Roomba Combo I8 review – the vacuum mop cleaning solution
Get to know the roomba combo i8 vacuum robot and mop, from someone who is actually using it. I cover its benefits and its drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
I don’t usually write about stuff outside of cooking on this blog, but since it is all about making life easier for busy families, I had to add my two cents on the Roomba!
Or specifically the Roomba Combo I8. I may be late to the robot vacuum craze, but if you hate the feeling of walking around barefoot, where you can feel all the dirt, crumbs, and other messiness on you feet, this is the device for you.
Seriously, who’s got the time (or the energy) to vacuum everyday? If you’re part of a full-throttle working family like mine, you know the struggle of juggling the office, school pickups, and extra-curriculars, as well as trying to keep the house from turning into a complete disaster zone.
The Roomba I8 is one of those dual purpose mid-budget robots, which vaccums and you can run a light wet mop as well once you change its tank.
Since I already have a full-fledged vacuum and a hand-held cordless vacuum (for the couch, countertops, etc.), it seemed excessive to go for the pricier robot vacuums that promise a lot but still need a lot of managing after.
The Roomba i8 still has the suction power and navigation features of the higher end robots, but without the same price tag. It is the low-risk housekeeping sidekick you never knew you needed.
Benefits
So let’s break down some of the sweet benefits the Roomba combo i8 brings to the table for working families:
- Smart Mapping: This little champ doesn’t vacuum haphazardly. With its advanced mapping technology, it knows the lay of the land, which means it won’t miss those dust bunny hideouts or random obstacles.
- Pet-friendly: Fur-covered floors are kinda inevitable with fur babies around. The i8 has got the suction power to pick up hair and is easy to empty and clean out.
- Multi-surface: From hardwood to carpets and everything in between, this Roomba’s got the versatility to tackle all your floor types without skipping a beat.
- Customizable cleaning schedule: Set it to clean whenever suits your jam-packed schedule.
- Worry-free navigation: Thanks to its nifty sensors, the i8 deftly maneuvers around furniture and dodges potential collisions. You can also set it to avoid zones that you don’t wish it to tackle.
- App connectivity: Control it with your phone? You bet! The Roomba i8 can be commanded with an app, so you can command it at a distance.
- Small mat under the vacuum: If you are running the mop function, you don’t want a wet mop hanging around on your wooden floors. Well the Roomba i8 has a small mat attached to the charger so that your floors are protected.
- Set it and forget it: Got a meeting that’s running longer than anticipated? No worries! The Roomba i8 can pause its cleaning spree, wait patiently at its charging station, and then pick up where it left off once you’re back in action.
The Problems
- Noise level: While it’s quieter than a traditional vacuum, the i8 still produces a noticeable noise, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for near-silent cleaning sessions.
- Dependency on clearing obstacles: You’ll need to do a bit of pre-cleaning before the i8 starts its magic. That means picking up small items and cords that could get in its way. And if you have pets, the I8 doesn’t have poop detection in case of accidents.
- Can’t go under all furniture: Certain furniture pieces with low clearance might stump the i8, as it might not fit under them to clean.
- Regular maintenance required: Just like any mechanical buddy, the i8 needs its fair share of upkeep. Every once in a while you have to think about cleaning its brushes and sensors to keep it running smoothly.
- Limited battery life: Even though it’s got a decent battery life, the i8 might not cover larger homes or spaces in one go. It might need to recharge before finishing a thorough cleaning.
- Not ideal for deep cleaning: While it’s a champ at everyday maintenance, the i8 might struggle with deep-cleaning tasks. The mop is more of a wet cloth that runs across the floor, rather than a deep clean that will get out stains. The roomba will struggle handling heavily soiled areas or irregularly shaped rooms.
Remember, no gadget is without its quirks, and it’s all about finding the right balance between pros, cons, and price that suits your specific needs and lifestyle.
So, if you’re a fellow member of the “can’t remember the last time I saw my living room floor” club, the Roomba combo i8 vacuum and mop could be just the thing you need for a cleaner, saner home.