A WIRED review highlights the iGarden M1 Pro Max 100 as a sporty pool-cleaning robot with strong battery life and effective debris detection. Introduced at CES 2026, it evolves from the previous K series with enhanced features. Priced at $1,599, it offers good value compared to its predecessor.
The iGarden M1 Pro Max 100 stands out in a market of uniform robotic pool cleaners with its automotive-inspired design, described by WIRED as resembling a 'sports car for your pool.' Unveiled at CES 2026, the M1 series updates the K series by adding a bulbous central component that expands the debris basket to 4.5 liters from 4 liters. Available in fire-engine red or black, the 25-pound device features concealed treads and recessed wheels for a sleeker profile. Its 12,500 mAh battery delivers up to 10 hours in floor-only mode and about seven hours in full coverage, sufficient for pools up to 1,274 square feet, according to iGarden specs confirmed in testing on a 468-square-foot in-ground L-shaped pool with PebbleTec surface. Two front-mounted 4K cameras scan for debris, enabling the robot to reroute to trouble spots, achieving 95% cleanliness in two hours and full clearance by the third hour with organic and synthetic debris. Setup involves a 5.5-hour charge and basic app configuration via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, though the app lacks cleaning logs. Onboard controls are complex, using pictograms for modes like floor-only, wall/waterline, full coverage (including ledges and steps), turbo speed, and AI timer for 24-, 48-, or 72-hour repeats. Drawbacks include manual pole retrieval, a small hatch complicating basket cleanup, and a control panel prone to user error if the power button is overlooked. At $1,599—a $1,000 cut from the K Pro 150—it aligns with top competitors, making it a strong option despite minor cleanup hassles.
