Roomba Combo i8+ Review: Clean Floors with Less Effort

When it comes to keeping your floors clean, the Roomba Combo i8+ offers a pretty solid solution. Designed by iRobot, this model is not just a vacuum but also functions as a mop, making it a 2-in-1 floor cleaning device. This means less manual cleaning for you, which is always a plus in my book.

I've had the chance to test this device for a couple of weeks, and I'll say right off the bat: it gets the job done. It's not without its quirks, but if you're looking for something to tackle both vacuuming and mopping, it's worth considering.

One thing I appreciated was its ability to map out my rooms. This smart mapping feature lets you tell it where to go and where to avoid, which is handy if you have specific areas you want to be cleaned more frequently. It integrates well with Alexa, so if you're into voice commands, this might be up your alley.

Overall, if you're someone who wants to minimize time spent on cleaning chores, the Roomba Combo i8+ could be a decent addition to your home gadgets. Keep reading for more details on its features and my personal take on its performance.

The Roomba Combo i8+ comes in a sleek black design, typical for most robotic vacuums. It’s not exactly a showstopper in terms of aesthetics, but it’s functional. It sports a round shape, which helps it navigate around furniture and tight spaces. Weighing in at 3.4 kg, it’s relatively lightweight, making it easy to move if necessary.

One thing I noticed is that the device feels sturdy. The build quality seems decent, and it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap when you handle it. The control buttons are intuitive, and setting it up with the app is pretty straightforward. The bagless feature is a plus, as it means fewer consumables and maintenance.

The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is a highlight. It allows the vacuum to empty its bin on its own, meaning you don’t have to worry about it for up to 60 days. This feature is a lifesaver for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of frequent emptying.

Overall, the design of the Roomba Combo i8+ is practical. It’s built for efficiency more than style, but for a device that's meant to be functional, it hits the mark. If you’re looking for something that's simple yet effective, the design ticks those boxes.

Battery life is crucial for any robotic vacuum, and the Roomba Combo i8+ doesn’t disappoint in this department. It can run for a substantial amount of time before needing a recharge, which is beneficial if you have a larger area to cover. In my experience, it managed to clean my average-sized apartment without needing to recharge midway.

Charging is straightforward. Once the battery runs low, the vacuum automatically returns to its dock. The recharge time is reasonable, and once it's juiced up, it picks up right where it left off. This is a helpful feature if you’re cleaning a large space in stages.

While the battery life is generally reliable, keep in mind that running both the vacuum and mop simultaneously can drain it faster. However, for regular use, the battery performance is pretty solid. It’s not the best on the market, but it’s more than adequate for everyday cleaning tasks.

In terms of battery performance, the Roomba Combo i8+ is reliable. It’s efficient enough for daily use and handles long cleaning sessions without much fuss. If you’re looking for a vacuum that can keep going without constant recharges, this one should meet your needs.

The main selling point of the Roomba Combo i8+ is its dual functionality. You can vacuum and mop simultaneously, which sounds great in theory. In practice, it mostly holds up. The vacuum does a decent job picking up dust and debris on hard floors, and the mop feature is a nice touch, especially for a quick surface clean.

However, don't expect it to replace a deep clean mop job. The mopping feature is more like a light wipe than a thorough scrub. It’s useful for daily maintenance but doesn’t tackle tough stains or sticky spots very well. The water tank is on the smaller side, holding 210ml, so you might find yourself refilling it more often if you have a larger space to clean.

The vacuum power is satisfactory for everyday dirt and pet hair, but it can struggle with larger debris. It’s not the quietest machine out there, but it’s not overly loud either—just what you’d expect from a robotic vacuum. The smart mapping is a standout, though. It allows you to direct the Roomba to specific rooms, and it navigates efficiently once it learns your home layout.

In terms of performance, it’s a mixed bag. It’s competent at what it promises, but for those who need a more robust cleaning solution, there might be better options out there. It works best as a supplement to your regular cleaning routine rather than a complete replacement.