What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with an integrated bin that has to be empty manually at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robot vacuums.

But are they worth the cost of recurring? This review takes a close look at the Shark EZ robot vacuum and its self-emptying base.

What is a self-emptying vacuum?

A self-emptying robot vacuum is one type of robot vacuum that has an internal storage system, typically in the form of a small dust bin that automatically empties when it is full. This eliminates the need to do manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning cycle, and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. The storage bin usually has a window to let you know when it's full. These features are available on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

This technology is relatively recent and is a feature that is available on many robot vacuums. Some models are less expensive than you would expect due to their superior capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum, for example, is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you could buy under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins which fill up after some cleaning sessions. They must be empty manually prior to the next cleaning cycle. This can be a lengthy process, best self-emptying robot vacuum and mop especially for households with lots of pet hair and allergens that can build up quickly. Emptying a robotic vacuum is also messy, since you could be required to touch the dirty contents and risk releasing irritants into the air.

The bagless self emptying robot vacuum-emptying system eliminates both issues by allowing robots to automatically transfer dirt and other debris out of their dustbins into an enclosed storage space. This is usually a canister or bag that is inside the base station, which is easily removed and empty when required. These bags can also be used to filter out dust particles and hold them, which is beneficial for those who suffer from allergies.

Another benefit of the self-emptying system is that it's generally quieter than the majority of robot vacuums even when emptying the container. The process of transferring debris can be quite loud. This is not an issue for the majority of people but could be alarming for pets or young children.

The most effective self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners come with a variety of useful features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration, so you can control it via your phone or any other connected device, set/automatic runtimes, a mapping function, mop/vacuum switch options and many more.

How can a self-emptying vacuum function?

A standard robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is usually a small dust bin. Depending on the size of your home and how dirty your floor is, it must be cleaned frequently. This problem can be eliminated by incorporating a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum. It will return to its base and empty the bin onboard into a second dust bin. This is also referred to as Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot) or Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs) or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums with this feature are also fitted with a dock which can be used to mop, meaning the machine can be used to double-duty in your home. Some even have different modes for vacuuming and mopping, allowing you to get the exact cleaning style you prefer.

These features are helpful but they can be costly. They're not for all. They also add extra steps to the process of installing and using a robot vacuum, which may be offputting for some consumers.

Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is a self-emptying robotic vacuum that's still affordable compared to other robot vacuums. It has powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It can also recognize objects with pinpoint accuracy. Its large base can hold up to 60 days of debris, and it automatically returns to its dock for charging to empty itself when it's fully stuffed.

One thing that isn't readily obvious is how loud self-emptying robots can be. While there are sometimes settings available to control the power of the device and the process of emptying could last up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. This is why some users consider the sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying vacuum need to be emptied?

Self-emptying models function exactly like regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to get rid of dust, hair and crumbs and then return to their charging base. Some models that self-clean, however, have docking stations which serve as disposal units. They automatically empty the robot's bin into an additional storage container once it's full. It's not necessary to manually empty a half-liter bin after each use, or risk causing the possibility of clogging.

The docking system on self-emptying robots can store dirt for up to 60 days before it needs to be disposed of. This means they need to be cleaned out less frequently than standard robots. It's important to remember that the transfer process can be noisy and startle the pets or people around. This feature may not be suitable for households that have sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid blockages, which can impact the robot's performance. Also, make sure whether the robot is plugged into the power source and charged before each use.

Are best self-emptying robot Vacuum and mop vacuums really worth the price?

Many robot vacuums have self empty robot vacuum-emptying bins that eliminate the need to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums but they can save you time by eliminating the necessity of manually emptying the bin every time you do a sweep.

A self-emptying vacuum may seem like an unnecessary luxury however, it could be worth the investment in the event that your home is crowded or you have pets who shed. You might also want to consider it if suffer from chronic allergies or live in an area that is dusty.

Self-emptying vacuums are operated by docking them to a larger basestation that has an hose that pulls the debris from the robot's dust bin and into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing and clogging which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. It is normal to empty your bin every 30 or 60 day depending on how often you use the device.

Most self-emptying vacuums are able to connect to Wi-Fi. This makes them simple to control from tablets or smartphones. Many robots are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them using voice commands. This is especially helpful if you have a busy household or have a strict schedule. It makes it easier to keep your home tidy even when you're busy.

In terms of features, most self-emptying robot vacuums have an excellent vacuum motor which means they are able to easily pick up dust, pet hair, crumbs, and other debris from hardwood floors as well as carpets with low pile. They can also be programmed to automatically vacuum and mop on an established schedule, which can make your life much simpler.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robotic vacuum that does an excellent job of mapping and creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles then look no further than the iRobot j7+. This powerful vacuum is sure to please. If you're on a tight budget, however, the Shark IQ XL is an excellent choice that has many of the same features for a lower price point.