iRobot says its new robot vacuum and mop outperforms 600 Series Roombas, priced at $275

A sweeping robot is a handy little device that can help people save a lot of time and energy. However, some of the better-known options are often a little pricey, especially when they include mopping capabilities. As it happens, iRobot has launched a relatively affordable 2-in-1 robot vacuum. The $275 Roomba Combo Essential is said to have 20 times more suction power than the Roomba 600 series, and with the addition of mopping and smart navigation features, its performance is actually better than the Roomba 600 series.

According to iRobot, this model is 25% better at picking up hard floor dirt than the Roomba 600 Series. It’s also said to have longer battery life (up to 120 minutes), the ability to clean neatly, customizable suction and liquid settings, cleaning map reporting and smart settings (such as recommended cleaning schedules).

While you can schedule cleaning ahead of time, you can initiate it at any time using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant voice commands. Alternatively, you can press the Clean button or click the button in the iRobot Home app to get the unit running immediately.

The device features a four-stage cleaning system that includes adjustable suction and liquid settings, a V-shaped multi-surface brush, an edge-sweeping brush, and a pumping microfiber mop pad. For a vacuum-only operation (i.e. if you’re removing dirt from your carpet), you’ll need to remove the mop pad first. This adds a bit of friction to using this model. There’s another trade-off, this isn’t a self-emptying Roomba—you’ll need to manually empty the dirt storage tank more often.

Still, this looks to be a solid Roomba at an attractive price. The product is available now in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and iRobot will be available for sale in the United States starting April 7 and in Canada starting April 12. Roomba Combo Essential will be launched in the Asia-Pacific market later this month.Americans can exchange Roomba 600 Series credits for a $50 Roomba Combo Essential

Additionally, iRobot is launching a model in North America called the Roomba Vac Essential. It has the same smart features and other similar features as the Combo Essential, but without the mop. The sweeping robot, priced at $250, will be launched in the United States on April 7 and in Canada on April 12.

Meanwhile, iRobot says it has reached a new milestone. Since launching Roomba in 2002, the company has sold more than 50 million robots.

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