Roomba 890-895-896, the modern mid-high range from iRobot

iRobot, the market-leading manufacturer of robot vacuum cleaners, is incorporating Wi-Fi connectivity to the vast majority of its robots, and the Roomba 890 was not going to be an exception. Many people enjoy the advantages of being able to manage their favorite cleaning device through a mobile app, and the 800 series joins this, iRobot's mid-high range, with these models.

Before continuing, note that the 890, 895 and 896 models are practically the same, it is simply a matter of marketing, the markets in which it is sold or issues such as the color of the robot.

In many cases, iRobot varies the numbering of the same robot, simply changing the color, the markets in which it is sold, or including more or less accessories. But the device is the same, which is why we will refer to one or the other model interchangeably.

Remember also that iRobot is the leading manufacturer on the market, and not by chance. It was founded in 1990, by robotics specialists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Today, the company has hundreds of employees and has sold more than 20 million robots worldwide.

Do you want to know more about the Conga 4090, the robot that is revolutionizing the market, with its 4 functions in 1, its advanced laser mapping and its very high suction power? Visit our mega review:

Roomba 890: our review

The Roomba 890 has obtained a high score, 87 points out of 100, based on 86 reviews. It is a very efficient robot, which provides great efficiency in cleaning the home and now incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows it to be managed and updated through a mobile application.

In addition, its satisfaction rate is also very high, since 90% of its users are satisfied or very satisfied with the robot.

Its 3-stage cleaning system, with AeroForce technology, whose power is five times greater than that of the 600 and 700 series models, allows it to effectively lift, extract and suction dirt. In fact, it shares this system with a vacuum cleaner from iRobot's highest range, such as the Roomba 960.

 Plus, their tangle-free extractors, ideal for those who have pets in their home, work better and reduce maintenance work.

iRobot 800 Series

The iRobot 800 series is a very interesting option. Although it is below the almighty 900 series, the differences with it are not excessive, and yet the price is significantly lower. Thus, Many users decide on a Roomba 800 series, looking for a powerful and advanced device, with all the iRobot guarantee and many of the brand's best features., but at a mid-range price.

What features does the 800 series have?

Although at first glance, all Roombas look similar, as we go up the series, their features and effectiveness when cleaning are added or improved. From the basic 600 series, the Roombas do a good job. The 800 series is located in the second highest step of the brand, and this is evident in its qualities:

AeroForce System: This technology allows the Roomba 890 to be five times more powerful and 50% more effective than Roombas equipped with the AeroVac system.

Wifi connectivity: This feature, which iRobot has been adding to the latest models it has launched (including some of the lower series, like the 691, for example) allows you to control the robot remotely and update its software, so that it always has the latest version of this, which guarantees better performance (in any case, The robot can be operated via buttons, it is not mandatory to do it through the application).

Dirt Detect 2: Roombas have a dirt detection system, using acoustic sensors, which allows them to “see” the dust particles and make more passes where it is dirtiest. In the case of the Dirt Detect 2 system, which the 800 series Roomba incorporates, optical sensors are added, for greater precision, and the persistent pass is incorporated, which repeats the movements back and forth, for a thorough cleaning of the areas where there is the most dirt.

long lasting batteries: The 800 series Roombas began to incorporate XLife batteries, with double the life of previous APS batteries. Subsequently, some models, such as the 890 in question here, already include modern, more durable lithium batteries.

Full tank indicator: For greater convenience, the device tells you when you should empty the tank.

Box contents

Roomba 890: start-up

As is usual with iRobot devices, its operation is very simple. Before using it for the first time, it is advisable to fully charge the robot. The Roomba ships with a partial charge (about half), but if you start cleaning without fully charging it, it will return to its base sooner than usual. The robot has an indicator on the top, which tells us if the robot is properly charged or not.

1. The first thing is to locate the charging base in a suitable place, and plug it in. They are needed a minimum of 0,5 meters on each side and 1,2 meters in front and from any flight of stairs, and at least 2,4 meters from the virtual wall, so that the robot can navigate without problems to or from the charging base.
2. You have to remove a tab on the bottom of the robot, in the battery compartment.
3. Next, the robot is placed on the charging base, so that the terminals underneath, next to the directional wheel, fit with those on the base.
4. To achieve a full charge, it must be charged for a minimum of 3 hours.
5. The iRobot Home app is installed, compatible with Android and iOS.
6. Finally, the robot can be activated, either through the CLEAN button or the application.

Roomba 890 operation

The Roomba 890 can be operated from the buttons, like any Roomba, or from the mobile application (which we will discuss later).

Like all Roombas, it has a large CLEAN button on the top. This button is used to start the robot: pressing it once activates it, and pressing it again starts the cleaning cycle. If the button is pressed while cleaning, it will go into pause mode (it will resume cleaning if pressed once more).

The Roomba 890 has two other buttons on the top. One of them, The DOCK button (shaped like a house) is used to send it to the charging base. In any case, when the cleaning cycle ends, or when the battery is running out, the robot returns itself to the charging base, automatically.

The other button is the SPOT, shaped like a crosshair, and it is the one that activates the concentrated cleaning mode. When pressed, the robot spirals around the point where we started that mode, and serves to clean that area more thoroughly. This function can be useful in cases where dirt is concentrated in one area (for example, if we have dropped something on the floor and it has spread).

The Roomba 890 has – as is usual for the brand – an anti-tangle system, which prevents it from getting stuck with cables, fringes or tassels.. However, it is advisable to make the robot's task easier by removing objects, clothing, toys, etc. that may be in its path.

It also has the well-known three-phase cleaning system, patented by iRobot. In combination with AeroForce technology, achieves five times greater efficiency than Roomba series 6 and 7, effectively cleaning all types of floors.

In addition, it is also very effective on edges and corners, thanks to the studied angle of its side brush. Even if the dirt is stuck to the floor, it can be removed (within limits, of course), thanks to its reverse rotating brushes and its powerful motor.

Roomba 890 Maintenance

This robot is very easy to maintain, thanks to its extractor system and the iRobot Home application, normally you will only have to perform some basic tasks:

Deposit

As it has a fairly large tank, you will only have to empty it every three or four cleanings (depending on the level of dirt and the frequency with which you clean). To do this you just have to press the button on the top of the robot, and remove the tank; The lid is then opened and it can be emptied.

Filter

The filter is located at the top of the tank, you simply have to open the lid, remove the filter and shake it to remove any stuck-on dust. You then put it back into the tank (it only fits one way) and you're done.

Brushes

Both the central rollers and the side brush are easily removable. Although the rollers already have a system that prevents hair from tangling (as happens in other types of brushes), it may be more convenient to disassemble them for easy cleaning. You can use a slightly damp cloth, the same as to clean the rest of the robot (this also keeps the sensors clean).

Wheel

They can also be cleaned with a damp cloth. The steering wheel can be easily removed by pulling it to remove any stuck-on dirt.

The iAdapt navigation system

The iAdapt intelligent navigation system is based on advanced software and a series of sensors, which They allow Roomba to automatically adapt to different surfaces and find its way to clean fluidly, covering the entire home for a complete clean.

While cleaning (in a fairly orderly manner), the Roomba 890 calculates the best way to move and use the different cleaning modes, performing 60 calculations per second. In this way, the iAdapt system manages to complete the cleaning cycle in less time than other robots with random navigation systems (an average of 28 minutes, versus 46 in the case of random navigation).

Not only is it faster, but it reaches up to 98% of the surface, passing through each area several times, at different angles, for better cleaning.

The iRobot Home app

Through this application, downloadable for free for Android and iOS, we can perform multiple functions:

How to connect the Roomba to Wi-Fi

Connecting to Wi-Fi is a very simple process, you simply have to follow the instructions provided by the application itself:

The robot must be in its base, turned on and connected (you must remove the battery tab, as explained above), and the base must be close enough to the Wi-Fi router so that it has coverage.

Once the app, compatible with iOS and Android, is installed, you will have to select the country and language, and create an iRobot account.

In the application, you choose the type of robot, in this case, Roomba. You must make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, and that it is 2,4 GHz, which is the most compatible. Typically, modern routers are dual-band and generate two Wi-Fi networks, one at 2,4 GHz, slower but more compatible, and another at 5 GHz, faster, but less compatible. You must use the 2,4 GHz network (possibly, 5GHz is called 5G, or has some indication).

To connect to the network, you will have to enter the password, and Press the home (with a drawing of a house) and spot (with a crosshair) buttons on the robot for two seconds, until the Wi-Fi icon on the robot lights up.

Virtual Wall Dual

The Roomba 890 includes a next-generation virtual wall, Virtual Wall Dual.

The Virtual Wall Dual combines two modes:

On the one hand, it offers the traditional wall mode, which prevents the robot from crossing a line (for example, from entering a room, a children's play area, etc.

In addition, it has a “halo” mode., which creates a semicircular barrier, just over a meter in diameter. This mode can be used to protect delicate objects on the floor, such as vases or pots, pet feeders, etc.

Common Features of Roomba Robots

Currently, there are 4 Roomba ranges, classified into series: 600, 700, 800 and 900.

The series tells us, in some way, the level at which the Roomba in question falls. For example, the Roomba 890 belongs to the 800 series, the second highest. Therefore, it is a mid-high range vacuum cleaner, and its features (and price) will be in line.

In any case, iRobot has provided all its devices with a series of common features, as they are:

3-stage cleaning system: The side brush, the reverse rotating brushes in the center, and its powerful motor perform a 3-stage cleaning. In the case of the Roomba 890, the central brushes are not bristled, but They are rubber rotors, with grooves that drag and remove dirt more effectively.

• Thanks to its studied 27º angle, the side brush collects dirt better, even in corners and edges, and draws it towards the center.
• There, the reverse rotating brushes do their job, lifting and trapping dirt, which is directed towards the mouth of the vacuum cleaner.
• Finally, Roomba's powerful motor sucks dust in, from which it does not escape thanks to the design of its filter and its AeroForce tank.

adjustable cleaning head: Roomba's head automatically adapts its height to the type of floor it is cleaning, to be more effective in any area, whether hard floors or carpets.

Automatic loading: As is common in most robot vacuum cleaners on the market, Roombas automatically return to the base when they have finished the cleaning cycle, or when they are running out of battery.

Roomba 890: technical sheet and features

Advantages of the Roomba 890

Drawbacks

This robot represents a great balance between the advanced features of high-end Roombas and a reasonable price, less than 500 euros at the time of writing these lines. Without reaching the excellence of the 900 series, it has advanced qualities that make it a very interesting robot.

The biggest drawback it presents is the battery life, 60 minutes; While it may be enough for a medium-sized home, it may not be enough for larger homes. This is actually not a big problem either, since when the battery runs out, it will recharge itself, but it is an issue to take into account if your home is very large.

It also lacks features that are typical of more advanced robots (and usually more expensive, although not always), such as room mapping, which the Roomba 900 series does include.

Opinions about the Roomba 890

They can no longer do without it. I bought it as a gift, and the recipients have five cats at home and many rugs. The Roomba is a great help to keep the house clean.

Great buy. It is a silent and powerful product. The hair does not get tangled like in previous models. The app is very useful for when it is not scheduled and you forgot to start it.

I love him, I have a three-story house, three daughters and a dog, and has become my ally. When we are on one side, we have him cleaning on another, and the floors are always clean.

Great product, I am very satisfied with the robot. Vacuums well everywhere. Being able to program it with a mobile application is very useful.

Still the best robot, Roomba has an advantage over all its competitors. Their robots are extremely reliable, navigate smoothly, and the app is very useful for checking the statistics or status of the robot.

When I talked to my friends about Roomba robots, I always wondered why it got so much praise, now that I've tried it, I understand, It's worth every penny, it cleans every corner of the house perfectly and it's fast. The application is very useful, it allows you to know when the tank is full, reports on the operations carried out, allows you to program it so that the robot works alone...

Okay, I was skeptical, but since I couldn't clean regularly, I decided to buy a Roomba. It took me a week to learn how to use it in the best way, and since then, I have a great appreciation for him, his tank always appears full. I recommend moving it to different rooms every day and cleaning the rooms in rotation.

Why buy a Roomba 890

If you are looking for a robot vacuum cleaner from a trusted brand, with a lithium battery and programmable, the Roomba 890 is an excellent option. If you want a mid-high range robot, with excellent performance, powerful, with a very proven and effective cleaning system, this can be a great alternative.

Roombas comparison

If you want to find at a glance which Roomba best suits your needs, look at this comparison table:

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