The iRobot Roomba i6+ is a robot vacuum cleaner that suits people who do not have the time to clean their homes by themselves. It has smart self-disposal and self-charging capabilities, meaning that you do not need to be fully involved in its operation.
Additionally, it has a great suction power to support its equally amazing mapping and navigation software. In this iRobot Roomba i6+ review, we will look at the different aspects of this cleaner to help you see if it is worth the investment.
You may also enjoy: iRobot Roomba i6 Plus vs i7 Plus | Comparison And Review
*The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclosure page for more information.
Last update on 2022-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
*Although kind of being an industry standard, iRobot doesn’t provide suction power in PA so this is a best estimate.
1-Minute iRobot Roomba i6+ review
The Roomba i6+ is a very easy-to-use smart vacuum with fully automated operation. It suits busy people very well, as there is a lesser need for human intervention in its cleaning process. Several features of the robot such as vSlam navigation, AllergenLock, and Smart Charge and Resume helps it to increase efficiency in clearing surfaces.
Not only that, but it can also be used with the native application that can be installed in your smartphone which works through a Wi-Fi connection.
As you’ll see below, it is clear that the strengths outweigh the drawbacks. The need for constant charging can be attributed to the powerful suction and sensors that the device uses. Also, the mopping capabilities can be fixed by purchasing the Braava automatic mop, also from iRobot.
The device’s smart mapping and automated disposal are too good to give up, and this makes it a good addition to any home setting.
- Easy to use and set-up
- Fully automated cleaning and disposal
- Compatible with Alexa and iOS/Android
- Adaptive technology
- Misses some spots
- No mopping capabilities
- Needs constant charging
- Expensive
Last update on 2022-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Full Review of the Roomba i6+
How does it work?
The iRobot i6+ works through the combined power of sensory mapping and visual navigation. Virtual Imprint Smart Mapping allows it to create a customizable layout of your house, helping you target key areas in need of cleaning.
The state of the art visual navigation also helps it to avoid staircases and ladders, as well as identify carpets, rugs, and other special surfaces. Once a map is created, the robot vacuums in a row-based maneuver to ensure that every spot is covered.
You can choose to avoid certain areas using the Keep Out Zones which can be accessed using the application. This way, there will be no need to remove objects such as cords or food banks for your pets.
Once the robot expands its battery, it docks itself to charge and then proceeds to continue where it left off. It also uses a 3-stage cleaning system to maximize power and coverage.
Performance
The iRobot i6+’s functional performance is simply amazing. It has a quieter yet stronger vacuum which allows it to pick everything up almost instantly.
Also, it follows the virtual map well and avoids restricted areas assigned to it. You can even allow the robot to re-map areas for better accuracy and precision in case you change something in the layout of your house.
Its performance when sucking up pet hair is outstanding. It can grasp even the smallest amount of fur under furniture, appliances, or tables. Furthermore, no hair is tangled up in the brushes unlike with other brands. The automated system for disposal also lessens, if not removes, the need for human interaction.
One double-edged sword in terms of performance is the charge and resume system. Sometimes, it needs to go back to docking even with only 30 minutes of operation, and charging takes almost an hour to make it go back to where it stopped.
Key Features
Self-Disposal and Self-Charging
When it comes to automation, the Roomba i6+ is ahead of the game. Its amazing self-emptying capabilities are topnotch in ensuring that you won’t even need to lift a finger for the robot.
This is paired with a self-charging system, in which the vacuum automatically docks once its battery is depleted, and then returns to where it stopped cleaning to continue operations. The Roomba i6+’s Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal can store dust for up to 60 days, meaning that there won’t be any need to worry about constantly taking the bin out.
Smart Mapping with Keep-Out Zones
The Roomba i6+ has upgraded mapping capabilities in which the whole layout of your house is detected in a virtual space through the app. This helps it identify different regions such as your kitchen, bedroom, or living room. It is also capable of setting cleaning boundaries through Keep Out Zones, meaning that you can customize the cleaning process especially in places that have fragile objects.
Powerful Performance
The Roomba i6+ has some serious suction power which can reach up to 10x compared to its previous model. Not only that, it has a 3-stage cleaning system that optimizes coverage and efficiency. Dual Multi-Surface Brushes also help in untangling fur and pet hair for uninterrupted movements. It even has very High-efficiency filters that can block up to 99% of allergens picked up from your surfaces.
Alexa Capabilities
The iRobot i6+ has top-notch Alexa support with high-level customizable voice commands. Some of these are: start cleaning, stop cleaning, where it is, go home, and schedule cleaning. Using such functions, there is no need to go to the robot just to instruct it, since you can do it anywhere within your house!
Entire Level Cleaning
The iRobot i6+ operates through intelligent visual mapping using vSLAM navigation. It uses imagery to capture thousands of precision points in your house to locate and gauge distances. It also logically cleans the house in a very efficient manner, meaning that each move and turn of the robot is calculated. This way, you will be assured that every tile, block, or inch of your unit is vacuumed accurately, regardless of distance from the iRobot 6+.
Ease of set-up and use
Setting up the iRobot i6+ is as easy as 1,2, and 3. There is no need to assemble the bins and brushes since they are already attached to the robot. Before using the iRobot in its first cleaning cycle, make sure that you remove important things that you do not want it to pick up such as cords and cables. This way, you will save time in removing hazards inside the bin if it happens to suck them up.
You must also need to find a place for the dock, as it is a little bit big due to the existence of the automatic dirt disposal system. Upon getting the package, you will notice that it contains the robot cleaner, the manual, and the charging station/disposal system. Make sure that all parts are complete to proceed.
Linking the device with the app is a must. To do this, install the app on your smartphone, and add the robot using your Wi-Fi router. The app can help in scheduling cleaning, viewing the virtual map, as well as manually emptying the bin with just a click.
Overall, set-up for the device is very quick, and it can be used immediately once the app is available on your mobile device.
Reliability
In terms of reliability, it has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. First, the charge and resume system makes it a device that is not capable of running for extended periods.
Second, there are reports of deviance in which the device does not clean the entirety of its mapped area. Others also stated that their iRobot repeatedly cleans one specific spot even if it’s already done with it. However, these situations are case-to-case, so they might not happen in your experience.
Despite such issues, the mapping and restriction capabilities of the device are top-notch. What you have in your house is what you will see in the room layout. Also, the Keep Out Zones that you selected will be hardwired to the robot as spots that should never be touched.
The iRobot’s hardware is very reliable. It can vacuum dirt, gunk, and fur that other robots in the same price range can not pick up. While some issues may come up, such problems can easily be solved through the manual which accompanies the device.
Ongoing Maintenance
The iRobot i6+ ongoing maintenance tackles the bin, filter, sensors, and brushes.
Dust Bin
The dust bin does not need to be emptied as it has the device has an automatic disposal system. However, you can wash it if you notice that dirt has accumulated around the bin. To wash the component, release it, remove the filter, and open the bin door. Remember to wash using warm water and do not use a dishwasher. Make sure that it is dry before reinstalling.
Filter
To clean the filter, remove the bin and remove the filter by holding both ends to pull it out. Remove any debris by tapping it into a container. Reinstall filter with grips facing you. Remember to replace the part every two months.
Sensors
Parts such as sensors, camera windows, and charging pins need to be wiped down with a clean, dry cloth.
Brushes
To clean the edge-sweeping brush, use a small screwdriver to remove it, and then clean any debris such as hair, dirt, or gunk. Reinstall afterward.
For the multi-surface brushes, lift the tab and remove obstructions. Remove any hair or debris beneath the caps, and in the square and hexagonal pegs on the opposite sides. You can also remove the bin to clean the insides of the vacuum. To reinstall the component, match the pegs with the corresponding shapes.
Extra Purchases and Ongoing Costs
An extra purchase that can be used with the iRobot i6+ is the Braava Jet M6; a mopping robot that can move in sequence with i6+’s vacuum. Unlike other robots which can vacuum and mop at the same time, the i6+ needs the Braava M6 to do this task.
Possible ongoing costs for the iRobot i6+ are electricity fees. Other than that, you can also choose to purchase high-efficiency filters once replacements are needed.
FAQs
Is iRobot a good brand?
Yes, iRobot is a robotic company that has over three decades of service in the industry. It is one of the leading names in home robotics and automated cleaning, and it has satisfied thousands of consumers in the past. Their products are not only limited to vacuums, as they also have mops and code robots.
Is the i6+ good against allergens?
Yes, the iRobot i6+ is great against allergens! It has a 3-stage system cleaning which sweeps any dirt and fur, as well as allergens and dust that cannot be seen by the unaided eye. Also, the automatic disposal system has an AllergenLock capability which means that 99% of pollen and molds are blocked.
Will the i6+ work without WiFi?
Yes, the i6+ works without WiFi. However, functionality will be limited as you will not have access to features such as Smart Mapping, Scheduling, and Keep Out Zones.
Can the iRobot i6+ bin be used with a dishwasher?
No, never use any cleaning solution to wash the bin of the iRobot i6+. You must only use warm water, as the chemical makeup of soap can affect the degradation of the robot’s components.
How many square feet does the robot clean per charge?
The iRobot i6+’s operating coverage can not be measured by area as there are a lot of factors that come into play. However, you should not worry about finishing any cleaning task as it will always dock itself and resume where it left off.
iRobot Roomba i6+ review: final thoughts
The iRobot i6+ is a very smart vacuum robot that combines amazing hardware and software. It has a reliable virtual mapping and restricting capabilities through the native application. This extends its features to be fully customizable based on all your needs and preferences.
Furthermore, the automated disposal system is too good to miss, as it greatly helps people who have lesser time in maintaining vacuum robots. It also deals well with allergens such as pollen and fur. If you are looking to purchase a vacuum that will help you in your day-to-day activities while remaining hassle-free, this is the perfect companion for you.
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.
