a 2.4 GHz network. Once I got past that, it was mostly smooth sailing. The app is intuitive, allowing me to schedule cleanings and check on the filter life.

Overall, while there are some neat features, there are also areas where I think it falls short. Read on for more in-depth insights into how this gadget performed in my day-to-day life.

The Roomba 105 Combo isn't the cheapest option on the market, but it does pack a lot of features for the price. The self-emptying dock is a big plus, especially if you dislike emptying vacuum bins frequently. It holds up to 75 days' worth of debris, which is a convenience I really appreciated over the testing period.

The combination of vacuuming and mopping is another selling point. While it doesn't reach the level of a dedicated mop, it keeps floors looking good between deeper cleans. The technology inside, like LiDAR navigation and smart mapping, adds to its value proposition by making it more efficient and less prone to getting stuck.

However, if you're on a tight budget or don't need both vacuuming and mopping, there are cheaper options that focus solely on vacuuming. But for those willing to invest in a multi-functional device, it offers good value.

In summary, the Roomba 105 Combo is worth the investment if you're looking for a convenience-oriented cleaning solution with advanced features, but keep in mind its limitations.

Aesthetically, the Roomba 105 Combo is pretty standard for a robot vacuum. It's got a disc shape and comes in a smoke color that blends into most home decor, so it doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb. Weighing in at a bit over 15 pounds, it's not the lightest out there, but since it moves around on its own, that’s not really an issue.

The control options are thoughtfully designed. You can use the app, voice commands, or even the buttons on the device itself. I found myself primarily using the app since it offers more control over the cleaning process. The app is easy to navigate and lets me customize cleaning schedules for different rooms, which is a nifty feature.

One downside is that it only connects via a 2.4 GHz network, which could be a hassle for those with dual-band setups who prefer the 5 GHz network for better speed. Once set up, though, the connection is stable, so it's a one-time hurdle.

From a design perspective, it's functional and straightforward, but don't expect any groundbreaking aesthetics.

In terms of battery life, the Roomba 105 Combo offers about 100 minutes of cleaning on a full charge, which I found generally sufficient for my two-bedroom apartment. It managed to cover most areas on a single charge and returned to its dock without any issues.

For larger spaces, you might find that it needs to recharge and resume, but it handles this process efficiently. It remembers where it left off, so you don't have to worry about it cleaning the same spot twice. I appreciated this feature because it meant I could set it to clean while I was at work and come back to a mostly clean floor.

I also tested its Eco mode, which extends battery life by reducing suction power. While it's quieter, it doesn't clean as thoroughly in this mode, so I used it sparingly when trying to stretch the battery on particularly hectic days.

Overall, the battery life is decent, but if you have a larger home, you might need to plan for it to recharge mid-clean. It's not a deal-breaker, but something to consider if you're looking for a completely hands-off experience.

The Roomba 105 Combo is advertised with intense power-lifting suction, and in practice, it does a pretty solid job picking up dust and debris from hard floors. I noticed it was able to capture pet hair efficiently, which is a constant battle in my house. The edge-sweeping brush also did its part, hitting corners and edges better than some other models I've tried in the past.

Where it shines is the LiDAR navigation. It maps out the space quickly and doesn't bump into furniture like other robot vacuums I've used. However, it's not without its quirks. There were a couple of times when it seemed to get confused under my dining table with all the chair legs, requiring a manual redirect.

On the mopping side, it does a decent job for light spills and keeping the floors looking presentable. Just don't expect it to replace a thorough manual mop. It intelligently avoids carpets while mopping, which is a plus, but its water distribution can be a bit uneven at times.

Overall, it performs well for routine maintenance but does require occasional intervention, particularly in complex room layouts with lots of obstacles.