iRobot Introduces Budget-Friendly Roombas with Self-Emptying Feature

iRobot has expanded its Essential line of budget-friendly robotic vacuums with two new models that come with a self-emptying feature. The Roomba Combo 2 Essential and Roomba Vac 2 Essential are now available, starting at $399.99 (roughly ₹33,300). These new models provide a significant upgrade for those looking for an affordable yet powerful cleaning solution, with the added convenience of an automatic emptying dock.

Roomba Combo 2 Essential: Vacuum and Mop Combo

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential is the standout product in iRobot’s Essential lineup, offering both vacuuming and mopping capabilities for $424.99 (around ₹35,400). With its 2-in-1 functionality, it is designed to tackle both dry and wet cleaning, making it perfect for homes with both hard floors and carpets.

• Self-Emptying Dock: A major highlight is the included AutoEmpty dock, which allows the robot to empty its dirt bin after each cleaning. The dock can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt in a self-sealing bag, reducing the frequency of manual maintenance.

• 120-Minute Battery Life: The Combo 2 can clean for up to 120 minutes on a single charge, although the actual runtime may vary based on the suction power level used.

• Voice and App Control: You can control the robot manually or through voice commands using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. Additionally, the cleaning routines can be managed via the iRobot app.

However, the Combo 2’s mopping capabilities require some attention. The dock doesn’t automatically refill the water tank for the reusable microfiber mop, and users must move rugs out of the way as the robot cannot retract its mop pad when transitioning between hard floors and carpets.

Roomba Vac 2 Essential: A Budget-Friendly Vacuum

Priced at $399.99 (around ₹33,300), the Roomba Vac 2 Essential is a more basic version that offers vacuuming without the mopping feature. It’s ideal for users who want a reliable vacuum without needing to clean wet floors. The Vac 2 shares many features with the Combo 2, including:

• Self-Emptying Dock: Like the Combo 2, it also comes with a self-emptying dock, providing the same 60-day dirt storage capacity.

• 120-Minute Cleaning Time: The Vac 2 can operate for up to two hours per charge, making it efficient for larger spaces.

• Voice and App Compatibility: Users can start or schedule cleaning routines using the app or voice assistants.

Performance and Limitations

Both models feature 100 percent stronger suction compared to their predecessors in the Essential line, ensuring better performance on all floor types. However, these devices rely on basic sensors and an enhanced bumper for navigation, which means they lack the advanced 3D mapping capabilities found in higher-end Roombas.

The absence of advanced navigation technology means that while they can crisscross a room and avoid obstacles, they won’t be able to create detailed floor maps or remember where they’ve cleaned. Despite this, the iRobot app does offer a visual representation of the areas the robot has covered during a cleaning session.

A Competitive Offering in the Market

iRobot’s new models enter the market at a competitive price point, with the Combo 2 Essential becoming the most expensive in the Essential line but still priced affordably compared to other robot vacuums like the DreameBot D10 Plus. The DreameBot, which is priced around ₹33,000, is a popular choice for budget robot vacuums and mops.

Despite the slightly higher price, iRobot’s brand reputation, the self-emptying dock, and the enhanced features of the Roomba Combo 2 Essential and Vac 2 Essential make them attractive options for budget-conscious consumers looking for powerful cleaning solutions.

Conclusion

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential and Roomba Vac 2 Essential represent iRobot’s commitment to providing budget-friendly cleaning solutions without compromising on convenience. With features like self-emptying docks, long battery life, and voice control, these models offer excellent value for money. Whether you’re looking for a basic vacuum or a 2-in-1 cleaning solution, iRobot’s latest offerings are designed to simplify your cleaning routine and save you time.