Roomba Mini: we have tested it and it makes perfect sense for small apartments

We have been able to test the Roomba Mini with its new AutoEmpty base for just over a month and the first conclusion is quite clear: this robot does not try to be the most complete on the market, but the most coherent with the reality of many homes current. In cities where space is limited, its compact size is not just a marketing argument, but a real solution.What we liked most from the beginning is precisely its format. It is the smallest robot from iRobot and it shows on a daily basis. With only 24 cm in diameter, the robot slips easily under furniturereaches areas where other larger models get stuck and moves easily in tight spaces.

The base also accompanies this compact philosophy, with dimensions of 27 x 21.5 cm, which makes it approximately 33% smaller than usual ones. Overall, we find it to be a particularly well-thought-out solution for homes of up to 60 square meters, where every centimeter counts.

We also found its approach to design interesting. Available in colors such as pink, mint, white and black, breaks with the usual aesthetics of this type of devices. We get the feeling that it is designed for a younger audience or for those who do not want to hide the robot, but rather integrate it into the home as another element, with a casual touch (although there is also the black and white option for the more classic ones).

In terms of performance, we think it delivers well on what it promises. Despite its size, it offers a suction power of 7,000 Pamore than enough for daily maintenance in small spaces. The ClearView LiDAR system helps move quite logically around the house and to map the environment quickly. It is true that it does not reach the level of precision of more advanced models in detecting complex obstacles, but during our tests navigation has been, in general, reliable.

One of the aspects that we liked the most in daily use is the AutoEmpty base. Being able to forget about emptying the tank for weeks – up to 90 days, depending on the brand – is an important plus. In this sense, it seems to us that The experience is very close to that of higher-end robots, with minimal maintenance.

Where we think it can improve is in the scrubbing system. Although it offers the option of mopping, Does not have an automated mop-mop system like that of other more advanced models. Instead, use disposable cloths (30 are included in the box). During our tests, we found this solution to be impractical and significantly reduces usability, since it requires manual intervention and is not as convenient as other more integrated alternatives.

What we found comfortable is its control. We have been able to use it both from the Roomba Home ‘app’ and through voice assistants -it is compatible with Alexa, Siri and the Google Assistant- or directly from the physical button of the robot. We think it is a success that it does not depend exclusively on the WiFi connection, since it provides flexibility in daily use.

Another point in favor that we cannot overlook is the price. For 399 euros it seems to us a fairly balanced proposal taking into account that it includes a self-emptying base, LiDAR navigation and a design clearly optimized for small spaces. In this range, it is not easy to find that set of features.

In short, after testing it for several weeks, it seems to us that the Roomba Mini gets its approach right. It’s not the most advanced robot, but it doesn’t pretend to be either. Its small size, differential design and price make it a very interesting option. for those who live in small apartments and are looking for a practical solution for everyday life, although this new category still has some room for improvement.

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