Roomba i3+ EVO Review: A Practical Self-Sufficient Cleaning Buddy

If you're in the market for a robotic vacuum, the Roomba i3+ EVO is worth considering. This self-emptying robot vacuum promises a lot with features like smart mapping, Alexa compatibility, and an impressive self-emptying system. But how does it hold up in real-world use?

In this review, I'll share my experience after using the Roomba i3+ EVO for a couple of weeks. I'll dive into its performance, battery life, and overall effectiveness in managing daily dust and pet hair.

By the end of this review, you'll have a clear idea if this robot vacuum suits your needs or if you should keep looking. Let's start by examining its design and materials.

When it comes to pricing, the Roomba i3+ EVO sits in the mid-range category. It offers a good mix of features without breaking the bank. The self-emptying function alone is a major selling point, saving you from the chore of frequent maintenance. If you're busy or just want less hassle, this could be a significant advantage.

Compared to other robotic vacuums with similar capabilities, the i3+ EVO offers good value. It may not have all the high-end features of more expensive models, but it delivers where it counts: effective cleaning and ease of use. The integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant is a bonus, making it easy to control with just your voice.

If you're after a reliable robotic vacuum that doesn't require constant attention, the i3+ EVO is a solid choice. While there are cheaper options out there, the blend of smart technology and autonomous features makes it a worthwhile investment for convenience-oriented users.

The Roomba i3+ EVO boasts a sleek and compact design, which is quite typical for iRobot products. Its gray color scheme gives it a modern look, while the low-profile build (13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63 inches) allows it to slide under most furniture easily. After a week of testing, I found this design particularly handy for reaching spots my traditional vacuum couldn't.

One thing I noticed was that the build quality is pretty solid. The materials feel durable and capable of withstanding the occasional bump into furniture or walls. However, compared to pricier models, it lacks that premium touch, which isn't a huge deal unless you're picky about aesthetics.

The buttons and sensors are well-integrated, giving it a seamless appearance. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which comes with two dirt disposal bags, adds a bit of bulk but is essential for the self-emptying feature. Overall, the design is functional and straightforward, ensuring it gets the job done without unnecessary frills.

The Roomba i3+ EVO comes with a battery life rated at 75 minutes, which is decent for a robotic vacuum in this price range. During my testing, I found this was usually enough to clean a medium-sized apartment or several rooms in a house. However, for larger homes, it might need to recharge before completing its task.

When the battery runs low, the vacuum automatically returns to the Clean Base to recharge, which is convenient. Charging from empty to full takes a few hours, so planning your cleaning schedule around it is a good idea. The self-emptying feature works well, and not having to empty the bin manually for up to 60 days is a significant time-saver.

Overall, the battery life is adequate for most scenarios, but if you have a sprawling space, be prepared for it to take a couple of cycles to finish cleaning. For everyday use, the Roomba i3+ EVO's battery performance is reliable, if not groundbreaking.

Performance-wise, the Roomba i3+ EVO delivers. It uses a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and boasts 10x the Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series. In practice, this means it's pretty effective at picking up dirt, dust, and crumbs from both hard floors and carpets. It handled pet hair well too, which is a relief if you have furry friends at home.

I tested it in different rooms and found that its smart mapping feature works well. The robot learns your home layout and adapts its cleaning path, so it's not just aimlessly bumping around. The Dirt Detect Technology is another highlight, as it focuses on dirtier areas, ensuring a thorough clean. However, it occasionally missed a corner or two, which is something to note if you expect a spotless clean every time.

While the Roomba i3+ EVO can handle most messes, it's not perfect. It can struggle with larger debris and sometimes gets tangled up with cables. But overall, its performance is good enough for general cleaning tasks.