IRobot Roomba 671 - Our independent review

In 2018, iRobot updated its 600 series with the 671 model, adding, also to keep up with the competition, the possibility of connecting the robot vacuum cleaner to the phone via application and Wi-fi network. The new iRobot Roomba 671 model differs little from the predecessor 650. So let's see the features, the price, what users think and if it is worth buying.

As for weight and size, iRobot Roomba 671 is not very different from the 650 model. In fact, the diameter is always 34 cm, and also the height of about 9 cm remains the same. This model is also equipped with a charging base, and has the ability to return to the base before the batteries run out, starting a new charging cycle. Here too, charging takes about 3 hours, while the battery runtime is 60 minutes.

Navigation system and functions

The iAdapt navigation system allows Roomba 671 to adapt its behavior based on the results of the sensors, which continuously monitor the surrounding environment, but it is, however, a pseudo-random system, with the consequence that the total coverage of the surface is not 100% guaranteed. The engine is less noisy than the old model. The obstacle sensors are good and cause the robot to slow down so that it does not hit violently with the walls and furniture of your home, while the cushioned bumper does the rest. The anti-step sensors instead prevent him from falling into the void and accidentally breaking. In this model, the Auto Virtual Wall accessory, which was used by the Romba 650 to create closed areas in the house, disappears. However, Wi-Fi connectivity arrives, so the robot can be controlled through a special application (available for iOS and Android) of your smartphone, including the daily and weekly programming function.

Cleaning system

The cleaning system, the true pride of Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners, is the same as that found in the previous model. It is divided into three phases, which include the side brush, the rollers under the suction motor that raise and collect the dust, and the motor itself, which has good power. The brushes adapt to the floor and always stay in contact with the ground for a better result, especially on rugs and carpets. Thanks to the Aerovac function, the basket fills evenly. Instead, thanks to the Dirt Detect function, the robot will perform additional steps in particularly dirty areas.

Maintenance

Maintenance is linear, but the roller brush with its bristles is not easy to clean, as tangles of hair and hair often form. The filter should be cleaned every time the container is emptied. A series of spare parts is available on Amazon, some are real bundles that contain filters, side brushes, roller brushes and even a spare battery, but they are not original spare parts.

The price of iRobot Roomba 671 is lower than that of its predecessor 650. This is because the introduction of Wi-fi connectivity is counterbalanced by the absence of the accessory for creating virtual walls. However, this is a rather high price, considering that the navigation system does not provide room mapping.

The opinions on iRobot Roomba 671 are already many, despite being a recent model. In general they are very good, the build quality and the power that guarantees excellent cleaning is appreciated. Those who, however, bought without obtaining adequate information, complain about the "stupidity" of the navigation system. Now, the system is not stupid: but it is based on a probabilistic algorithm, which means that its effectiveness will depend heavily on how complicated your home is. Opinions about the application are also not very flattering. In fact, the robot can be programmed even without connectivity, so its purpose is quite useless to many.

In conclusion, iRobot Roomba 671 is a quality robot, among the least expensive of the Roomba line, which has a good cleaning system, but which does not have a great navigation system. It is suitable for small or simple houses, where mapping is not required to understand the layout of the rooms.