Roomba i3+ EVO Review: A Robot Vacuum That Empties Itself

I decided to try out the Roomba i3+ EVO because I was tired of constantly vacuuming pet hair. After a couple of weeks with this robot vacuum, I can say it offers some pretty cool features. It's not perfect, but it does make life easier when it comes to maintaining clean floors.

The standout feature for me is the self-emptying base. It means I don’t have to think about the vacuum for up to 60 days, which is a huge plus. I also appreciated the smart mapping, which lets me control where and when it cleans.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. While the suction power is solid, it sometimes struggles with larger debris. In terms of navigation, it’s mostly reliable, but it occasionally misses spots or gets stuck in tighter areas.

Overall, if you're looking for a way to reduce the hassle of vacuuming, this could be a good option. Just be prepared for a few hiccups along the way.

Considering the features of the Roomba i3+ EVO, the value proposition is fairly middle-of-the-road. It’s not cheap, but for what it offers, it’s not absurdly priced either. The main selling points like the self-emptying function and smart mapping add significant convenience, which could justify the cost for many.

In comparison to other models, the i3+ EVO is positioned in a way that balances features and price. It’s not as advanced as some high-end models, but it’s certainly a step up from entry-level options. I think it hits a sweet spot for those who want modern features without going all out.

However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly robotic vacuum, this might not be the best choice. There are cheaper options, although you might sacrifice some of the convenient features that the i3+ EVO provides.

All in all, it’s a decent investment if you prioritize convenience and automation in your cleaning routine. Just weigh your needs and budget to determine if it fits the bill.

The design of the Roomba i3+ EVO is practical and user-friendly. It features a simple, sleek look with a low profile that allows it to slide under most furniture. The color is a neutral ash, which doesn’t stand out much, but that's okay given its function.

One thing I liked about the design is the dual multi-surface rubber brushes. These are specifically tailored for picking up pet hair, and they do a pretty good job without getting tangled easily. The robot is lightweight at just over 5 pounds, which makes it easy to move around if needed.

However, the base station is a bit bulky. It needs a fair amount of space, so you’ll have to plan where to place it. The vacuum itself is solidly built, though it doesn’t feel particularly premium—more functional than fancy.

In summary, the design is practical and caters well to its purpose. It’s not going to win any beauty contests, but if efficiency tops your list, it’s definitely worth considering.

The battery life on the Roomba i3+ EVO is decent. It runs for about 75 minutes on a full charge, which is generally enough to cover my apartment. For larger homes, you might find it needs to recharge before finishing the job.

The clean base station doubles as a charging dock, making the whole process quite seamless. When the battery runs low, the Roomba automatically returns to the base to recharge. This is convenient, especially if you plan to run it frequently.

One thing I noticed is that the recharge time is a bit lengthy. If it has to recharge mid-cleaning, expect a few hours before it resumes. This might be a consideration if you're looking to use it multiple times a day.

In conclusion, the battery life is sufficient for daily use, but if you have a larger space or need it for multiple sessions in a day, the charging time might be a limiting factor.

When it comes to performance, the Roomba i3+ EVO holds its ground pretty well. It features 10x the power-lifting suction compared to some older models, and while I haven't measured it scientifically, it does seem to pick up dirt and debris effectively. It’s particularly good on carpets, where it seems to dig deep to remove embedded fur and dirt.

The smart mapping technology is a nice touch, allowing me to control which rooms to clean. After a few days of use, the Roomba began to recognize my house layout, which made scheduling and directing it much easier.

One downside is that the robot sometimes struggles with larger pieces of debris—things like cereal or small toys can pose a problem. It also occasionally gets stuck in complex areas with lots of furniture.

Overall, the performance is solid for routine cleaning. It handles daily messes well but isn’t quite the heavy-duty cleaner for unexpected spills or messes.