Roomba i3+, more comfortable and effective cleaning

Robot vacuum cleaners make the task of cleaning the home easier, and the new generation of devices, including this Roomba i3+, make it easier. even more comfortable for the user, thanks to its self-emptying base.

Robot vacuum cleaners make the task of cleaning the home easier, and the new generation of devices, including this Roomba i3+, make it easier. even more comfortable for the user, thanks to its self-emptying base.

Since birth, the Roomba brand by iRobot has led the robot vacuum cleaner market due to its robustness and effectiveness. iRobot was founded in 1990 by three roboticists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

They began creating robots for space exploration and the military field, but In 2002 they would create the device that would make them famous, the Roomba, leading to the expansion of robot vacuum cleaners in the home.

Over the years, Roomba has continued to consolidate its leadership position in the market, and although today it has many tough competitors (such as Conga, or Xiaomi and its related brands, such as Roborock, Dreame, Viomi or Roidmi), many users still prefer to opt for the North American brand as a market reference.

In recent years, Roomba has introduced several innovations, among which the Clean Base stands out, the self-emptying base that was included in its successful model i7 +, to which would later be added its current top of the range, the S9 + and now the protagonist of this review, the i3+.

In addition, the brand is introducing various improvements to the software that increase the intelligence of your devices, achieving more efficient and friendly operation.

As in previous models, it is possible to purchase the robot with a normal charging base (i3 model, which you can also see as i31) or with the self-emptying base (i3+ model, which you will also see as i35). The difference between the i3 and the i3+ is around 250 euros.

Do you want to know more details about this very interesting robot? We will tell you about them below in this in-depth analysis.

Roomba i3+: our review

The Roomba i3+ has obtained a rating of 98 points out of 100. It is a New generation robot vacuum cleaner, which offers a modern design with a fabric-like finish to better integrate into the home, and the robustness and construction quality usual in the brand.

Offer psychological therapy to employees systematic navigation to clean the entire home quickly and efficiently, app control, the effective AeroForce roller and a self-emptying base that will make us forget about dirt for weeks (depending on the brand, up to 2 months).

Box contents

Start up

Although the robot comes partially charged, it is advisable to fully charge it before using it for the first time. The charging time is between 2,5 and 3 hours, and its lithium battery provides a range of about 75 minutes.

To locate the Clean Base, we will look for a clear place, where the robot can locate it comfortably and maneuver appropriately. It is advisable to leave at least 0,5 meters on each side, and 1,2 meters in front (if there are stairs, also leave this distance).

The robot can be started using the button on its top and can also be controlled through voice commands (compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant), although It is recommended that you use the iRobot app to access various advanced features and cleaning tips..

Installing the app

The app is called iRobot Home, and it is available for iOS and Android. Once installed, The application itself will guide us through the configuration process, which is very simple.

It is recommended in this first connection and configuration process, place both the robot and the mobile phone from which it is being done near the router, to facilitate connectivity.

The network to be used must have a 2,4 GHz frequency, so if your router is dual, you should make sure you choose this one and not the 5 GHz one (which will say 5G or something similar).

The use of the app provides great convenience and versatility, since in addition to giving access to advanced functions, allows us to control the robot whenever we want and wherever we are: from work, from the street, in a cafeteria, etc.

Roomba i3+ operation

The Roomba i3+ is a model that offers some features typical of the high-end Roomba, but in other aspects its equipment is more typical of the mid-range, ranking as a good alternative for those who want to have a Roomba with balanced operation and very easy to maintain at a more reasonable price.

Navigation

The robot has dimensions and appearance quite similar to another model of the brand, the i7, with which it shares some characteristics (such as autonomy), although your navigation system is different.

The Roomba i7 has a camera-based system, while Roomba i3 combines an RCON sensor with gyroscopic navigation to map your home. In this way, the Roomba i3 manages to cover 100% of the home and does so in an orderly and systematic way.

This advanced navigation system also allows you to know where you have gone and where you have not, so cleaning is faster and more efficient, finishing in less time.

In addition, features loading and continuation, so if it doesn't finish cleaning, it returns to the base and once charged it resumes cleaning where it left off.

However, unlike its high-end sisters, the Roomba i3 does not save the maps or allow you to interact with them to carry out, for example, cleaning areas or rooms.

Like other models of the brand, the Roomba i3 and i3+ are compatible with virtual walls Virtual Wall, which allow you to create a wall so that the robot does not go into a certain area, but they do not include it as standard (if desired, you have to buy it separately).

Cleaning efficiency

Another feature it shares with the Roomba i7 is the suction power, with an absorption capacity ten times greater than the old Roomba Series 600, allowing you to obtain a magnificent result on both hard floors and carpets.

Its advanced AeroForce brush also contributes to the good cleaning result., the usual one in Roomba's mid- and high-range robots, which combines two rollers with different patterns that trap all types of dirt, dust, hair and other particles inside the device with high effectiveness, while minimizing the tangles.

Roomba's usual 3-stage cleaning system and Dirt Detect dirt detection technology make the job even more efficient, managing to remove dirt from carpets and ending dust accumulations where necessary.

Its HEPA filtration system and AllergenLock bags, with a 4-layer design that blocks allergens, They allow dirt to be trapped effectively, avoiding secondary pollution and achieving a cleaner environment..

The app, now smarter with iRobot Genius

In addition to the features of the robots themselves, Roomba has renewed its application to make it friendlier and easier to use, in addition to providing the devices with certain artificial intelligence characteristics.

Thanks to iRobot Genius, Roombas acquire new functionalities, which are especially appreciated in high-end models, such as the i7 and S9, but which also offers advantages in the i3.

The robot learns from the user's behavior and can make cleaning suggestions based on previous work, as well as other helpful tips. (for example, recommending cleanings during allergy seasons or during animal shedding times).

In addition, You can create shortcuts to your favorite cleaning programs, or link the robot with other smart devices, such as locks, thermostats, etc.

Absolute comfort with the Clean Base

The Roomba i3+ empties automatically into the Clean Base, so you won't have to deal with dust for weeks (up to 60 days, depending on the brand).

When placed on the base, the collected dirt is discharged, which is stored in some AllergenLock bags, with allergen blocking, which are very easy to place and remove, a process that is also much more hygienic than the traditional emptying of the tank, without coming into contact with dust.

When the LED light on the base turns red, it tells us that the bag is full and it is time to change it. To do this, open the cover and pull up the plastic card that is inserted in the vacuum port; The bag is sealed to prevent any particles from escaping.

You simply have to place a new one, inserting the card into the corresponding rails, and close the lid. It is now ready to collect dust for the next few weeks.

The cost per bag is about 6-7 euros, which Taking into account how long they last and the comfort and hygiene they provide, it is not excessive, but it must be taken into account. It is also possible to purchase compatible bags at a more affordable price.

Advantages of the Roomba i3+

Opinions about the Roomba i3+

I have been able to test more than 20 robot vacuum cleaners and I would like to highlight what I like most about the Roomba i3+: It cleans more thoroughly, collects all the particles that other robots leave there, its rubber brush grabs the dirt very well, it does not escape. The navigation is excellent and the auto-emptying bin is more useful than I thought. It makes a little noise but I no longer have to empty the tank every day. If you need to recharge to finish the job, it does so without a problem, even if you have to go more than once.

I previously had another Roomba, but this one is much better. The Roomba 551 had a random cleaning pattern, but this one has systematic, orderly cleaning much better. The automatic emptying is my favorite aspect, before I had to empty the tank after each use, now the robot does it by itself. The roller captures dirt well and does not get tangled with animal hair.

We needed it more than we thought! We have several pets, three dogs and a cat, so we have a real problem with their hair, in addition to all the dirt they drag in from the backyard. It works one or two hours a day, and does a very good job, we are satisfied with the result, it may not completely replace a traditional sled vacuum cleaner, but For day-to-day cleaning it is outstanding, and even more so in our case to keep the house free of hair.. At first I didn't think it would be that good, but we are impressed.

This robot is a great helper, especially if you have pets. The robot It can reach everywhere, clean under the sofa, bed, behind the desk, corners and even under stools. It's wonderful to sit back and watch him work.. When he needs to charge or empty himself, he goes to the base alone and does what he needs to do, it's super comfortable. All you have to do is clean the wheels, sensors and brushes from time to time.

The best Roomba I've ever had. I love that I can use Alexa and Google to tell it to clean, and do it again and again without having to empty the tank. I have an open plan apartment of about 100 square meters and different carpets, with lots of furniture, and it navigates very well.

Why buy a Roomba i3+

If you want maximum comfort, with a device that cleans and empties itself, makes suggestions to have your home cleaner and captures all types of particles and hair with great effectiveness.

If you want to have a quality, modern, robust and effective robot, created by the world-renowned brand, the Roomba i3+ may be the model you were waiting for.

Alternatives to the Roomba i3+

In addition to its sisters, the i7+ and the S9+, There are several models on the market with a self-emptying base., which have advanced navigation systems and are more affordable than this iRobot model.

Devices like the Proscenic M7 Pro, Create Ikohs LS27 or some models of the Xiaomi ecosystem, such as the Roidmi Eve More or Ultenic T10 offer very high level of performance at a competitive price (between 100 and 200 euros less than the i3+, at the time of this review), so they are excellent options if you are looking for a robot that works well and that provides the added convenience of not worrying about emptying dirt during long periods.

All those mentioned are multifunction robots, which aspire and sweep, possess laser navigation, these are manageable through app and have a high suction power, of 2.700 Pascals, which is among the highest in the category.