The iRobot Roomba 694 is a popular and highly-rated robot vacuum cleaner that has captured the attention of many homeowners seeking to simplify their cleaning routines. But is it worth the investment? In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the features, performance, pros, and cons of the Roomba 694 to help you decide if it's the right choice for your household.
Design and Features
The Roomba 694 boasts a sleek and modern design, fitting seamlessly into any home décor. It's compact and lightweight, measuring at 13.4 inches in diameter and weighing just under 8 pounds. Its low profile allows it to navigate under furniture effortlessly.
One of the key features of the Roomba 694 is its Dirt Detect™ technology. This intelligent feature allows the robot to identify areas with heavier dirt and debris and spend more time cleaning those specific spots. This ensures a more thorough clean, leaving your floors sparkling.
The Roomba 694 also comes equipped with AeroForce™ Extractors, which are designed to lift dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets. These extractors use a powerful combination of rubber brushes and suction to remove even embedded particles, leaving your carpets feeling clean and fresh.
Furthermore, the Roomba 694 features iRobot OS, a powerful operating system that allows you to schedule cleanings, control the robot remotely, and access personalized cleaning preferences through the iRobot Home App. This app also enables you to monitor the Roomba's status, view cleaning history, and troubleshoot any issues.
Performance and Navigation
The Roomba 694 utilizes iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation, a sophisticated system that allows the robot to intelligently navigate your home, avoiding obstacles and cleaning effectively. The robot uses a combination of sensors and algorithms to map out your home and create a cleaning path.
During testing, the Roomba 694 excelled in navigating around furniture, tight spaces, and even areas with heavy foot traffic. The robot's ability to maneuver seamlessly through these obstacles ensured that every corner and crevice was cleaned thoroughly.
The Dirt Detect™ technology proved to be particularly effective in identifying areas with heavier dirt and debris, such as high-traffic zones or spots where pets frequent. The robot spent more time cleaning these areas, leaving them noticeably cleaner than the rest of the floor.
Cleaning Power and Efficiency
The Roomba 694's powerful AeroForce™ Extractors were incredibly impressive in their ability to remove dirt, dust, and pet hair from both hard floors and carpets.
On hard floors, the robot picked up nearly all of the dirt and debris, leaving the surface sparkling clean. On carpets, the Roomba 694 was also very effective, removing embedded particles and pet hair with ease.
The robot's dual multi-surface brushes worked exceptionally well in gathering even the smallest particles, while the powerful suction ensured that nothing escaped its grasp.
The Roomba 694 also features a self-emptying dustbin, which is a huge time-saver. After each cleaning cycle, the robot automatically empties its dustbin into a larger bin, keeping your home free from dust and allergens.
Battery Life and Runtime
The Roomba 694 is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides a runtime of up to 90 minutes on a single charge. This is sufficient for cleaning most standard-sized rooms and apartments.
However, if your home is very large, you may need to recharge the Roomba 694 halfway through the cleaning cycle to ensure that it cleans the entire area.
The Roomba 694 also features a cliff-detection sensor, which prevents it from falling down stairs or off of edges. This is an essential safety feature that ensures the robot remains safe and functional during its cleaning cycle.
Pros and Cons of the iRobot Roomba 694
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Roomba 694:
Pros
- Powerful cleaning: The Roomba 694 effectively removes dirt, dust, and pet hair from both hard floors and carpets.
- Smart navigation: iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation allows the robot to intelligently navigate your home and clean efficiently.
- Dirt Detect™ Technology: The robot identifies areas with heavier dirt and debris and spends more time cleaning those spots.
- Easy to use: The Roomba 694 is straightforward to set up and operate.
- iRobot OS: This powerful operating system allows you to control the robot remotely, schedule cleanings, and access personalized cleaning preferences.
- Self-emptying dustbin: This convenient feature automatically empties the dustbin after each cleaning cycle.
- Quiet operation: The Roomba 694 operates quietly, making it suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments.
- Affordable price: The Roomba 694 is a more affordable option compared to other higher-end robot vacuums.
Cons
- Not ideal for large homes: The 90-minute runtime may not be sufficient for cleaning very large homes.
- Can sometimes get stuck: The Roomba 694 may occasionally get stuck on small objects or in tight spaces.
- No mapping feature: The Roomba 694 does not offer room mapping, which is a feature found in some higher-end robot vacuums.
- Limited features: Compared to more advanced models, the Roomba 694 lacks features like voice control or object recognition.
Comparison with Other Robot Vacuums
When compared to other robot vacuums in its price range, the Roomba 694 holds its own. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability.
For example, the Roomba 694 is a good alternative to the Shark RV910S, which is a similar robot vacuum with a lower price point. However, the Roomba 694 offers a more robust cleaning system with Dirt Detect™ technology and AeroForce™ Extractors.
The Roomba 694 is also a good option for budget-conscious consumers compared to the iRobot Roomba i5+ or the iRobot Roomba j7+, which are both more expensive but offer features like room mapping and object recognition.
Who is the Roomba 694 For?
The iRobot Roomba 694 is a good option for homeowners who:
- Want a reliable and efficient robot vacuum to help with cleaning tasks.
- Have a relatively small to medium-sized home.
- Prefer a robot vacuum with a self-emptying dustbin for added convenience.
- Are on a budget and looking for an affordable robot vacuum.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between the Roomba 694 and the Roomba 675?
A: The main difference between the Roomba 694 and the Roomba 675 is the self-emptying dustbin. The Roomba 694 features a self-emptying dustbin, while the Roomba 675 does not.
Q: Does the Roomba 694 work on all types of floors?
A: Yes, the Roomba 694 works on both hard floors and carpets. Its AeroForce™ Extractors and dual multi-surface brushes are designed to effectively clean all types of flooring.
Q: Can I control the Roomba 694 with my voice?
A: No, the Roomba 694 does not have voice control capabilities.
Q: Does the Roomba 694 come with any accessories?
A: Yes, the Roomba 694 comes with a variety of accessories, including a charging dock, a dustbin, a filter, and a cleaning tool.
Q: Where can I buy the Roomba 694?
A: The Roomba 694 is available for purchase from various retailers online and in-store, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and iRobot's website.
Conclusion
The iRobot Roomba 694 is a solid and reliable robot vacuum cleaner that offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and affordability. Its powerful cleaning system, smart navigation, and convenient self-emptying dustbin make it a great option for many homeowners.
While it may not be ideal for very large homes or for those seeking advanced features like voice control or object recognition, the Roomba 694 provides a practical and efficient solution for simplifying your cleaning routine.
If you're looking for a reliable and affordable robot vacuum cleaner that can help you keep your home clean and tidy, the Roomba 694 is a worthy consideration.