Robot Vacuum or Mop? iRobot's New Roomba Combo Devices Can Do Both
iRobot is going all-in on 2-in-1 robot vacuum-mop combos.
Fresh off the launch of the Roomba Combo j7+earlier this year, iRobot is expanding its lineup of vacuum-mops today with two new devices: the Roomba Combo j5+ and the more budget-friendly Roomba Combo i5+.
The Roomba Combo j7+ has a retractable mop for simultaneous vacuum and mopping runs, but at $1,099.99, it's pretty pricey. The Roomba Combo j5+ and Combo i5+ have two separate bins, allowing them to either vacuum or mop, but not at the same time. That trade-off means a lower price, though. The Roomba Combo j5+ is priced at $799 and the i5+ is $549.
The main difference between the two is that the Roomba Combo j5+ has a camera for advanced obstacle recognition and avoidance while the Roomba Combo i5+ does not.
The j5+ is designed to work as both an all-floor vacuum as well as a hard floor vacuum and mop. Transitioning between the two modes is done by replacing the device’s built-in bin.
With the vacuum bin installed, the device “employs power-lifting suction and its unique Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes to a mix of floor types” to pick up everything from small amounts of dust to larger messes. When it does detect a bigger mess, it will spend extra time in the area making sure it’s able to clean up everything, iRobot says.
When it’s done, debris is emptied into the device’s Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which iRobot says can hold up to 60 days' worth of gunk in a disposable bag.
The j5+ transitions into a robot mop once the vacuum bin is swapped out for the Roomba Combo bin, which you fill with water or a cleaning solution. With the Combo bin inserted, the Roomba automatically knows you’re ready to mop.
Much like other Roombas in iRobot’s product line, the
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