iRobot Y311 Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum Cleaner With Mop Function Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.6/10
Best for: Homes wanting hands-off floor cleaning on hard floors and carpet, with mopping
Not for: Homes with lots of floor clutter, cables or deep high-pile carpet, where a robot struggles
Bottom line: A robot vacuum (vacuum + mop), a capable hands-off cleaner with LiDAR laser navigation for everyday floor upkeep.
The iRobot Y311 Roomba 105 Combo's quick verdict is mixed because it combines mop-and-vacuum functions, but cleaning results depend on using the exact approved liquids and dosing correctly. It performs well on routine floors when the liquid matches the label and the tank is filled properly, but streaking and weak residue pickup can happen if the wrong product is used or the tank is overfilled. For best mopping results, stick to the "Just Water" rule, avoid hot water, and follow the listed cap amounts.
Key specifications
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Modes | Vacuum + mop, staged |
| Reservoir | Fill to line |
| Limits | No hot water |
Pros
- Up to 120 minutes run-time
- Vacuum and mop in one
- LiDAR laser navigation for systematic cleaning
Cons
- No self-empty dock - the onboard bin needs emptying often
- Struggles with floor clutter, cables and deep high-pile carpet
- Sensors and brushes need regular cleaning to keep performing
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
Suction performance determines how effectively this robot vacuum Combo lifts dust, pet hair, and small debris before mop mode starts. In everyday use, the vacuum system pulls loose particles from low-pile carpet and hard floors such as tile and wood, with edge cleaning improving after a few passes. For pet hair, performance depends on the brush roller staying clear, as long hair can interfere with airflow. During the iRobot review, crumbs are handled reliably, but fine grit in deeper seams may require revisiting an area to fully clear it.
Navigation and Mapping
Navigation and mapping on the robot vacuum focuses on how it plans its route before vacuuming, then switches into mop mode. It scans the space and follows an organised pattern to cover open areas, while adjusting when it meets obstacles such as chair legs or rug edges. With mapping working accurately, fewer missed spots typically occur because it tracks areas it has already cleaned and repeats targeted passes in darker or busier zones. When mapping accuracy is lower, tight corners may be skimmed and manual help may be needed.
Battery Life and Run Time
Battery life on the iRobot depends mostly on which tasks it is carrying out, because vacuuming and mopping use different power levels. Vacuum-first cleaning runs typically last longer than combined cleaning, since mopping increases the load. In practical use, it may handle about 90 - 120 minutes before returning to the dock, then recharge cycles restart. For best results, shorter sessions are preferable on heavy debris, and long uninterrupted mopping should be avoided when floors are large. Battery performance decreases in cold rooms and rebounds once the unit is warm.
Mop Function
The Roomba 105 Combo's mop function is designed to add a controlled wet-cleaning step after the floor is vacuumed, so it can handle everyday dust and light spills in one routine. Users get a tank-based mopping pass that follows the same navigation path. For best results, the owner should fill the mop tank with "Just Water, " and avoid hot water and any water plus vinegar mix to protect performance. On uneven areas, dampness may be lighter, and stubborn stains usually need spot cleaning.
Self-Empty and Maintenance
Self-emptying features can reduce how often the Roomba 105 Combo needs user attention, because debris is moved from the robot into a larger container at the dock after each cleaning run. Robot vacuum self empty helps limit emptying during busy weeks. The dock bin still needs periodic emptying, typically when it fills, and users should check airflow and bin contacts if suction drops. Maintenance also includes cleaning the mop roller and wiper, removing hair from the brush, and rinsing the tank with "Just Water" only, avoiding hot water and vinegar to reduce corrosion and warranty risk.
App Control and Smart Features
Once the user connects the Roomba 105 Combo to Wi-Fi, the robot vacuum app acts as the main control hub for scheduling cleaning, starting jobs remotely, and checking basic status such as run progress and alerts. The iRobot Y311 Roomba 105 robovac review notes that the app supports room-by-room planning and zone cleaning, allowing focus on higher-traffic areas. The iRobot app also provides cleaning mode choices, including vacuum-plus-mop steps, and it provides reminders when filters or mop tasks need attention. Smart features are limited to simple visibility and app commands, with potential delays when the connection is weak, and advanced automation options are not as deep as some competitors.
Noise Level
Noise levels from the robot vacuum Combo are typically moderate for a robot vacuum, but they can vary by floor type and by whether the mop function is running. On hard floors, sound may carry more clearly depending on surface firmness. When the mop runs, additional motor and water-pump activity usually raises noise slightly. For quieter operation, mopping on lower-traffic routes and starting cleaning when rooms are empty can help reduce perceived loudness, though cleaning time may increase.
Pet Hair Performance
Pet hair pickup is a key strength of the iRobot Combo, particularly on low-to-medium pile carpet and on sealed hard floors, where hair tends to sit on the surface or in shallow fibres. On smooth floors, it gathers fur in a mostly complete pass, though clumps near edges may need a second run. On carpets, it lifts hair effectively, but longer fibres can trap some strands between passes. For buyers weighing the robot vacuum price, performance is best when pet-hair loads are moderate and the brush path is unobstructed.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance keep this robot vacuum Combo performing well, particularly because it alternates between vacuuming and mopping modes. After each run, the dust bin should be emptied, hair should be removed from the main brush, and the mop area should be checked for debris. For cleaning and mopping solutions, only authorised solutions should be used, as unauthorised cleaners can void warranty and harm parts. For mopping, the tank should be filled with "Just Water" or an approved cleaner, and hot water and vinegar should be avoided. Filters should be tapped weekly and replaced as needed.
Who Is This Robot Vacuum For?
This Roomba Y311 Roomba 105 Combo suits people who want one robot vacuum to handle both vacuuming and mopping with less day-to-day work. It is a good match for busy households with medium-traffic floors that need frequent light cleaning, where automated switching between tasks reduces the need for regular manual setup. It may be less suitable for anyone who needs deep, spot-on stain treatment, or who does not want to keep up with routine care such as emptying debris and cleaning the mop area.
Where to Buy in the UK
Where can someone buy the iRobot in the UK, and what should they check before ordering? Shoppers can look via Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, Argos, and online marketplaces, then compare UK listings. Before buying, they should confirm the correct UK model, check delivery times and returns, verify the bundle contents (including mop pads and the charging dock), and read the warranty terms to make sure any cleaning solutions used do not risk coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iRobot Y311 Roomba 105 worth it?
A robot vacuum like the robot vacuum earns its place for day-to-day floor upkeep, freeing you from routine vacuuming and damp-mopping hard floors. It handles upkeep rather than deep cleans - check the current Amazon UK price, as it changes often.
Can this robot vacuum mop as well as vacuum?
Yes - the iRobot vacuums and damp-mops hard floors in one run. Mopping suits sealed hard floors, not carpet, and is best for light daily marks rather than stuck-on stains.
What are the downsides of the robot vacuum?
Robot vacuums struggle with floor clutter, loose cables and deep high-pile carpet, and the brushes, filter and sensors need regular cleaning. The onboard bin also needs emptying every few runs. They are for routine upkeep, not a replacement for an occasional deep clean.
Is the iRobot good for pet hair?
The robot vacuum is designed to lift pet hair from hard floors and low-pile carpet; long-haired pets may still need a periodic brush clean to clear tangles.
How does the iRobot Y311 Roomba 105 navigate?
This robot vacuum uses LiDAR laser navigation to map rooms and plan an efficient path, rather than bouncing around at random.
How long does the iRobot run on a charge?
It runs for up to 120 minutes per charge, then resumes after recharging on longer cleans. Real run-time depends on suction level and floor type.
Does the robot vacuum work on both carpet and hard floors?
Yes - it moves between hard floors and low-to-medium carpet automatically, though mopping is for hard floors only. Deep or high-pile carpet is the main limitation for any robot vacuum.