If you’ve been eyeing a robotic vacuum to keep your home spick and span without breaking the bank, the Roomba e6 could be the answer you’re looking for. I definitely know how hard it can be to keep a house clean with pets. I have 2 Great Danes and the only thing bigger than their hearts is their feet. It’s unbelievable how much dirt they drag in on a daily basis!
Roomba e6 Review – Roundup
Best Value: Robot Roomba e6 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
Best Vacuum – Mop Combo: iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Vacuum & Mop Ideal for Pet Hair
Best Self Emptying: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Empties Itself for Up to 60 Days, Works with Alexa
A Little About iRobot
iRobot is an American compony that was founded by 3 members of MIT’s artificial intelligence Lab. Originally they focused on creating robots to help with space exploration. Eventually they created robots for household use and thus the Roomba was born!
In this article, we’ll explore what sets this Roomba e6apart from the e5 and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.
A Great Deal with Added Accessories – Roomba e6 Review
Roomba e6 is essentially the upgraded version of the Roomba e5. It has a lot of the same features: run time, power and specifications but adds two virtual walls as well as another filter to the package.
If you’re not sure what the virtual wall is, it is an accessory that comes with newer models of Roomba robot vacuums. It is a way of keeping the vacuum in an area and out of other areas. The virtual wall projects infrared light patterns which the vacuum “sees” as a solid wall and doesn’t go past it. Some models come with a Dual Mode Virtual Wall. This can also keep the vacuum in a certain area by creating a virtual wall, it can also create a round barrier up to about 4 feet in diameter.
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With the ability to connect to the wifi in your home, wireless control, scheduled cleanings, and up to an hour and half of runtime, it’s a solid deal. While its navigation might not be the most advanced, if you want a high quality, high value robot vacuum, the e6 is worth considering.
Pros
- Easy smartphone control and scheduling thanks to wifi connectivity
- Offers robust cleaning performance and various nifty features
Cons
- Lacks an onboard camera, leading to slightly erratic navigation
- Does not feature Recharge & Resume, which could be limiting for larger spaces
Roomba e6 vs. e5: Spotting the Differences
To be honest, both models are virtually identical. Actually, I’m not too sure why you would even want the e5 anymore. It has fewer features but the overall power and battery life are the same. The only advantage the e5 has over the e6 is that the e5 is available at more places as far as we can tell.
Here are the main differences between the two:
Virtual Wall: One key distinction is the inclusion of two virtual walls with the Roomba e6, while the e5 doesn’t provide any.
Filter: Unlike the Roomba e5, which comes with a pre-installed filter, the Roomba e6 not only comes with a pre-installed filter and an filter for future replacement.
Color: Another noticeable difference is the design. The e5 is entirely black, but the Roomba e6 is an attractive two-tone tan and black.
Inside the Roomba e6
Under the hood, the Roomba e6 is fundamentally identical to its predecessor, the e5. Although it sports a sleek, updated color combination of tan accents on a black body, it maintains the same specifications, including runtime, brushroll, power, and more.
Controls and Features
The controls of the Roomba e6, located on the top of the unit, is the same set of controls as the e5:
The Home button: This is what tells the vacuum to go back to its charging station.
Spot clean Button: Initiates a cycle where the vacuum cleans in a limited area, it circles the area, gradually expanding the circle until the designated area has been cleaned.
Clean Button: This button will either initiate or pause the cycle.
Brushrolls and Brushes
The e6 has a dual brushroll (green) situated in the middle of the two main wheels. These rollers rotate in opposite directions, so it doesn’t just push debris around and this design keeps debris from clogging up the wheels.
And the vacuum features a side-spinning brush that is made to capture debris along corners and along wall edges, this one feature alone is priceless if you have pets, especially those with wispy fur.
This model of Roomba is a cheaper than others and one of the reasons is that the Roomba e6 doesn’t come with digital mapping technology or an onboard camera. So, the way it navigates around your home is a little random. The Roomba runs in a zig zag pattern and it does run into furniture. Once it’s completed the cleaning cycle, it autonomously returns to its charging dock to recharge.
Despite the seemingly erratic navigation, the effectiveness of the overall cleaning is on par with the Roomba e5, as both models are functionally identical.
Size and Dimensions
In terms of size, the Roomba e6 aligns with the dimensions typical of other models of Roomba vacuums:
Diameter: 13.3 inches
Height: 3.6 inches
Weight: 7.2 pounds
These specs are almost identical to the Roomba e5, making them practical for most homes.
Accessories and Parts
The Roomba e6 ships with these accessories and parts:
- Charging base
- 2 virtual walls
- Charger
Features of the Roomba e6
The Roomba e6 boasts a robust set of features, which makes an effective vacuum that is efficient and gets the job done. It offers a lot of value.
Schedule The Cleaning Cycle: The e6 allows you to schedule cleaning cycles. You can choose specific days you want the vacuum to clean. It also offers the flexibility to schedule weekly cleanings in advance or just a one time cleaning at a different time.
App Control: Through the iRobot Home app, you can exercise control over your Roomba e6 with ease.
Cleaning Performance
The assessment of the cleaning capabilities of the e6 is based on the e5. Since they are virtually identical in motor size, runtime, the type of brushroll, etc. the cleaning should be the same as well. Given their identical specifications, it’s reasonable to expect similar outcomes.
Both the e5 and e6 have matching:
- Power capacity
- Runtime
- Brushroll
- Dustbin
- Wheels
- The iAdapt 2.0 navigation system
Cleaning performance was tested on four types of debris across three floor types. The results were as follows:
Overall: An impressive 99% cleaning efficiency on each of the types of floors and debris types. The vacuum achieved a perfect 100% for rice, cereal and kitty litter with sugar only slightly lower, but still excellent, at 98-100% .
The results are really exceptional for a vacuum robot in this price range, which means that the e6 (and the e5) are an excellent value for the money.
Roomba e6 Usability
The Roomba e6’s usability is a two-fold experience:
- Initial Setup: Setting up the e6 for the first time is straightforward and can be completed in around 5 minutes. Take the vacuum out of the box, fully charge it, and set it to work. Notably, the Roomba e6 includes a battery that’s 50% charged, allowing you to begin cleaning right after unboxing. However, for optimal performance, charging it all the way is recommended. With a fully charged battery, the Roomba e6 can clean for up to 90 minutes.
- Using the App: For those seeking a hands-free setup, you can install the iRobot Smart Home app, enabling you to pair the vacuum with your smartphone using a local WiFi network. The app offers the convenience of controlling the robot vacuum from anywhere using your smartphone. The pairing process is straightforward, and in-app prompts guide you through the installation, ensuring a seamless experience.
Day-to-Day Operation
Operating the Roomba e6 in your daily routine is simple and uncomplicated. While it may not boast advanced features like digital mapping and Recharge & Resume, it delivers quality cleaning at a reasonable price.
Some of the features that enhance the robot’s usability include:
- Scheduled cleanings: You can schedule cleaning at any time or on any day within the upcoming seven days.
- In-app control: Link the vacuum and your smartphone for wireless control.
- Easy Clean dust bin: After each cleaning cycle, you can easily rinse dirt and debris out of the dust bin.
- Cliff-detect sensors: The Roomba e6 is equipped with sensors that help it detect stairs and any edges in your home, ensuring it navigates your home safely.
Is the Roomba e6 Worth the Investment?
Without a doubt, the Roomba e6 offers excellent value for your money. Its price point is almost half of that of the more full featured Roomba models such as the i7 or S9.
Despite the difference in price, the Roomba e6 delivers cleaning performance that can compete with its pricier counterparts, consistently achieving 99% overall cleaning efficiency for the same types of debris used in higher-end models.
The primary trade-off for the e6 in comparison to costlier models lies in its navigation and mapping capabilities. It lacks an onboard camera, cleaning zone cycles, and methodical cleaning patterns.
However, it more than compensates by delivering effective cleaning performance.
If you’re not overly concerned about precise cleaning patterns or don’t require certain rooms to be cleaned on cerain days, the Roomba e6 is an excellent choice.
Roomba e6 vs. Roomba e5: Which Offers Better Value?
In the context of value, the Roomba e6 definitely leads in this category. The primary differences between the e5 and e6 models pertain to color and accessories. The e6 includes two virtual walls as well as another filter, whereas not all e5 models come with virtual walls at all, let alone two.
Furthermore, the Roomba e5 is more widely available at various retailers, while the e6 is limited in where you can purchase it and is exclusively found at Walmart and a few select outlets. For most people, this really isn’t a big deal but it is something to keep in mind.
Roomba e6 Specs
Type: Robot
Manufacturer: iRobot
Model: Roomba e6
Dimensions: 13.3″ (L) x 13.3″ (W) x 3.6″ (H)
Weight: 7.2 lbs.
Floor Type: Suitable for all indoor floor types
Battery: 1,800 mAh
Dust Bin Capacity: Approximately 0.5 L
iAdapt Navigation: Yes
Imprint Smart Mapping: No
Washable Dust Bin (on-board): Yes
Includes Virtual Wall: Yes, one included
Warranty: 1-Year limited
Who Should Consider the Roomba e6?
The Roomba e6 strikes a perfect balance between performance, features and price. It’s reasonably priced, offers wifi connectivity, and boasts an updated rubberized brushroll, making it the perfect choice for most people.
The Roomba e6 may be the right choice for you if you like:
- Multiple Virtual walls: The e6 includes 2 virtual walls, allowing you to create different areas for cleaning cycles an advantage not offered by all versions of the e5.
- Great performance: The Roomba e6 excels at cleaning all types of floors and all debris types, consistently capturing between 98-100% of all the debris types that were tested.
- Simple navigation: If you prioritize effective cleaning over precise navigation, the Roomba e6 is a reliable choice.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Roomba e6 good for cleaning pet hair?
This vacuum comes with a highly efficient filter that traps up to 99% of allergens. Due to it’s large capacity HEPA filter, it can trap particles that are as small as 0.3 microns. That will help keep your home and air clean.
Does the Roomba e6 come equipped with wifi capability?
Yes, you can sync your vacuum with your smartphone via an app. You can control the cleaning cycles and times remotely, or just from your living room couch. You can set up cleaning schedules too. That way it’ll do it’s thing even if you don’t think about it.
Does it clean all floor types?
Yes, the e6 expertly cleans hardwood, tile, and carpet with up to a 99% efficiency rate. It’s also much quieter than some of the other robot vacuums so you don’t have to leave the room while it’s cleaning.
Does this Roomba Model Make a Map of your House?
No. This particular model does not include the mapping technology.
When was the Roomba e6 released?
The e6 came out in 2018.
Care and Maintenance of Your Roomba e6
Your robot vacuum doesn’t require a great deal of maintenance:
- Clean the bin after each use
- Clean the filter once or twice a week depending on how heavy the use
- Clean the wheels about twice a month
- Clean the brushes once or twice a month depending on how heavy your use is
- Keep charging contact clean – once a month is usually sufficient
Here is the maintenance chart by iRobot:
Roomba e6 Review – The Bottom Line
The Roomba e6 offers a stellar blend of cost-effectiveness and top-notch cleaning performance. It’s an affordable solution for maintaining a tidy home with minimal effort.
While it doesn’t have the advanced mapping features, it more than makes up for it with its impressive cleaning abilities. So, if you’re on the hunt for an efficient automatic robot vacuum that won’t drain your wallet, the Roomba e6 will be the perfect choice.
Best Value: Robot Roomba e6 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum
Best Vacuum – Mop Combo: iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Vacuum & Mop Ideal for Pet Hair
Best Self Emptying: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Empties Itself for Up to 60 Days, Works with Alexa