Roomba

J.,

I had a Roomba (it finally stopped after several years of regular use) - LOVE it for my ceramic and hardwood floors - I have a large ceramic tile area that's a real pain to keep clean - planning to get a new one just as soon as budget allows, mine was not so great on carpeting, but the newer ones are probably better.

It takes longer than if you do it yourself, but it's great because you can multi-task....your floor is being vacuumed while you are doing other things. It does make a bit of noise, and it can get 'stuck' on electric cords or area rugs, so you have to kind of keep an eye on it until you get used to where it might get stuck, but totally worth it in my opinion.

It comes with little devices that block it from going past areas you choose, so it can't fall down stairs etc....Picked up everything - dust balls, hair, play-doh crumbs, you name it! It can't hurt pets or little ones, it just gently 'bumps' into things and goes in a different direction.

I miss mine!

All I can say is that the Roomba is the best invention ever. Especially if you have little kids around. I use mine everyday in the kitchen because I have hardwood floors thru out the main level and my son at every meal drops food on the floor. After he eats, I put it in the area and it senses where the the dirt is. My best friend the Roomba vacumes, while I put my son to sleep or make dinner or even go out to run errands. I have the newer 500 series and it does sense stairs and will never fall down them. I say buy one!!! :)

I agree with another poster that this is the best invention ever! Especially if you've been hauling a vacuum up and down stairs. We've had ours for 3 years, and I love it. It goes under beds, couches, and rarely gets stuck under anything. It is fabulous, and I highly recommend them to anyone.

A man I worked with when they first became really popular had one-he hated vacuuming. I plan to get one eventually. I loved the way it worked. He would sweep up messes but he never vacuumed. I don't think he even had a regular vacuum. Oh, and the reason he "had" one is because his nephew decided to see if it could vacuum down the stairs. I think the new ones can sense if it is plush or hardwood.

I have a Roomba ("Roombie") and I love it. Check out www.roombareview.com for some really good feedback and such.

The only things bad I can say is:

1) It gets stuck under some furniture (book cases, etc).
2) The battery is expensive to replace - but with proper charging it SHOULD last a couple of years.
3) If you have pets with long hair, get the pet brush attachments.

T.

I have a Roomba AND a Scooba. I like them both but REALLY like the Scooba for our hardwood floors!! It's so easy to use and does a great job. And the best thing about it is you can be doing something else while it is cleaning your floors for you.....BUT if you get the scooba, make sure you check how many square feet it will cover per charge, otherwise you will be recharging constantly. They are pricey, but worth it.