Why we picked this:
As the number and letter mashup in the title suggests, the Combo j9+ finally combines the best features of the older high-end Roombas: the small obstacle detection and retractable mop of the Roomba Combo j7+ (which we also tested and really liked aside from its meh carpet cleaning), and even better suction power than the Roomba s9+, which was previously the most powerful Roomba.
What’s more groundbreaking than iRobot bringing those features together, however, is the fact that the Combo j9+ beats both of its predecessors at their own game. Suction power wise, the Combo j9+ is stronger — therefore tougher on thick carpet and pet hair — than the s9+. Mopping wise, the Combo j9+ attacks dried stains more persistently by scrubbing back and forth with force rather than staying stationary.
The new auto-empty dock is bigger than previous docks from iRobot, but that’s because it’s holding a separate water tank that automatically refills the smaller tank on the vac itself for 30 days at a time. Any maintenance can be done without opening the chic wood lid on top of the dock, so you’ve basically got a free new full-time side table.
Who it’s for:
Not everyone in the market for a robot vacuum is willing to pay $1,000 or more just to take a chore or two off of their plate. Those who would be down for that investment want a deep clean that goes past casual daily upkeep, and they want it to happen without babysitting required on their end. The Combo j9+ would be particularly worthwhile in large homes with several pets that have an even mix of hard floors and carpeting or rugs.
For homes with lots of pet floor and little hard flooring, the Roomba j9+ is the same vacuum minus the mop, and goes for $899.99 at full price or $599.99 on sale (which it usually is).
