Or if there is another brand out there that is better. Wife's birthday coming up and she asked for a GOOD Roomba. I don't know much of anything about these things other than to know that they can run several hundred bucks which is fine if it's a decent and reliable piece of equipment. Our floors are all wood laminate with rugs placed where needed and to keep the floor warmer.

Also what's the learning process with these things do they need to slam into walls for a week before they learn the floor layout of the house? So any input is much appreciated.

If any of your rugs have fringe your Roomba may have trouble dealing with it. Ours did.

Maybe they have improved.

The GOOD Roomba is more like $600. You can spend more.

We've got one that the kids gave us for Christmas. Not sure if it is a "good one" as I would bet the kids didn't have that kind of money! LOL

Ours is a model 690, and we just use it on our lower level living area, and it does a pretty good job. It will run for 30 minutes or more on a charge, and typical fills up its little basket. It is factory programmed to return to its base when it needs a recharge and ours would if we didn't have the base in a tight spot that has a rug and hardwood floor to navigate right at the base location. That transition throws off its aim.

We have been happy with it and it came with one little sensor that we set at the dog's food and water bowl. The sensor tells it to turn away, and keeps it from banging into the bowls and making a mess. You can buy more sensors if you want, such as if you want to keep it from falling down the stairs, etc.

It really comes in handy to go under the beds and other furniture to clear out the ghost turds. It also transitions across the rugs well, and ours doesn't have trouble with the fringe. We are glad to have it.

I will report back with the model numbers we have. One is awesome and the other is kinda dumb, gets stuck in odd places, seems to get lost and is harder to keep clean

New models work well, are easy maintenance and empty themselves. If you have a pet, see photo....

quote:

Originally posted by Doc H.:
New models work well, are easy maintenance and empty themselves. If you have a pet, see photo....

No pets currently my old girl passed about a month ago thus the wife thinks the Roomba is a good idea but I'm sure I will be entertaining thoughts on another shelter dog next spring.
Thanks for the responses thus far everyone but I'm thinking I would like to keep the budget around 3 to 4 hundred if possible.

NEATO BOTVAC for the win.

We have a Neato D7 that works really well, and we like being able to establish no-go areas through the app instead of needing IR boxes.

We started with the relatively inexpensive Eufy. It's not as 'smart' as the more expensive units but has has good battery life and does our 1900 s.f. well.

Take a look at the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S as well.
Highly rated.

Novelty item if you ask me. To make one work and I mean really work. Your house would need to be set up specifically for it. And yes we have one.

We have one but it is not the Roomba and wasn't all that expensive IIRC. Will dig up the brand/model and update. Works well.

Daughter has the same one and likes it.

"eufy Robovac 11S" I see it on Amazon for about $240.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sailor1911, October 18, 2019 02:02 PM

quote:

Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
NEATO BOTVAC for the win.

Another recommend for the Neato.
Our model is discontinued, but it's the connected model that can be managed via phone app (Can also be done directly on the machine)

I believe the newer ones let you digitally set restricted areas. Ours came with a roll of magnetic strip that you stick down to restrict areas.

Interestingly this just popped up in my Youtube recommendations.

I just got through researching these things and finally made a purchase last week. I’d look at either Roomba or Neato. They seem to be the best. As far as models go, the more you pay, the better the performance. I originally bought the Roomba I7 and found it wasn’t “smart” enough or powerful enough. We have a German SHepherd and the idea was to reduce the three or four times vacuuming per week. The I7 struggled. I reluctantly shelled out for the S9 and have been using it for approximately one week. It is loads better. Acts “smarter”, has more suction...just an all around better vacuum. It maps your house after two or three runs and you can customize where you want it to go. Be prepared for the dirt bin to fill quickly as there isn’t much room for dirt, etc. The ultimate would be the S9 with its self emptying base. Customer service at Roomba is US based and has been great. Good Luck1

Unless you have a space that is about 1500 sq. ft. spring for one that can remember where it’s been, recharge, and then go finish up.

Ours has to recharge 3 times in a job but covers all the space perfectly.

Last but not least on advice:

If Momma wants a Roomba, best get her a Roomba!! LOL

Tell her you must have a cat, shark costume, and a duck to own a Roomba.