Pros
ConsThe details
If you have tile floors, then you’ll have to be very picky when choosing a robot vacuum. Its brush should have soft bristles so they don’t scratch your floor. And it should have enough suction to capture all the dirt particles.
The iRobot Roomba E5 checks these boxes and more. It’s powerful, versatile enough to clean both hard/tile flooring and carpeted areas; and boasts smart home capabilities. Here is everything you need to know about the iRobot Roomba E5.
Features
One thing you’ll love about the E5 is its seamless navigation. Though it doesn’t have the most advanced navigation features -like lasers and cameras- it never gets stuck, which is a big plus point when tackling tile floors.
It achieves this by employing a bump-and-run navigation system. What this means is that it moves in a straight line until it encounters an obstacle.
If it hits an object, it automatically turns around, tweaks itself and travels forward. And if the battery runs low, the bot returns to base to recharge and resumes where it’d left off once it reaches full capacity.
We like the array of sensors that the Roomba E5 is equipped with. First off, there’s a cliff-detection sensor to prevent it from falling down a flight stairs.
Secondly, there’s a dirt-detect sensor that determines areas that are heavily-soiled. Once it does, it cleans these spots more thoroughly.
That said, this robot vacuum is a little louder than other models on the market. So if you’re looking to clean your home, you’re better off scheduling the activity when no one is around.
Ease of use
Using the iRobot Roomba E5 is a straightforward process, regardless of whether you’re using the app or not.
If you want to navigate it using the app, simply download the iRobot Home app on your device. Sign up for an account, then pick the specific robot vacuum you wish to navigate from the menu.
The start/stop button is located right in the middle of the homescreen, helping you get started with ease. And whenever you stop cleaning, a popup appears, inquiring whether you’d like to send the bot to its charging station or resume cleaning.
You even have the freedom to connect it to your smart home technologies like Alexa and Google Assistant. Doing so lets you control the robot vacuum using only voice commands.
The ability to schedule cleaning tasks in advance contributes to Roomba’s ease of use. This ensures that even if you forget to schedule, the vacuum automatically remembers to clean.
Battery life
This is one area where the iRobot Roomba E5 truly shines. Its run time is estimated to be about 100 minutes.
Although this is a slightly shorter period than what you get from models like the Shark IQ, it boasts a faster recharging mechanism.
There’s also the fact that it automatically modifies its power depending on the type of surface it’s tackling. This means that the length of time the battery lasts depends primarily on your home’s flooring. If the bot can glide smoothly on your floor, the battery will last longer.
Besides, the robot vacuum gives you a heads up when the battery is running low. The battery indicator light on the top turns red, and if you’re using the app, you’ll receive an alert too.
Value
Going for half the price of the latest Roomba vacuums like the i7 and i7+, the E5 is a worthy buy.
It sports a number of features that you’re sure to love. For instance, it has a decent navigation that enables it to tackle hard floors like tile, exceptionally well. It works with an intuitive app and supports plenty of connectivity.
Final verdict
The iRobot Roomba E5 is a great buy if you’re looking to vacuum tiled floors. This is thanks to the adequate suction power and multi-surface roller brushes.
Other features you’ll like in this robot vacuum include cliff sensors, WiFi connectivity and support for voice assistant technologies.
