iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Review: My Long-Term Experience with This Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

For years, the thought of a perpetually cluttered floor filled me with dread. Cleaning was a constant battle, especially with two fluffy cats shedding relentlessly. The idea of a robot vacuum always intrigued me, but the prospect of constantly emptying the dustbin seemed daunting. A truly self-emptying robot vacuum would have been a game-changer then, saving me countless hours of tedious cleaning and preventing the build-up of allergens that aggravated my allergies.

Our Pick
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Now Clean by Room with Smart Mapping,...
  • PERFORMANCE: The iRobot Roomba i3 plus (3550) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum pulls in stubborn dirt...
  • AUTOMATIC DIRT DISPOSAL: Forget about vacuuming for months at a time with the Clean Base Automatic...
  • APP: The newly updated iRobot Home App allows you to upgrade your overall cleaning experience. Enjoy...
  • VOICE ASSISTANCE: The Robot Vacuum learns your cleaning habits to offer up personalized schedules,...

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Robot Vacuum

Robot vacuums offer a convenient solution for maintaining clean floors, eliminating the need for manual vacuuming. However, before investing in one, several factors need careful consideration. The ideal customer is someone with limited time, pets, allergies, or simply a dislike for vacuuming. Those with extremely large homes or very intricate floor plans might find a more powerful, albeit less autonomous, vacuum more effective. Consider your home’s layout—lots of obstacles or very high-pile carpets might require a more robust model. Think about your budget, as prices vary significantly depending on features and capabilities, and assess your technological comfort level – some models require more app interaction than others. Finally, investigate the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer.

Introducing the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550)

The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) is a self-emptying robot vacuum boasting smart mapping, automatic dirt disposal for up to 60 days, Alexa compatibility, and impressive suction for pet hair and carpets. Compared to its predecessor and market leaders, the i3+ EVO stands out with its enhanced smart mapping and improved suction power. It’s perfect for pet owners and busy individuals who value convenience and thorough cleaning. However, it’s not ideal for homes with extremely complex layouts or exceptionally high-pile carpets.

Pros:

* Self-emptying base for up to 60 days of dust-free living
* Imprint Smart Mapping for efficient room-by-room cleaning
* Strong suction power, effectively removing pet hair and dirt
* Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice control
* User-friendly iRobot Home app for scheduling and customization

Cons:

* Can be noisy during the self-emptying cycle
* Occasionally struggles with very thick carpets
* Smart mapping may require multiple runs for optimal results
* Can sometimes get stuck on obstacles

Delving into the Features and Benefits of the Roomba i3+ EVO (3550)

Smart Mapping and Room-by-Room Cleaning

The Roomba i3+ EVO‘s Imprint Smart Mapping is a game-changer. Unlike basic robot vacuums that randomly bounce around, this model systematically maps your home, creating a virtual representation of your floor plan. You can then use the app to create custom cleaning zones or select specific rooms for cleaning. This precision ensures thorough cleaning without wasted effort or missed spots. The initial mapping process might take a few runs, but once complete, the efficiency is remarkable.

Superior Suction Power and Pet Hair Removal

One of the most impressive aspects of the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is its powerful suction. It easily tackles pet hair, a persistent nemesis for many vacuum owners. My cats shed profusely, leaving their hair scattered across all floor types. The i3+ EVO effortlessly picks up even the most stubborn embedded hair, leaving floors noticeably cleaner. This feature alone justifies the cost for many pet owners.

Effortless Self-Emptying and Reduced Maintenance

The self-emptying Clean Base is the epitome of convenience. After each cleaning cycle, the Roomba i3+ EVO automatically empties its dustbin into a sealed bag within the base. This feature significantly reduces maintenance, eliminating the need for frequent manual emptying. The bags hold a surprising amount of debris, lasting up to 60 days in my experience. Although the emptying process is quite loud – think small jet engine – it’s a short burst of noise easily tolerated for the convenience it provides.

Voice Control Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant

The integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds a layer of effortless control. With a simple voice command, you can start, stop, or pause a cleaning session, making it incredibly convenient. This functionality is particularly useful when you need to quickly clean a specific area without needing to pull out your phone.

Scheduling Flexibility through the iRobot Home App

The iRobot Home app is intuitive and user-friendly. You can easily schedule cleaning sessions for specific times and days, customize cleaning zones, and monitor the Roomba’s progress. The app also provides helpful suggestions based on your cleaning habits and the season. This level of control and customization allows you to tailor the cleaning schedule to your lifestyle, maximizing efficiency and minimizing disruptions.

Real-World Experiences: A Compilation of User Reviews

Online reviews consistently praise the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO’s powerful suction, self-emptying feature, and smart mapping capabilities. Many users highlight its effectiveness in tackling pet hair and its convenience for busy schedules. While some users mention minor inconveniences, such as occasional navigation issues or noise during the self-emptying process, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its efficiency and ease of use. The improved smart mapping significantly streamlines the cleaning process, while the self-emptying functionality reduces the frequency of manual intervention, making it a worthwhile investment for many.

Concluding Thoughts: A Worthy Investment for a Cleaner Home

The persistent problem of maintaining a clean home, particularly with pets, is a significant one for many households. The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) offers a robust solution by combining powerful suction, advanced smart mapping, and the ultimate convenience of self-emptying. Its ease of use, app integration, and Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility make it a highly efficient and user-friendly tool. While some minor drawbacks exist, the overall benefits significantly outweigh the inconveniences. To experience the convenience and cleanliness this robot vacuum offers, click here to check out the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) today!