iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Review: Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop

As a long-time smart home enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for devices that can make daily chores easier.

When I heard about the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop, I was intrigued by its promise of hands-free floor cleaning. This latest offering from iRobot, the company that pioneered the robot vacuum concept, seemed to address many of the pain points of earlier models.

After two months of extensive testing in my home, I can confidently say that the Roomba Combo j9+ is a game-changer in the world of robotic floor care. It’s not without its quirks, but its innovative features, powerful cleaning performance, and intelligent navigation system have significantly reduced my floor maintenance workload.

In this review, I’ll dive deep into my experience with this high-end floor cleaning robot, exploring its strengths, limitations, and overall value proposition.

Product Overview

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a top-of-the-line robot vacuum and mop combo, designed to tackle both carpets and hard floors with minimal user intervention. It comes with a sleek Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock that not only charges the robot but also empties its dustbin and refills its water tank automatically.

Key features include:

– Dual functionality: vacuuming and mopping

– Auto-Retract Mopping System

– Smart Scrub technology for deeper cleaning

– Dirt Detective intelligence for prioritized cleaning

– PrecisionVision Navigation for obstacle avoidance

– iRobot OS for advanced mapping and customization

– Compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant

The package arrived in a sturdy box, well-protected and neatly organized. Inside, I found the Roomba j9+ robot, the Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock, two disposal bags, an extra filter, and a single mopping pad. The initial setup process was straightforward, guided by the iRobot Home app.

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iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop – Multi-Functional Base Refills Bin and Empties Itself, Vacuums and Mops Without Needing to Avoid Carpets, Avoids Obstacles​

• FOR DIRT AND DUST PICKUP. This cutting-edge robot vacuum and mop effortlessly banishes dirt from carpet and hard floors. Three levels of suction power and automatic Carpet Boost ensure thoroughly cleaned floors.
• POWERFUL VACUUMING MEETS DEEP CLEAN MOPPING. Hard-working and intelligent, this 2-in-1 customizes your deep clean with up to 100% stronger suction* and is the most effective mopping solution using SmartScrub. *Compared to Roomba Combo i Series robots.
• READY FOR HANDS-FREE CLEANING The Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock powers and primes your robot by emptying debris for 60 days and refilling water or solution for 30 days of hands-free cleaning. *Robot software update required before initial usage; Wi-Fi connection necessary.
• THE ONLY FULLY RETRACTABLE MOP. Unlike other 2-in-1s, its Auto-Retract Mopping System lifts itself to the top of the robot, preventing wet carpet messes. Your carpets stay dry with D.R.I. (Dry Rug Intelligence), only from iRobot. It seamlessly transitions from vacuuming carpet to vacuuming and mopping hard floors without any intervention from you.
• SMART SCRUB MOPS BACK AND FORTH WITH CONSISTENT PRESSURE AND 2X DEEPER SCRUBBING. Some areas of the home need a deeper clean–pawprints in the mudroom, spills under the kitchen table, tiles in your bathroom. Simply enable SmartScrub and your Roomba Combo j9 plus will scrub back-and-forth, just like you would. **Compared to standard vacuum and mop mode for coffee and grime.

$1,199.00

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Technically, the j9+ boasts impressive specs. It features three levels of suction power, with the highest setting delivering up to 30 times the air power of previous Roomba models. The mopping system uses a microfiber pad and can adjust water flow based on the floor type and cleaning mode.

One of the standout features is the fully retractable mop, which lifts completely off the floor when the robot detects carpet. This unique design sets it apart from competitors that often just slightly elevate their mop pads.

The Clean Base is designed to hold enough debris for up to 60 days of cleaning and can refill the robot’s water tank for up to 30 days of mopping. These capacities will vary based on usage and home size, but in my testing, they proved to be fairly accurate estimates for my 2000 sq ft home.

Design and Build Quality

The Roomba Combo j9+ strikes an impressive balance between functionality and aesthetics. The robot itself has a sleek, modern design with a matte black finish that doesn’t show fingerprints easily. Its circular shape is typical of Roomba models, but the addition of the retractable mop arm on top gives it a unique, almost futuristic look.

The build quality is excellent, with high-grade plastics used throughout. The robot feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence that it can withstand accidental bumps and daily use. The wheels are robust and provide good traction on various surfaces, from hardwood to thick carpets.

One of the most striking design elements is the Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock. Unlike many bulky and utilitarian-looking charging stations, this one is surprisingly compact and stylish. The wood-grain top is a nice touch that helps it blend into home decor more seamlessly. It’s clear that iRobot put thought into making this a device you won’t mind having visible in your living space.

The user interface on the robot itself is minimal but functional, with just three buttons for basic operations. The real control center is the iRobot Home app, which is well-designed and intuitive. The app’s layout is clean and easy to navigate, allowing for detailed control over cleaning schedules, room-specific settings, and more.

Ergonomically, the j9+ is well thought out. The dust bin and water tank are easy to access and remove for manual cleaning when needed. Replacing the mopping pad is a simple process, and the pad itself feels durable and well-made.

One minor quibble is that the mop arm, when retracted, does add some height to the robot. This might limit its ability to clean under very low furniture. However, this trade-off seems worthwhile for the benefit of keeping carpets dry during combined vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Performance and Functionality

In terms of performance, the Roomba Combo j9+ truly shines. Its vacuuming capabilities are impressive, especially on carpets. The three levels of suction power, combined with the auto-boost feature for carpets, ensure thorough cleaning. In my tests, it consistently picked up fine dust, pet hair, and larger debris like cereal crumbs with ease.

The mopping function, while not as robust as some dedicated mopping robots, is more than adequate for regular maintenance cleaning. The Smart Scrub feature, which applies extra pressure and uses a back-and-forth motion on stubborn stains, is particularly effective. I found it handled dried coffee spills and muddy paw prints surprisingly well.

One of the standout features is the Dirt Detective intelligence. Over time, the robot learned which areas of my home tend to get dirtier and adjusted its cleaning patterns accordingly. This resulted in more efficient cleaning sessions and better overall results.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop – Multi-Functional Base...

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop – Multi-Functional Base...

$999.00

$1,399.00

in stock

10 new from $999.00

17 used from $667.16

as of 11/08/2024 06:01

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The PrecisionVision Navigation system is a game-changer. Unlike some other robots I’ve used that bump into furniture or get stuck on cords, the j9+ navigates smoothly around obstacles. It even successfully avoided a pair of shoes I deliberately left out as a test.

Compared to my previous Roborock S7, the j9+ offers superior obstacle avoidance and more consistent performance across different floor types. However, the Roborock did have a slight edge in mopping performance on very stubborn stains.

The auto-empty and auto-fill features of the Clean Base work flawlessly. It’s a joy to come home to freshly vacuumed and mopped floors without having to lift a finger. The base is relatively quiet during the emptying process, though it’s still noticeable.

One unique aspect is the lack of a dedicated “mop only” mode. While initially disappointing, I found that the robot’s intelligence in detecting when to deploy the mop was usually spot-on, making this less of an issue in practice.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent vacuuming performance on both carpets and hard floors
2. Innovative retractable mop design keeps carpets dry
3. Impressive obstacle avoidance and navigation
4. Stylish and compact Clean Base with auto-empty and auto-fill features
5. Intuitive app with detailed mapping and customization options

Cons:

1. No dedicated “mop only” mode
2. Mopping performance, while good, may not match specialized mopping robots
3. Higher price point compared to some competitors

User Experience

Living with the Roomba Combo j9+ has been a largely positive experience. After an initial learning curve of about a week, during which I fine-tuned the map and cleaning preferences, the robot has become an indispensable part of my home maintenance routine.

The mapping process was surprisingly quick and accurate. Within two cleaning sessions, the j9+ had created a detailed map of my home, including different room types and transitions between floor surfaces. The ability to set no-go zones and room-specific cleaning preferences through the app is fantastic.

Day-to-day use is nearly effortless. I’ve set up a schedule for daily cleaning of high-traffic areas and less frequent cleaning of other spaces. The robot faithfully follows this schedule, returning to its base to empty the bin, refill water, and recharge as needed.

One particularly impressive aspect is how well it handles transitions between rooms and different floor types. It moves smoothly from hardwood to tile to carpet, adjusting its cleaning method appropriately.

Long-term, the j9+ has shown excellent durability. After two months of daily use, there’s no noticeable degradation in performance or build quality. The brushes and mopping pad have held up well, though I did wash the mopping pad weekly to keep it in top condition.

The only minor inconvenience I’ve encountered is the need to occasionally rescue the robot when it gets tangled in a stray cable I forgot to pick up. However, this happens far less frequently than with other robot vacuums I’ve used, thanks to its advanced obstacle detection.

Value for Money

At $1,399.99, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is undeniably a premium product with a price tag to match. However, when considering its feature set, performance, and the time it saves, I believe it offers good value for the right user.

Compared to other high-end robot vacuum and mop combos like the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni or the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, the j9+ is competitively priced. While these competitors offer features like self-cleaning mop pads, the j9+’s superior navigation and unique retractable mop design give it an edge for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors.

For busy professionals, large households, or anyone who values their time and wants consistently clean floors with minimal effort, the j9+ can be a worthwhile investment. It’s especially valuable for pet owners, as its strong suction and smart navigation make it excellent at tackling pet hair and dander.

However, for smaller homes or those on a tighter budget, there are less expensive options that might suffice, albeit with fewer advanced features. It’s worth considering how much you value the time saved and the convenience of a nearly hands-free cleaning solution when evaluating the j9+’s price.

Conclusion

After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop is one of the most capable and user-friendly floor cleaning robots on the market. Its combination of powerful vacuuming, effective mopping, intelligent navigation, and convenient self-maintenance features make it a standout product in the crowded robot cleaner space.

While it comes with a premium price tag and a few minor limitations, the overall package delivers exceptional value for those seeking a truly automated floor cleaning solution. The j9+ excels at keeping floors consistently clean with minimal user intervention, a feat that justifies its cost for many households.

I would highly recommend the Roomba Combo j9+ to busy professionals, large families, pet owners, and anyone who prioritizes having consistently clean floors without the daily hassle of manual cleaning. It’s particularly well-suited for homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors, thanks to its unique retractable mop design.

For its impressive performance, innovative features, and time-saving capabilities, I give the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect, but it’s as close as any robot vacuum and mop combo has come to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the battery last?

The j9+ typically runs for about 2-3 hours on a single charge, depending on the cleaning mode and floor type. It automatically returns to the base to recharge when needed.

Can I use my own cleaning solution in the mop?

iRobot recommends using only water or their proprietary cleaning solution to avoid potential damage to the robot or your floors.

How often do I need to replace the dust bags in the Clean Base?

The Clean Base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. In my experience, I replace the bag about once every two months with daily use.

Does it work well with pet hair?

Yes, the j9+ is excellent at picking up pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. Its strong suction and rubber brush rollers prevent hair tangling.

Can it clean multiple floors in a multi-story home?

Yes, the j9+ can store multiple floor plans. You’ll need to manually move it between floors, but it will recognize where it is and clean accordingly.

How loud is it during operation?

On its lowest setting, the j9+ operates at about 58 decibels, which is quieter than normal conversation. The highest suction setting is louder at around 68 decibels.

Can I control it with voice commands?

Yes, the j9+ is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control of basic functions like starting a cleaning cycle or returning to the base.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Self-Emptying & Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum & Mop – Multi-Functional Base Refills Bin and Empties Itself, Vacuums and Mops without Needing to Avoid Carpets, Avoids Obstacles​

$1,399.00
$999.00  in stock

10 new from $999.00
17 used from $667.16

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

as of 11/08/2024 06:01