Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Review


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Navigating the jungle of everyday messes, I’ve found a potential sidekick in the Roomba 694 robot vacuum. I’m someone who craves a clean space but also values my time, so I decided to bring this little gadget into my tribe.

Overall, the Roomba 694 appears to be a well-rounded robot vacuum that offers a good balance between functionality and cost, making it a suitable choice for those new to robot vacuums or with basic cleaning needs.

I’ve observed its moves, noted its quirks, and now I’m eager to share with you whether this robot vacuum companion can truly become an integral part of our clean-home clan. Let’s dive into the details together and see if the Roomba 694 makes the cut for our circle.

Roomba 694 Key Takeaways

  • Impressive Cleaning Performance: The Roomba 694 is noted for its solid cleaning abilities, especially with pet hair and everyday messes. It’s equipped with efficient brushes and an AeroVac filter, making it suitable for a variety of floor types and debris.
  • Ease of Setup and Use: The vacuum is easy to set up and integrate into your home, largely thanks to the iRobot Home app. This app simplifies scheduling cleanings and ensures easy control, even when you’re not at home.
  • Long Battery Life: The Roomba 694 boasts a long battery life of up to 120 minutes, allowing it to clean large areas without needing frequent recharges. This makes it suitable for bigger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions.
  • Affordability: Compared to other models in the Roomba line, the 694 offers a balance of performance and affordability. It’s an entry-level model that provides solid functionality without the high price tag of more advanced vacuums.
  • Basic but Reliable Navigation: While it lacks the advanced mapping capabilities of higher-end Roomba models, the 694 still effectively navigates around furniture and other obstacles. It uses sensors for efficient room-to-room movement and is capable of handling various floor types.
A woman and child are sitting on a couch with a Roomba 694, enjoying its convenience.
source: irobot.com

Roomba 694 Key Features Overview

I’ve identified several key features of the Roomba 694 that stand out in its performance and user experience.

Design and Specifications

Every element of the Roomba 694’s design reflects its commitment to a seamless cleaning experience, from its compact dimensions allowing it to navigate under furniture to its suite of smart sensors for efficient room-to-room movement.

As an owner of this iRobot Roomba, I’ve found its design and specifications to be thoughtfully engineered, ensuring that it doesn’t just clean my home, but becomes a part of it.

Here’s what stands out to me about its design:

  • Compact Size: At 13.4 inches square and 3.5 inches tall, it easily slides under most furniture.
  • Smart Sensors: These nifty features prevent it from taking tumbles down stairs.
  • Efficient Brushes: A bristle brush and a rubber roller work in tandem to lift dirt effectively.
  • Simple Control: The Roomba 694 is easy to program and control, even when I’m not home.

Its suction power is strong enough to pick up pet hair and everyday messes, making it a reliable companion. The charging station is also a breeze to set up, ensuring my Roomba is always ready for its next cleaning mission.

I’ve become quite fond of its presence in my home, and it’s clear that the Roomba 694 was designed with users like me in mind.

A roomba 694 robot vacuum diligently cleaning the stairs in a house.
source: irobot.com

Setup and Usability

Setting up my Roomba 694 was a breeze, with the app guiding me through each step and allowing me to start my first cleaning session within minutes. The iRobot Home companion app was particularly impressive, making it simple to set up the device right out of the box. I was able to connect it to my Wi-Fi network without any hiccups, and the intuitive interface of the app meant I felt like I was part of a community of tech-savvy homeowners.

Once the Roomba was charged, I used the app to schedule the Roomba to start cleaning when it was most convenient for me. It’s comforting to know that I can come home to a clean space without having to manually start the vacuum each time.

With the flexibility to control my Roomba 694 via voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, I’ve found an even deeper sense of belonging in the smart home ecosystem. It’s like having a little robot companion that’s always ready to help out.

Cleaning Performance

While I was initially impressed with the setup and usability of the Roomba 694, it’s the vacuum’s cleaning performance that truly showcases its value. As someone who considers their vacuum cleaner an indispensable ally in the war against dirt and pet hair, I found the Roomba 694 to be quite adept at navigating home floors.

Let me break down the specifics:

  • Suction Power: The Roomba 694 has suction power of 550pa.
  • Pet Hair Pickup: The Roomba 694 had no trouble tackling the tufts of pet hair strewn across my carpets, thanks to its efficient brushes.
  • AeroVac Filter: This hard plastic wonder captures fine dust with ease, keeping my living space fresh and allergen-free.
  • Navigational Prowess: It maneuvers around obstacles like a seasoned pro, rarely getting itself into a bind.
  • Maintenance: I make sure to regularly check for hair wrapped around the brushes, which is key to maintaining its top-notch cleaning performance.
The Roomba 694 is a vacuum cleaner with a yellow and black wheel.
source: irobot.com

Battery Life Assessment

After evaluating the Roomba 694’s cleaning performance, I’ve turned my attention to its battery life, which holds up impressively for up to 120 minutes on a single charge. This duration is quite sufficient for me to let it charge overnight and then effortlessly schedule cleanings throughout the week, ensuring my home stays tidy without constant supervision.

During my battery life assessment, I’ve noted that even with frequent use, the vacuum manages to maintain its charge, allowing it to tackle my entire living space without needing a mid-clean recharge. To give you a clearer picture, I’ve put together a table that highlights the key aspects of the Roomba 694’s battery life:

FeatureDetails
Run TimeUp to 120 minutes
Charge TimeApprox. 2-3 hours for a full recharge
Coverage1,000 sq ft on a single charge

This table shows that the Roomba 694 robot vacuum review wouldn’t be complete without praising its ability to handle a sizable area on one go. It’s like having a reliable companion that’s always ready to help you keep your place spotless. Just schedule your cleanings, let it charge, and you’re good to go!

Navigation and Sensors

I’ve noticed that the Roomba 694’s navigation system, although basic, efficiently guides it around furniture and other obstacles, leveraging its onboard sensors to maintain a smooth cleaning path. As I watched it go about its test runs, it became clear that iRobot has designed these Roomba models with a focus on simplicity and reliability.

The 694 mightn’t have the advanced mapping capabilities of its pricier siblings, but it certainly knows its way around a room.

Here’s what stands out to me about the navigation and sensors of the Roomba 694:

  • Cliff Sensors: Prevents the Roomba from tumbling down stairs, which is a big relief for multi-level home dwellers.
  • Dirt Detect Technology: Works wonders on areas that need extra attention, ensuring no spot is left uncleaned.
  • Efficient Room-to-Room Cleaning: Navigates thresholds with ease, which is perfect for homes with varied flooring.
  • Simple Re-docking: Even without a recharge-and-resume feature, the Roomba often finds its way back to the dock.

We’re all looking for a vacuum that feels like part of the family—something that knows its way around without needing constant supervision. The Roomba 694, with its dependable navigation and sensors, fits that bill quite nicely.

A Roomba 694, equipped with dirt detect technology on the floor, is a robot vacuum that offers outstanding performance.
source: irobot.com

Maintenance and Durability

Moving on to the Roomba 694’s maintenance and durability, I’ve found that its straightforward design translates into easy upkeep and a robust build for long-term use.

The AeroVac filter does a great job at capturing fine dust, but it’s important to stay on top of maintenance. I make a habit of checking the filter every two weeks or so, and it’s a breeze to tap out the dirt and debris. Plus, the unit came with replacement filters, which means I don’t have to worry about finding new ones for a while.

Keeping the Roomba 694 in tip-top shape is as simple as regularly emptying the dirt inside the dustbin and removing any hair that gets wrapped around the brushes. It’s an easy to clean system that doesn’t require any special tools or excessive time. Sure, every now and then it gets stuck, but that’s usually a signal for me to declutter the floor or guide it back on track.

As someone who values feeling connected and supported, I appreciate how uncomplicated the Roomba 694 makes it to maintain a clean home. It’s like having a little helper that’s always ready to take on the day’s messes, together.

Comparing Roomba Models

As we compare the Roomba 694 to other models in the lineup, it’s clear that this vacuum offers a strong balance of affordability and performance. I’ve been looking closely at the iRobot robot family and found that, while the 694 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the top-tier options, it holds its own quite admirably. Here’s what stands out:

  • Affordability: The 694 is the budget-friendly gateway into the Roomba ecosystem.
  • Cleaning Efficiency: In this Roomba review, I can say it excels in overall performance for its price point, particularly with pet hair and litter.
  • Battery Life: It offers improved battery life, vital for tackling larger spaces without frequent recharges.
  • Technology: Though it lacks the advanced navigation of some pricier models, its DirtDetect feature ensures a thorough clean where needed.

When you’re part of the iRobot family, you’re not just buying a vacuum; you’re adopting a smart home helper. The Roomba 694 mightn’t map your home like some iRobot models, but it offers a sense of belonging to the world of automated cleaning without a hefty investment. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Roomba offers a model that can fit right into your home and lifestyle.

A roomba 694 robotic vacuum cleaner is next to a wooden floor in a kitchen.
source: irobot.com

Roomba 694 Customer Feedback

In reviewing customer feedback, I’ve noticed a clear trend of satisfaction with the Roomba 694’s performance, especially in homes with pets. It’s heartening to see how much people value the home cleaning performance of this little machine.

Here’s a quick consumer feedback table to give you a snapshot of what people are saying:

ProsCons
Excellent pet hair pickupCan be noisy
Valuable home additionOccasional charging issues
Sends completion notificationsMay struggle with clutter

The sense of belonging that comes from sharing in the collective satisfaction of a well-made product is palpable in the reviews.

It’s clear that for many, the Roomba 694 robot vacuum isn’t just a tool; it’s an integral part of their home, contributing to a cleaner, more comfortable living space and customer satisfaction.

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Review

Roomba 694 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Roomba 694 is a solid investment for those prioritizing ease of use and pet hair management in their cleaning routine. As an entry-level robot vacuum in iRobot’s lineup, it strikes a fine balance between performance and affordability.

If you’re contemplating whether this device fits into your home and lifestyle, consider the following points:

  • It’s an excellent choice for open floor plans, seamlessly transitioning between surfaces to keep your space tidy.
  • The DirtDetect technology ensures specific areas receive extra attention when needed.
  • The sleek design not only complements your home decor but also packs the necessary buttons for straightforward operation.
  • Affordability paired with the reliability of iRobot makes it a standout in its category.

The Roomba 694 robot vacuum review wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging that it’s designed with you in mind. It’s meant to simplify your cleaning routine, giving you more time to enjoy your home and loved ones.

It mightn’t have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, but it’s a great fit for those who need a helping hand with everyday messes, especially from our furry friends.

If you want to take a step up from the Roomba 694, check out these other Roomba robot vacuums:

Roomba 694 FAQs

Roomba 694 vs i3+

The iRobot Roomba i3 is the winner when comparing the Roomba 694 vs i3. While the Roomba 694 is a more budget-friendly option, the i3 offers more advanced features, a longer battery life, and superior cleaning power.

Roomba 694 vs i4+ EVO

The iRobot Roomba i4+ EVO offers better cleaning performance on carpets and has additional features like mapping, HEPA filter, and self-emptying. On the other hand, the Roomba 694 is more affordable and does a better job cleaning bare floors. If you have hardwood floors and want a more budget-friendly option, the Roomba 694 might be a better choice. However, if you have carpets and want a more advanced robot vacuum with better cleaning performance and additional features, the Roomba i4+ EVO would be a better option.

Roomba 694 vs 671

Both Roomba 671 and 694 can clean hard flooring and low and medium pile carpeting. However, the Roomba 694 has a larger dustbin and offers better performance on bare floors and high-pile carpets compared to the Roomba 671.

The Roomba 671 is a more basic model without dirt detect technology, while the Roomba 694 has a more sophisticated look and comes with the iRobot Home app for easy control. The price difference between the two models is around $20, with the Roomba 694 being more expensive as one of the newer models.

Roomba 694 vs 692

The iRobot Roomba 692 and 694 are identical in terms of design, aesthetics, and most features. Both models have similar vacuuming capabilities, featuring a dual multisurface brushroll for agitation and dirt pickup, a sweeping side brush for wall edges and deep corners, and a 1st Gen motor that delivers 550-600pa suction power. They also have advanced navigation systems that help them avoid stairs and other obstacles.

The choice between the two models depends on your preferences and budget. If you prioritize a longer battery life and better carpet cleaning, the Roomba 694 is the better option. However, if you want a more budget-friendly choice and don’t mind losing an extra filter, the Roomba 692 might be more suitable for you.

Roomba 694 vs i5

The Roomba i5 is better at clearing pet hair and has a better cleaning performance overall compared to the Roomba 694. The Roomba 694, on the other hand, has a larger dustbin and a wider opening, making it easier to empty and maintain.

The choice between the two models depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have pets and need a more effective cleaner, the Roomba i5 is a clear better choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option and can manage the maintenance, the Roomba 694 could be a suitable choice.

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Written by:

Michael Hoyt
Michael Hoyt, a seasoned expert in smart home technology and robot vacuum specialist, is renowned for his contributions to home automation. With a deep-seated knowledge of smart devices, he has dedicated his career to enhancing living spaces with advanced technology. Michael's expertise extends from in-depth reviews and recommendations to practical advice on fully automating homes with smart home solutions.