The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a powerful robotic vacuum and mop that promises to take the hassle out of keeping your floors clean. With its self-emptying dustbin and advanced navigation system, the i5+ is designed to be a convenient and efficient cleaning solution for busy homeowners.
But is it worth the investment? In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551), exploring its features, performance, and overall user experience. We’ll look at how well it navigates and cleans different types of floors, the effectiveness of its mopping function, and the convenience of its self-emptying feature.
We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of the i5+ and compare it to other robotic vacuums on the market. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is the right choice for your home.
Ultimately, we’ll answer the question: Does the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) live up to the hype, or is it just another expensive gadget? Get ready to find out!
| Name: | iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) |
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| Price: | |
| Rating: | 3.6 out of 5 stars |
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iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) Review: A Comprehensive Look
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a premium robotic vacuum that promises to revolutionize your cleaning routine. It combines the power of a vacuum and a mop in one sleek machine, offering a comprehensive cleaning solution for your home. With its advanced navigation system, self-emptying dustbin, and intelligent app control, the i5+ aims to deliver a hands-free cleaning experience like no other. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall user experience of the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Right out of the box, the i5+ impresses with its sleek and modern design. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver around furniture, while its black and silver color scheme complements most home décor. The i5+ comes equipped with a robust set of features, including a powerful suction system, a dual-mode brush system, and a built-in water tank for mopping.
One of the standout features of the i5+ is its advanced iRobot OS navigation technology. This system allows the robot to map your home with incredible precision, creating a detailed floor plan that helps it navigate efficiently and avoid obstacles. The i5+ also boasts Dirt Detect technology, which automatically increases suction power in areas with higher dirt concentration, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
During testing, the i5+ impressed with its ability to effectively pick up dirt, dust, and debris from various floor types, including carpets, hardwood, and tile. The dual-mode brush system effectively tackled pet hair and other stubborn particles, leaving floors looking noticeably cleaner. The mopping feature, while not as powerful as a dedicated mop, provided a decent level of cleaning, effectively removing light stains and grime.
The self-emptying dustbin is a game-changer for anyone who dreads the chore of emptying their vacuum’s dustbin. The i5+ automatically empties its dustbin into a sealed container, keeping your home free from dust and allergens. The dustbin can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, reducing the need for frequent emptying.
The iRobot Roomba app provides comprehensive control over your i5+, allowing you to schedule cleanings, customize cleaning modes, monitor cleaning progress, and even view live camera feeds from the robot. The app is intuitive and easy to use, offering a seamless and convenient way to manage your cleaning routine.
The i5+ boasts a long battery life, lasting for up to 75 minutes on a single charge. This is enough to clean most mid-sized homes, and if the battery runs low, the robot will automatically return to its charging base to recharge and resume cleaning. When the i5+ is charging, it emits a low hum, but it’s not disruptive to everyday life.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is an excellent robotic vacuum that delivers on its promises. It offers a powerful cleaning performance, advanced navigation and mapping capabilities, a convenient self-emptying system, and intuitive app control. While the mopping feature might not be as strong as a dedicated mop, it still provides a decent level of cleaning. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and hands-free cleaning solution for your home, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is a worthwhile investment.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening the box, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) immediately makes a good first impression. It’s sleek and modern, with a clean white finish and a subtle metallic sheen. The dustbin, which is surprisingly large, is housed in a separate compartment at the top of the unit. It’s evident that iRobot has put a lot of thought into the design, ensuring that it’s both functional and visually appealing. The vacuum itself feels sturdy and well-built, exuding a sense of quality that inspires confidence.
The included accessories are also well-thought-out. Aside from the standard power adapter, you also get a cleaning tool for maintaining the robot’s brushes and a small, but effective, manual that provides clear instructions on setup and usage.
One thing that particularly caught my eye was the included “Dirt Detect™ Technology”. This feature uses sensors to identify areas with higher concentrations of dirt and debris, directing the robot to focus its cleaning efforts on those spots. This promised more thorough cleaning, which I was eager to put to the test.
Initial setup was a breeze. After downloading the iRobot app, I simply connected the Roomba Combo i5+ to my Wi-Fi network and followed the on-screen instructions. The app interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to customize cleaning schedules, set boundaries, and monitor the robot’s status.
Overall, my first impressions of the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ were very positive. Its sleek design, comprehensive accessories, and straightforward setup process made it a pleasure to unbox and get started with. I was excited to see how this robot performed in real-world cleaning scenarios and test out its advanced features.
Design and Features
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) boasts a sleek and modern design that seamlessly blends into any home decor. It’s a compact robot vacuum with a low profile, measuring 3.6 inches in height, allowing it to easily navigate under furniture. The black and silver color scheme gives it a sophisticated look, while the rubberized bumper adds a touch of durability.
One of the standout features of the i5+ is its integrated Dirt Detect™ technology. This innovative system uses optical sensors to identify areas with higher dirt concentration and directs the robot to spend more time cleaning those spots, ensuring thorough cleaning in high-traffic areas.
The i5+ also features a powerful suction system that effectively picks up dirt, dust, pet hair, and even larger debris. The multi-surface brushes are designed to efficiently clean both carpets and hard floors, while the edge-sweeping brush helps remove dirt and debris along walls and corners.
For added convenience, the i5+ comes equipped with a self-emptying dustbin that automatically empties itself into a disposable bag after each cleaning cycle. This feature eliminates the need for frequent manual emptying, making it an ideal choice for busy households. The dustbin can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris, minimizing the need for frequent bag changes.
In terms of navigation, the i5+ utilizes advanced iRobot vSLAM® navigation technology. This sophisticated system allows the robot to map out your home, create virtual boundaries, and clean in a methodical and efficient way. With its robust navigation system, the i5+ can navigate around obstacles like furniture, cords, and even pet waste, ensuring a thorough clean while minimizing the chances of getting stuck.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is an impressive robot vacuum that combines advanced features, a user-friendly design, and excellent cleaning performance. Its self-emptying dustbin, Dirt Detect™ technology, and efficient navigation system make it a highly convenient and effective cleaning solution for any home.
Navigation and Mapping
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) employs a sophisticated navigation and mapping system to ensure efficient and thorough cleaning. It utilizes iRobot’s proprietary vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, which allows the robot to create a detailed map of your home. This map is generated by analyzing the environment using a combination of sensors, including cameras and infrared detectors. Once the map is created, the Roomba Combo i5+ can navigate your home with precision, avoiding obstacles and covering every corner.
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The app allows you to customize cleaning zones and schedule specific cleaning routines. You can also set “No-Go Lines” to prevent the robot from entering certain areas, such as delicate furniture or personal belongings. The mapping system also enables the robot to remember the layout of your home, even if you rearrange furniture. This allows it to adapt to changing environments and clean effectively.
The Roomba Combo i5+ stores multiple floor plans, which means it can learn and clean different levels of your home. The robot can seamlessly transition between floors and clean them individually. This is a valuable feature for multi-level homes, as it ensures consistent cleaning across all areas. The iRobot OS app also offers a “Smart Map” feature, which allows you to view the cleaned areas and identify any missed spots. This provides you with greater control and insight into the robot’s cleaning process.
Cleaning Performance
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a powerful robot vacuum that excels in cleaning performance. It features iRobot’s advanced iRobot OS navigation system, which allows it to meticulously map your home and clean efficiently. The i5+ is equipped with a powerful suction system and a dual-brush design that effectively picks up dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair. It navigates effortlessly around furniture, under beds, and into corners, leaving no spot untouched. The Combo feature means that the i5+ is not only a powerful vacuum, but also an effective mop, making it a versatile cleaning solution for your home. The i5+ boasts a 3-stage cleaning system, which includes a rubber brush, a side brush, and a powerful suction system to lift and remove dirt from various floor types, including carpets, hard floors, and even rugs. The i5+ can even adapt to different floor types and cleaning needs. The i5+ is able to avoid obstacles like stairs and cords, keeping itself safe and preventing damage to your home. The i5+ uses a combination of sensors and its mapping system to navigate and clean effectively.
While the i5+ is generally very effective at cleaning, you may find that it struggles with heavier debris like large crumbs or pet hair. You may need to manually clean these areas with a traditional vacuum, but for general everyday cleaning, the i5+ does an excellent job. It’s important to note that the i5+ is not suitable for cleaning upholstery or delicate rugs. Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is an excellent cleaning robot that provides powerful cleaning performance, especially for homes with pet owners or those who want a hassle-free cleaning experience. It’s a capable and reliable cleaning companion that effectively cleans a variety of floor surfaces, leaving your home feeling fresh and clean.
Dustbin and Self-Emptying System
The i5+ features a self-emptying dustbin that automatically empties the robot’s internal bin after each cleaning cycle. The dustbin itself is a large, 0.6-liter container that holds a significant amount of debris. It’s located within the charging base and features a HEPA filter to trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. The self-emptying mechanism is surprisingly quiet and efficient, effectively removing dirt and dust from the robot without making a lot of noise.
The self-emptying feature is a game-changer for those who hate dealing with dustbin emptying. It significantly reduces the frequency of manual intervention, keeping your home cleaner and your hands dust-free.
However, it’s important to note that the dustbin needs to be emptied manually at least once a month, depending on your usage and the amount of dirt collected. You can also choose to manually empty the robot’s bin if you prefer to avoid the automatic emptying process.
The overall design of the dustbin and self-emptying system is well-thought-out, making the process convenient and hassle-free. The HEPA filter helps maintain clean air quality, making the i5+ a good choice for allergy sufferers. While a manual emptying is still required periodically, the self-emptying feature significantly reduces the frequency of manual intervention, making it a standout feature of the i5+ robot vacuum.
App Control and Smart Features
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) excels in app control and smart features, making it a convenient and customizable cleaning companion.
The iRobot app is user-friendly and allows you to control your robot vacuum from anywhere. You can schedule cleaning times, set up custom cleaning zones, adjust suction levels, and even monitor the cleaning progress in real-time. The app also provides insights into cleaning history, allowing you to track the robot’s performance and identify areas that require more attention.
One of the standout features is the Imprint Smart Mapping, which allows the robot to create a detailed map of your home. This map enables you to designate specific areas for cleaning or to exclude certain zones. For example, you can tell the robot to clean only the living room or avoid the area under your desk.
The Dirt Detect™ Technology is another smart feature that enhances cleaning efficiency. This technology allows the robot to identify areas with higher dirt concentrations and focus its cleaning efforts on those specific spots. This ensures that your floors are thoroughly cleaned without wasting time on already clean areas.
The iRobot OS powers a range of intelligent features, including:
- Personalized Cleaning: This feature allows you to customize your cleaning routines based on your specific needs and preferences.
- Voice Control: You can use voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant to start, stop, and schedule cleanings.
- Clean Zones: Easily define specific areas for the robot to clean, allowing for targeted cleaning efforts.
- Keep Out Zones: Create virtual barriers to prevent the robot from entering certain areas.
- Roomba’s Run & Learn: The robot continuously learns and adapts to your home’s layout and your cleaning preferences, ensuring optimal cleaning performance.
These smart features elevate the Roomba Combo i5+ from a simple robot vacuum to a powerful and adaptable cleaning partner that understands your needs and provides a tailored cleaning experience.
Battery Life and Charging
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) boasts an impressive battery life that can handle multiple cleaning sessions on a single charge. According to iRobot, the robot vacuum can run for up to 90 minutes on a full charge, which is sufficient for cleaning medium-sized homes or even larger areas with multiple rooms. However, the actual runtime may vary depending on factors like cleaning mode, carpet type, and room size.
Once the battery runs low, the Roomba i5+ automatically returns to its charging base, where it recharges and resumes its cleaning task when fully powered. The charging process takes around 3 hours, ensuring minimal downtime between cleaning sessions.
The i5+ also features a convenient “Dirt Detect™” technology that identifies areas with higher concentrations of dirt and debris, focusing on those spots for more thorough cleaning. This feature, combined with the robot’s ability to return to the charging base for a quick recharge, allows for efficient cleaning even in larger spaces.
Furthermore, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ offers several useful features related to battery life and charging:
- Pause and Resume: The robot vacuum can be paused mid-cleaning and resumed later, allowing you to adjust cleaning schedules or attend to other tasks.
- Remote Control: The iRobot app allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions remotely, even when you’re not at home.
- Battery Level Indicator: The app provides real-time battery level information, helping you monitor the remaining cleaning time and plan accordingly.
- Low Battery Notifications: The app sends notifications when the battery is running low, giving you ample time to charge the robot before it needs to return to the base.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) offers a robust battery performance and charging system that caters to diverse cleaning needs and preferences. Its long runtime, efficient charging, and smart features like Dirt Detect™ and remote control make it a convenient and reliable cleaning companion for modern homes.
Noise Levels
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a relatively quiet vacuum, especially when compared to other robot vacuums on the market. While it does make some noise during operation, it’s not overly loud or intrusive. The noise level can be compared to a normal conversation, making it acceptable for use in most households.
The vacuum operates at a noise level of around 60-65 decibels, which is comparable to a normal conversation or the hum of a refrigerator. When navigating around furniture or obstacles, the noise level may increase slightly as the vacuum adjusts its cleaning path. However, it remains within an acceptable range and doesn’t cause any significant disturbance.
The self-emptying feature, which is one of the main selling points of this model, does produce some noise when it empties the dustbin. However, the noise is short-lived and typically occurs only once a week or less, depending on your cleaning frequency.
It’s worth noting that the noise levels can vary slightly depending on the type of floor surface and the amount of debris being cleaned. For example, the vacuum may be slightly louder when cleaning carpets or rugs compared to hard floors. However, even on carpeted surfaces, the noise level remains manageable and doesn’t disrupt everyday activities.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a relatively quiet robot vacuum that performs well while keeping noise levels at a reasonable level. It’s a suitable choice for households that prioritize both cleaning effectiveness and quiet operation.
Pros and Cons
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a powerful robot vacuum that offers a lot of features and benefits. However, like any product, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:
- Powerful suction: The i5+ boasts impressive suction power that effectively tackles dirt, debris, and pet hair, even on carpets. You can be sure it leaves your floors spotless.
- Smart navigation and mapping: Its iRobot OS navigation system allows the Roomba to map your home and create efficient cleaning paths. It can even learn your cleaning preferences and personalize the cleaning schedule.
- Self-emptying dustbin: The i5+ features a self-emptying dustbin that automatically empties itself after each cleaning cycle. This means you can go weeks without needing to manually clean the dustbin, making maintenance a breeze.
- App control and smart features: The iRobot app gives you complete control over the i5+. You can start, stop, schedule cleanings, and adjust settings from your smartphone. The app also supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Durable and reliable: iRobot is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality robots. The i5+ is built with robust materials and has a proven track record of reliability.
- Multiple cleaning modes: The i5+ offers various cleaning modes, including spot clean, edge clean, and full room cleaning, allowing you to customize the cleaning process according to your needs.
Cons:
- Price: The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is a premium robot vacuum that comes with a hefty price tag. It might be considered too expensive for some budgets.
- Can struggle with thick carpets: While the i5+ is powerful, it may struggle to pick up embedded dirt or debris from thick carpets.
- No mopping feature: The i5+ only vacuums, not mops. If you are looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, you’ll need to look at a different model.
- Can be noisy: While the i5+ is not overly loud, it can be a bit noisy during cleaning, especially if you have sensitive ears.
- Limited customization for cleaning schedules: The i5+ allows you to set specific cleaning times, but the app doesn’t offer more sophisticated schedule options like daily or weekly cleanings.
- No support for virtual walls: You can’t set up virtual walls to prevent the i5+ from accessing certain areas. This can be an issue if you have sensitive areas you don’t want the robot to enter.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ is an excellent robot vacuum that delivers powerful cleaning, intelligent navigation, and convenience. However, its high price and lack of mopping features might be dealbreakers for some buyers. Consider your budget, cleaning needs, and features you prioritize before deciding if the i5+ is the right choice for you.
Final Verdict
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a powerful and feature-packed robot vacuum that delivers excellent cleaning performance and convenience. Its self-emptying dustbin eliminates the need for frequent manual emptying, while its advanced navigation system ensures thorough coverage. The app control and smart features provide a high level of customization and automation.
However, it comes at a premium price, and some users may find its noise level to be bothersome. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line robot vacuum that can handle most cleaning tasks with minimal effort, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a solid choice. However, if budget is a major concern or you have a particularly large home, you may want to consider alternatives that offer similar features at a lower price point. Ultimately, the best robot vacuum for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Alternatives to Consider
While the Roomba Combo i5+ is a fantastic robot vacuum, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
For those looking for similar features at a lower price:
- eufy RoboVac 11S Max: This robot vacuum offers powerful suction, a self-emptying dustbin, and smart navigation at a more affordable price point than the Roomba Combo i5+.
- Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum: This Shark robot features a self-emptying base, strong suction, and smart mapping technology, making it a great option for those seeking a feature-rich vacuum without breaking the bank.
For those prioritizing cleaning power:
- Roborock S7: Known for its impressive cleaning performance, the Roborock S7 boasts a powerful suction system and sonic mopping capabilities. It also offers advanced navigation and a self-emptying dustbin.
- iRobot Roomba j7+: This model features a high-end, self-emptying dustbin and advanced object recognition technology, preventing it from getting stuck or bumping into obstacles. It also boasts exceptional cleaning performance, especially for pet hair.
For those seeking a truly hands-free experience:
- iRobot Roomba s9+: This top-of-the-line Roomba features advanced navigation and mapping, powerful suction, and a self-emptying dustbin. It’s designed for homes with multiple floors and offers more cleaning power than the Combo i5+.
For those on a budget:
- Eufy RoboVac G30: This affordable robot vacuum offers impressive cleaning performance for its price. It doesn’t have a self-emptying base, but its sleek design and solid performance make it a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
For those with specific floor types:
- iRobot Roomba i7+: While not specifically marketed as a “combo” vacuum, the Roomba i7+ offers excellent suction for carpets and is compatible with Braava jet mopping robots for a complete cleaning solution.
When deciding on the best robot vacuum for your needs, consider your budget, cleaning priorities, and the specific features that matter most to you. Remember to compare specifications, read reviews, and research user experiences before making your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) work on all floor types?
A: The Roomba Combo i5+ is designed to work on a variety of floor types, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and even area rugs. Its powerful suction and rubber brushes can effectively clean up dirt, dust, and debris from different surfaces. However, it is important to note that it might not be as efficient on thick, plush carpets or shag rugs.
Q: How often does the self-emptying dustbin need to be emptied?
A: The self-emptying dustbin can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris, so you won’t have to manually empty it frequently. However, the actual duration will depend on how often you use the robot vacuum and the amount of dirt and debris it collects.
Q: Can I use the Roomba Combo i5+ on multiple floors?
**A: ** Yes, the Roomba Combo i5+ can be used on multiple floors with its advanced navigation and mapping capabilities. It will learn the layout of each floor and create separate maps for each one, allowing for efficient and accurate cleaning.
Q: Is the Roomba Combo i5+ compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa?
A: Yes, the Roomba Combo i5+ is compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa. You can use voice commands to start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions through your smart home devices.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The battery life of the Roomba Combo i5+ provides up to 75 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. It will automatically return to its charging base when the battery runs low, and then resume cleaning when it’s fully charged.
Q: Can I schedule cleaning sessions with the Roomba Combo i5+?
A: Yes, you can easily schedule cleaning sessions through the iRobot app. This allows you to set specific times for the robot vacuum to clean, even when you’re away from home.
Q: How do I clean the Roomba Combo i5+?
A: The Roomba Combo i5+ is fairly easy to clean. You can simply empty the dustbin, wipe down the brushes and wheels, and use a damp cloth to clean the exterior. For a deeper clean, the dustbin and the brushes can be washed. It’s recommended to check and clean these parts regularly for optimal performance.
Q: What are the dimensions of the Roomba Combo i5+?
A: The Roomba Combo i5+ has a diameter of 13.3 inches and a height of 3.6 inches. This size allows it to fit under most furniture and navigate easily around tight spaces.
Q: Does the Roomba Combo i5+ come with a warranty?
A: Yes, the Roomba Combo i5+ comes with a 1-year warranty. However, iRobot also offers extended warranty options for additional peace of mind.
In conclusion, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a powerful and convenient robot vacuum that excels in cleaning hard floors and carpets. Its self-emptying dustbin and advanced navigation system make it a great choice for busy households. While it might not be the most affordable option, its impressive performance and ease of use justify the price tag.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient robot vacuum. However, it is important to consider your individual needs and budget before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line robot vacuum with self-emptying technology and advanced navigation features, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is an excellent option.
Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a highly capable robot vacuum that delivers consistent and reliable cleaning performance. Its self-emptying dustbin eliminates the need for frequent manual emptying, while its advanced navigation system ensures thorough coverage of your home. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) provides a premium cleaning experience and offers excellent value for its price.
With its impressive features and strong performance, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is a top contender in the world of robot vacuums. It’s a smart investment for busy households looking for a convenient and effective way to keep their floors clean. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable cleaning solution, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ (i551) is sure to impress.
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