iRobot introduced its first robot vacuum and mop combination device with the Roomba Combo j7+ almost a year ago. And now, the company is expanding that line-up with two new models: the Roomba Combo j5+ and Roomba Combo i5+.
The Roomba Combo j5+ robot vacuum and mop is designed for both wet and dry floor cleaning, converting from an all-floor vacuum to a hard floor vacuum and mop with the switch of a bin (by contrast, the more expensive and top-line j7+ does not require bin swapping. Instead, the mopping arm automatically swings up and out of the way when it detects carpeting.) With the vacuum bin installed, the Roomba Combo j5+ uses power-lifting suction and its unique Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes to clean a mix of floor types, from carpet and rugs to hard surfaces. It avoids tangles with pet hair while picking up everything from small particles to hair and large debris.
When using the vacuum bin, patented Dirt Detect technology allows the Roomba Combo j5+ to detect dirtier areas and clean them more thoroughly. The robot automatically empties itself into the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which holds up to 60 days of debris and uses disposable bags for easy disposal without the cloud of dust.
When it’s time to mop, swap in the Roomba Combo bin filled with water or a compatible cleaning solution and the robot will automatically detect it’s time for a combination clean. The Roomba Combo j5+ will then turn into a robot vacuum that also mops, employing its Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, Power-Lifting Suction, an Edge-Sweeping Brush and mopping pad to tackle debris, dirty footprints and dust.
Powered by iRobot OS, the Roomba Combo j5+ gets smarter with each use, learning how best to navigate your floors by creating a Smart Map, remembering room names and your specific cleaning preferences. Use the iRobot Home App to set No Mop Zones so the robot knows to avoid carpets and rugs to keep them dry. The Roomba Combo j5+ recognizes more than 80 common objects so it can clean more specific places on command, like around kitty litter boxes, toilet bowls, dishwashers and more. It also allows the robot to detect and avoid floor hazards like cords, clothes, shoes, socks, backpacks, pet bowls and pet toys to avoid getting stuck and finish the job. Backed by iRobot’s P.O.O.P promise, the Roomba Combo j5+ also avoids solid pet waste.
To make cleaning easier, pair the robot with your voice assistant and tell it to clean specific rooms or by specific objects in your home, and it does what you ask instantly. The Roomba Combo j5+ understands approximately 600 voice commands.
The iRobot Roomba j5+ robot vacuum and mop is $999 in Canada.
The Roomba Combo i5+ robot vacuum and mop, meanwhile, is designed for small spaces and comes at a more affordable price tag of $699. It’s not quite as smart as the j5+ (nor the j7+) and it doesn’t include object detection. But for smaller homes and apartments, and those who don’t have pets or aren’t concerned about objects getting in the way, it’s a viable alternative to save you a few hundred bucks. Suitable for all floor types, it converts to a hard floor vacuum and mop after switching bins, just like the Roomba Combo j5+. Ideal for not only smaller homes but also ones with mostly hard floor surfaces, the Roomba Combo i5+ logically cleans in neat rows to navigate multiple rooms within the home.
Using the iRobot Home app, create a Smart Map and label room names to initiate directed room cleanings. Cleaning jobs can be initiated via the iRobot Home app or with a voice command when the robot is paired with a voice assistant device. If the robot’s battery runs low, the Roomba i5+ will automatically recharge and resume cleaning until the job is complete. When using the vacuum bin, the Roomba Combo j5+ automatically empties up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris into its Clean Base, which doubles as the robot’s charging station.
Both the Roomba Combo j5+ and Roomba Combo i5+ are available immediately for pre-sale in North America on iRobot.ca and will be available for pre-sale at select retailers throughout North America beginning September 3. The iRobot Roomba j7+ remains the top-line model in the line,