It seems that robotic cleaning appliances are taking over modern homes, and since the Roomba first debuted in 2002, many new and improved models have flooded the market. In this article, we are going to take a look at two popular robot cleaners; the iRobot Brava Jet 240 and the Roborock E35.
So which model outperforms? If you are looking for a lower cost unit that will mop hardwood, tile, and laminate floors that can easily navigate tight spots, then the iRobot is for you. However, if money isn’t so much of an issue, and you want a unit that can vacuum your carpets and your hard floors, plus take care of light mopping on hardwood, tile, and laminate; then Roborock will be more up your alley.
Several factors go into any purchase when you are looking to get the most bang for your buck. We will dissect the features of each product, and hopefully, answer the questions you may have regarding robot cleaners. The goal is to provide you with the tools to make an informed decision based on your own personal needs.
Braava vs Roborock: Robot cleaning ability
No robot cleaner will completely take the place of manual cleaning, but for daily upkeep between more thorough cleaning, robot mops and vacuums are a great timesaver!
The Braava Jet 240 is a hands-free Swiffer mop type cleaner that does a great job of mopping floors. It features a vibrating head to scrub floors for a superior clean. The Roborock E35 does not have a vibrating head, making it somewhat less effective on hard surfaces.
The Jet 240 utilizes cleaning pads that are infused with a powerful cleaner. The cleaner is activated by the pre-loaded water that the unit sprays in front as it moves along. The dirt is then collected on the pad, which can be thrown away once finished.
Cleaning pads are sold separately for approximately $8 for a pack of ten. Once you are finished with your cleaning, the pads are then removed and simply thrown away. Reusable pads are also available for the iRobot that are taken off and washed in the washing machine. These normally have a life of about 50 uses.
The Roborock E35 is not a scrubbing mop. However, it is also a vacuum; which the 240 is not. For mopping, the Roborock uses its vacuum ability to suck up the dirt from the floor and then go over the surface with water and a cleaning pad mounted under the water pan. Like the iRobot, the cleaning pad is removable and replaceable.
The Jet 240 had three distinct pads for each use, and the cleaning mode is automatically selected based on the pad used. The first pad is for deep clean mopping, the second for a damp mop, and the third is for dry sweeping. When dry sweeping, the dirt is collected and stored in the machine and can be dumped after.
The cleaning ability of the Jet 240 is limited to hard floors(stone, tile floor, and so on). Since it is not a vacuum, the Jet does not clean carpets.
As stated, the E35 is a robot vacuum, which also happens to mop. Once it has mapped out and memorized the floor plan of the home, it can move from room to room vacuuming and mopping as it goes; so long as you have filled it with water.
How each Robot navigates
The Roborock E35 uses a combination of 13 different sensors to find obstacles that it will slow for as it maneuvers through the home. It cleans in a Z-shaped pattern, mapping as it goes, so it will know where it has cleaned and where it hasn’t. Once it has completed the area, it will then move to the sides to clean next to the walls.
Because of the advanced sensors, Roborock does not have the ability for setting up virtual walls. If there is an area that you wish to keep the vacuum out of, you will need to place your own magnetic tape in the area you wish it to stop.
The iRobot Braava Jet 240 uses what is called the iAdapt 2.0 Navigation system. It works by using a back and forth cleaning pattern, as it sprays water in front of the machine onto the floor. It also uses bump sensors to move around obstacles and find walls. It will clean one small area at a time and does not have a multi-room function.
The iRobot does not have the ability to detect carpet, but a single virtual wall may be set up. Just press the clean button and hold for 10 seconds, and the virtual wall will be in line with its back.
Braava Jet 240 vs. Roborock E35: Battery Life
The Roborock E35 outshines the Braava Jet when it comes to battery life. The Roborock has a run time of approximately 150 minutes before it needs charging. It is also equipped with a sensor that lets it know when it needs charging and will return to its dock.
The iRobot Braava Jet 240 has a run time of around 100 minutes, and does not have the ability to charge itself. Once the battery is depleted, it has to be removed from the machine and placed on its charger, which is similar to a digital camera. The good thing is that it does have a relatively quick charge time. It is usually fully charged in around two hours.
Size and Shape of the Robot cleaners
When you see the Braava Jet 240 for the first time, you will probably wonder how a machine so small could clean effectively.
It is a 6.7 inch by 7 inch square machine, and only 3 inches tall. However, the square shape allows the unit to clean next to walls and in corners more effectively than its round counterparts, and the smaller size allows it to get into tighter spots for more thorough cleaning.
The Roborock is a round machine, and much larger. It measures 13.8 inches in diameter and is 3.6 inches tall. The round shape does keep the suction and motor away from walls, but the unit is equipped with brushes that extend outside of the diameter for pulling dirt into its path.
The brushes still do not allow for cleaning in corners as effectively as the square shape of the Jet 240 does.
Robot cleaner accessories
Each unit comes with its own selection of accessories. They are listed as:
iRobot Braava Jet 240
- 2 Dry sweeping pads
- 2 Wet mopping pads
- 2 Damp sweeping pads
- Battery Charger
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
Roborock E35
- Extra water filters
- Extra filter – dust
- Adjustable water tank
- 2 reusable mop cloths
- Floor mat – attaches to the dock to keep the floor dry
- Charging dock – unit will return once batteries deplete for charging.
Intelligent robot features
Both units do come with intelligent features, however, the Roborock E35 proves to be more versatile in this area.
The Braava Jet is App-enabled, but is limited as to its uses. The App allows you to adjust the amount of water spray. You may also check the battery life through the App, as well as set up a virtual wall. You can also start the mop, but the App does not allow you to set up a scheduled cleaning time.
The Roborock E35 is also App-enabled with the ability to start the unit. However, the Roborock App will allow you to schedule cleaning times as well as review cleaning logs. You can also check battery levels through the App and tell the unit to go back to the dock for charging. You can also remote control the unit through the App. Setting suction boosts for carpet, and tracking maintenance needs like filter and brush replacements can also be done with the App.
The Roborock also has many more sensors than the Braava Jet 240 for detecting battery life, and avoiding obstacles. The Jet 240 uses bump sensing technology, for avoiding furniture. The E35 employs 13 different sensors including mid-clean charging, motion sensors, and cliff sensing technology to avoid stairs.
Unique features of Jet 240 and E35
Unique to the iRobot is the front sprayer that puts water on the floor much like a Swiffer type mop. The unit then moves through the water which activates the cleaning solution within the mopping pad. The Roborock simply has the water tank mounted above the cleaning pad to wet the pad as it mops.
The Roborock, though, will do the vacuuming as well as light mopping. It is a very good robot vacuum with many of the bells and whistles that come with other mid-grade robot vacs. It also has brushes that extend from the sides of its rounded body to scoop out dirt from walls and appliances, putting the dirt in its cleaning path.
Questions and Answers
Q. Does the iRobot Braava Jet 240 avoid carpet?
A. The Jet 240 does not have a sensor for detecting carpet. However, you can use the virtual wall feature to set up an invisible barrier that the unit will not cross. Remember though, that you can only set up one virtual wall at a time.
Q. Can the Roborock detect the carpet?
A. Yes, the Roborock will move from different floor surfaces and automatically increase suction when on the carpet. However, to use the mop feature, you must replace the dust bin with the mopping module and mopping pad. So the unit cannot automatically switch from mopping mode to vacuuming, or vice versa.
Q. What is the cost difference between E35 and Jet 240?
A. The Roborock E35 retails for around $320, while the iRobot Braava Jet 240 retails for around $180.
Q. The Roborock does light mopping, does the Braava Jet 240 do light vacuuming?
A. To be clear, the iRobot Braava Jet 240 is NOT a vacuum. The unit will do dry sweeping and store dirt within the unit, but it is not equipped with any suction. It is a robot mop.
Conclusion
The world of robotics has had a clear positive impact on keeping the home clean. New generations of robot vacuums and mops do much of the work for us now. However, the features and abilities of these machines will vary with the price.
In comparison, the Roborock outshines the iRobot Braava Jet 240 in smart features, as well as having the ability to both mop and vacuum. However, on mopping ability alone, the Braava is the clear winner with the vibrating brush and activated cleaner.
You may decide that you like the robot mopping, but would more smart features. If that is the case, you may want to check out the Braava Jet 240.
If the vacuum/mop appeals to you, but you would like a beefier model with more features, take a look at the Roborock E35.