Suppose you are a proud and slightly obsessive owner of a Roomba 960 (and a previous 870 before that). In that case, you will have come to appreciate just how much routine maintenance and replacement parts can extend the life and performance of these little robotic helpers. If you’ve ever found yourself watching your Roomba bump into the same wall three times before deciding to clean, or noticed it leaving a trail of fluff instead of sucking it up, chances are it’s time to replace some parts.
Enter this Replacement Parts Kit for Roomba 800 and 900 Series, a highly-rated, cost-effective solution that includes debris extractors (rollers), side brushes, and HEPA filters. For anyone who’s shopped for iRobot’s own branded replacement parts, you’ll know those can get expensive quickly. That’s where this third-party kit shines — affordability without sacrificing much (if any) quality.
After using this kit for several cleaning cycles and giving it a solid test over a couple of weeks in a home with pets, kids, and the occasional tracked-in dirt, here’s my comprehensive take:
📦 What’s in the Box?
The kit will arrive via Amazon Prime in a compact but neatly packaged box. Everything was individually wrapped, with foam padding to prevent damage in transit. The kit includes:
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3 HEPA Filters
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3 Side Brushes
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2 Debris Extractors (Rubber Brush Rollers)
It also came with a cleaning tool and a small screwdriver, which were nice touches and genuinely helpful for removing stubborn screws and hair from tight spaces.
✅ Pros – What Makes This Kit Shine?
1. Outstanding Value for Money
Let’s address the elephant in the room: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from iRobot can cost upwards of 3–4x what this kit does. For under $30 (depending on sales), you get a full suite of replacements — enough to give your Roomba a new lease on life. That’s a win in any household, especially if you’re on a budget or have multiple Roombas (some people do, no judgment here).
2. Solid Compatibility
Initially, I was skeptical about third-party parts fitting as seamlessly as originals, but I was pleasantly surprised. These fit my Roomba 960 perfectly. The debris extractors snapped into place without a fight, the HEPA filters fit snugly into the dustbin compartment, and the side brushes screwed in cleanly.
A quick note: some reviews mention tight fittings that work in your favor and reduce vibration and noise. If you don’t force them in aggressively, everything should align nicely.
3. Performance Boost
After installation, the most noticeable difference was improved suction and airflow. That might sound odd since there’s no motor change, but new HEPA filters help optimize performance. The debris extractors had a tighter seal, and the side brushes were stiffer than the worn ones I replaced — excellent for edge cleaning.
Within a few runs, my Roomba picked up significantly more dirt, especially pet hair, which it previously struggled with. It also stopped making that dreaded “clunk” sound when brushes or rollers were worn out or clogged.
4. Great for Pet Owners
This kit is a must if your home is like mine, where pet hair is a condiment. Fresh brushes and filters make a massive difference. I found that my dog’s short, wiry hairs were no longer wrapping tightly around the rollers, which saved me a lot of post-cleaning maintenance.
5. Quiet Operation
Surprisingly, the new parts made my Roomba run quieter. I suspect the new rollers and brushes create less drag and friction. Whatever the reason, it’s a welcome change, especially if you run your Roomba at night or while working from home.
⚠️ Cons – A Few Things to Consider
No product is perfect, and while this kit delivers in many ways, it has a few caveats worth noting:
1. Slight Durability Drop Compared to OEM Parts
The rubber on the debris extractors feels just a touch softer than iRobot’s originals. While this hasn’t affected performance, I imagine they might wear out quicker, especially in high-traffic homes or those with dirt and grit. That said, I’m fine replacing them more often at this price.
2. Side Brush Screws Can Be Tricky
Although the side brushes come with a mini screwdriver, I found the fit of the screws to be just slightly inconsistent. One brush went in perfectly, but the other two needed a bit of coaxing. It wasn’t a dealbreaker — just something to be aware of. Some users have noted needing to reuse their original screws.
3. Not Official iRobot Branding
For the purists: these aren’t OEM parts. So if you’re still under warranty and concerned about third-party accessories voiding coverage, that’s something to factor in.
🛠 Installation Tips (Learned from Experience)
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Clean your Roomba thoroughly before installing these parts. It helps everything sit properly.
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Use a coin or butter knife to gently pop out the old filters — the new ones click in easily.
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Before installing the new extractors, check for hair or string around the motor shafts. If you see any, remove it—this will prevent long-term damage.
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When attaching side brushes, don’t overtighten. Just snug enough to hold firmly.
🧽 Maintenance After Installation
I recommend continuing your usual maintenance routine after swapping in the new parts. That includes:
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Cleaning the filter every few runs (you can tap it against a trash can to remove fine dust),
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Trimming hair from the side brush when it gets caught,
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Removing the debris extractors monthly to clear underneath them.
These third-party parts hold up best when maintained well, and doing so will easily get you several months (or more) of solid performance.
⭐ Final Verdict: 4.6 out of 5 Stars
This Replacement Parts Kit for Roomba 800 and 900 series is a fantastic buy for the average Roomba user who wants to save money without compromising performance. It’s a near-perfect solution if you’re comfortable with a small trade-off in durability in exchange for major savings and excellent compatibility.
Pros:
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Excellent value
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Seamless fit with 800/900 models
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Noticeable cleaning improvement
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Quiet and efficient operation
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Ideal for pet owners
Cons:
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Slightly less durable than OEM parts
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Screw fit on side brushes could be tighter
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Not covered by iRobot’s warranty
If you want to give your Roomba a mini-makeover or prolong its life for another season, this kit delivers on all the essentials. Whether you’re a clean freak, a pet parent, or tired of your Roomba dragging its wheels, this kit is well worth the investment.
