The new generation Roomba Essential robovacs have self-emptying docks and double the suction

Just six months after iRobot launched its affordable Essential robot vacuums, the line already has two new models. The Roomba Combo 2 Essential and Roomba Vac 2 Essential “double the cleaning power” of their predecessors and bring self-emptying dust containers to the series for the first time.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential ($425) combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities, while the Vac 2 Essential ($400) is a vacuum-only model for those without tile or hardwood floors. Both have 100 percent stronger suction than the first Essential vacuums. The latter already had 20 times the suction power of the Roomba 600 series that it replaced at the low end of iRobot’s product line.

Both machines have self-emptying capabilities, spitting out dirt and debris into self-sealing bags inside the docking station. The bags can hold up to 60 days of dirt before they need to be changed. The vacuum cleaners have four levels of suction power, a multi-surface bristle brush and an edge sweeping brush.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential has the vacuuming capabilities of the cheaper model while adding scrubbing with three levels of water dispensing. At just $25 more than the vacuum-only model, this seems like the obvious choice unless your home is fully carpeted.

One thing the higher-end models don’t offer is advanced navigation with LiDAR. Instead, budget models like these move in simple (but still effective) rows.

The Roomba Combo 2 Essential is available now in North America for $425 on the iRobot website and third-party retailers. The vacuum-only Vac 2 Essential costs $400 and is sold in select stores.

iRobot

iRobot’s latest budget robot vacuum and mop.

$425 at iRobot