Roomba Combo J7+ review: A 2-in-1 robot vacuum done (almost) right

execs and cons

Professionals

• Dependable self-emptying
• Intelligently avoids gadgets and obstacles
• Retractable arm is surprisingly adaptive

Cons

• Mop pad and liquid tank will be greater
• Some consideration is required throughout cleansing
• $1,099 for the comfort issue

extra shopping for selections

My Roomba journey has been a satisfying one thus far. I’ve examined the Roomba j7+ and Braava Jet m6 and each delivered on their guarantees to maintain my flooring clear. So when Roomba introduced a brand new robotic that mixed the 2, I used to be thrilled.

The Roomba Combo j7+ is actually the Roomba j7+ however with the addition of retractable arms to boost and decrease a mop head. It has the identical matte black design, auto empty base, PrecisionVision Navigation, and naturally, clever iRobot OS software program. 

Additionally: The 5 greatest robotic vacuum and mop combos

The distinction? The Combo half. Due to the hands-free nature of the robotic, it is rapidly change into my favourite sensible vacuum with mopping capabilities.

To check the Combo j7+, my family of mud and hair-shedding culprits included a German Shepherd, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and a cat. Then, there’s the on a regular basis dust and dirt from strolling round. Here is how the brand new Roomba carried out.

Specs

What’s new with this mannequin

The Roomba Combo j7+ mirrors the Roomba j7+ with its vacuuming efficiency. Straight out of the field, you may must set the Combo j7+ up inside the iRobot app after which let it collect the structure of your own home by doing a number of mapping runs. As soon as that is executed, the enjoyable begins. Here is what’s new (and what’s vital) when it comes to options.

1. A retractable mop that simply works

The brand new Roomba’s design is exclusive in that it now has retractable arms that carry and decrease the mop head because it’s wanted. While you go to begin a job inside the iRobot app, you’ll be able to choose what kind of perform(s) you need it to do, together with simply vacuuming or each vacuum and mopping. The Combo j7+ defaults to the latter, and in that very same menu you’ll be able to select the liquid quantity and if you’d like one or two cleansing passes. 

Evaluation: Roomba j7+: A life-changing robotic vacuum

Intelligently, when the Roomba is cleansing a carpet, it acts like a standard j7+, vacuuming with out ever reducing the retractable arms. However as soon as it encounters hardwood, vinyl, or tile, it pauses to roll out the mop head and continues cleansing with the cleansing resolution now, too. After quite a few runs all through my residence, I have not had a problem the place the retractable arms did not decrease or elevate when wanted. The expertise is really spectacular, particularly since that is iRobot’s first try on the mechanic.

2. Improved object avoidance

Arguably my favourite characteristic inside the Roomba Combo j7+, and the iRobot lineup basically, is the PrecisionVision Navigation that it makes use of to keep away from widespread family objects. The sensors that Roomba has geared up the Combo j7+ permit it to function even when you have not picked every part up round your home. If there is a shoe or a twine misplaced, the robotic will routinely detect and keep away from the merchandise. On the finish of the cleansing run, you’ll be able to look within the iRobot Residence app to see what objects and obstacles the Roomba detected throughout its cleansing periods. 

Additionally: These things is best than compressed air for cleansing your soiled tech

Simply as cool is how the Combo j7+ will take footage of objects it encounters to raised perceive your own home. For instance, if it persistently captures a picture of a lamp twine, you’ll be able to mark it as a everlasting object and the robotic will at all times keep away from it. But when the robotic encounters an object that is not usually discovered on the ground, you’ll be able to mark it as a brief avoidance.

3. P.O.O.P. continues to be value highlighting

Roomba first launched its Pet Proprietor Official Promise (POOP) with the original j7+ model, an object avoidance expertise made particularly for pet waste, so it is nice to see it carried over to the Combo. As a pet proprietor, I do know very effectively that accidents occur and the very last thing I would like is for my robotic vacuum to smear any pet waste all through my home. Whereas I have been lucky sufficient to have by no means skilled that (knock on wooden), there was an event throughout testing when the Combo j7+ managed to establish and keep away from a pile of pet vomit, which was each horrifying and exhilarating. Not each robotic vacuum helps such a characteristic, so I am highlighting it for the pet homeowners on the market.

What I might wish to see within the subsequent mannequin

The Roomba Combo j7+ is performant, and it clearly does an excellent job of holding my flooring clear. But when there’s something that Roomba may do higher within the subsequent mannequin, here is what’s on my want record.

1. A bigger liquid tank measurement

As for the mopping efficiency itself, the Combo j7+ does a good job. The mop head is way smaller than the Braava Jet m6‘s and cleans can depart streaks (until you go for the Extremely liquid setting). Given its extremely small liquid tank, this requires a whole lot of intervention on my finish. The one method I can use the Combo’s mop system is after I’m residence to manually intervene and refill the liquid tank as wanted. I do like that the Combo j7+ makes use of an precise cleansing resolution as an alternative of water, like most different two-in-one robotic machines, although the liquid is saved contained in the mud bin so, once more, you solely get a lot quantity out of it.

Additionally: The 5 greatest robotic mops to scrub your flooring

Roomba must discover a method to enhance the liquid tank measurement for this to be a possible possibility for shoppers. The purpose of a robotic vacuum, in my view, is to have it do your soiled work and stay out of sight and out of thoughts. That is tough to do after I’m refilling the liquid tank a number of instances per run. 

2. Quieter disposals can be subsequent degree

Regardless of the place the Combo j7+ is in its journey all through my residence, as quickly because the dust disposal compartment is full, it should retreat again to its Clear Base to empty itself. The one downside I’ve with this cleaning course of is how loud it will get when the bottom is suctioning the dust and particles from the robotic. It is simply one of many loudest clear bases that I’ve examined to this point. Whereas the entire course of takes now not than 15 seconds, it is a frequent incidence in case your pets shed as a lot hair as mine do.

Backside line

The Roomba Combo j7+ is a incredible first-generation, 2-in-1 robotic that has a bevy of promising options. On the floor, the Roomba’s $1,099 price ticket looks like a giant ask, and it very a lot is, but it surely’s additionally a 2-in-1 robotic that delivers the performance of a standalone sensible vacuum and a mopping machine. Better of all, Roomba, by some means, nailed the retractable arm mechanism on its first try.

Ought to I purchase one? 

For flats and small to medium-sized properties, the Combo j7+ may simply sort out your messes. Due to the comfort of the vacuum and mopping system, paw prints, pet hair, and different gross stains would be the least of your worries. However, if you’d like the best mopping resolution on the market, I might nonetheless advocate getting a devoted robotic mop, just like the $449 Braava Jet m6, which I’ve reviewed and personally urged to household and associates.

Options to contemplate 

BEST 2-IN-1 ALTERNATIVE

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

On the more expensive side, this 2-in-1 machine is arguably the best robot vacuum and mop on the market.

BEST MOPPING ALTERNATIVE

iRobot Braava Jet m6

The Jet m6 ensures that every inch of your floor is adequately cleaned with a proprietary cleaning solution included in the box and an effective, automated mopping motion.