iRobot Roomba 896
The iRobot family of robotic vacuum cleaners, or more specifically the 800 series, has been expanded with the flagship Roomba 896. Like other 800 series models, this robot is powered by AeroForce technology. This technology will be especially appreciated by users who desire the best cleaning results from their automated home assistant. The robotic vacuum is equipped with a high-capacity XLife lithium-ion battery. The dust bin is equipped with a HEPA filter, allowing it to collect even the finest dust and pollen containing allergens. The brush assembly has also undergone significant changes, now utilizing two unique rubber rollers instead of a rubber and lint brush. It is designed for dry cleaning; it is not suitable for wet mopping. Today's review of the iRobot Roomba 896 will allow you to get acquainted with the model's characteristics and features in more detail.
Equipment
The Roomba 896 comes with the following accessories:
- Robot vacuum cleaner.
- X-Life Li-Ion battery (battery capacity - 1850 mAh).
- Charging station with built-in power supply.
- Movement limiter – virtual wall Dual Mode (Virtual Lighthouse).
- Spare HEPA filter.
- Documentation.
Components of the 896th Roomba
The equipment is not the richest, but this is typical for almost all iRobot robotic vacuum cleaners.
Design
The device's appearance is consistent with the 800 series concept, so the iRobot Roomba 896 has a fairly traditional look. It has a round shape and is made of plastic in two primary colors: black and brown. Viewing the robot vacuum from the top, we see the main round power button and a pair of additional control buttons, a protruding navigation sensor, a dust bin release button, and a recessed carrying handle.
Top view
On the side of the device there is a dust collector, exhaust holes and a rubberized protective bumper that does not leave abrasions on interior items.
Side view
The rear of the robot features two drive wheels, a removable front roller, a battery compartment cover, a pair of contact pads for docking with the charging base, a rotating side brush, and two rubber scraper rollers. These rollers are attached to the frame and secured in place with special clamps.
Bottom view
Technical specifications
Below in the table you can find an overview of the main technical characteristics of the iRobot Roomba 896 robot vacuum cleaner:
| Battery | Li-Ion, 1850 mAh (X-Life) |
| Battery life | 60 minutes |
| Charging time | 120 minutes |
| Maximum cleaning area | 90 sq.m. |
| Height of obstacles to be overcome | Up to 17 mm |
| Dust collector | Cyclone filter |
| Dust container volume | 600 ml |
| Overall dimensions | 35x35x9 cm |
| Weight | 3.8 kg |
| Noise level | 60 dB |
Functional capabilities
As described in the previous review, the iRobot Roomba 896 robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with one side brush and two rubber rollers for more effective cleaning and less time spent cleaning them. This is because the updated main brushes barely tangle up pet hair, making them very convenient. This makes the robot ideal for pet owners. Other positive features include the increased dust bin capacity, the updated HEPA filter, which effectively removes allergens and tiny dust particles, and the dust bin full sensor.
Cleaning the floor along the baseboards
Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with the Dirt Detect2 dirt detection system, which automatically identifies the dirtiest areas of the room. The robot vacuum cleaner focuses on these areas, cleaning in Spot mode. Incidentally, the iRobot Roomba 896's primary operating modes are automatic (dry cleaning) and local (Spot).
Despite the manufacturer's claims that the vacuum cleaner features an advanced iAdapt2 navigation system for complex rooms, its movements are far from perfectly organized. The robot vacuum doesn't explore rooms or build a map. Rather, it simply navigates, guided solely by sensors or a motion limiter. Cleaning will continue until the battery is depleted, after which the device will automatically return to the docking station to recharge.
Operation of the motion limiter
A significant advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner is its anti-tangle system, which prevents it from getting tangled in wires on the floor or in carpet fringes, finishing the job much earlier than planned.
The robot vacuum also features a programmable cleaning schedule. In fact, this is one of the most useful features for a modern automated robot vacuum. Scheduling can be configured using the dedicated iRobot HOME mobile app for Android or iOS. Here, you can specify not only the start time but also the day. Furthermore, the Roomba 896 model supports voice control via Amazon Alexa. You can receive cleaning progress reports and alerts about any problems through the app or via voice notifications on the device. However, these notifications are only available in English.
Application
Using the iRobot HOME app, you can configure initial settings, adjust parameters, register the Roomba 896, and then establish a connection. This app allows you to remotely activate the robot at any time, set a schedule, and customize cleaning parameters.
Operating instructions
The user manual is only available for the 800 series as a whole. However, it still contains descriptions of many useful user information, such as the robot's design and components, how it cleans rooms, and its main features.
Instructions for use in Russian are available at the link: Roomba 896 manual.
Advantages and disadvantages
In conclusion, let's highlight the main pros and cons of the iRobot Roomba 896 robot vacuum cleaner.
Pros:
- Stylish design and compact dimensions.
- Improved long-lasting lithium-ion battery.
- Good suction power.
- High cleaning efficiency of the robot.
- Upgraded brush unit and dust container + fullness indicator.
- Rubberized protective bumper.
- Dirt Detect2 sensor system.
- Collection of hair and fur from pets.
- Anti-confusion system.
- Programming work schedules.
- Control from a smartphone.
- Motion limiter.
Cons:
- One side brush.
- Poor delivery set.
- Does not create a map of the premises.
Considering the average price of the 896 model is $350, it's a reasonable option for dry cleaning, but it's not a versatile model. For that kind of money, you can choose a robot vacuum cleaner with the option of wet floor wiping, the ability to create a room map and more complete equipment.
Analogues:
