Greater reliability, a longer warranty, improved intelligence, plus Remote and Wall Mount compatibility make the Roomba Pro a solid upgrade over the original Roomba
Roomba Pro Review
The Roomba Pro has many new features that are not included in the original Roomba, and so this review focuses on the differences between them. If you're new to the Roomba and want to find out more, start by reading the Full Review of the original Roomba first.
Although the Roomba Pro looks similar to the original Roomba, it has actually been completely redesigned. Whereas the original Roomba was not really up to the task of completely replacing a full size vacuum, the Roomba Pro is more durable, with a stronger body and longer lasting motors. Additionally, the Roomba Pro has improved intelligence which allows it to navigate rooms more efficiently and to also help it more intelligently get itself out of tight spaces.
The Roomba Pro also comes with a longer warranty period than the original Roomba - 180 days parts and labor.
Of course the Roomba Pro includes the same buttons as the original Roomba for selecting Small, Medium, or Large room sizes, but the Roomba Pro also adds a fourth option that is not included with the original Roomba, and that is the Spot Cleaning button. Spot Clean sends the Roomba Spiraling around a small area approximately 3 feet wide. This mode is great when you want to clean a small dry spill.
Additionally, The Roomba Pro is compatible with the all new Roomba Remote. The optional wireless Roomba Remote control gives you the ability to pause the Roomba, and to steer it from across the room. While this is largely unnecessary for most people, it can be an extremely useful feature for the handicapped or anyone who might have difficulty picking the Roomba up and moving it from place to place. One place that the remote can come in handy for anyone is if the Roomba happens to stop underneath a couch or a bed, having the remote control can save you from having to reach underneath to find it.
Another useful feature that the remote control adds to the Pro is the ability to use the Max cleaning mode. As the Pro does not have a button for Max Cleaning on the Roomba itself, the only way to access this feature is with the remote control. Max cleaning basically tells the Roomba to clean continuously until it's battery completely runs out. While this feature is useful for cleaning multiple connected rooms without intervention, there is a disadvantage. Being as how the Roomba will run until it's completely discharged it can sometimes be difficult to locate it after it is done because there is no battery power left for the Roomba to beep after it is finished.
And finally, the Roomba Pro also comes bundled with 2 Virtual Wall units, instead of the single unit that comes bundled with the original Roomba. Considering that the Virtual Wall unit normally sells for $39.99 separately, the additional unit alone is worth the extra cost of the Pro over the original Roomba.
Overall, the Roomba Pro is a marked improvement over the original Roomba, and with it's increased durability it resolves one of the sticking points of the original Roomba, which is that it couldn't be used to completely replace a full sized vacuum. Unfortunately, the other negatives remain. The dustbin must be emptied after every single room and the included battery charger takes 12 hours to fully recharge the roomba. The optional rapid charger reduces charging time to 2.5 hours, but at $59.99 msrp, it is an expensive option.
Pros:
- Durable enough to be used for everyday vacuuming
- Longer warranty than the original Roomba
- Spot cleaning mode helps for quick cleanup of spills
- Remote and Wall Mount compatible
- Vacuums hardwood, tile, linoleum and carpet with no user intervention
- Cleans in places that full sized vacuums can't
- Lessens the need for regular vacuuming
- Great for people who have difficulty vacuuming
Cons:
- Small dustbin requires frequent emptying
- Long charging times
- Cannot clean corners
- Can't clean deep-pile carpet
- Not as powerful as a full size vacuum
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