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iRobot launches affordable robot vacuum and mop combo that costs just $275
By Jon Bitner
iRobot is one of the most popular manufacturers of robot vacuums, but much of its lineup is locked behind hefty price tags. One of our favorite robot vacuums, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, for example, clocks in at $1,400 — making it a pricey proposition for most households. That’s changing today, however, as the brand has officially launched the Roomba Combo Essential, which costs just $250 and offers many of the same features found in its expensive siblings.
The Roomba Combo Essential Robot is a robot vacuum and mop that’s billed as an upgrade to the old Roomba 600 Series. It uses a V-shaped roller brush to minimize tangles while vacuuming, offers three different suction levels for customized performance, and uses an edge sweeping brush to better clean baseboards and crevices. It’s a similar story for mopping, as you can choose between three different water levels for cleaning hard floors.
As you’d expect, the robot is powered by the same iRobot app as more expensive models, giving you a simple way to modify its settings or set up scheduled cleanings.
Some big compromises had to be made to hit this price point, and it’s the autonomous functions that largely took a hit. For one, the docking station won’t empty the dustbin or wash its dirty mopping pads. That means you’ll likely need to get your hands dirty after each cleaning cycle as you clean its mop and empty its dustbin.
If you don’t need the mopping skills of the Roomba Combo Essential, you’ll find the Roomba Vac Essential available for $250 — offering many of the same features minus a mopping pad. The Roomba Combo Essential is now available, while the Roomba Vac Essential will launch on April 7.
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Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Narwal’s ‘hairodynamic’ robot mops debut at CES 2024
Narwal — a brand known for crafting popular robot mops — took the stage during CES 2024 to debut the Narwal Freo X Ultra and Narwal Freo X Plus. Billed as the “smartest, most powerful, and quietest vacuum mops in the world,” Narwal is hoping they make a splash in the world of smart home automation. (It appears to have the specs to back up the claims.)
The Narwal Freo X Ultra is the most compelling of the duo, boasting an impressive 8,200 Pa of suction. That puts it near the top of the pack, competing with products like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra (6,000 Pa) and the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni (8,000 Pa). And because it can compress the dust into its onboard dustbin, you’ll only need to empty it every 60 days.
Cordless vs. robot vacuums: which one should you buy?
When it comes to keeping your floors clean, robot vacuums and cordless vacuums are among the best products you can buy. Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular over the past few years — thanks to premium models like the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra — but cordless vacuums offer plenty of advantages over their robotic counterparts.
Deciding between the two isn’t easy, and thankfully, it’s hard to make a wrong decision. Both are well-equipped to clean your floors, but there are some big trade-offs you’ll have to make for each class. So, which is better? Robot vacuums or cordless vacuums?
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?
Roborock and iRobot are two of the biggest brands in the world of robot vacuums. Both companies churn out new products at a regular cadence, with the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra standing as two of the newest (and most compelling) robots on offer from the rivals. The Roomba Combo j9+ and S8 Pro Ultra can vacuum and mop in a single run — and they both carry hefty price tags. Deciding to add one to your home is a big decision, and there are several different variables to consider before picking one up.
From vacuuming and mopping skills to pricing and additional features, here’s a look at the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra to help you decide which is the better fit for your home.
Pricing and availability
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