Review: iRobot Roomba i3 +: Vacuum robots have developed enormously in recent years and have become an indispensable part of everyday life for many people. iRobot is one of the best-known manufacturers that has been on the market for over 30 years. We have tested their latest model, the iRobot Roomba i3 +, for you. In the following sections you can read our impressions of the premium vacuum robot.
We recently took a closer look at the manufacturer’s upper-class model for you, you can read our iRobot Roomba i7 + test here. In addition, we have already been able to gain experience with the iRobot Braava Jet M6 robot mop . Today, however, everything revolves around the Roomba i3 +, which wants to score points with its functions and the enclosed suction station .
Unpacking and setting up: The scope of delivery is “minimalist”
As the heading already suggests, only the bare essentials are included in the scope of delivery of the robot . In addition to the suction station and the Roomba i3 +, only a power cable, another filter and a dust bag are included. There is also the mandatory instruction manual. We would have liked a little more here, for example one or two more dust bags for the suction station. Nevertheless, everything you need to start right away is included .
The general haptic and visual impression is “typically iRobot” . Accordingly, the processing is at a high level. Although the robot is made of plastic, it looks robust and the matte black is significantly less susceptible than the high-gloss finish that is used on many competing models. The top of the robot has a special feature: Here iRobot has made a round and at the same time somewhat rough design statement. The gray ring is definitely a unique selling point of the i3 + and, in terms of design, a matter of taste .
With its simple black design, the suction station is also relatively inconspicuous and should therefore blend in well with many apartments. The power cable can be stowed away quickly and easily thanks to the integrated cable guide on the back .
The iRobot App , which is available for iOS and Android, is required to set up the robot . The corresponding model must be selected there, in this case the Roomba i3 +. The app then guides you through the setup process . To connect to your home WiFi, you have to enter the password and hold down the Home and Spot buttons on the robot for two seconds during setup. Once you’ve given your new household helper a name , you ‘re ready to go.
Can the performance and cleaning result of the Roomba i3 + convince?
iRobot wants to score especially in terms of functionality and cleaning performance. In addition, the robot is constructed differently in many areas than comparable competitors. For example, two rubberized main brushes are installed on the underside. These ensure good cleaning results on both carpets and hard floors . In our case, the running direction and the different profiles of the slats even removed relatively stuck dirt and small crumbs that were stuck in the carpet. In addition, the general suction power should also be mentioned positively , because the air is drawn in via the underside and let out again through the filter located at the rear via a side opening.
When navigating the Roomba i3 +, you can see the manufacturer’s years of experience . The small robot travels efficiently and therefore requires relatively little time. In the app you can choose whether areas should be intelligently cleaned several times or only driven once. In addition, the robot analyzes your cleaning behavior and, after some time of use, independently suggests appropriate cleaning plans that could match your profile. In our opinion, the battery life is sufficient, even if a little over 60 minutes is not a best time .
In comparison, this is not a top value, but the Roomba i3 + compensates for this with its cleaning performance and efficient navigation . In addition, the device drives automatically to the charging process and then continues cleaning if the battery should run out during the process .
The Roomba i3 + navigates efficiently and moves along edges cleanly
Now we would like to say a few words about the suction station. Although the robot only has a 0.4 liter dust tank , this is not a problem in everyday life. With the integrated dust bag, the suction station offers enough space to get by for 60 days , according to iRobot . Then you should change the dust bag. In our experience, a bag likes to last longer, but that depends a lot on the frequency of cleaning and the size of the surface to be cleaned.
A reusable dust container would have been desirable here
What we particularly liked is the performance of the suction station. The Roomba i3 + is really pumped out extremely vigorously . This process is accordingly very loud. You can set recurring cleaning schedules in the app . A connection to Alexa or Google Home is also possible. If you have a Braava Jet M6 robot mop, you can also have it alternately mop and vacuum in combination with the i3 + .
What you can also credit iRobot positively are the ongoing updates . The group is constantly giving its household helpers new practical functions. The recently published Genius Update, for example, networked Roomba vacuum robots with Braava mopping robots. There were also useful functions such as estimating the cleaning time, automatic edge planes and much more. The Roomba i3 + also received this update and benefited, among other things, from the possibility of time-controlled cleaning.
Our criticism and a final conclusion on the iRobot Roomba i3 + vacuum robot
After many positive impressions, we noticed a few things that iRobot would like to improve . For example, the app still offers potential. Although this works well and is designed intuitively, there is currently no live navigation and no possibility of defining appropriate cleaning zones. Competitive models already offer such functions for a significantly lower price. Furthermore, the Roomba i3 + is a pure vacuum robot, so no wiping function is integrated. At an MSRP of 699 euros, we would have liked that, and the scope of delivery is a bit meager considering the high price.
We don’t see the dust bags as a point of criticism. Of course, we would be happy if a reusable dust tank were to be used, as there is no need to change the bags. Maybe we’ll see that in a future model. Otherwise, the Roomba i3 + was able to convince us above all with its solid cleaning performance and efficient navigation. If you are interested, you can get the iRobot Roomba i3 + including suction station for currently 699 euros . You can find more products from this class in our vacuum robot category .
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