This content originally appeared on Mashable for US audiences and has been tailored for UK audiences.
Many people may be surprised that “Roomba” is not a generic name for robot vacuum cleaners. Compatibility is approaching Hoover territory, showing how much the iRobot’s iconic influence has impacted the world of small appliances.
Since the first Roomba debuted in 2002, there have been about 20 Roombas, but iRobot’s lineup of models isn’t as chaotic as you’d expect from a Google search. When we talk about the core lineup, we’re referring to the vacuum cleaners that are currently available for purchase on his website at iRobot.
Indeed, things get confusing when older models discontinued by iRobot itself are still available in various stores. There are also interesting little deals between iRobot and some retailers, including a store-exclusive spin-off version of the current Roomba, with subtle but notable price swings.
Speaking of Roomba sales, it’s happening all year round. Roombas is arguably in the pricier range compared to Roborock, Shark and eufy vacuums, typically priced lower than the iRobot and offering similar advanced features like room mapping and auto-emptying. However, the main Roomba models are almost always £100-£200 below list price, making them affordable.
What should I know before buying a Roomba?
Before delving into the differences between current Roombas, consider the following general factors that apply to all Roombas:
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All modern Roombas (including all of our guides) are WiFi enabled, connected to the app, and compatible with Alexa. With the iRobot Genius App, you can schedule regular cleanings, initiate spontaneous cleanings from your phone, or move Roomba to a specific room or zone if your model supports it. Every time iRobot updates Genius, all Roombas will receive the update (even if purchased before the update). The latest version creates custom cleaning suggestions based on where you had the most trouble in previous rounds, such as suggesting cleaning the kitchen after dinner every night.
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All Roombas feature a three-stage cleaning system that lifts carpet dust and dirt while side sweeping brushes are used to push edge and corner debris into the robot’s cleaning path. Dirt detection is an adaptive method that even the most basic Roomba uses to sniff out dirty spots on the floor and treat them further.
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The plus sign in the Roomba title indicates that it contains a self-draining clean base. The clean base is where these models charge and empty the collected debris into larger canisters for weeks at a time. (Even without a clean base, the Roomba is self-charging and can return to the dock when it’s done cleaning.) Roombas from the i-series onwards can be purchased with or without the self-empty his dock. .
Please keep these points in mind when purchasing a Roomba. There are many models to consider, so knowing these points will help you understand all the models on offer.
What is the best Roomba?
The best Roomba robot vacuum depends on multiple factors. There’s no definitive best model, but there’s a choice of devices for every user and home.
These are the best Roomba robot vacuums in 2023.
