One of the latest innovations presented by iRobot is the auto-empty feature they announced in the Roomba I7+.
This review will take a look through the Roomba I6+ – one of iRobot’s sub-variants within the I-Series line. We were not certain how different it is from the I7 however, it appears to be available at a lower price. We heard that the I6+ is exclusive to Amazon and the I8 is available at COSTCO.
According to iRobot, the device has the same specifications as I7+. I7+ has a similar extraction system, auto-empty along with a side brush, and battery.
Roomba I6+ Review: Less Expensive Option Than the Roomba S9
Roomba I6+ is one of the most recent models of the iRobot product line and comes with the same auto-empty feature as it is the I7+. This is among the latest developments from iRobot and takes away one of the most tedious tasks which are emptying the trash bin following each run.
It’s spacious enough to accommodate up to 30 full bins which means there’s no reason to empty the dirt every once in a few weeks. This feature is an absolute blessing for anyone who is busy or doesn’t need to take care of the appliance.
Also read: What’s so fabulous about Roomba E5?
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Most Impressive Features of Roomba I6+
iRobot introduced a revolutionary new technological advancement in home automation using Roomba I7. Roomba I7 – it is first equipped with an auto-empty system.
Soon after the other brands were following suit – Shark, Neabot, and numerous others, however, iRobot remains the most popular because they’ve almost perfected the technology.
Roomba I6+ is another variation of the I-Series line. It has the same specifications as the I7 however it has a light gray color.
It also has the same camera on top as well as iAdapt 3.0 navigation. Apart from this, it also unlocks maps saving features that aren’t available in the earlier Roomba versions such as the 960 and 980.
There’s also that clean station, which can empty the robot’s bin each time it docks, with a bag that can accommodate 30 times the capacity of the dust container.
1. Design
The I6+ keeps the round-frame that you’ll find on many Roomba products. It has an elegant look and feels, thanks to the feel of a touch screen on the buttons.
It has the same layout of buttons as the previous Roomba 675, 690, and E5. It’s unlikely that you’ll be using the buttons as often as the machine which is compatible with the iRobot application.
Underneath it is equipped with an identical brush as well as a location like the Roomba E5, utilizing the new extractors that have deeper grooves.
2. Dustbin
The volume of dirt shouldn’t be a problem for those using I6+ due to the clean base station, however, we were sharing the specs to help you to understand the product.
Its I6+ dustbin is loaded from the rear and has a capacity of 400-milliliters. If you examine it closely it shares the same layout as the bin E5, with the HEPA filter located on the sides.
But, there’s an opening inside that is used by the clean-base station to flush out the contents. This is a 100-milliliter penalty, however, the auto-empty feature eliminates this as it clears the bin at the end of every run.
There’s a distinct notch in this I6 dustbin.
In the base station’s clean compartment is a bag that can accommodate up to 30 bins and increase capacity to 1.2 Liters.
Therefore, there’s no reason to work with the robot for weeks to clean the trash if everything is going well.
3. App Features
One of my main complaints regarding the earlier Roomba versions is their absence of features for apps. This is no longer the case in I6+ I6+ (or any I-Series robot) because iRobot has added more features for customization. I’ll review them in order.
The most significant improvement in I6+ is the Imprint Smart Mapping which is the ability for saving map data. The I6 app is able to save up to 10 maps which exceeds six times the capacity of Roborock. Within each level of the map users are able to name rooms, create the number of keep-out zones as required.
However, it isn’t equipped with the option of making walls invisible. Therefore, users are restricted to rectangles or boxes to keep the space contained.
4. Selective Room Cleaning
Imprint Smart Mapping unlocks another useful feature: selective room cleaning. This allows users to choose the space or area within the map that they wish to clean.
IRobot’s version differs in that you’ll need to look through every room you’re looking to clean. In contrast to a Roborock it’s easy to select the room from the map.
The choice between them will depend on preference.
You can utilize this feature to complement my scheduling tool, which I’ll be talking about in the next post.
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5. Scheduling
In the older Roomba models the scheduling function is very restricted. It is only possible to plan only one day’s run. However, with the I-Series it is no longer the scenario. Users can plan multiple runs throughout the day, with at least three hours between runs.
This upgrade is beneficial in many ways. For example, you can program the robot to sweep rooms that are not being used at certain times. Clean up the master bedroom at 10 am, while the dining room at 2 pm following lunch, and then clean up.
The ability to move cleanup times around is a huge benefit according to me.
Make sure the doors are open to stop any errors from triggering and the robot not completing the task. It’s a quirk we hope iRobot fixes.
Another improvement to the I6 application is the capability to pick certain rooms to be cleaned. This is done by clicking on the “New job” icon to the upper right hand side, and then choose the room or zone.
You can save the app as a favorite to make it easier to access The main user interface.
6. Keep Out Zones
These are square or rectangular boxes which are designated keep-away areas for robots. Simply put they block the robot from entering the areas you have marked as a map.
The user can make as many as you want.
7. Clean Zone
The clean zone performs the opposite purpose of the keep-out zones. In lieu of blocking robots, the clean zone is designated as a “cleaning” space.
It’s similar to the spot-cleaning feature in earlier Roomba versions, but much more specific. It’s not necessary moving the robot around the location physically. For instance, you could create a box in the living room, or make it a point to schedule additional runs because it’s a busy zone.
We’re impressed by the fact that iRobot lets users save them, meaning it’s not necessary for drawing the boxes manually each when the need arises.
8. Mapping Run
This is a specific mode to create maps. When you turn this feature on and the robot moves, it turns the vacuum motor off in order to reduce battery consumption to be able to cover a greater area.
Two things to be aware of. The first is to switch on all the lights. Since this robot is camera technology, it needs lighting sources for it to “see” and identify the room.
If you perform the mapping without lighting on it won’t complete the process, and even advanced options like keeping out zones won’t be effective. Don’t be fooled. I learned it the hard way.
Next, open the door so that the robot can create the map of the entire region.
After running the application automatically creates partitions for rooms, however we’d suggest that you modify this feature and make your own partitions, as it’s not accurate.
9. History
The iRobot keeps the cleaning cycles into its database. You can access it by clicking to open the History tab. The history tab displays previous runs, the maps, the size of the area and whether the operation was effective or unsuccessful, and much more.
10. Error Codes
Another advantage of the iRobot application is the reading of error codes. Instead of simply spitting out numbers, the app tells users exactly what’s going on and takes away the guesswork of what’s going on, helping solve any problems.
11. Clean Base Station
Clean base stations are among the most creative design concepts we’ve encountered. It removes the mundane job of emptying the trash bin at the end of every run. Once the robot is back at the dock the second vacuum is activated and empties the contents of the bin through an opening in the container.
It’s sturdy enough to take up items in the trash bin. However, if there’s dirt around the lip it will need to be cleaned by hand. We’ve tried it out with large messy areas in our lab, and it’s effective in vacuuming dirt away.
Inside, you’ll find a bag that can accommodate up to 30 bins. After you remove it the bag seals itself making sure that you don’t get exposed to allergens, dust or dust.
What’s the Best Way to Navigate Roomba i6+ Navigate?
Similar to Roomba 900-Series, the I6 runs in straight lines. iRobot refers to these as “neat rows.”
Contrary to earlier models such as the 614, 675, 690 and E5, this model is more efficient and moves well even in tight spots.
iRobot improves Roomba’s 900-Series’ navigation capabilities in their I-Series line by introducing IAdapt 3.0. The most notable enhancement from the iAdapt 2.0 can be found in that it has the “imprint intelligent maps.” For layman terms, it’s the capability to store maps (up to 10 maps) to your computer.).
This feature lets you access other options, including keep-out zones as well as the ability to select the cleaning of rooms.
Keep-out zones are rectangle or square areas which are “off-limit” areas for robots. Cleaning rooms selectively is an option to pick a specific area where the robot will clean.
These features for navigation help to make the app more user-friendly than the 900-Series, which didn’t provide many features.
Unfortunately this iRobot Home app isn’t able to have invisible walls, as other brands like Roborock or Dreame do.
The invisible wall is the feature of keeping out zones the possibility of drawing diagonal lines across the map. It also gives users more flexibility when it comes to the areas that users are able to block. We hope that Roomba will address this issue as it develops in the future.
Also read: If Eureka FloorRover worth your money?
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Are You Able to Use the Roomba i6 Scuff Furniture?
We didn’t notice the I6 hitting the furniture we have in our lab so hard that it would scratch it. The algorithm is so smart that it will slow down and then only move it.
There will be times when it bumps into doors using some force. A prime example is the door that was closed halfway which the robot could not take into account since the door was open at the time of the mapping.
When the layout “relearns” how to layout it can recognize the layout changes and will avoid them on subsequent runs.
What Is the Power of Roomba I6+?
We used an anemometer and determined the flow of air through the nozzle. It’s a great tool to monitor the airflow. Roomba I6+ Roomba I6+ had 8.2 CFM of airflow at its one power setting. It was less than that of the Roomba 960, which has 9.33 CFM.
Cleaning Performance
The next step is to examine how the Roomba I6 cleans different types of debris like the quinoa, quinoa, quaker oats, pet litters, sand coffee grounds, and hair on different surfaces.
Here are the general scores
- Overall: 93.97%
- Cleansing deep 82.5%
- Sand on hard floors: 98.26%
- Hard Floor: 97.57%
- carpet (surface): 97.55%
The I6 scored decently overall but was slightly less than it’s Roomba 980 we tested earlier with a higher airflow. You can see the impact the lower airflow had on the results of the test as it was unable to remove all debris. We’ll explain below.
1. Results of the Hard Floor
- Quaker Oats: 97.6%
- Quinoa: 94.2%
- Pet litter: 97.8%
- Coffee grounds are 100% pure
It had the most difficulty with the quinoa plant, gaining 94.2 percent. The issue of pick-up isn’t a problem here since the two extractors pick everything it touches.
The issue is the speedy spinning side brush, which scatters it across. The same problem occurs with quaker oats as well as pet litter. This is why they have lower scores.
2. Sand on the Floor
Another effect of insufficient airflow is the difficulty of cleaning heavy debris such as sand. The I6 nevertheless had a good percentage of 98.26 percent, however it left marks on the extractors and the assembly.
It was not a complete sweep of the run. Given that it only had 8 CFM that’s impressive and proves that the modern extractors that have deeper grooves can agitate effectively.
3. Hair Wrap Test
The I6 performed well during tests of hair-wrapping particularly when using shorter five-inch hair strands.
- 5-inch strands 5 inches long. 100% inside the dustbin, and 0 more than 1% around the brush
- 7-inch brush strands with 54% of them in the dustbin The dustbin is 46%, and the brush
But it did not perform so well with the longer 7-inch lengths, with just 54 percent. This is still a good score in light of the low suction.
The best part is that it’s simpler to get hair out of these rollers.
4. Edge Cleaning
Another thing that surprised me was how efficiently the I6 was able to clean the edges.
It’s a great outcome for a robot that is round that can pick up the majority of the garbage in the area.
5. Carpet Cleaning
The next step is to examine how the I6+ removes dirt from carpet. We utilized similar particles on mid and low pile carpet.
Results of Low Pile
- Quaker Oats: 96.6%
- Quinoa: 99.8%
- Pet litter: 98.4%
- Grounds of coffee: 93.2%
The scores are a bit lower than those on hard floors. It had the most difficulty with coffee grounds that are fine and this isn’t surprising due to the poor suction.
This scattering problem isn’t quite as difficult because carpet fibers create greater friction, however, the lack of airflow can hinder its ability to absorb the coffee grounds on the surface.
- Our trust is with Amazon
Mid Pile Results
- Quaker Oats is 100%
- Quinoa: 99.4%
- Pet litter: 97.8%
- The coffee grounds are 95.2%
Unexpectedly, it was surprising that the I6 picked up more dirt on mid-pile carpets. It was able to pick up all of the quack oats and a larger proportion of grounds from coffee than carpets with a lower pile, but it’s not a huge difference so we wouldn’t put too much value on it.
6. Deep Cleaning
Another trickle-down effect caused by the lower airflow is the cleaning of the dirt. WeI tried my I6 using 100 grams of sand which we rub on the mid-pile carpet.
We got an average 82.5 percent over four tests. It’s the lowest score thus far from any of the Roomba products we’ve tested to date.
7. Maintenance
Every vacuum will require some form of care to ensure they function optimally for the long term. For robot vacuums, frequent maintenance is crucial because they depend on a variety of sensors to move and keep them clean.
The accumulation of dust can affect parts, such as the side brush motors, which can cause more wear and friction. Therefore, it is essential to wash these components regularly.
I’ll list a few parts you’ll have to clean or replace.
- A dust filter and a bin for the dust: The feature that automatically empty implies that you won’t have to check it in the next few weeks. However, you should conduct a visual inspection to determine if there’s accumulation inside. Rinse the bin as necessary and clean the filter at least every 2 to 3 months.
- Side brush: Side brush examines for hair tangles on your arms or at the base.
- Main brush: Main brush I6 includes counter-rotating extractors which need less maintenance in the words of iRobot. Whatever they may say however, it’s not maintenance-free. Hair strands that are longer will be wrapped around the roller and axles. Be sure to check these areas frequently and clean any debris to avoid unnecessary friction.
- Clean the base station: Make sure you have a slot (where debris is able to flow through) that is free of debris. Examine the bag to see if it’s filled. There’s no sensor in the bag which means you’ll have to manually check it.
- Wheels: This robot has 3 wheels (two side wheels and one wheel for casters). Clean these using a towel to get rid of the dirt that has accumulated on the wheels.
- Drop sensors Sensors for dropping: The I6 includes 6 of them under to keep it from falling over cliffs, such as staircases. Clean, dry microfiber towel to clean it every month.
- Body: Cleanse the entire body with a towel made of microfiber to remove any marks or dust that have accumulated on the surface.
How Loud Is the Roomba?
One advantage that comes with having low airflow is the less noise output. We tested a sound meter to test the I6. The I6 recorded approximately 64.5 decibels at its lowest power setting. But the base station is quite loud, with an average of eighty (79.6 to be precise) decibels as it empties the bin. However, it’s not for long.
What Is the Duration of Roomba i6+ Last?
Roomba I6+ uses the 1800mAh Li-ion battery that can last for up to 75 minutes. It’s not as long as the 120-minute running time that comes with Roomba 980. It has the ability to recharge as well as resume.
One thing to be aware of is that the I6+ (and the other I-Series robots) won’t dock until the bin is empty. It will stop mid-run , and emit an error. You’ll need to clear the trash manually in order to continue running.
What Is in the Box?
- Roomba’s I6 robotic vacuum, with the brushes
- Power cord
- Clean the base station using one bag
- Warranty card and manual
Parts available for sale
One of the reasons we enjoy Roomba items is because of the accessibility of the parts. Parts such as filters and bags are easily available, not just from iRobot but also from other brands because of their fame.
The more difficult parts such as those of the battery dustbin assembly, battery, side brush motors are readily available even online retailers like Amazon.
Does Roomba i6+ Provide Tremendous Value for Money?
Despite its high price, the Roomba I6+ offers good value in my opinion. The app’s updates to the navigation system, as well as the auto-empty technology make this an entirely autonomous robot.
Yes, you’ll need to take your time and prepare the area by taking out any wires and small obstacles in order to increase the robot’s efficiency.
Depending on the time of the year, it could be cheaper or even more expensive than that of the I7+, however, it is only available with one bag, and it does not come with any other accessories.
The lower airflow is a sucker away, so don’t count on this vacuum for large-scale vacuuming. It’s not as efficient as Roomba airflow monsters such as the 980 or S9 for big messy messes. However, for everyday tasks it’ll be adequate enough.
6 reasons to purchase Roomba I6+. Roomba I6+
- Improved navigation: I’ve tried this robot numerous times and it appears to be more efficient once it has learned the layout of your home. Be sure to keep the lights on during the mapping process.
- Better app experience: The Imprint Smart Mapping unlocks other features, such as keep-out zones, clean zones and cleaning rooms selectively and more. All of these features improve the user experience.
- It’s less expensive than the S9: The Roomba S9 provides superior cleaning capabilities, it’s also more expensive. The I6 is a less expensive alternative, but with lesser power.
- Auto emptying: A tidy base station cleans the robot’s garbage bin after every run, thus removing the need for having to do this work.
- Containment features: The iRobot app has now got areas that keep the robot from entering zones that are not allowed.
- Plan multiple runs in a day: Users are now able to schedule multiple runs in a day, giving users greater options on how to use this robot.
The Bottom Line Is: Auto Empty Features Are a Game-Changer
A feature we tried using Roomba I6 is how well it empties the dust bin, and it did a great job and with enough suction to clear an entire bin of dust that’s what you’ll have to clean most days.
It’s not able to gather everything, but it does get most of it. Roomba has almost made it a success with its auto-empty feature which is the main reason it’s so popular.
But it’s not the same powerful as an Roomba 980, or an S9 and won’t be as efficient at removing larger mess. If you’re not worried about this and are looking for a reliable robot vacuum that doesn’t require any babysitting, take a look at this robot vacuum.
Also read: These testing results of Roomba i7 vs s9 will shock you!
The Verdict
Roomba I6 Clean Base Station does extremely well at cleaning the contents of the bin, making the robot totally self-sufficient. The robot’s dust bin is empty each time it runs, so it doesn’t require you to empty it yourself. However, the absence of airflow hinders its cleaning capabilities. It’s not as good as airflow beasts such as the Roomba 980 and S9. However, if you don’t need to shell out an extra amount for the one, then I6+ can be a great alternative that is less costly and has the same self-emptying capabilities.
- Our trust is with Amazon
