iRobot Roomba i7
iRobot is constantly improving its robotic models, introducing fundamentally new cleaning technologies and features. For example, iRobot has released three completely new robotic vacuum cleaners: the i7, i7+ and e5, which combine proven ergonomics and multi-stage cleaning tools for various flooring types (linoleum, laminate, parquet, self-leveling floors, tiles, carpets, and rugs). The iRobot Roomba i7 is considered the best option among the new models, boasting increased suction power and an advanced route planning system. iAdapt 3.0 and vSLAM technologies ensure the device moves carefully between interior items, eliminating collisions, while excellent mapping ensures successful navigation throughout all rooms. In this iRobot Roomba i7 review, we'll take a detailed look at what one of the iRobot Roomba i7s is all about. The best robot vacuum cleaners of 2019 (at least the first half of it).
Equipment
The Roomba i7 package is quite comprehensive for an iRobot, and includes the following components:
- Robot vacuum cleaner.
- Lithium-ion battery.
- Home Base charging base.
- North American Line Cord.
- Dual Mode Virtual Wall (functions in two modes: as a regular limiter and as a circular one).
- Replacement HEPA filter with increased efficiency.
- Additional side brush.
- Operating instructions.
- Warranty card.
The robot vacuum cleaner comes in a branded cardboard box featuring an image of the robot itself and an overview of its main features and specifications. All components are packed inside additional cardboard boxes, making them virtually immune to damage during transportation.
iRobot Equipment
The iRobot Roomba i7 model is different from Roomba i7+ The lack of a docking station with a waste collection container in the basic package. In this case, it can be purchased separately as an option, along with disposable bags.
Appearance
iRobot has released a new robot vacuum cleaner model, perfectly in keeping with its own style. The round, black plastic body is compact, measuring just 9 centimeters tall.
At the top of the robot there are three main control buttons, a display, a sensor that protrudes slightly beyond the body, and a camera (in a recess), thanks to which the “intelligence” of the robot vacuum cleaner scans the surrounding space.
Top view
There is a protective soft bumper on the side, and a dust collector slides out from the back.
Side view
When reviewing the robot vacuum cleaner from the back, we see two drive wheels on the sides, a front swivel roller, a battery, contact pads, one side brush with three brushes, and a double turbo brush (consisting of two rubber rollers - extractors).
Bottom view
Technical specifications
Next, let's look at the performance parameters and characteristics of the iRobot Roomba i7:
| Description of main characteristics | |
| Power supply | Lithium-ion battery, 1850 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 75 minutes |
| Charging time | About 180 minutes |
| Recommended cleaning area | up to 150 sq.m. |
| Overcoming obstacles and thresholds | Up to 2 cm |
| Dust container type | Cyclone filter (bagless) |
| Dust collector capacity | 1000 ml |
| Overall dimensions | 35*35*9 cm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
| Noise level | 60 dB |
| Additional options | |
| Main brush | + (2 rubber rollers) |
| Side brush | + |
| Cleaning programming | + |
| Control from a smartphone | + |
| Building a map of the premises | + |
| Dust container full indicator | + |
| Anti-confusion system | + |
| Adaptation to surface type | + |
| Fine filter | + |
Functional capabilities
The new iRobot Roomba i7 robotic vacuum cleaner is now even smarter and more convenient to use than previous versions. It features a three-stage cleaning system with two rubber rollers, a side brush, and increased suction power for cleaning a variety of surfaces. This robot is ideal for cleaning pet hair, as well as cleaning and filtering the air of allergens spread by pets (the filter captures approximately 99% of allergens).
Cleaning technology
The iRobot Roomba i7's new extraction rollers are designed to maintain constant, close contact with any floor type, whether it's smooth or carpeted. These brushes efficiently collect debris, tiny particles (dirt, dust, hair), and larger debris from the floor.
Cleaning carpets
The patented iAdapt 3.0 navigation system with vSLAM technology maps your space for easy and efficient cleaning of all levels of your home (perfect for multi-story homes). The iRobot Roomba i7 robot vacuum creates visual landmarks to track areas it's already been to and areas it's yet to go.
Trajectory of movement
The device first thoroughly studies the room and builds a map, adapting to each room individually using Imprint™ Smart Mapping. After learning the specific features of the space, it can independently select the optimal cleaning method and algorithm. You can also manually control the Roomba i7's cleaning process using Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices. Using the iRobot HOME App, you can control the robot vacuum's actions and customize the rooms it cleans within its smart map.
Control from a smartphone
In addition to manual control, the device has wall cleaning modes, a spiral cleaning mode, a spot cleaning mode, and scheduled cleaning settings, which can only be configured through the iRobot Home app.
Advantages and disadvantages
To sum it up, let's recap once again all the pros and cons of the robot we're reviewing today.
Advantages of a robot vacuum cleaner:
- Small body size, good cross-country ability.
- Traditional ergonomic design.
- Three-stage floor cleaning system (elaborate design of central brushes + increased suction power).
- Improved navigation and cartography.
- Anti-tangle system and automatic detection of the dirtiest areas.
- Adaptation to any type of floor covering.
- Several operating modes.
- Control from a smartphone.
- High cleaning efficiency, including removal of pet hair and air purification from allergens.
- Large dust collector capacity.
As we can see, the device has many advantages. Now let's identify some of the disadvantages. Disadvantages of the Roomba i7:
- High cost (if you buy a docking station with a waste collector, it will be even more expensive).
- Lack of a remote control (sometimes it is necessary along with control from a smartphone).
- One side brush.
When it comes to whether the new Roomba i7 is better than the tried and tested one iRobot Roomba 980It's hard to say. Firstly, the updated model's battery is weaker, reducing cleaning time from 120 minutes to 75. This is a significant drawback. Secondly, the beloved 980 model has undergone numerous objective tests, accumulated a database of real reviews, and rightfully earned a high rating. The new Roomba i7 boasts only an updated navigation system and improved rollers. However, the new model costs $570. It's also worth noting that the second new model, the iRobot Roomba i7 Plus, features a self-cleaning base. It's already clear that if you're looking for a robot that can empty its dust bin on its own, this model will be the best in 2019.
Finally, we recommend watching a video review of the iRobot Roomba i7, which also demonstrates how this robot vacuum cleaner cleans:
Analogues:
