How to Buy the Right Roomba for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Roomba

Overview

This buying guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. It covers the different types of Roombas available, as well as their features and prices, so you can make the best choice for your needs. We will discuss how to choose a Roomba, provide helpful tips for operation and maintenance, and provide some extra information on the benefits of owning a Roomba. So, if you’re ready to tackle the dirt and dust in your home, this guide is a great place to start!

Key features

  1. Price – Different models of Roomba come in a variety of prices, so consider how much you can afford to spend and the features you want.
  2. Size – Make sure you measure your floorspace before you buy a Roomba, as different models have different dimensions.
  3. Battery Life – Consider the battery life of the Roomba, as some models last longer than others.
  4. Mapping Technology – Many Roomba models come with advanced mapping technology which allows them to remember and clean a room more effectively.
  5. Cleaning System – Different Roombas use different kinds of cleaning systems – such as brushes, suction, and ultraviolet light – to pick up dirt and debris.
  6. Noise Level – Roombas can be noisy, so consider the noise level of the model you’re buying and how it might affect your home environment.
  7. Accessories – Different Roomba models come with a variety of extra accessories that you may or may not need.
  8. Warranty – Check the warranty that comes with your Roomba to ensure any issues you may have can be resolved in the future.

See the most popular Roomba on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Convenience: Roomba automatically vacuums your floors, so you don't have to worry about manually vacuuming your floors.
  • Compact Size: Roomba is designed to fit underneath furniture and other tight spaces, so you can clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Smart Navigation: Roomba uses advanced navigation technology to clean your space efficiently and thoroughly.
  • Multiple Cleaning Modes: Roomba has multiple different cleaning modes, such as a regular cleaning cycle, an edge cleaning mode, and a focus cleaning mode, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
  • Filter System: Roomba has an advanced filter system that helps capture dust, dirt, and allergens, so your home is free of allergens and other irritants.
  • Schedule Cleaning: You can set Roomba to clean your floors at specific times, so you don't have to worry about cleaning your floors every day.

Cons

  • Cost - Roomba vacuums can be relatively expensive. Depending on the features, models can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
  • Navigation - Roomba vacuums use a combination of sensors and mapping technology to navigate around a room. This is effective, but may still result in missed spots or missed objects.
  • Maintenance - Roomba vacuums require regular maintenance including cleaning and emptying the dust bin, replacing the filter, and/or replacing batteries. This can add to the cost of ownership.
  • Size - Roomba vacuums tend to be small in size, which means they may not be able to reach tight spaces or clean large areas in a single pass.
  • Intelligence - Roomba vacuums are “smart” but can still struggle with identifying obstacles or recognizing changes in the environment.

Best alternatives

  1. Eufy 11S Max - Slim profile vacuum with BoostIQ to detect and increase power in carpets.
  2. iRobot Braava Jet M6 - Robot mop that can damp wipe, dry sweep, and mop your hard floors.
  3. Ecovacs Deebot N79S - Robot vacuum that uses Smart Navi 3.0 and V-shaped main brush to clean.
  4. Neato Botvac D7 Connected - Laser-guided navigation and app-controlled cleaning for carpets and hard floors.
  5. Neato Robotics Botvac D85 - Combines laser-guided navigation and powerful suction to clean hard floors and carpets.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Virtual Wall Lighthouse - A device that allows you to define boundaries for the Roomba to vacuum.
  • Replacement Batteries - Batteries that you can use to power the Roomba.
  • Charging Station - A charging dock that the Roomba can be placed into to recharge.
  • Replacement Brushes - Brushes that you can swap out on your Roomba that can help loosen debris.
  • Filters - Filters that can be used to trap dust and dirt and prevent it from entering the Roomba.
  • Remote Control - A remote that allows you to control the Roomba from a distance.
  • Side Brushes - Brushes that are located on the sides of the Roomba to help sweep debris.

Common questions

  1. How often should I empty the dustbin? The dustbin should be emptied after every use. It is recommended to empty the dustbin every 1-2 uses to ensure optimal performance.
  2. What type of surfaces can Roomba clean? Roombas can clean many types of surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, and linoleum.
  3. What is the size of Roomba? Roombas come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 13 inches in diameter to 32 inches in diameter.
  4. How long does it take to charge a Roomba? It typically takes around 3 hours to fully charge a Roomba.
  5. What kind of maintenance is required for a Roomba? Regular maintenance includes regularly replacing the dustbin filter, wiping the sensors and brushes, and cleaning the exhaust filter.
  6. How long does a Roomba battery last? Roomba batteries typically last for up to 2 hours of cleaning time.
  7. Does Roomba work with voice commands? Yes, Roombas are compatible with voice-activated commands, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
  8. Does Roomba work with apps? Yes, Roombas are compatible with several apps, such as the iRobot Home app and the Roomba app.

Trivia

In 2014, a Roomba 900 series was found to be the cause of a small fire in an Oregon home. The family had programmed the Roomba to clean their home while they were away, and it managed to knock a USB cable that was connected to a power strip. The USB cable short-circuited, causing the fire. Fortunately, the fire was contained and no one was hurt. This goes to show that sometimes Roombas can bring a bit more excitement than expected!
Source: CNET

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.