iRobot Roomba 104 2in1 Vacuum & Mop Robot review

? Curious whether the iRobot Roomba 104 2in1 Vacuum & Mop Robot is the right robotic helper for your home and lifestyle?

Product at a glance

You’ll get a 2-in-1 robot that vacuums and mops, plus an AutoEmpty dock that holds up to 75 days of debris. This model emphasizes strong suction, LiDAR navigation, and carpet detection while mopping to keep rugs dry and floors tidy with minimal effort on your part.

Key features

You’ll notice the headline features: 70X power-lifting suction, a multi-surface brush, edge-sweeping brush for corners, a microfiber mop pad with a micro-pump, and a bagged AutoEmpty dock that traps allergens. The robot also offers ClearView LiDAR mapping, app control with scheduling and keep-out zones, voice assistant compatibility, and selectable vac/mop/combination modes so you can tailor cleaning to your needs.

Quick verdict

If you want a hands-off cleaning routine with strong suction and reliable navigation, this Roomba model hits many high notes. You’ll particularly appreciate the AutoEmpty dock and automatic carpet avoidance when mopping if you own area rugs or pets.

Design and build quality

The Roomba 104 2in1 looks and feels like a premium, well-engineered appliance designed for everyday use. You’ll see durable plastics, a low-profile body to slip under furniture, and logical button placement that makes manual control straightforward when you need it.

Physical layout and materials

You’ll find a circular footprint typical of Roomba robots so it can turn easily around furniture legs and navigate tight spaces. The mop module attaches beneath the chassis and the AutoEmpty dock is compact enough to tuck against a wall without taking up a lot of daily living space.

Portability and footprint

You’ll be able to lift and move the robot without strain for occasional relocation, though the AutoEmpty dock is heavier once the bag is installed. The overall footprint is compatible with most home layouts, and the low height helps it reach beneath sofas and cabinets where dust likes to gather.

Suction and vacuum performance

You’ll notice the “70X more power-lifting suction” claim translates into tangible improvement over basic models, especially for embedded dirt and pet hair. The combination of the high-suction motor and a multi-surface brush helps the robot pull up bunched debris and dust bunnies rather than skimming them.

Performance on carpets

On low- to medium-pile carpets, you’ll see strong pickup of hair, crumbs, and tracked-in dirt with fewer passes needed. For very high-pile or shag rugs, the robot can manage surface debris but dense fibers reduce the efficiency of the brush roll and may require spot cleaning or a follow-up with an upright vacuum.

Performance on hard floors

You’ll appreciate the careful combination of suction and the microfiber mop which leaves hard floors looking noticeably cleaner. The vacuum captures grit and fine dust while the mop pads and controlled water flow remove smudges, dried spills, and footprints without leaving streaks when used properly.

Mopping performance

You’ll get a built-in mop system that’s more advanced than passive drag mops on many robots because it actively controls water flow to avoid over-wetting surfaces. The micro-pump distributes liquid evenly to the microfiber pad and the SmartScrub setting gives two times deeper scrubbing for stubborn spots.

SmartScrub and water control

You’ll notice that SmartScrub increases scrubbing action and water delivery, making short work of dried soils, light stains, and sticky residue. That said, you should test compatible cleaning solutions in a small area first if you plan to use anything beyond water.

Carpet detection while mopping

You’ll benefit from the automatic carpet detection that prevents the mop pad from wetting rugs and carpets. This feature removes the need for complex no-go zones in many cases, so your rugs stay dry and you avoid muddying fiber-based surfaces during mixed-floor cleaning cycles.

Navigation and mapping (ClearView LiDAR)

You’ll get LiDAR-based mapping that quickly constructs a precise map of your home for efficient coverage and repeatable cleaning patterns. LiDAR performs well in low light and around complex room shapes, which helps the robot avoid getting stuck and reduces redundant passes.

Accuracy and coverage

You’ll see methodical coverage because LiDAR helps the robot learn room outlines and navigate back to missed spots without guessing. The mapping also supports area targeting and room scheduling inside the app so you can tell the robot to clean just the kitchen after dinner, for example.

Obstacle handling and stairs

You’ll appreciate the specialized sensors that steer the robot around common obstacles and detect drops to protect it from falling down stairs. It still makes the occasional cautious bump with furniture legs and chair backs, but it recovers reliably and continues the job.

AutoEmpty dock and allergen control

You’ll enjoy significantly reduced emptying chores thanks to the AutoEmpty dock that stores up to 75 days of debris in a sealed bag. The bag traps 99% of allergens down to 0.7 microns, which helps you avoid creating dust clouds whenever you replace a bag.

Bagged system advantages and considerations

You’ll like the convenience of simply removing and discarding a full bag and inserting a new one without contact with muck or dust. Keep in mind you’ll need to buy replacement bags periodically; budgeting for those consumables is part of ownership.

Maintenance interval and cost

You’ll likely only empty the AutoEmpty dock every few months under typical household conditions, but the frequency depends on pet hair and dirt load. The cost per bag varies by retailer, so you’ll want to factor that into your long-term operating cost estimate.

Battery life and charging

You’ll find the robot delivers a runtime suitable for most single-level homes and scheduled daily cleanings, though exact runtime depends on suction level and active mopping. When battery runs low mid-clean, the robot returns to the dock, charges, and resumes where it left off so you don’t lose coverage.

Runtime expectations

You’ll typically see a runtime that covers moderate-sized rooms on a single charge; choosing lower suction settings or limiting mop use will extend run time. For very large or multi-level homes, you may need to break cleaning into separate runs or move the dock between floors.

Recharge and resume behavior

You’ll appreciate the recharge-and-resume logic which prevents incomplete cleans by finishing the remaining path after recharging. The robot’s charging speed is within the standard range for modern consumer robots, so return-to-dock and resume cycles don’t add excessive downtime to your schedule.

Noise levels

You’ll notice it’s not whisper quiet, but sound levels are comparable to most high-performance robot vacuums when running at higher suction. If you plan to run it while you work from home or during quiet evening hours, you can select lower suction settings for a more tolerable noise level.

App and smart features

You’ll control most functions through the Roomba Home app, which provides map views, custom clean options, scheduling, and system status updates including filter life. The app is intuitive and gives a good balance of automation and manual control so you can tweak cleaning behavior to match your routine.

Roomba Home app experience

You’ll find the app handy for setting targeted room cleans, saving keep-out zones, and checking estimated cleaning times. It also shows maintenance reminders so you know when to replace mop pads, filters, or the AutoEmpty bag.

Voice assistants and hands-free control

You’ll be able to control your Roomba with common voice assistants once the robot is connected and configured, making it easy to start cleaning without touching your phone. Voice control works best for basic commands like start, stop, and return to dock rather than detailed mapping instructions.

Cleaning customization options

You’ll like having vac-only, mop-only, and combo modes so you can pick what the robot does depending on the mess and floor type. These options help you tailor cleaning runs to pet hair days, sticky kitchen spills, or quick-touch-ups in high-traffic zones.

Adjustable suction, passes, and mop dosage

You’ll be able to adjust suction power, set the number of cleaning passes, and fine-tune how much mopping solution is pumped to the pad. This level of customization ensures you can conserve battery when needed or ramp up performance for tougher jobs.

Maintenance and consumables

You’ll need to perform routine upkeep to keep the robot operating at peak performance, including replacing the mop pad, emptying/ replacing the AutoEmpty bag, and cleaning brushes and filters. The good news is most tasks are straightforward and well-documented in the manual and app reminders.

Consumable replacement lifecycle

You’ll replace the mop pad periodically depending on usage and whether you use cleaning solution, while filters and side brushes get swapped on a schedule typically noted in the app. The AutoEmpty bags are consumables you’ll purchase regularly; having a supply on hand helps you avoid interruptions.

Cleaning the robot itself

You’ll want to remove hair and debris from the brush roll and side brush, wipe sensors and the underside occasionally, and check wheels for obstructions. Regular visual inspections will catch issues early and prevent a sudden performance drop.

Setup and first-run tips

You’ll want to clear small objects, cords, and low-lying obstacles from floors before the first run to let the robot build an accurate map. Place the AutoEmpty dock against a wall with a bit of open space around it so the robot can reliably find and dock for charging and emptying.

Recommended first cleaning routine

You’ll get the best initial results if you run a mapping clean without the mop attached so the robot learns the layout quickly and establishes reliable lines. After a successful map pass, attach the mop and try a short combo clean to confirm carpet avoidance and water-control settings.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

You’ll find that if the robot has trouble connecting to Wi‑Fi, double-check that your phone and router are on the same 2.4 GHz band during setup. If it gets stuck frequently in one spot, consider moving small obstacles or using the app to create a temporary keep-out zone.

Performance with pets

You’ll be impressed with hair pickup on low- and medium-pile carpets and hard floors; the suction and brush combo does a very good job capturing shed fur and tracked litter. The AutoEmpty dock reduces exposure to trapped pet allergens, which is a major benefit if you or family members have sensitivities.

Handling of pet dander and allergens

You’ll appreciate the AutoEmpty bag’s ability to trap 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns, so changing the bag is a low-mess process compared with emptying an open bin. That containment helps keep airborne irritants lower during maintenance, especially when you have frequent pet hair pickup.

Safety and reliability

You’ll find the robot designed with multiple safety redundancies like cliff sensors, obstacle detection, and app alerts for issues like stuck brushes or full bags. Reliability is high in typical homes, though any robotic device will occasionally need human intervention if it encounters unusual clutter.

Pros and cons

You’ll get strong suction, effective mopping with controlled water delivery, intelligent LiDAR mapping, and a convenient AutoEmpty dock that cuts down maintenance chores. On the downside, you’ll have to plan for replacement bags and other consumables, and very deep pile carpeting can challenge the brush roll.

Pros

• You’ll enjoy 70X power-lifting suction for improved debris pickup.
• You’ll appreciate automatic carpet detection while mopping, which prevents soggy rugs.
• You’ll have up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning with the AutoEmpty dock.
• You’ll value precise LiDAR mapping and resume-after-charge capability.
• You’ll be able to customize cleaning modes and mop dosage via the app.

Cons

• You’ll need to buy and replace AutoEmpty bags periodically, which adds ongoing cost.
• You’ll find very thick or shag carpets are less effectively cleaned than firmer piles.
• You’ll notice audible noise at higher suction settings that can be intrusive during quiet activities.

Technical specifications (quick reference)

Below is a concise table to break down the main technical details and what they mean for your everyday use.

Feature	Specification	What it means for you
Model	iRobot Roomba 104 2in1 Vacuum & Mop Robot	All-in-one vacuum + mop with AutoEmpty dock
Suction	70X power-lifting suction	Stronger pickup of dirt, pet hair, and embedded debris
Brushes	Multi-surface brush + edge-sweeping brush	Better cleaning along edges and different floor types
Mopping	Microfiber pad with micro-pump, SmartScrub	Controlled water delivery; 2x deeper scrubbing option
Carpet detection	Automatic avoidance while mopping	Keeps rugs dry without manual no-go zones
Navigation	ClearView LiDAR mapping	Accurate, consistent mapping and efficient coverage
Dock	AutoEmpty dock with bag	Holds up to 75 days of dirt; traps 99% of allergens ≥0.7μm
Control	Roomba Home app + voice assistants	Scheduling, keep-out zones, settings, and voice start/stop
Wi-Fi	2.4 GHz required for setup/operation	Ensure router and phone support 2.4 GHz during setup
Runtime	Typical for single-level homes (varies)	Recharge and resume if the battery runs low mid-clean
Included	Roomba 104 Combo robot, AutoEmpty Dock	Basic starter kit — additional consumables sold separately

Comparison with similar robots

You’ll see that compared to entry-level robot vacuums, this Roomba offers superior suction, mapping, and a bagged AutoEmpty dock which many lower-priced alternatives lack. Against high-end flagship models, this unit still holds its own for suction and mapping but may lack some of the most premium app features or ultra-quiet motors.

Where it shines vs. budget models

You’ll notice a clear advantage in suction strength, allergen containment, and LiDAR navigation which improves reliability and coverage. The mop system and automatic carpet avoidance are also more polished than many cheaper combos.

Where premium models might outperform it

You’ll find some top-tier models may offer longer battery life, quieter operation, or more advanced multi-floor mapping and object recognition. If you want the absolute quietest operation or the most advanced AI-based obstacle avoidance, you might compare spec sheets and user reviews for those flagship alternatives.

Who this Roomba is best for

You’ll appreciate this robot if you have a mix of hard floors and area rugs, pets that shed regularly, or a busy life where 75 days of unattended debris storage sounds life-changing. It’s also a solid choice if you want reliable mapping and app-based customization without constantly babysitting your vacuum.

Who should consider something else

You’ll consider other options if you have very plush, high-pile carpeting that requires a full-size upright vacuum periodically, if you want a lower initial purchase price and are willing to sacrifice automation features, or if you need multi-floor automatic map switching across levels without moving the dock.

Setup checklist (practical steps)

You’ll want to follow a few practical steps for the best results: clear floors of small objects and cords, place the AutoEmpty dock against a wall with open space around it, connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi band during setup, and run an initial mapping-only pass. After the map is built, attach the mop pad and run a short combo clean to confirm carpet detection and water dosing settings.

Troubleshooting tips

You’ll fix most common issues quickly: if the robot won’t start, check Wi‑Fi and battery level; if it gets stuck, inspect the wheels for debris and remove small obstacles; if suction seems weaker, clean the filter and brush roll and check for blockages. If the AutoEmpty dock stops taking debris, verify the bag is properly seated and not full.

Final verdict

You’ll find the iRobot Roomba 104 2in1 Vacuum & Mop Robot a convincing blend of strong suction, intelligent LiDAR navigation, and mopping capability that respects carpets. If you value hands-free maintenance, allergen control, and smart customization, this robot is an excellent option that will likely reduce your regular cleaning load substantially.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How often will I need to replace the AutoEmpty bag?
A: You’ll typically replace the bag every several weeks to months depending on household traffic and pet hair; the product claims up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning under some conditions.

Q: Can the robot clean multiple floors automatically?
A: You’ll need to move the robot and dock between floors manually; it doesn’t automatically switch between multiple home levels.

Q: Is the mopping solution included?
A: You’ll use water or a compatible cleaning solution, but cleaning solution is generally sold separately and you should confirm compatibility before use.

Q: Will it work with my smart speaker?
A: You’ll be able to connect it to common voice assistants for basic voice commands after setup and linking in the Roomba Home app.

If you want, you can tell me about your floor types, pets, and typical cleaning pain points and I’ll help you decide whether this Roomba model is the best fit or suggest alternative models and setup tips tailored to your home.

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