Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus, a robot vacuum that's been turning heads (and cleaning floors) in the smart home world. If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for ways to make life a little easier, and a robot vacuum that actually works sounds like a dream come true. But with a premium price tag, is the Roomba S9 Plus really worth the investment? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, let's start with the basics. Unboxing the Roomba S9 Plus feels like opening a high-tech treasure chest. The sleek, D-shaped design immediately catches your eye, and you can tell this isn't your average robot vacuum. It just screams premium! Inside the box, you'll find the Roomba S9 Plus itself, the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal (more on that later – it's a game-changer!), a power cord, an extra filter, and an extra edge-sweeping brush. Setting it up is a breeze. Just plug in the Clean Base, pop the Roomba onto the charging dock, and download the iRobot Home app. The app walks you through the rest of the process, connecting the Roomba to your Wi-Fi and getting it ready for its first cleaning mission. So far, so good!

Key Features That Make the Roomba S9 Plus Stand Out

Now, let's get into the juicy details – the features that make the Roomba S9 Plus a top contender in the robot vacuum arena. There are so many things that make this vacuum stand out from the pack, so let's dive into a few of my favorite features.

Superior Suction Power

First up, we have the superior suction power. This thing is a beast! The Roomba S9 Plus boasts iRobot's strongest suction yet, and you can definitely tell the difference. It effortlessly picks up everything from pet hair and crumbs to larger debris. iRobot claims it has 40x the suction power of previous Roomba models, and while I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with every single model, I can confidently say this thing sucks – in the best way possible! If you have pets or kids (or both!), this is a huge plus.

D-Shaped Design and Corner Cleaning

Next, let's talk about the D-shaped design. This isn't just a cosmetic choice; it's a clever engineering decision. The D-shape allows the Roomba S9 Plus to get right up against walls and into corners, areas where round robot vacuums often struggle. Combine that with the edge-sweeping brush, and you've got a robot that can truly clean every nook and cranny of your home. I've noticed a significant difference in how well this cleans corners compared to my old round robot vacuum. No more dusty corners!

Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal

Okay, guys, this is where things get really exciting: the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. This is, hands down, one of my favorite features of the Roomba S9 Plus. After each cleaning job, the Roomba automatically empties its dustbin into the Clean Base, which holds up to 30 days' worth of dirt and debris. That means you don't have to worry about emptying the dustbin after every single cleaning! This is a game-changer for busy people (like me!) who don't want to constantly be fussing with their robot vacuum. When the bag in the Clean Base is full, you just toss it out and replace it with a new one. Super easy and super hygienic. This is a feature that makes the high price tag a little easier to swallow, in my opinion.

Imprint Smart Mapping

The Imprint Smart Mapping technology is another standout feature. The Roomba S9 Plus learns the layout of your home and creates a detailed map. You can then use the iRobot Home app to label rooms, set up Keep Out Zones (perfect for areas you don't want the Roomba to go, like around pet food bowls or delicate furniture), and even schedule cleanings for specific rooms. This level of customization is awesome! I love that I can tell the Roomba to just clean the kitchen after dinner or focus on the living room when we're expecting guests. The mapping is incredibly accurate, and the Roomba navigates my home with ease. No more random bumping around and missed spots!

Imprint Link Technology

Lastly, let's talk about the Imprint Link Technology. This is a cool feature that allows the Roomba S9 Plus to communicate with the Braava Jet M6 robot mop (sold separately). After the Roomba finishes vacuuming, it can signal the Braava to start mopping. Talk about a dream team! This is the ultimate in automated floor cleaning. I don't have the Braava Jet M6 myself (yet!), but I can see how this would be incredibly convenient for keeping your floors sparkling clean with minimal effort. Maybe it's my next splurge!

Performance and Cleaning Power

So, we've covered the features, but how does the Roomba S9 Plus actually perform in the real world? In a word: impressively. As I mentioned earlier, the suction power is phenomenal. It picks up everything from fine dust and pet hair to larger crumbs and debris. I've even seen it suck up small leaves that have been tracked in from outside! The D-shaped design and edge-sweeping brush do a fantastic job of cleaning along walls and in corners, leaving no spot untouched. The Roomba S9 Plus also excels at navigating different floor types. It seamlessly transitions from hardwood floors to carpets and rugs without getting stuck or losing suction power. The sensors prevent it from falling down stairs, and it's smart enough to avoid obstacles like furniture and cords. Of course, no robot vacuum is perfect, and the Roomba S9 Plus can occasionally get confused by cluttered areas or very low-clearance furniture. But overall, its navigation and cleaning performance are top-notch. I've been consistently impressed with how clean my floors are after each cleaning cycle.

The iRobot Home App: Your Cleaning Command Center

The iRobot Home app is the control center for your Roomba S9 Plus, and it's surprisingly intuitive and user-friendly. Through the app, you can: Start, stop, and pause cleaning jobs. Schedule cleanings for specific times and days. View cleaning history and reports. Customize cleaning preferences, such as suction power and cleaning passes. Label rooms on your Imprint Smart Map. Set up Keep Out Zones. Receive notifications about cleaning progress and maintenance reminders. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate. I especially appreciate the ability to customize cleaning schedules and set up Keep Out Zones. It gives you a lot of control over how your Roomba cleans your home. I've found the app to be reliable and responsive, and I haven't experienced any major glitches or issues. It really enhances the overall Roomba S9 Plus experience.

Battery Life and Charging

The Roomba S9 Plus boasts a respectable battery life. iRobot claims it can clean for up to 120 minutes on a single charge, which is more than enough time to cover most homes. In my experience, it typically cleans for around 90-100 minutes before returning to the Clean Base to recharge. If the Roomba doesn't finish cleaning your entire home on a single charge, it will automatically return to the Clean Base, recharge, and then resume cleaning where it left off. This is a great feature that ensures your entire home gets cleaned, even if it's a large space. The charging time is relatively quick. It usually takes a few hours for the Roomba to fully recharge. Overall, I'm happy with the battery life and charging performance of the Roomba S9 Plus. It's more than sufficient for my needs.

Pros and Cons: Is the Roomba S9 Plus Right for You?

Okay, let's break it down. The Roomba S9 Plus is undoubtedly an impressive robot vacuum, but it's not perfect for everyone. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right choice for your home.

Pros:

• Exceptional suction power: The Roomba S9 Plus delivers iRobot's most powerful suction, making it ideal for homes with pets or high-traffic areas.
• D-shaped design and corner cleaning: The unique D-shape allows it to get into corners and along edges more effectively than round robot vacuums.
• Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal: This is a game-changer for convenience, allowing the Roomba to empty its dustbin automatically into a larger container.
• Imprint Smart Mapping: The smart mapping technology allows for customized cleaning schedules and Keep Out Zones.
• Imprint Link Technology: The ability to communicate with the Braava Jet M6 robot mop for a complete floor cleaning solution is a huge plus.
• User-friendly app: The iRobot Home app is intuitive and offers a wide range of customization options.

Cons:

• High price tag: The Roomba S9 Plus is one of the most expensive robot vacuums on the market.
• Can be noisy: The powerful suction can be quite loud, especially on the highest setting.
• Occasional navigation issues: It can sometimes get confused in cluttered areas or with low-clearance furniture.
• Replacement bags: The Clean Base requires replacement bags, which adds to the ongoing cost.

The Verdict: Is the Roomba S9 Plus Worth the Splurge?

So, the million-dollar question: Is the Roomba S9 Plus worth the splurge? If you're looking for the absolute best robot vacuum on the market and you're willing to pay a premium for it, then the answer is a resounding yes. The Roomba S9 Plus delivers exceptional cleaning performance, boasts a host of smart features, and offers unparalleled convenience with its Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. It's a true game-changer for automated floor cleaning. However, if you're on a tighter budget or you don't need all the bells and whistles, there are other great robot vacuums out there that offer excellent performance at a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities. But if you want the best of the best, the Roomba S9 Plus is definitely worth considering. It's made my life a whole lot easier, and I think it could do the same for you!