iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot Vacuum Review

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max is an impressive hybrid robot vacuum and mop that excels at simplifying your cleaning routine. Designed for homes with both hard floors and carpets, it combines the convenience of vacuuming and mopping into a single device, making it a versatile addition to any household. Its sleek design is not only modern but also functional, with an intuitive dock that helps with mop cleaning and dustbin emptying.

One of the standout features of the Roomba Combo 10 Max is its vacuuming performance, especially on hard floors. The robot uses twin rubber brush rollers that efficiently pick up dirt, crumbs, and pet hair, making it a solid choice for homes with both pets and children. The vacuuming system is well-suited for cleaning a variety of debris, from small particles to larger bits, and is quite effective at covering large areas in a short amount of time. While it’s not the most powerful vacuum in terms of suction, it performs well in most scenarios and makes cleaning much easier and more convenient.

The mopping function of the Combo 10 Max is equally impressive. It uses a damp mop that glides across your floors, providing a light but thorough cleaning. While it’s not as intense as a dedicated mop, it’s perfect for daily maintenance, keeping your floors fresh and clean without the need for manual effort. The mop feature works seamlessly alongside the vacuum, allowing the Combo 10 Max to tackle both tasks in one go, saving time and effort for the user.

Navigating your home is a breeze with its smart mapping technology. The robot uses SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to create an efficient cleaning path, ensuring no area is left untouched. Though the mapping process may take a little longer compared to higher-end models, it’s still effective at covering large spaces and handling obstacles along the way. Additionally, the iRobot app provides an easy-to-use interface, allowing you to control the robot remotely, customize cleaning schedules, and monitor its progress.

Overall, the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max offers a perfect blend of convenience, efficiency, and value for those looking for a reliable cleaning assistant. Its ability to vacuum and mop simultaneously makes it an excellent choice for busy households, while its sleek design and intuitive features ensure a smooth user experience. With its solid performance on hard floors and ease of use, the Combo 10 Max is an excellent addition to any home looking to streamline its cleaning routine.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Price & Availability

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max, launched in July 2024, brings a top-tier combination of performance and features to the robot vacuum market. Priced at $1,399 / £1,499 initially, it sits at the higher end of the spectrum, but it has quickly become available at a much more attractive price. Currently, it’s available for as low as $999.99 / £799, making it a great deal for those looking for a premium cleaning solution at a reduced price.

This model is a standout in the iRobot Roomba lineup, offering exceptional suction power, intelligent mapping, and a seamless transition between vacuuming and mopping. The Combo 10 Max offers a more advanced cleaning experience with its dual-action cleaning system that’s perfect for homes with pets or high-traffic areas. The combination of powerful suction, smart navigation, and effective mopping means it’s designed to provide an efficient and thorough clean, even on complex floor layouts.

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is available for purchase directly from iRobot, as well as through third-party retailers like Walmart and Amazon, offering flexibility in where and how you buy it. It’s a versatile option for any household, especially with its significant price drop, making it an even more attractive investment for users seeking a premium robot vacuum and mop combo. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or elsewhere, this model offers excellent value, especially with its reduced price point, and ensures that you get the latest iRobot technology without breaking the bank.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

$999

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iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Specs

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Design

Robot design

iRobot has been a leader in the robot vacuum market for over two decades, with a strong legacy of designing machines for both industrial and military uses. The company revolutionized the vacuuming industry by introducing home robot vacuums that brought convenience and efficiency to household cleaning. However, in recent years, the competition has intensified, especially with a rise in robotic vacuum manufacturers, many of them from China, which have contributed innovative features and advanced software. Despite iRobot’s long-standing reputation, it now faces stiff competition, making it challenging to maintain its position at the forefront of the robot vacuum industry.

One of iRobot’s most recent models, the Roomba Combo 10 Max, represents an attempt to compete with newer and more feature-rich models, but it shows signs of being outpaced by other brands. While iRobot was once considered the go-to option for robot vacuums, the Combo 10 Max feels somewhat outdated in comparison to what other companies, especially those like Roborock and Eufy, are offering.

The Combo 10 Max features a twin rubber roller system, which works well on hard floors, reaching deep into carpet piles to loosen and capture dust and debris. This system is effective on hard floors, but when it comes to collecting pet hair from carpets, the rollers struggle. It also raises questions about whether the vacuum lacks the necessary suction power. iRobot has long been secretive about its suction specifications, opting instead to highlight three suction levels: Quiet, Balanced, and High. However, these levels still don’t give users a clear idea of how the robot’s suction compares to other models in terms of power and performance. The vacuum offers double the standard pickup power of most of iRobot’s other models, but this claim still leaves much to be desired.

One key aspect of robot vacuum design is the side brush, which is essential for cleaning corners that the main brush rollers might miss. However, iRobot has opted not to include an extendable spinning side brush in the Combo 10 Max. This feature, which is now common in newer models from competitors, helps the robot reach corners and skirting boards more effectively. iRobot also only made one robot vacuum with a D-shape design, the Roomba s9+, which featured a side brush that could easily reach corners. Many robot vacuums from other manufacturers, such as Dyson and Eufy, have adopted a circular design, but there seems to be no clear reason why iRobot has not continued the D-shaped trend.

A significant positive feature of the Combo 10 Max is its ability to traverse loose hard floor rugs without disturbing them. This is a common problem for some robots, where the vacuum either gets stuck or pulls up the rug. However, the vacuum’s performance in other areas, especially its mopping system, leaves a lot to be desired.

The Combo 10 Max features a rear-mounted mopping system, but it falls short compared to some of the more advanced mopping systems available on the market today. The original concept of using a static mop that drags behind the vacuum as it moves has been largely replaced by more effective spinning mops or extendable mopping mechanisms. While iRobot did attempt to improve this with its Combo j7+ by designing a system that raised the mop when crossing carpets, the Combo 10 Max continues to use an older static mop design. The mop is thin and watery, offering little more than a light sweep over the floor. This approach may work for light stains but is far less effective than the dual spinning towel-covered pads or cylindrical spinning mops seen in other robot vacuums. Furthermore, the static mop often leaves water splashes on the top of the vacuum, which is both unsightly and ineffective.

Another area where the Combo 10 Max struggles is its navigation. Most modern robot vacuums now use LiDAR, a laser-based system that helps them quickly map an entire home. In contrast, iRobot continues to use SLAM technology with its RGB camera, LED headlight, and sensor system. While this system is reliable, it is significantly slower at mapping a home compared to LiDAR-based systems. However, iRobot’s RGB camera excels at detecting smaller obstacles, which some other models might miss. Without LiDAR on top of the vacuum, the Combo 10 Max can navigate under low furniture, something that LiDAR-equipped models struggle with. While this design allows the robot to fit into tighter spaces, it also means that the vacuum lacks the advanced mapping capabilities that other vacuums offer.

The Combo 10 Max also comes equipped with an obstacle detection system to avoid stairs, drop-offs, and small items such as shoes and cables. Its obstacle avoidance capabilities are not the best on the market, but they are still better than some of its competitors. The robot is also equipped with a feature called ‘Dirt Detective,’ which is designed to optimize cleaning based on how dirty each room is. While this function sounds promising, it’s difficult to assess in practice as there are no clear indicators of when it is activated or how effectively it operates.

Noise levels are another area where the Combo 10 Max leaves something to be desired. While many robot vacuums operate quietly with just a low-pitched hum, the Combo 10 Max produces a higher-pitched sound that can be quite annoying, especially if the vacuum is operating in the same room. The vacuum’s sound frequency measures 62dB, which is average for robot vacuums, but the higher-pitched noise makes it more noticeable and unpleasant than the hum of other models.

When comparing the Combo 10 Max to other robot vacuums in the market, it becomes clear that iRobot’s latest model is struggling to keep up with innovations in both hardware and software. Competitors like Roborock, Eufy, and Dreame have introduced more advanced mopping systems, better navigation technology, and improved obstacle detection. iRobot, on the other hand, seems to be sticking to its tried-and-tested methods with limited improvements. While the Combo 10 Max offers decent performance in some areas, such as cleaning hard floors and navigating low furniture, its shortcomings in mopping, suction power, and navigation make it difficult to recommend over more feature-rich options.

In the competitive world of robot vacuums, iRobot faces an uphill battle to maintain its position as a leader in the market. The Combo 10 Max, while functional, lacks the innovative features that have become standard in newer models from other companies. Whether iRobot can catch up with its competitors or continue to rely on its brand name remains to be seen, but for now, it seems that the company’s future in the robot vacuum market is uncertain.

Dock Design

The Roomba Combo 10 Max comes equipped with the AutoWash Dock, which impresses at first glance with its visually appealing design. iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most aesthetically pleasing docking stations, and this one continues the trend. Standing at 44 cm in height, 50 cm in depth, and 40 cm in width, it’s undeniably large, but its ribbed matte black plastic exterior makes it less intrusive in most home settings. The black color choice is a smart move for blending into home decor, making it far less noticeable compared to many other robotic vacuum docks.

Like most modern docking stations, the AutoWash Dock serves multiple purposes: it charges the robot, empties the dustbin, and cleans the mop. However, iRobot hasn’t provided specific details about the size of the dust bag included in the dock. Based on its appearance, it’s approximately 2.5 liters, which is standard for similar models. This capacity should suffice for non-pet households, allowing over a month of cleaning before needing to replace the bag. However, for homes with shedding pets, the dust bag may need replacing more frequently—possibly every two weeks, depending on the level of debris.

In addition to its vacuuming capabilities, the dock features two water tanks that cater to the mopping system. These rectangular water tanks are larger than average, with one holding clean water (2 liters) and the other designed for dirty water (approximately 1.8 liters). While this size is commendable for extended cleaning sessions, their design introduces some practical challenges. Both tanks are positioned horizontally behind a front door and feature horizontal lids. This configuration means the weight of the water causes the back of the containers to tilt downward when being removed. If the simple clip on the dirty water tank isn’t secured properly, the entire contents could spill backward as it’s pulled out. This design flaw makes removing and carrying the tanks to the sink a task that requires two hands, unlike other models where vertical tanks are easier to handle.

Another notable aspect of the AutoWash Dock is its mop-cleaning routine. Unlike many competitors that use back-and-forth cleaning mechanisms or spinning systems to scrub mopping pads effectively, this dock employs a unique method. The robot itself moves in and out of the dock, running the mop over a ribbed rubber roller to clean it. While innovative, this system falls short compared to the spinning systems adopted by many modern hybrid vacuums, which provide more thorough cleaning for mops. Additionally, the dock uses a soft fan to dry the area after washing the pad. Unfortunately, since the mopping pad is positioned face-down above the robot unit, it doesn’t benefit from adequate airflow and remains damp for longer than desired.

In terms of practicality, the AutoWash Dock could benefit from more ergonomic design improvements. While its appearance is sleek and modern, functionality is equally critical for daily usability. For instance, the horizontal tank configuration and mop-drying limitations make it less convenient than some competitors’ offerings. Moreover, the dock’s large dimensions may make placement in smaller homes a challenge. However, for users prioritizing aesthetic appeal and a hands-free cleaning experience, the dock remains a competitive option in its category.

Looking at additional information, robot vacuum docks have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Many high-end models now include advanced features like self-emptying bins, multi-level water reservoirs, and more efficient mop-cleaning systems. Some brands, such as Roborock and Eufy, have introduced docks with vertical water tanks that are easier to handle and spinning mop mechanisms that scrub floors more effectively. These innovations highlight the areas where the Combo 10 Max’s dock could further improve.

Despite its shortcomings, the dock still delivers reliable performance in several key areas. The ability to handle both vacuuming and mopping tasks simultaneously remains a significant selling point for users seeking an all-in-one cleaning solution. Its sleek design and advanced automation capabilities ensure it appeals to those who value convenience and style. However, the competition in the robot vacuum market continues to push boundaries, making it essential for manufacturers like iRobot to refine their designs further to stay ahead.

Overall, the Roomba Combo 10 Max’s dock is an attractive and functional addition to iRobot’s lineup, but it falls short in some areas compared to its more innovative competitors. As users increasingly seek efficient cleaning solutions, combining aesthetics with practical enhancements will be key to maintaining a leading position in this competitive industry.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

$999

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iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Performance

• Decent mopping.
• Lacks strong suction on carpets.
• Subpar dock suction performance.

This section is organized into Navigation Performance, Obstacle Avoidance, Vacuum Performance, Mopping Performance, and Dock Performance for a comprehensive discussion.

Navigation Performance

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max relies on SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) navigation technology, which, while serviceable, falls short when compared to the efficiency and accuracy of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems. SLAM navigation struggles with precision, particularly in poorly lit environments or complete darkness, making it less adaptable for homes with varying lighting conditions.

During testing, the robot took approximately 30 minutes to map an open-plan space, including a living room, dining area, kitchen, hallway, and passage. By contrast, a LiDAR-equipped robot can complete the same task in about eight minutes, producing a far more detailed and accurate map. The map generated by the Combo 10 Max lacked the clarity and precision needed to define specific zones, such as small rugs or designated sections of the floor. In addition, SLAM’s limitations make it challenging to view the robot’s real-time location on a phone app, unlike LiDAR navigation systems, which provide precise tracking and mapping.

A notable drawback with this model’s navigation system is its inconsistency in recognizing and updating the map during cleaning sessions. For example, when tasked to perform a ‘kitchen vac & mop’ routine, the robot initially mopped part of the kitchen floor, vacuumed a rug, and then returned to the dock to wash the mop without completing the task. When sent out again, it repeated the same steps, leaving significant portions of the floor untouched and wet areas excessively soaked due to the freshly washed mop. These inefficiencies are partly attributable to its failure to detect and incorporate unmapped sections of the home into the map dynamically.

Such issues became evident upon closer examination of the map, which showed incomplete coverage of the kitchen. Unlike advanced mapping technologies, SLAM does not automatically amend maps with newly discovered areas during cleaning. This shortfall required resetting the system and remapping the entire house, which eventually produced a more accurate—though still imperfect—map with oddly shaped walls that were difficult to interpret.

Comparing SLAM to LiDAR technology, it’s evident that LiDAR offers superior performance by creating precise, real-time maps that are easy to read and adjust. Robots with LiDAR can identify specific zones with pinpoint accuracy and adapt dynamically to any changes in the environment. For users seeking hassle-free navigation and cleaning, this is a critical distinction.

The navigation performance of the Roomba Combo 10 Max highlights the trade-offs of relying on SLAM. While it works for basic cleaning tasks, its limitations become apparent in more complex or demanding scenarios. Users with intricate floor layouts or high expectations for automated cleaning may find SLAM-based navigation frustrating. Alternatives with LiDAR navigation provide a more reliable and efficient solution, ensuring better coverage and fewer interruptions during cleaning sessions. Ultimately, the Combo 10 Max’s navigation system demonstrates the importance of robust mapping technologies in delivering a seamless robot vacuum experience.

Obstacle Avoidance

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max delivers obstacle avoidance performance that is mixed but acceptable for a robot vacuum in its category. During testing, it struggled with overly cluttered environments, cutting short cleaning sessions and returning to its dock prematurely. However, with fewer obstacles, its performance improved, although it did exhibit some limitations. For instance, the robot successfully avoided a sock and phone cable but failed to detect smaller hazards like a shoelace and a circular dog chew, which it attempted to ride over.

While iRobot claims the Combo 10 Max can avoid pet waste, similar to its predecessors like the j7+ and j9+, trusting any robot vacuum entirely in this regard is ill-advised. Previous experiences with other models underscore the risks, particularly in homes with untrained pets. Users are better off ensuring floors are free of such hazards before starting a cleaning cycle.

The robot’s tendency to bump into walls and furniture is another concern, as this can result in visible scuffs and scratches on the unit within weeks. Activating a gentler cleaning mode can mitigate this issue, though it compromises edge cleaning. Overall, the Combo 10 Max’s obstacle avoidance is adequate but falls short in complex environments, requiring user oversight for optimal performance.

Vacuum Performance

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max delivers inconsistent vacuum performance, particularly on carpets. Equipped with twin rubber brush rollers, expectations for effective pet hair removal and debris pickup were high, but the results were underwhelming. During tests on a rug and living room carpet, the robot occasionally ruffled up strands of Labrador hair into visible bundles, leaving them behind instead of collecting them effectively. While the small internal bin did show some collected hair, the overall performance lagged when compared to competitors like the Roborock Qrevo Curv, which picked up significantly more hair from the same carpet areas.

For pet owners, especially those with heavy-shedding pets, this may not be the ideal solution. More specialized bots designed for pet hair management, such as those highlighted in TechRadar’s best robot vacuums for pet hair guide, may offer better results.

When tested on debris like raw oats, flour, and biscuit crumbs, the performance varied by surface type. On a Persian-style rug, the Combo 10 Max displayed erratic cleaning behavior, missing sections entirely and leaving visible remnants of flour and other debris. Its tendency to rush through cleaning passes without adequate coverage was a significant drawback. Furthermore, it compounded issues by smearing previously shed pet hair during the process, which diminished its overall cleaning efficiency.

On hard floors, the robot performed noticeably better. In kitchen tests, it successfully picked up most debris on the first pass and revisited the area multiple times for thorough cleaning. It demonstrated efficient mid-session bin emptying at the dock and resumed cleaning without issues. While the result on hard floors was commendable, the overall noise level of the unit detracted from the experience.

The high-frequency whine of the vacuum motor and the scuttling noise of the side brush on hard floors made it one of the noisier robots on the market. Comparatively, quieter models like the Roborock Qrevo Curv offer a more pleasant user experience in terms of sound levels.

In summary, the Combo 10 Max’s vacuum performance is a mixed bag. It struggles on carpets and pet hair while excelling moderately on hard floors. Noise levels may also be a deciding factor for users who prefer quieter operation. For pet-heavy households or more efficient carpet cleaning, alternative models might be worth considering.

Mopping Performance

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max offers mopping performance that is adequate for light-duty cleaning but falls short of the advanced features seen in competing models. Unlike newer robots equipped with plush spinning mop pads, the Combo 10 Max relies on a traditional method of dragging a damp mop pad behind it. While the mop can lift completely off the floor to avoid carpets, this feature is not a significant advantage as most modern bots elevate their mops sufficiently to protect carpets, including deeper pile types.

Despite its simpler design, the Combo 10 Max delivers decent mopping results. During kitchen tests, it handled light stains with reasonable efficiency, aided by its SmartScrub system, which enables back-and-forth cleaning passes over targeted spots. This feature performed well for basic mopping needs, though it lacks the vibrational cleaning technology found in some premium models like Roborock.

However, the bot’s design limits its efficiency during combined vacuum and mop sessions. It vacuums over already-mopped areas, leaving excess dampness around the suction intake, which can lead to messiness over time. While this issue is common in many models, others provide smarter options, such as vacuuming first and mopping afterward, to avoid such overlaps.

For those seeking robust robot mop performance, models with advanced spinning mop pads or vibrating cleaning mechanisms may be more suitable. The Combo 10 Max is functional but best suited for users with minimal mopping demands.

Dock Performance

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max AutoWash Dock offers a combination of convenient features designed to simplify cleaning tasks, focusing on both bin-emptying and mop maintenance. The dock’s suction mechanism effectively removes a significant portion of the debris from the robot’s bin, ensuring less frequent manual intervention. This is particularly helpful for users with busy schedules or homes that require regular cleaning.

One of the highlights of the dock is its large dust bag, which minimizes the need for constant emptying. The system is optimized for handling typical household debris, making it suitable for most environments. While pet hair and sand particles can occasionally pose a challenge, the dock successfully manages the majority of cleaning tasks with ease. This performance makes it a good choice for general household use, especially for homes without excessive pet shedding or challenging debris like beach sand.

The mop cleaning function of the AutoWash Dock also adds convenience to the cleaning process. By running the mop over a ribbed roller, the dock removes a significant amount of dirt and discoloration, ensuring the mop is ready for subsequent cleaning cycles. This automatic maintenance feature reduces the effort required for upkeep, allowing the robot to focus on delivering consistent cleaning performance.

In addition, the dock includes a drying cycle feature, which helps maintain cleanliness and reduces odors by drying the cleaning area within the dock. This contributes to maintaining hygiene and prevents unnecessary wear on the robot’s components.

Another positive aspect is the design of the system, which supports efficient operations. The dock and robot combination delivers a seamless cleaning experience by automating key steps, from bin emptying to mop cleaning. This integration reduces manual effort and allows the robot to operate at optimal levels.

While the drying cycle does not extend to the mop itself, users can mitigate potential issues by ensuring regular cleaning and proper maintenance of the mop. This simple routine keeps the system in top condition and ensures continued performance.

For those seeking a high-quality docking solution, the Combo 10 Max AutoWash Dock strikes a balance between convenience and functionality. Its ability to manage common cleaning challenges and maintain hygiene makes it a reliable option for modern households. For optimal performance, it’s recommended for homes with moderate cleaning needs and a focus on convenience and automation.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

$999

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iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max App and Software

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max comes equipped with an intuitive and user-friendly app that enhances the overall experience. The iRobot Home app allows users to effortlessly control and customize their cleaning routines. It’s easy to schedule cleaning sessions, adjust settings, and monitor the robot’s progress directly from a smartphone. The app provides detailed cleaning reports, including maps of cleaned areas, which is a fantastic feature for keeping track of coverage.

One of the standout features is the integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control with simple voice commands. This makes it incredibly convenient to start or stop cleaning, especially when multitasking. The app’s smart mapping capabilities enable the robot to recognize different rooms, and users can create specific cleaning zones or set no-go areas for added customization.

While the app is mostly seamless, occasional connectivity lags may occur, depending on Wi-Fi strength, but these instances are rare and do not detract significantly from its functionality. Regular updates from iRobot ensure that the app continues to perform well and includes the latest features.

The inclusion of AI-based obstacle recognition in the software adds another layer of intelligence, allowing the Combo 10 Max to navigate around toys, cables, and other small objects with ease. This enhances the overall cleaning efficiency and reduces the need for pre-cleaning preparation. Overall, the app and software of the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max deliver an excellent balance of convenience, smart technology, and user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for modern households seeking effortless cleaning solutions.

Should You Buy the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max?

Buy It If:

• You value aesthetics: The Combo 10 Max features a sleek and attractive design, particularly its dock, which is one of the best in the market.
• You have more hard floors than carpet: It performs better on hard floors, offering a decent vacuuming and mopping performance.
• You find a good deal: While it’s overpriced at full price, finding a good discount could make this robot vacuum a reasonable choice.

Don’t Buy It If:

• You have pets in the home: The Combo 10 Max struggles with pet hair, and its docking station has trouble removing all the hair from the bin.
• You want a no-fuss option: The app is buggy, and the robot itself can be difficult to control, making it less ideal for those who want a hassle-free cleaning experience.
• You want ultra-quiet operation: Both the robot and its cleaning station are notably noisy, making it less suitable for those who prefer quieter appliances.

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

$999

View at Amazon

Final Thoughts

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max offers a range of features that might appeal to users with primarily hard floors or smaller homes. However, its performance issues, particularly with carpet cleaning, pet hair, and the docking station, might be dealbreakers for some. The navigation technology is good but not great, and the app experience is more frustrating than intuitive.

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that can handle more complex cleaning tasks or offer superior mapping and navigation, you might want to consider alternatives. However, if you find it at a significant discount, it could still be a decent option for those with light cleaning needs and less demanding floor types.