When is it better to buy the latest and greatest, and when is it best to stick to tried and true? If you’re having a hard time deciding between Roomba models, read our review. We’ll go over the best features to make your decision easier.
iRobot Roomba 650 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Black
Although the iRobot Roomba 650 has been around for a few years, it’s still very popular. There are a number of reasons for that. One of those reasons is the option to schedule up to seven cleanings per week. You can program that right on the robot itself.
Another top feature is the 650’s ability to automatically return to its home base when the battery charge is getting low. That means you shouldn’t have to dig your robot out from under the bed when the battery is dead.
The 650 cleans well on all floor types, from hardwood to tile to linoleum to carpet. It works up to 60 minutes once you press the “clean” button or it begins its scheduled cleaning. You can also set it to spot clean a spill.
This little robot combines the power of suction with agitation from its brushes to sweep up debris into its dust bin. The only work you’ll have to do is empty the bin, check the filters, and occasionally clean the brushes. Of course, if you tend to have a lot of long hairs on your floors, the brush cleaning needs to be a regular task.
Since the robot vacuum is only 3.6 inches tall, it can clean underneath beds and other furniture. Its sensors keeps it from falling down stairs. And its iAdapt Responsive Navigation helps it map the most efficient route through your home.
One last feature is very convenient if you want to keep the Roomba confined to certain rooms without closing a door. The 650 comes is compatible with Virtual Wall Technology that creates an invisible barrier. Just set the wall modules on the floor and turn them on to block entry.
More features of the iRobot Roomba 650:
- Covered by warranty when purchased from authorized reseller
iRobot Roomba 860 Vacuum Cleaning Robot + Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier (With Batteries) + Extra High Efficiency Filter
If the Roomba 650 looks like a great little helper for your housecleaning, but you have allergies, you may appreciate the Roomba 860 instead. It comes with a HEPA filter and superior suction power. The stronger suction comes from the new AeroForce Performance Cleaning System that increases air flow. As a result, not only do you get a better clean, you need to do less maintenance on the filters and brushes.
Also new on the Roomba 860 is the Dirt Detect Series II Technology. This combines both optical and acoustic sensors to tell the robot when it needs to focus on cleaning a tough spot.
Besides these improvements, the 860 has the typical Roomba features like scheduling for up to seven cleanings per week as well as the ability to return to home base to recharge. The iAdapt Responsive Navigation Technology improves the robot’s cleaning efficiency by helping it move along walls and around obstacles without simply bumping along blindly.
Since it’s only 3.6 inches tall, the Roomba 860 can clean underneath furniture in areas where it would be hard for an upright vacuum to reach. Its spinning side brush sweeps up debris from corners and alongside walls. And the battery will last up to three times longer than the one in the Roomba 650.
Finally, the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier included with the Roomba 860 can be used in two different ways. The Virtual Wall Mode simply erects an invisible barrier that the robot won’t cross. Then the Halo Mode creates a circular barrier around objects like pet food bowls so the robot won’t bump into them.
More features of the iRobot Roomba 650:
- Covered by warranty when purchased from authorized reseller
Recommendation
The iRobot Roomba 650 would be a handy helper in most homes since it can be scheduled for unsupervised cleaning sessions up to 7 times per week.
But the Roomba 860 might be a better choice for homes where people suffer from allergies since it has a better filter and a more powerful suction system.
Click here to Check out iRobot Roomba 650 Price on Amazon.com!
Click here to Check out iRobot Roomba 860 Price on Amazon.com!