If you are in the market for a new robot vacuum then a model from iRobot is surely on your short list. The Roomba manufacturer is arguably the best at making robot vacuums and is certainly the most popular.
iRobot offer so many different models, all with varying costs, capabilities, and features. The Roomba i7 and the Roomba s9 are two of the most recent and higher-end robot vacuums to be released by iRobot.
If you are trying to decide between the i7 and s9, which should you pick?
This is the more expensive option, but if you have the budget, we would pick this one, simply because of the amazing extra features.
Roomba i7: A Deeper Look At Features
The Roomba i7 comes with 10x the suction power of the irobot staple vacuum, the 600 series.
When it comes to mapping, the i7 has an onboard camera that is used to navigate and map your flooring. This also allows the robot vacuum to know if it missed any spots so it can return to that area and finish the job.
The imprint smart mapping also allows you to determine specific rooms in your home and even name them. Then you can control which rooms get cleaned during specific cleanings. You can choose to only clean the kitchen or clean the first floor, etc.
Like a lot of Roomba models, the i7 can connect to your WIFI network. You can use the iRobot app to control your vacuum, schedule cleanings, get alerts, and more.
The i7 is also smart home compatible. Set it up with your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa and control the robot vacuum through simple voice commands.
“Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen floors.”
How Does The i7 Handle Pet Hair?
The power suction and impressive brushes of the i7 are great for collecting pet hair. The high-efficiency filter traps pet hair, along with allergens and dust, making it easy for disposal and keeping it all from getting back into the air or back on the floor.
Roomba i7 Maintenance
Like with all robots and technology based devices, keeping on top of maintenance is very important. Regular maintenance will help your i7 clean more efficiently and can even prolong the life of the device and its battery.
- Clean the filter often
- Remove and clean brushes regularly
- Empty dust bin after each use
- Wipe out the dust bin regularly
If you fail to stay on top of your regular maintenance, you will start to notice poor performance out of your robot vacuum over time. Once the filter gets clogged it will stop sucking as well and you may even see debris fall back out of the vacuum.
Keep up the maintenance!
How Much Does The Roomba i7 Cost?
Since the i7+ and the s9 came on the market, you can usually find deals on the traditional Roomba i7. Currently, at the time of this article, you can purchase the i7 for under $600 on Amazon and other online retailers.
That is a very good value for a how good this robot vacuum is.
Roomba s9: Overview And Features
The first noticeable difference between the i7 and the s9 is the body shape. The D-shape of the s9 is great for getting right up against edges as cleans near walls, under kitchen cabinets and around objects.
The s9 comes with a corner brush that works great with its D-shaped frame to make sure the robot misses no crumbs that may be hiding against the wall.
While the i7 boosts an impressive 10x suction advantage over the 600 series, the s9 goes beyond that. The s9 has 40x the suction power of the 600 series Roomba.
You also get what iRobot labels Power Boost Technology, which is an increase in suction power when the s9 detects that it has moved onto carpet.
Much like the i7, the s9 also comes with a state-of-the-art app, which makes controlling your robot vacuum simple. You are also able to connect to Google Assistant or Amazon Alex and use voice commands, much like the i7.
Is The s9 Good For Pet Hair?
The Roomba s9 comes with 40x the suction of iRobot’s previous models, making it great for homes with pets. The high-efficiency filter traps in pet hairs and allergens, making them easy to dispose of.
The spinning corner brush of the s9 is great for grabbing those clumps of dog or cat hair hiding in the corner that round-shaped vacuums might miss.
Roomba s9 Maintenance
The maintenance of the s9 is much like that of the i7 model. Actually, it is exactly the same.
Continued maintenance will help keep your robot vacuum running smoothly.
- Clean the filter often
- Remove and clean brushes regularly
- Empty dust bin after each use
- Wipe out the dust bin regularly
Cost Of The Roomba s9
If you elect to get the Roomba s9 and not the more popular s9+ model, you can usually find it on sale for under $700.
Which Roomba Is The Better Value?
Obviously value is subjective, but there are some things to consider when looking at the value of these two models. Is value just about the dollar signs, or do you consider the performance that you get for that money? What about the added features that come with the money?
Best For The Money – The i7 is the budget option between the two models. I know, it is a pretty big price tag for a “budget” option. The i7 is the cheaper of the two models and it is still an amazing robot vacuum. it comes with very power suction, great battery life, and impressive technology. You won’t be disappointed with the Roomba i7.
Should You Buy The i7 Or The s9?
This will come to personal preference, but I’ll try to give my feedback on which model is right for certain situations and people.
I will start out by saying that if it were my money, I would actually bump up to the s9+ model. But, if I had to pick between the base model i7 or the s9, I would go with the Roomba s9.
But, enough about me. Let’s see which model is the best solution for you and your home.
I would suggest you look at the i7 if are looing for…
The cheaper price – the i7 is a better value when we are looking at the price tag. You do miss out on some cool features, like the self-emptying docking station. But if you don’t care about the extras, then the i7 is a great value.
I would recommend you check out the s7 if you want…
Better suction – the s9 has much more powerful suction than the i7. At 40x the power of the 600 series, it is far above the i7 which is just 10x more powerful than the 600.
Faster cleaning times – the D-shaped body of the s9 provides the vacuum with a wider base, large brushes and the ability to hit the corners. It will clean more surface in less time than the i7 or other round robot vacuums.
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