Growing up in the 1960s, watching the Jetsons I had no idea that someday I would have the opportunity to have a Roomba.  Like Rosie, only without the chatter, the roomba is perfectly capable of vacuuming my floors with very little input from me.  No doubt sometime soon roomba will also be able to brew and pull a fine cup of espresso and serve it to me as I work.  Until then?  I can be happy with the floors.

For about the same price as a Dyson, Riccar, or other good vacuum (and for about half of the new top of the line Riccar) you can have a robot that operates independently to keep your home clean.  It comes with filters, brushes, and a storage case and, according to people who have reviewed it, has an amazingly long life per charge. 

If you were expecting something that looked like Rosie, you will be disappointed.  Roomba is round, more like a fast moving turtle than an anxiety ridden maid.  It can be programmed to clean on schedule or you can just pull it out and push a button whenever you think about it.  It automatically adjusts from carpet to hardwood flooring and won’t get stuck.  You can make it avoid off limit areas with virtual walls that Roomba will not cross.  It has bumpers that keep it from damaging walls and furniture, and technology to keep it from getting tangles in cords.

As you can imagine there are a number of benefits to owning a Roomba.

• Bristle Brush really cleans carpets.
• Filter traps pollen, dust, and other allergens.
• Cleans entire floor, including under furniture
• Bagless
• Cleans corners
• Automatically adapts for carpet or hard floors
• Spends more time on dirtier areas
• Spot clean mode
• Can be set to clean while you are away
• Will not fall down stairs
• Brushes counter rotate for more thorough cleaning
• Saves your time
• Two year warranty
• Pet friendly which may mean it won’t vacuum up the dog’s tail
• Large capacity dust bin
• Extra brushes

In all of the reviews and information I read there were very few negative comments.  The main disadvantage seems to be that it may be too thick to get under some furniture and it doesn’t do stairs.  When you consider all of the advantages of the Roomba these seem quite minor.

I would say that the other disadvantage of the Roomba is that it is made in China.  Many Americans may prefer to stick with Riccar which is totally American made.

If you have a large home, with large rooms or a very open floor plan you may need to find ways to wall it off to keep it in the areas you want it in until those areas are clean. 

It even senses when the battery is low and takes itself to its dock to recharge.       

The Roomba Professional Series costs less than $600.00.  It is not an inexpensive vacuum but considering the high reviews it gets, the time it saves, and the sheer coolness factor of the machine…well it would seem to be worth the money spent.