iRobot Roomba Red 4100 Roomba Review

What the reviewers like:
The iRobot Roomba Red 4100 has high entertainment value; nearly all reviewers say it's fun to watch as it goes about its business. Reviewers say this robotic vacuum does a decent job of cleaning carpets and hardwood floors.

What the reviewers don't like:
Owners and experts agree that the iRobot Roomba Red can't replace an ordinary vacuum, either for power or efficiency. This robot can easily be ensnarled by loose debris, and it requires a seven-hour charge before use. Some also say it's noisy on hard floors.

iRobot Roomba Red 4100 Roomba review highlights

Reviewers point out all the flaws of the iRobot Roomba Red 4100 that have since been addressed in newer models like the Roomba Discovery (*est. $250) and Roomba Scheduler (*est. $300). The Roomba Red is said to be fun to watch, but it cleans randomly and requires a seven-hour charge between uses. Also, owners point out that cleaning areas need to be free of debris beforehand.

Because it's the most basic version in the iRobot Roomba series, there aren't many reviews of the Roomba Red 4100 robotic vacuum. We did, however, find one in-depth report from an early adopter, as well as a dispassionate evaluation by G4TV.com along with user comments at Amazon.com and Epinions.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Boston Gal's Open Wallet
My Roomba Red Review
"Boston Gal"
May 16, 2006

In this review, the blogger "Boston Gal" details her experiences with the Roomba Red on the carpet of her bedroom and the hardwood floor of her dining room. She raves about the little red robot, saying it's entertaining to watch, but adds that it's noisy on hardwood floors and can't replace a thorough cleaning with an ordinary vacuum.

2. G4tv.com
Review: Roomba Vacuum Bot
Editors of G4TV.com
Nov. 3, 2004

It's not clear if the editors of G4TV actually tested the Roomba Red, but they do point out a couple of quirks of this basic model: "Roomba will often end up vacuuming one area three, four or five times before getting to another spot just once." They also note that the iRobot Roomba Red can't replace an ordinary vacuum and requires some straightening up of the cleaning area beforehand.

3. Amazon.com
iRobot Roomba Intelligent Floorvac Robotic Vacuum
Contributors to Amazon.com

About 300 owners post their experiences with the Roomba Red, giving it a high average rating. However, there are warnings about removing debris before running this vacuum, since it can get tangled in loose items.

4. Epinions
iRobot Roomba Red 4100 Review
Contributors to Epinions

A few dozen owners post their experiences with the Roomba Red, giving it a high average rating.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners