Roomba Combo j7+ Review: A Reliable Robot for Pet Owners

I recently got my hands on the Roomba Combo j7+, and I'll be honest, I was both excited and skeptical about a vacuum that also mops. Given its features, it seems like a handy gadget, especially with its pet-friendly promise.

This Roomba is part of iRobot's latest lineup, marketed as ideal for pet owners. It's designed to avoid pet waste and promises to spare you from any unfortunate messes. That's a bold claim, and I was curious to see if it could live up to it.

Another thing that caught my attention is the self-emptying feature. I don't mind vacuuming, but constantly emptying a dustbin is something I'd rather avoid. The idea of a vacuum that takes care of this itself is pretty appealing.

Overall, my expectations were tempered with a bit of realism. While it's packed with features, the real test was to see how it performed in a pet-filled home environment. Let's dive into the details.

When it comes to value, the Roomba Combo j7+ sits at a higher price point compared to some competitors. So, is it worth the investment? After using it for a while, I’d say it depends on your needs.

If you're a pet owner, the P.O.O.P. promise, which states the vacuum will avoid pet accidents, is a reassuring feature. For me, not having to worry about it running into a pet mess was a big selling point. The self-emptying feature also adds to its value, saving you time and hassle.

However, the mopping feature might not justify the price if you expect it to replace manual mopping. It's more of a bonus that helps with light cleaning rather than a full-fledged mopping solution.

Overall, if you’re looking for a robot vacuum that handles pet hair, avoids accidents, and offers some convenience with self-emptying, it’s a good option. But if you're on a budget or expect thorough mopping, you might want to explore other options.

The design of the Roomba Combo j7+ is simple yet functional. It comes in an espresso color, which gives it a sleek look that blends well with most home interiors. It's not flashy, but it doesn't need to be. The compact design allows it to slide under most furniture easily, which is great since I don't have to rearrange my living room to accommodate it.

One thing I noticed is the quality of the materials. It feels sturdy and well-made, not flimsy at all. The retractable mop pad is a neat feature. It lifts automatically when moving over carpets, which is good because nobody wants wet carpets. However, the mop pad is more of a light surface cleaner rather than something that can tackle tough stains.

What I liked about the design is the accessibility of the controls. You can control it via an app or voice commands. I set it up with Alexa, and it followed my commands without any issues. Saying, “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen,” actually worked!

In terms of design, the Roomba Combo j7+ is well-thought-out and user-friendly. It doesn't scream for attention but quietly does its job, which is exactly what I want from a home appliance.

Battery life is crucial for any cordless device, and the Roomba Combo j7+ is no exception. After testing it for a couple of weeks, I found the battery life to be pretty decent. On a full charge, it lasts long enough to clean my medium-sized apartment before heading back to the dock.

iRobot claims the vacuum adjusts the power usage based on the surface it's cleaning, which seems to help conserve battery. I noticed it spent more time on carpets compared to hardwood floors, which makes sense given the extra power needed for suction.

One aspect to consider is the charging time. It takes a few hours to fully charge, which isn't ideal if you need multiple cleaning sessions in a day. However, for regular maintenance cleaning, the battery life suffices. It automatically returns to the docking station once the battery is low, which is a convenient feature.

In terms of battery performance, it's solid but nothing extraordinary. It gets the job done for regular cleaning schedules but might fall short for larger homes that require extended cleaning sessions.

Performance-wise, the Roomba Combo j7+ delivers a pretty solid experience. It navigates around obstacles like shoes and furniture with ease, thanks to its smart mapping. The fact that it can identify and avoid pet waste is a huge relief, especially for someone with pets who sometimes have accidents.

The vacuuming part is decent. It picks up pet hair and dust effectively, though it occasionally misses a spot or two around the edges. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes do a good job on both carpet and hard floors. When it comes to mopping, don't expect it to replace your traditional mop. It's more for maintenance rather than deep cleaning.

The self-emptying feature is a lifesaver. The vacuum empties itself into a base station, so I didn't have to worry about the dustbin for weeks. However, the enclosed bags aren't huge, so if you have a large home or lots of debris, you might need to keep an eye on it.

Overall, the performance is reliable for daily upkeep but might not stand up to a thorough, deep clean. It’s great for keeping things tidy between more intensive cleaning sessions.