I tested the iRobot Roomba 694 and can personally guarantee that it removes 99% of all debris across 5 different floor and carpet types, including corners and edges.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
iRobot Roomba 694 - Wi-Fi-Connected Robot Vacuum
Highlight: With sensor that detect dirt, high traffic areas will become a non-issue.
Helpful review: I’m a boomer (say what you will about me), so there’s one thing I stand by – I don’t care for technology! After a few years, my partner and I finally took the leap and decided to impress our grandkids by getting this high tech gadget, probably the most high tech thing I own behind my phone and computer. But trust me when I say that this was needed. We have two dogs who have super long coats and it feels like they’re always shedding. I sweep multiple times a day, and after hurting my back last summer, I needed an alternative. As it turns out, technology exists for a reason.
I did a fair amount of research before deciding on the Roomba 694, and I’m really happy I went with this option. The price was a good selling point, but so were the positive reviews. Setup went really smooth, mainly because the instructions were very clear, which this old man appreciated! Readers beware–I haven’t downloaded the app that goes with this thing yet mainly because the reviews on the Google store weren't great.
So ultimately I ended up just giving Roomba the charge and then let him run wild over the mess that was our house. My floors are a combo of vinyl, hardwood, and comfy area rugs (that we usually use to wipe our feet on). I do recommend removing things Roomba can eat–like loose chords and papers and whatnot. I kept a good eye on Roomba the first few times, just to make sure he didn’t destroy anything. We let Roomba get to work for a solid hour, as that was about all my dog could take freaking out at this thing, before he gets used to it. He did get a little caught up in the dishes the dogs eat out, but now I just know that I have to remove them for next time. In an hour he did the majority of the house, including cleaning the bathroom floors. He had no issue going over the divide, and I was most concerned with how he would do between the wood and rugs, and to my pleasant surprise, it ended up not being an issue at all!
One of the rugs had a little loose thread, and while he did try to eat it up, I snipped it real quick just to be on the safe side, so keep an eye out for things like that. Roomba had no specific direction in how it cleaned, and yet it definitely ate up all the dirt in our house.
Maybe I’m imagining it, but it seems Roomba cleaning style has improved, and it’s likely that’s in part to the dirt alert that tells Roomba where the high traffic areas are so he eats up all that extra dirt. We use him twice a day, and honestly the house has never been cleaner, the floors never better!
BONUS:
Honestly, now I’m more inclined to mop the house, since I don’t have to sweep first. And the pain in my back is actually feeling better!
I do sweep occasionally, just to get to areas that Roomba can’t access, like under the cabinets, but he does go under the couch, so that is really nice! I also sweep where there are a lot of chords, like under the computer desk, so that way I don’t have to unplug everything for Roomba to make sure he doesn't eat my computer. My dogs have definitely started to get used to him, he’s become another member of the pack, I think, and honestly the sound of him vacuuming doesn’t even bother me anymore!
I plan to download the app that goes with this thing and once I do, I’ll get back to you! Overall, this boomer has one thing to say–technology can be your friend! I highly recommend this Roomba. It’s definitely made me and my partner’s life easier! — Camille Bryant
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