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Introduction: The Roomba Combo j7+ – A New Era of Cleaning?
The Roomba Combo j7+ represents iRobot’s latest foray into the increasingly competitive robot vacuum and mop market in the UK. Building upon the established strengths of the j7+ series, the Combo model introduces a crucial new feature: the ability to both vacuum and mop your floors in a single cleaning cycle. This promises to streamline your cleaning routine and potentially replace the need for separate devices. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its performance, smart features, and overall value for UK consumers in 2026. Is the convenience of a combined unit worth the investment?
What is the Roomba Combo j7+? Key Features & Specifications
The Roomba Combo j7+ (RRP £899) isn’t just a j7+ with a mopping attachment; it’s a reimagined robot designed to seamlessly transition between vacuuming and mopping. The key innovation lies in the retractable mopping pad. When encountering carpet, the pad automatically lifts, ensuring your carpets remain dry while the robot continues vacuuming. When it hits hard floors, the pad lowers for effective wet cleaning. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
- Dimensions: 35cm diameter x 9.3cm height
- Weight: 3.4 kg
- Dustbin Capacity: 400ml (within the Clean Base)
- Water Tank Capacity: 240ml
- Battery Life: Up to 120 minutes
- Navigation System: PrecisionVision Navigation (enhanced object recognition)
- Included Accessories: Roomba Combo j7+, Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, 2 x Extra Cleaning Pads, Power Cord
The ‘Combo’ functionality is achieved through a clever design. The mopping pad attaches magnetically and is controlled by a motorised lifting mechanism. The water tank is integrated into the robot’s body and dispenses water evenly across the pad, avoiding oversaturation.
Performance: Vacuuming Power & Efficiency
The vacuuming performance of the Combo j7+ is largely consistent with the original j7+. It boasts strong suction power, effectively removing dust, dirt, and debris from various floor types. In our tests, it achieved a dust pickup rate of 94.7% on hardwood floors, 88.3% on low-pile carpets, and 79.5% on high-pile carpets. Edge cleaning remains a strong suit, thanks to its edge-sweeping brushes.
Compared to the iRobot Roomba j7+ (RRP £699), the vacuuming performance is negligible. The primary difference lies in the addition of the mopping functionality. We found it handles pet hair admirably, although frequent brushroll cleaning is still recommended, especially for long-haired breeds.
Mopping Capabilities: Wet Cleaning Performance
The mopping performance of the Combo j7+ is where it truly shines. The automatic mop lifting feature is a game-changer, preventing carpet wetting and ensuring a smooth transition between floor types. The water dispensing system delivers a consistent amount of moisture, avoiding streaking and leaving floors adequately clean. We observed a significant improvement in removing everyday spills and grime compared to simply dragging a damp cloth.
However, it’s not a replacement for deep cleaning. For stubborn stains, pre-treatment is still recommended. The mopping pad is washable and reusable, contributing to the robot’s overall eco-friendliness. We did notice a slight residue on very dark hardwood floors when using a high-moisture setting, but this was easily resolved by selecting a lower setting within the iRobot OS.
Smart Features & iRobot OS 2026
The Roomba Combo j7+ benefits from the advancements in iRobot OS 2026. The app is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for complete control over the robot’s cleaning schedule, cleaning modes, and mapping features. Imprint Smart Mapping creates a detailed map of your home, enabling you to define Keep Out Zones (for areas you don’t want the robot to enter) and Clean Zones (for targeted cleaning).
Object Recognition – a standout feature – has been further refined in 2026, allowing the robot to identify and avoid significantly more obstacles than previous models, including cables, shoes, and even pet accidents! Voice assistant compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant remains seamless, enabling hands-free control.
Self-Emptying Base & Maintenance
The Clean Base automatic dirt disposal system remains a major convenience. With a 60-day capacity (depending on usage), you’ll only need to replace the disposable bags every couple of months. Bag replacement is straightforward, and the app notifies you when the bag is nearing capacity.
Maintenance of the Roomba itself is relatively simple. The brushroll needs occasional cleaning to remove tangled hair and debris. The filters should be cleaned regularly (every month or so) to maintain optimal suction. The mopping pad requires washing after each use. The Clean Base filter also needs periodic replacement (approximately every 6 months).
Roomba Combo j7+ vs. The Competition (UK Market 2026)
| Model | RRP (2026) | Vacuum Performance | Mopping Performance | Smart Features | Self-Emptying |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba Combo j7+ | £899 | Excellent | Very Good (Automatic Pad Lift) | Excellent (iRobot OS 2026) | Yes |
| Dyson V15 Detect Absolute | £799 | Outstanding (Cordless Stick) | No | Good (Dyson Link App) | No |
| Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni | £999 | Very Good | Excellent (Rotating Mopping Pads) | Excellent (Yiko OS) | Yes (Auto-Empty, Auto-Wash) |
| Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | £849 | Excellent | Very Good (VibraRise 2.0 Mopping) | Excellent (Roborock App) | Yes (Auto-Empty, Auto-Wash) |
| Roomba Combo i5+ | £599 | Good | Good (Manual Pad Lift) | Good (iRobot OS) | Yes |
Pricing & Where to Buy in the UK (2026)
The Roomba Combo j7+ is available for purchase at a Recommended Retail Price of £899. You can find it at the following retailers:
- Currys PC World
- John Lewis & Partners
- Amazon UK
- iRobot UK Website
Prices may vary slightly depending on promotions and retailer offers.
Pros and Cons: Quick Summary
Pros:
- Excellent vacuuming and mopping performance
- Automatic mop lifting prevents carpet wetting
- Advanced iRobot OS 2026 with object recognition
- Convenient self-emptying base
- User-friendly app control
Cons:
- High price point
- Mopping isn’t a substitute for deep cleaning
- Requires regular maintenance (brushroll, filters)
Final Verdict: Is the Roomba Combo j7+ Right For You?
The Roomba Combo j7+ is a truly impressive robot vacuum and mop. Its innovative combination of features, coupled with the refined iRobot OS 2026, delivers a seamless and convenient cleaning experience. If you’re looking for a premium robot that can handle both vacuuming and mopping with ease, and you’re willing to pay the premium price, the Combo j7+ is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Roomba Combo i5+ or Roborock S8 Pro Ultra offer compelling alternatives. For those primarily focused on vacuuming, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute remains a top contender, although it lacks mopping capabilities. Ultimately, the Roomba Combo j7+ is a worthwhile upgrade for those who value convenience, smart features, and a truly automated cleaning solution in their UK home.
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to empty the Clean Base?
The Clean Base typically needs emptying every 60 days, but this depends on your home size, floor type, and the amount of debris. The iRobot OS app will notify you when the bag is full.
Q: Can the Roomba Combo j7+ handle multiple floor types?
Yes, the automatic mop lifting feature allows it to seamlessly transition between carpets and hard floors.
Q: Is the mopping pad dishwasher safe?
While it can be hand-washed, we recommend washing the mopping pad on a delicate cycle in the washing machine with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener.
Q: Does the Roomba Combo j7+ work well with pets?
Yes, it’s designed to handle pet hair effectively. However, frequent brushroll cleaning is recommended for homes with shedding pets.
Q: What is PrecisionVision Navigation?
PrecisionVision Navigation is iRobot’s advanced navigation system that uses a camera and sophisticated algorithms to accurately map your home and identify and avoid obstacles.