
In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ stands out as a multi-functional cleaning solution that blends convenience with performance. Designed to handle both vacuuming and mopping, this self-emptying robot promises a hands-free experience for up to 60 days and comes equipped with intelligent navigation, personalized cleaning options, and integration with voice assistants like Alexa. This review explores the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Roomba Combo i5+ to help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your home.
Design and Build Quality
The Roomba Combo i5+ maintains the sleek and modern aesthetic that has become synonymous with iRobot’s product line. Its circular design allows it to navigate around furniture and tight spaces with ease. The robot is constructed from durable materials and features a clean matte finish that resists fingerprints and dust accumulation. The docking station, which also serves as the Clean Base for automatic dirt disposal, is compact and visually unobtrusive, fitting well into most home environments.
A key design feature is the swappable bin system. The i5+ includes a specialized bin for vacuuming and another for vacuuming and mopping. This dual-functionality makes it a true combo machine, capable of tackling multiple types of messes with minimal intervention.
Vacuuming and Mopping Performance
The Roomba Combo i5+ is equipped with a powerful suction system that effectively lifts dirt, dust, and debris from both hard floors and carpets. Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes adjust to stay in constant contact with floors, improving performance across different surfaces. The robot is especially efficient at collecting pet hair and fine dust particles, making it a strong contender for households with pets or allergy sufferers.
The mopping function, while not intended to replace deep mopping, adds a valuable layer of convenience for daily maintenance. By using a separate bin and a microfiber cloth attachment, the i5+ delivers a light, even cleaning over hard floors such as tile, hardwood, and laminate. The mopping is smart enough to avoid carpets when the mop bin is in use, which prevents unwanted dampening of soft surfaces.
Smart Mapping and Navigation
One of the standout features of the Roomba Combo i5+ is its intelligent mapping capability. Using iRobot’s Smart Mapping technology, the i5+ learns the layout of your home and allows you to label specific rooms. Once mapping is complete, you can schedule cleanings by room, target high-traffic areas, or exclude specific zones altogether. This level of control is particularly beneficial in busy households where different rooms have different cleaning needs.
The navigation system uses floor-tracking sensors and a systematic cleaning path to ensure full coverage. Unlike random-navigation robots, the i5+ cleans in tidy rows and rarely misses spots. It also adapts to changes in the environment, rerouting itself around new obstacles with minimal disruption to its path.
Self-Emptying Convenience
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the i5+ is the self-emptying Clean Base, which holds up to 60 days’ worth of debris in an enclosed bag. This feature dramatically reduces maintenance time and eliminates the need to empty the dustbin after each cleaning session. When the Roomba detects that its internal bin is full, it automatically returns to the base to empty itself before resuming the job. This is a particularly valuable feature for larger homes or users with mobility limitations.
The Clean Base is designed to keep dust contained, making it ideal for allergy-sensitive households. Changing the disposable bag is a quick and hygienic process that only needs to be done every couple of months, depending on usage.
Personalized Cleaning with iRobot OS
The Roomba Combo i5+ is powered by iRobot OS, which adds a personalized touch to cleaning routines. The operating system learns from your habits and provides cleaning suggestions based on seasonal changes or observed patterns. For example, it may suggest more frequent cleanings during pet shedding season or after high pollen days.
You can set cleaning routines, specify preferences for each room, and even create cleaning zones within a room. The robot responds to voice commands through Alexa, making it easy to start or pause a session with just your voice. The mobile app is intuitive and provides real-time updates on cleaning progress, maintenance needs, and software upgrades.
Battery Life and Charging
The Roomba Combo i5+ offers up to 75 minutes of cleaning time on a full charge, which is suitable for most medium-sized homes. If the battery runs low during a session, the robot will automatically return to the base, recharge, and resume cleaning where it left off. This recharge-and-resume capability ensures that even longer or more complicated jobs are completed efficiently.
Pros and Considerations
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ excels in several key areas. It provides an effective, dual-function cleaning solution with minimal input from the user. Its self-emptying bin, smart mapping, and personalized cleaning routines contribute to a highly autonomous experience. Voice assistant integration and strong suction power round out its appeal.
However, there are a few considerations. The mop function is better suited for maintenance than deep cleaning. Users with thick carpets may find the mopping feature redundant. Also, while the self-emptying base reduces maintenance, the cost of replacement bags adds an ongoing expense. Finally, the robot’s price point may be a barrier for those on a tight budget, although the features provided do justify the investment for many.
Final Verdict
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is an impressive piece of technology that brings together advanced features to deliver a comprehensive floor cleaning solution. It is particularly well-suited for busy households, pet owners, and anyone looking to minimize their daily chores. With its dual vacuuming and mopping capabilities, intelligent mapping, and automated maintenance system, the i5+ is a solid choice for those seeking convenience, performance, and smart functionality in a single device.
While not the cheapest option on the market, its feature set and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to upgrade their home cleaning experience.