Unboxing the Litter-Robot Open Air Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Cats

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It’s been exactly eight years since I unboxed my first Litter-Robot and reviewed it. Since then, I have convinced several friends and family members to buy one, I’ve purchased two more, and I’ve given the two older versions I had to friends with cats — all of these Litter-Robots are still going strong!

I’ve been using the Classic version for the last year or so, but while at CES I saw the newest Litter-Robot, the Open Air, and it literally stopped me in my tracks!

Beyond its larger size and cat’s eye oval opening that makes it look so striking, the Litter-Robot Open Air has more features than any previous Litter-Robot. Sure, both the Litter-Robot Classic and Bubble could claim that they:

  • Were made in the USA
  • Self-cleaned after each use
  • Reduce litter box odor
  • Save money on litter
  • Needed no special accessories
  • And were great for multiple cats

And then the Litter-Robot Bubble added this feature:

  • Extra spacious litter chamber

But the Open Air adds these, which makes it ideal for anyone with multiple cats (or an extra-large cat), but there are also new conveniences added that any cat owner would appreciate.

  • Enlarged entryway
  • Safe for cats as light as 5 pounds
  • Drawer full indication
  • Adjustable cycle timer
  • Sleep mode & lock out feature
  • Automatic night-light

Not mentioned? It seems quieter when running than the previous models, too!

Say hello to the completely reimagined Litter-Robot III Open Air. An expansive litter chamber and larger, upward-facing entryway give the Litter-Robot III that open-air feel, making it much more inviting and comfortable for large cats. An improved, self-adjusting weight sensor can easily detect both small and larger cats. As with all Litter-Robot units, the litter is automatically cleaned after each use and waste is deposited into a convenient drawer, all while using less litter and reducing spilling. New features include Drawer Full Indication, an automatic Night Light for elderly cats, Sleep Mode, and adjustable Wait Time settings. Freedom from scooping has never been more convenient!

Available (at least for now) in only the bisque color, the Litter-Robot Open Air measures approximately 30″ tall by 24″ wide by 26″ deep, and it weighs 24 pounds empty. In other words, before you decide that you might want to try this (or any other Litter-Robot, really), you’ll need to have a spot in your home that is large enough to accommodate it. When we remodeled our laundry room to add cabinets, we actually built around our existing Litter-Robot, and that spot is just a little bit too small for the Open Air, but I’ll make it work.

With its 15.5″ tall by 10.25″ wide oval opening, the Open Air has a 14″ wide litter bed (at maximum), and its interior (depending upon litter level) is anywhere from 15″ to 17″ tall, 20″ deep and 20″ wide.

Included in the box are:

  • Fully assembled Litter-Robot III Open Air (previous models required you to set the round globe on the base)
  • Carbon Filter
  • 3 Waste Drawer Liners (regular drawstring kitchen bags work fine)
  • 15 Volt DC Power Supply
  • User Manual
  • Return & Repack Instructions

Each Litter-Robot comes with an 18-month full warranty that starts on the day of shipment; at checkout, there is also an option to extend your warranty by another 18 months for $49.99. If you wait until after you purchase your Litter-Robot to add the extended warranty, the cost is $99.99 for an additional 18 months. The beauty of this, though, is that none of the models I have ever owned or given away has ever needed any warranty work, needing only basic maintenance, such as changing out the carbon filter and the waste liner.

Here is my Litter-Robot Open Air unboxing video …

I’ll have a full review up after about a month, as I want a chance to see how well the Litter-Robot Open Air performs. I am confident that my cat, Hephaestus, will take to it as easily as he did to the previous model, and I am excited to get acquainted with all of the new features.

Want to learn more? You can download the quick reference guide or the manual.

The Litter-Robot Open Air Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Cats retails for $449, and it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

 

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She started in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie is best known for her device-agnostic approach, deep-dive reviews, and enjoyment of exploring the latest tech, gadgets, and gear.