Keeping your floors clean is easier with the use of a robotic mop. There are many such products out there on the market, but not all of them work the same. One that offers plenty of benefits is the iRobot Braava 320.
It only weighs about 7 pounds and it is very simple to program. This product can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend trying to keep the floors in your home clean.
It isn’t going to leave dirt tracks or miss areas either which can cause you to feel like the dirty areas are more defined that before.
Floor cleaning very quickly and efficiently is what you may be interested in. This is one of the best products out there to consider for a low price. Some of the products out there cost more than $500 which is very hard for the average household to part with for such a device.
This one is far more affordable. Don’t let the low cost fool you though into thinking it can’t hold up to what it advertises.
Key Features of the Braava 320
There are two modes on this device that allow you to get the most out of the product. First, there is the sweep mode which dry mops the dirt and debris. This moves the device in a straight line. When the mop mode is selected, it will move side to side and imitate the motion you would make using a real mop.
The iRobot Braava 320 features a very sophisticated GPS type system. It will be able to map out the rooms that you use it in and make sure that nothing gets skipped over. It also maps the obstacles and other elements so that there is no problem with it being able to successfully navigate and clean the floors.
To help protect your furniture, it provides you with padded edges. This is to protect the items that you have around your home. You don’t have to move them each time you are going to put the iRobot Braava 320 to work.
This device features a storage base for when it isn’t in use. This can be put in any out of the way location that you desire around your home. It isn’t going to take up much room which is a benefit that many consumers appreciate. It isn’t heavy either so it is a breeze to place it on the charging dock when you need to.
Pros: Things We Like!
The square shape of the iRobot Braava 320 helps to ensure that the device gets dirt and debris that round shaped products of this nature aren’t able to reach. This includes areas along baseboards and corners.
This device is safe to use on all types flooring that would normally be cleaned with a regular mop. This includes hardwood flooring, tile, laminate, and linoleum.
It isn’t going to damage or leave scratches on your furniture as it moves around the room. They system is designed to ensure every single inch of the floor gets attention.
The cleaning pads are very simple to attach to the device. There is a magnetic design in place that makes it simple to attach. It also ensures that the cleaning pad will remain in place until you are ready to remove it and change it.
This is a compact but powerful device. It is able to get under furniture that is low too due to the low height of it. The smart sensors ensure it won’t fall down the stairs while on a route or cause harm to carpets or other elements you may have in place.
The iRobot Braava 320 is very quiet. You can allow the device to run while you are watching TV, eating dinner, or even sleeping. It isn’t going to disturb you as you go about your normal activities. If the pad needs to be changed in the middle of a cleaning path, it will remember where it left off and return there.
Cons: Things We Don’t Like So Much…
This device does require the use of disposable or reusable cloths. If you use the disposable ones, you need to make sure you don’t run out. Usually, they will have to be ordered online as it is hard to find them from local retailers.
The reusable cloths are more expensive but they can prove to be a better overall investment with the iRobot Braava 320.
It isn’t possible to use this device to successfully clean the stairs. If you have stairs in your home, you will have to continue to clean them by hand. However, most consumers are willing to do that with the overall benefits that this device offers for them.
There are quite a few buttons on the device which can be intimidating to some consumers. However, if you have the mindset that those buttons offer you unique features to get the level of floor cleaning you want, it could make you more receptive overall.
The iRobot Braava 320 does come with a very detailed owner’s manual that has written instructions and images to offer you help.
This includes a very comprehensive troubleshooting section. If you have any trouble with the product working, look at this part of the owner’s manual to find a solution. Most people find this to be a way to assist them with common problems that can arise with any similar type of device.
For the best results, the pro-cleaning solution is the only product that should be used in the reservoir. It can be difficult to find it locally so this may be something you need to purchase online. The cleaning solution isn’t going to damage your floors and a little bit does go a long way.
Comparison to other Models and Brands
One of the common complaints about similar devices is that they just don’t have a long enough battery life. It can be frustrating if you have large floors that need to be cleaned on a regular basis. This one though does have a very long battery life.
That can help to ensure that the recharge time is lowered. It is also possible to buy a second battery for a low cost to ensure you always have enough charge for the iRobot Braava 320 to complete the work you intended. It can last for up to 3 hours on a fully charged battery.
This is a very low maintenance type of device to use. There is no bin to empty and no filters to worry about changing. Many consumers don’t like to hassle with those types of elements on other brands of similar products.
The iRobot Braava 320 is a very well made and quality robotic floor cleaner. It is also very affordable with a its price. It is priced below many other brands and models, yet it works just as well.
The magnetic attachment for the cleaning pad is a huge selling point for the iRobot Braava 320. with many other brands, there is a difficult time getting the cleaning pad to remain in place.
It can be disappointing if it has torn or it is too dirty to really do the job successfully. Then it has to be programmed to that that floor all over again once the problem has been resolved.
The fact that this model also offers the choice of reusable pads is an eco-friendly consideration. Many people like the idea of being able to wash and reuse them versus a throw a way type of cleaning pad.
Since this device can use either one, it is a consumer choice about what to use. For the replacements, they are affordable for a pack of 3. The reusable pads are available for 3 and they tend to last for a very long time.
Braava 320 vs 380 vs Scooba 450
If you are stuck trying to decide between the Braava 320 vs 380t version, you can read my full review of the Braava 380t right here, or my head-to-head comparison of the Scooba 450 vs Braava 380t here.
The Scooba is essentially a more full-featured mopping robot (also more expensive). You can read a full review of the Scooba 450 here.
In short, the Braava 320 is ideal for people who just need their kitchen hard floors “maintained”. To get a full disinfecting mopping, you’ll probably still want to 1) use a traditional mop or 2) go with the more full bodied Scooba 450 (or 390).
Conclusion: Is the Braava 320 Enough Value for the Money?
The brand is well known and has plenty of quality reviews by happy customers. The company gets top marks for their dedication to customer service too. The company was established in 1990. The product features a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
This is an excellent product for anyone that is so busy they often feel like their floors suffer. No one wants to come home to a dirty house, and it can be embarrassing when you have a company and the floors aren’t clean.
This is a great option for anyone that has difficulty with mopping due to their health. It can also be used on high traffic areas between your normal cleaning routine.
If you found this review helpful, please support our site by ordering the iRobot Braava 320 Floor Mopping Robot through our link below…
You Might Also Enjoy:
Very nice review. I just bought one of these as a christmas gift for someone. The price was right.