Similar to Kleenex is identified with facial tissue as well as Immediate Pot is utilized to refer to electric pressure cookers, Roomba is the name in robotic vacuums. Well really, it’s not even a trademark name, that would certainly be iRobot, however, the majority of people utilize the two mutually.
In the 17 years given that Roomba was first released, iRobot has continued to establish patterns as well as continue to be on top of the industry. A few years ago, the business launched the i7 Roomba +, a vacuum that empties itself dustbin and also cleans specific spaces based upon voice commands. Complete control of your cleanliness.
I was offered a unit of the iRobot i7+ to examine in my house with 2 children and also 3 pets. I first checked the unit in early 2019 and also have given that tested various other Roombas that clean far better and are better worths for the price, which is described in detail in our guide of the best robotic vacs. Nevertheless, if you see the i7+ for sale, we would still probably recommend it for its great performance – Pulls in stubborn dirt and messes with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction. (Compared to the Roomba 600 series cleaning system).
Review of the Roomba i7+ (7550) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
The Roomba i7+ features the vacuum cleaner, the Clean Base, 2 dust disposal bags, a virtual wall surface barrier, and added high-efficiency filter, and an additional side brush. As a result of normal wear and tear, you will need to change the filters, side brushes, as well as unique dual multi-surface rubber brushes over time. The good news is, iRobot makes it simple to obtain replacement parts for your specific models with the iRobot store, which is available through the iRobot home app and your web browser.
When I opened up the box, I found the i7+ looked a whole lot like the 980, just one of my favorite robot vacuums from iRobot. The vacuum measures 13 inches in diameter as well as 3.5 inches high, which was low enough to fit under my sofas and various other furniture. The Clean Base is a bit big at 19 inches tall by 14.5 inches deep by 13 inches broad, yet it fit anywhere I would usually place one of the smaller, a lot more standard robot vacuum charging stations.
The very best part regarding the Roomba i7+ is that you don’t need to empty the dustbin. The Clean Base automatically draws every one of the particles out of the vacuum when it’s anchored and also stores it in a dirt disposal bag. It took around 50 cleaning cycles before I ultimately needed to change the dirt disposal bags located within the base. Because I can go weeks without having to fret about clearing or keeping the Roomba, I enjoy the Clean Base. It’s as fully automated as it obtains.
Among the coolest parts of a Roomba is the iRobot home app. They clearly put a great deal of infiltrating seeing to it it’s as user-friendly as feasible. IRobot has the best robot vacuum cleaner app I’ve ever used. With the i7+, they take things to a new level through “smart mapping.” In fact, this device can map every level of your house during the cleaning process. You can then adjust the borders of each space, label the spaces, and also tell the vacuum to just clean specific spaces. If you have Google Assistant or Alexa voice assistant, you can likewise use voice commands to tell the Roomba to clean a room.
In practice, I found that the effect of smart mapping is quite well. Also after rearranging our living room as well as placing the Clean Base on the other side of the space, it was still able to get its bearings quickly as well as only clean where I asked it to.
Setting up the i7+ on the app is a breeze. You can also target specific areas within your rooms, like in front of the couch or under a table at certain times of the day. I preferred to just have it clean every little thing at the same time each day, and schedule that is simple and easy as well.
An additional wonderful app attribute is cleaning history. The application maintains a log of every cleaning as well as how much time it lasted. As of this writing, my i7+ has completed 90 jobs in 80 hours as well as cleaned up 300 dust events.
If you prefer not to have an additional application on your smartphone, you can also operate the i7+ the old-fashioned way by just pushing the huge “Clean” button on top of the vacuum cleaner.
The i7+ runs fairly quiet when it comes to performance. A sound meter positioned regarding 12 inches from the device during operation registered 63 decibels, which is a bit louder than a normal conversation and also quieter than various other robot vacuums I’ve examined.
To evaluate the cleaning capacity of the i7+, I put several flours, feline clutter, as well as coffee grounds on hardwood floors as well as carpets. I then placed the i7+ to work with it for one cleaning cycle. I’d approximate the Roomba picked up 95% of the cat litter as well as coffee grounds on both the carpet as well as a hardwood floor. It got 90% of the flour on the carpet and also 75% on the hardwood either. I likewise evaluated to see how close the vacuum can get to edges by spraying flour in the edges on both surface areas. In both situations, with edge sweeping brush, it came within concerning an inch of the edge.
When it comes to pet hair, the i7+ does exceptional work. Thanks to its rubber brushes don’t get tangled with pet hair and daily cleaning, I can’t remember the last time I’ve discovered hair from our 2 cats on the flooring. Besides, High-Efficiency Filter traps 99% of cat and dog dander allergens, which is ideal for homes with pets.
Additionally, I liked that the i7+ virtually never got stuck on cables or other things so I didn’t have to spend time freeing it.
Cleaning the i7+ was easy. The application let me know when to clean the bin, debris extractors, and also core robot elements. And also, it offers detailed directions for doing so.
With Imprint Link Technology, the Roomba i7+ robot vacuum & Braava jet m6 robot mop group together to vacuum then mop automatically in perfect sequence.
Disadvantages about the Roomba i7+
Concerning half the time I ran the Roomba i7+, it would certainly end its cycle embedded in our kitchen area. It had the ability to overcome the lip to enter the cooking area, however, it couldn’t get back out once more. Of course, I could utilize the mapping function to have it stay out of the kitchen or have it clean the cooking area independently. However, I prefer to have it do one cleaning for my first floor daily, instead of several for different sections. So, I need to live with rescuing the vacuum from the kitchen area occasionally.
The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is a game-changer, yet I assume it might still use some tweaking. When the Roomba, as well as base, would certainly have a problem connecting, there were a couple of times. This had not been a big deal. Most of the moment, I would certainly simply clean the components, as well as it would be back to normal. Other times, however, the app would inform me that there was an obstruction in the Clean Base’s vacuum system when there wasn’t. At one point, the application guided me to undo five screws to inspect the debris discharge tubes. This was discomfort, and there wasn’t in fact an obstruction.
The cost is also a big factor. Like I pointed out, I’ve examined other self-cleaning robot vacs that execute much better and also are more economical than this. You have options with the Roomba i3+ or the s9+, which we assess here in our buying guide to the best robot vacuum cleaners.
The bottom line
Overall, this is a fantastic robotic vacuum cleaner. The Clean Base works as advertised and smart mapping allows you to clean the spaces you want while avoiding others. The vacuum itself has excellent suction so you can be sure your floorings will be spotless.
The biggest drawback is the high price. If you’re able to find it on sale, we’d suggest the i7+ yet you could be extra interested in the i3+ or the s9+, which we are going to test in our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums later.
Roomba i7+ vs. i7 vs. e5
iRobot has launched 3 newer robotic vacuum cleaners to their lineup. It’s the Roomba i7+ vs. i7 vs. e5. Following me, let’s learn more about the resemblances, differences, and also find which version is ideal for your home.
The Roomba i7 robot vacuum is basically the same as the i7+, except for the self-emptying dust bin. So if this feature isn’t an offer breaker for you, the Roomba i7 makes an excellent runner-up.
Lastly, if obtaining a great deal is more crucial, the Roomba e5 is still a strong selection. It supplies great all-around attributes and also cleaning performance in a mid-tier affordable package. You do not get the self-emptying dirt bin or smart mapping, yet there is a lot to still like about the e5.
The Differences
Automatic dirt disposal:
The Roomba i7+ is the only design that includes a charging base that instantly empties debris from the robotic vacuum cleaner after every cleaning.
Cost:
The Roomba i7+ is one of the most pricey versions (with the most features). The Roomba i7 is almost identical to the i7+, yet does not include the innovative self-empty base. The e5 is the most budget plan mindful choice between these three versions.
Navigating:
The Roomba i7 and also i7+ have an advanced navigating system with Imprint Smart Mapping. This allows the versions to keep in mind room types, like “Kitchen”, “Bedroom”, or “Living Room”. The Roomba e5 just has memory mapping so it will certainly keep in mind where it has actually cleaned, however, you can not guide it to clean a certain area.
Cleaning Performance:
All 3 of these Roomba’s have top-notch cleaning performance. The benefit of the i7 and also i7+ is how they go about cleaning, versus the e5.
i7+, i7, &e5 Design Differences
The Roomba i7, Roomba i7+, and also Roomba e5 are the 3 most recent Roomba models to hit the market. The basic body looks familiar, so what makes these new models various?
In regards to layout, not a great deal is different between these three designs. Unlike the Roomba 900 Series, the Roomba i7, i7+, as well as e5 all have a simple total design.
What do buttons get on the top?
On top of all 3 of these models, there are three buttons:
CLEAN: This button can start, quit, or stop briefly a cleaning by manually pressing the button.
Spot: The place cleaning function is useful for cleaning a local location. In this mode, the Roomba will navigate in little circles around a particular area up until it is clean.
Home: The Home button will send the Roomba back to dock despite where it remains in its cleaning cycle. As soon as at the base, it will charge up and plan for the following cleaning cycle.
What features are on the underside?
The underbelly of the Roomba i7, e5, as well as i7+ all, looks virtually the same. They all use an upgraded double rubberized brush roll system with a side spinning brush. These pieces, although acquainted in layout to older Roomba versions, have actually an updated bright eco-friendly visual and are arguably a little nicer high quality than previous variations.
Side sensors around the outside edge of the Roomba help it to “see” risks like drop zones, stairs, lofted rooms, or other obstacles.
AeroVac vs. AeroForce: What’s new?
AeroVac|The older versions of Roomba (like the 690 and also 675) made use of an older design filtration system called AeroVac. This system adopted a bristle design brush roll with a fundamental HEPA filter. This filter was a little bulkier than its follower, the AeroForce, yet it did do the job.
With the launch of the 800 and 900 Series, came the AeroForce system. This system utilized updated rubberized brush rolls to help draw dirt as well as debris into the dirt bin. The AeroForce filter is also smaller (about the size of a personal check) as well as extra effective than the AeroVac filter.
The i7, e5, and i7+ all make use of the same filter– a new filter, born right into the AeroForce household. This new filter tool is about half the size of the original AeroForce filter. This smaller-sized filter permits even more space in the dust bin for actual debris.
This system likewise has a cleanable dirt container.
Size Comparison
Considering the size, the Roomba i7, e5, and also i7+ are all identical in size. They are:
13.3 ″ size
3.6 ″ high
The smart base, which is just equipped with the Roomba i7+ is:
19 ″ tall
15.1 ″ deep
12.2 ″ broad
Considering the weight, the i7, as well as i7+, are a little heavier, however just by 2/10ths of a pound.
Roomba e5 is 7.2 pounds.
Roomba i7 &i7+ 7.4 pounds.
Accessories & Parts
Regarding accessories, once again, the e5, as well as i7 designs, have glaring resemblances. They come with the general Roomba components, like the:
Charging Station
Battery
Virtual Wall Barrier
HEPA Filter (x2).
Cleaning Tool.
Spinning Brush.
Individual Guide.
Other than these components, there is one key part that divides these similar versions– the charging base.
Charging Base Differences
The base upon the Roomba e5 is created for merely charging the robot vacuum cleaner. This is the standard base that features nearly all iRobot robots.
The base for the Roomba i7 is the same as the e5. Nonetheless, the i7 does come furnished with a recharge as well as resume, so when it lacks battery it can return to base, charge, and after that go back where it ended cleaning.
The base for the Roomba i7+ is also outfitted with the recharge and return to function, nonetheless, its charging base is the brand-new smart base, which additionally allows the Roomba to empty its own dirt container right into the smart base.
The Roomba i7+ charging base created the name “Clean Base”. The sophisticated base of the i7+ does make the price increase quite a bit. As a matter of fact, the new smart clean base is effectively the only difference between the i7 and also i7+.
The i7+ (which we bought and also evaluated) is also noted with a regular i7 model number along the bottom of the robot.
The i7 is still compatible with the self-emptying charging base, and customers can acquire it individually.
Are there maintenance costs connected with the Clean Base?
When making use of the Clean Base, you’ll require to buy disposable dirtbags. However, it is unclear to us how long these bags will last. They appear well made, so I would assume at least one year or longer.
When empty, the dust bag can hold up to 30 days of debris from the Roomba i7 onboard dirt bin.
Performance & Features
So these models have updated layouts as well as some fancy new parts, but what about the down-and-dirty efficiency of these vacuum cleaners?
The performance of each of these vacuum cleaners is based upon several elements, including:
Brushroll design.
Filtering system.
Battery.
Motor.
Cleaning tests.
Each of these factors interacts to develop the overall cleaning performance.
Filtering System
The Roomba i7, i7, and also e5+ robotic vacuums all utilize the sophisticated AeroForce filter. This filter is a “2nd generation AeroForce” of sorts. It is the half dimension of the original AeroForce filter, without giving up any of the efficiency.
As an included bonus offer, the dirt bin that is partnered with this filter is totally washable. This is an attribute that is offered on all versions mentioned in this comparison (Roomba e5, i7, as well as i7+).
Battery & Motor
All 3 of these designs come with the same dimension battery– 1,800 mAh.
For how long is the run time?
The Roomba e5 has a slightly much longer run time, contrasted to the Roomba i7 as well as i7+:
Roomba e5: 90 minutes.
Roomba i7 & i7+: 75 mins.
On the surface, it seems like a step backward. Nonetheless, considering the added suction power of the i7 as well as i7+, it makes good sense that the battery would be under even more pressure than the Roomba e5.
Aside from the long run time, the Roomba i7 models also have the capability to Recharge & Resume in the middle of a cleaning cycle. This enables the Roomba to clean for 75 mins, recharge, and afterward go back to the spot where it ended, to finish cleaning.
It can do this twice, leading to approximately 225 mins of cleaning time.
Cleaning Performance
In terms of cleaning efficiency, all three of the versions are strong contenders.
We checked the Roomba i7+ in our Modern testing laboratory and the outcomes were nothing short of amazing, leading to 99% cleaning efficiency across all kinds of floors. This is the most effective we have actually seen from any kind of robotic vacuum cleaner to date.
Given the fact the only distinction between the Roomba i7+ as well as Roomba i7 appears to be the smart base, we would anticipate cleaning performance on the i7 to be similar to the i7+.
Concerning the iRobot Roomba e5, the cleaning performance did not stray too far away from the i7+. As a matter of fact, the overall cleaning score of the e5 corresponded to that of the i7+.
Roomba Usability Differences
These 3 versions have numerous “clever” attributes that make these robots really useful. A few of the top marks in terms of usability come from:
Hands-free control.
Advanced navigation.
Body style.
Control with your mobile phone or voice.
Wifi-enabled app control is feasible on all three of these models by connection with your mobile phone or tablet computer.
When you pair up your Roomba to your phone, you can start a cleaning, time out or quit a cleaning, view cleaning history, and other numerous setups.
In addition, a simple request to your voice assistant or via the iRobot Home app enables the i7+, i7, and e5 clean messes for you.
Navigate with a Roomba mind
The Roomba e5 makes use of memory mapping to help it browse layout and also keep in mind designs. With memory mapping, the e5 can remember the position of challenges, like huge furniture, doors, wall surfaces, etc.
Mapping Comparison
The Roomba i7 and i7+ browses with a technology called Imprint Smart Mapping. With vSLAM navigation, the i7 learns the layout of your home and builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean and navigate in neat, efficient rows, and meanwhile enables you to designate familiar names to specific areas, like Kitchen, Bedroom, or Living Room.
On top of that, the Roomba i7+ and i7 additionally have access to digital Keep Out Zones. These areas stop the Roomba from getting into specific locations of your residence. You can digitally draw these barriers in the application itself.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another area where there are some noteworthy distinctions between these versions. There are distinctions in the quantity of time it requires to maintain as well as associated costs.
Which is the Better Value?
Roomba e5 Robot Vacuum value
The Roomba i7, i7+, and also e5 each have their own set of disadvantages and benefits to think about when choosing which design may be right for you.
In terms of overall worth, it’s difficult to beat the low price of the Roomba e5. This Roomba was launched to attract the budget customer and also designed outstanding cleaning efficiency across all flooring kinds, yet does not include some of the advanced features provided by the i7 as well as i7+.
However what happens if you want a lot more?
You might locate the Roomba i7 to fit your requirements better if you have a great deal of carpeted flooring or area carpets. The i7 Series revealed incredible cleaning efficiency throughout all flooring kinds and also against all debris types. For excellent cleaning efficiency, while preserving a strong worth, the Roomba i7 is a superb alternative.
Roomba i7+ robot vacuum value
The Roomba i7+ genuinely brings it all to the table with unequaled cleaning performance and also a self-emptying dust bin. This takes the owners out of the equation and lets you almost forget about vacuuming for months at a time, without a decrease in cleaning performance.
Of course, the filter will still require to be cleaned regularly so it’s not 100% devoid of routine maintenance, yet it is a substantial step in the appropriate directions, in regards to self-reliant robotic vacuum cleaners.
What’s the Best Roomba for You?
These versions bring many advanced features to the table, but everybody’s requirements are different.
Ultimate Convenience
If you’re looking for a vacuum with excellent cleaning efficiency that will essentially run itself, with little help by you, the Roomba i7+ is hard to beat from this series. Its cleaning performance is incredible, as is the close to hands-off usability.
Convenience + Cost Savings
If you’re searching for a vacuum cleaner with exceptional cleaning performance, and also do not mind a little daily communication, the Roomba i7 is a terrific choice. The iRobot Home app enables the i7 to clean messes for you, right when they happen works with Google Home and Alexa-enabled tech devices. It lacks the smart base from the i7+ but has all of the same cleaning and functions otherwise (for quite a bit less money).
Best Value
The Roomba e5 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a robotic vacuum cleaner with excellent worth and also don’t mind lacking a few bells-and-whistles. The e5 provides a cleaning performance on par with the i7 and i7+, yet is just half of the price.