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Welcome back to “Reviews Inside TV,” where we break down the latest and greatest gadgets to help you make informed decisions for your home. Today, we’re looking at the iRobot Roomba 104 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop, bundled with iRobot’s Authentic Replacement Parts—specifically the Multi-Surface Bristle Brush. This smart cleaning robot promises a lot: from 70 times more suction power to advanced mapping features, it’s designed to make your cleaning routine more hands-off. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The Roomba 104 is a true combination cleaner, offering both vacuuming and mopping capabilities. It’s powered by an impressive 70X suction power increase, which is designed to tackle dirt and debris across various surfaces—carpets, rugs, and hard floors alike. You’re not just relying on suction, though. The vacuum also features a multi-surface brush that stays in constant contact with floors, ensuring that every bit of dirt and dust gets picked up, no matter the surface type. And let’s talk about those edges—this model uses an edge-sweeping brush that’s 20% better at cleaning corners and edges, a problem area for many robot vacuums. It’s particularly handy for getting into those tricky spaces where dirt often hides.
For those with allergies, iRobot has designed the Roomba 104 to empty into an AutoEmpty dock with a bag that traps 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns. This feature is a game-changer because it eliminates the mess and cloud of dust that often accompanies emptying a vacuum. Simply drop the used bag in the trash, pop in a new one, and you’re good to go. The dock also ensures that the dirt stays sealed, making it a cleaner, more hygienic process compared to traditional bagless models. The robot itself runs for up to 75 days without requiring you to do more than replace the bag.
When it comes to mapping, iRobot has integrated ClearView LiDAR technology into this model. This enables the vacuum to map your home quickly and efficiently, maximizing coverage and ensuring that the cleaning path is precise. It navigates around obstacles smoothly, and built-in sensors keep it from falling down stairs—critical for homes with multiple levels or open stairways.
The Roomba 104 also includes a microfiber mop pad to leave your floors shiny. It has a built-in micro-pump that controls the flow of water to the pad, ensuring that it stays moist throughout the cleaning process. A nice feature is its automatic carpet detection—when the Roomba detects a carpet, it avoids mopping it, so you don’t end up with wet rugs. Plus, it allows for full customization, letting you choose between vacuum-only, mop-only, or a combo clean. You can also schedule cleaning times, adjust the suction power, and control the amount of cleaning solution dispensed, depending on your needs.
Setting up and using the Roomba 104 is a breeze. The Roomba Home App is intuitive and easy to use—set up a cleaning schedule, check on filter life, adjust cleaning modes, or set keep-out zones with just a few taps. This app puts full control in the palm of your hand, and it’s one of the most user-friendly robot vacuum apps available.
Now, onto real-world performance. The Roomba 104 performed exceptionally well in a variety of scenarios. On hard floors, it picks up fine dust and debris effortlessly. When tested on carpets, it handled embedded dirt and pet hair with ease, thanks to its powerful suction and multi-surface brush. The mop feature left floors looking gleaming, and the carpet-detection function worked flawlessly—no wet rugs after mopping sessions. The various cleaning modes—vacuum-only, mop-only, and combo—gave us the flexibility to tailor each clean depending on the type of mess.
However, it’s not all perfect. While the Roomba 104’s navigation is impressive, there are occasional hiccups when it encounters very tight spaces or under furniture with very low clearance. It can sometimes struggle to reach those spots, though this is a common issue for many robot vacuums. The mop feature, though effective, requires regular water or solution refills, which can be a bit of a hassle for larger spaces. The battery life is solid, but in high-power modes, we noticed some drop-off in suction over extended cleaning sessions.
The Roomba 104 is a sturdy machine, and its build quality is consistent with what we’ve come to expect from iRobot. The components feel durable, and everything from the brush roll to the dustbin is easy to access and clean. Maintaining the vacuum is straightforward—emptying the bin is simple, and cleaning the brush roll doesn’t require too much effort, though you will want to clean it regularly, especially if you have long hair or pets.
In terms of value for money, the iRobot Roomba 104 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop stands out with its combined vacuuming and mopping abilities, smart mapping, and user-friendly app. For households that need a versatile, hands-off cleaner, this is a solid investment. However, it is priced higher than some simpler robot vacuums, so it’s important to consider if you need the mopping function, as well as the long-term cost of replacing the bags. That said, the hands-free emptying and allergen-trapping features make it a great choice for allergy sufferers. It’s also perfect for people who want to avoid constantly pushing a vacuum around the house. If you’re someone who prefers a low-maintenance, high-tech solution to cleaning, this model is definitely worth considering.
When comparing it to alternatives, there are a few robot vacuums in a similar price range. For example, the Roomba 980 offers similar suction power but lacks the mopping function. The Ecovacs Deebot T8, another option in this range, has comparable features but may not offer as powerful suction or as smooth navigation as the Roomba. If you don’t need mopping but want excellent vacuuming performance, there are other solid choices in this price range. The Roomba 104 is still a strong contender if you want both vacuuming and mopping in one device.
Build quality is strong, and maintenance is easy. The materials used feel premium, and iRobot has a solid reputation for creating long-lasting products. The AutoEmpty dock is an added convenience, reducing the need to handle dust and debris. If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that can truly handle your daily cleaning without requiring much attention, the Roomba 104 Combo is a smart choice.
If you have any questions about this vacuum or already own one, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more in-depth reviews right here on “Reviews Inside TV.” Until next time, keep your floors spotless and your messes handled!
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