What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with an integrated dust bin that has to be empty manually at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are a premium feature that adds extra value to the robot cleaner.

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

What is self-emptying?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are a type of robot cleaner that comes with an internal storage system, usually in the form of a small dust bin which automatically emptys when it is full. This means that you don't have to manually empty the dustbin after every cleaning cycle and Self-emptying robot vacuums also reduces the amount of time that you have to spend on maintenance. You can determine the time when the bin is full through the window. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a top feature on a variety of robot vacuums. Certain models are more affordable than you'd expect due to their superior capabilities. For instance the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top self-emptying vacuums that you can purchase for under $400.

The majority of robot vacuums come with dustbins that fill up after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying before the next cleaning run. This can be a time-consuming procedure, especially in households where pet hair and allergens are accumulating quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy as you might have to touch the dirty items and risk releasing irritants into the air.

The self-emptying system eliminates both issues by allowing robots to automatically transfer dirt and debris from their bins to an enclosed, larger storage space. This is usually an enclosed bag in the base station, and can be easily taken out and emptied as required. These bags can also filter fine dust particles, trapping them and proving beneficial for those suffering from allergies.

The self-emptying system also has an advantage of being quieter than most robot vacuums, despite emptying their containers. The transfer of debris can be loud. This is not a problem for most people but it can be a concern for pets and small children.

The best robot vacuum self emptying self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners also come with other useful features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity as well as smart home integration, so you can control it via your smartphone or other device that is connected, setting or automating runtimes, a mapping function mop/vacuum switch and many more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A regular robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is typically a small dust bin. It must be regularly emptied, based on your home's size and how dirty your floors are. The addition of a self-emptying feature on the robot vacuum will eliminate this problem by automatically returning to its base to empty the onboard dustbin into a secondary dustbin. This is often called Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many robot vacuums that have this feature are also equipped with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing the device to perform double duty at home. Some even have different modes for vacuuming and mopping, allowing you to get the exact cleaning style you desire.

These features are beneficial, but they can be costly. They're not suitable for all. They also add extra steps to the process of installing and using a robot vacuum, which can be a bit daunting for some users.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a self-emptying model which is relatively affordable, especially in comparison to standard robot vacuums. This particular model has powerful suction, 3D light scanning, and precise object recognition, meaning it can tackle everything on your floors. Its massive base can hold up to 60 days of debris and returns to its charging station to empty itself once it is full.

It's not obvious how loud a machine that can empty itself could be. The device's power can be controlled by a few settings, but the process of emptying the container can take as long as just a few minutes, and can be quite loud. Some people find this sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.

How often should a vacuum that self-empties be empty?

Self-emptying models function the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their charging base. Some models that self-clean, however, have docking stations which serve as disposal units. They automatically empty the robotic cleaner's bin into an additional storage container once it is full. This means that you don't have to empty manually the half-liter container after each use and risk overfilling it and creating a clog.

In reality, the docking systems that are used on some self-emptying robots can hold 60 days or more of dirt before it needs disposing of, meaning they will need to be empty far less frequently than traditional robots. It is important to keep in mind that the transfer process could be loud and can startle the pets or people around. This feature may not be suitable for families that have sensitive ears.

To avoid clogs that could affect the robot's performance, you should regularly clear and clean the robot's filter. You should also examine the robot's power button to make sure it's fully charged and plugged in prior to each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the price?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement to empty the bin manually after each cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional vacuums, but they save you time by eliminating the necessity of manually emptying the bin of your robot after each sweeping.

Although a self-emptying vacuum may appear to be a luxury, it can be a worthwhile investment when you are a homeowner with a lot of activity or self-emptying robot vacuums have pets who shed. You may also want to consider it if have allergies that are persistent or reside in a dusty area.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking them with a larger basestation that has an hose to pull the debris from the robot's dust bin and into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing, or getting blocked and making the vacuum lose suction or smell. It is normal to empty your receptacle about every 30 or 60 days based on how often you use the device.

Most self-emptying vacuums are able to connect to Wi-Fi. This makes them easy to control from tablets or smartphones. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home that let you make use of voice commands to control your robot. This is especially useful when you have a family that is busy or are on a tight schedule. It helps you keep your home clean even when you're busy.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have a powerful vacuum motor that is able to easily remove pet fur dust, crumbs, dust and other debris from hardwood floors as well as low pile carpeting. They can be programmed to vacuum and mop at a set time, which will make your life easier.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robot vacuum that also does excellent job at mapping and creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles you should consider the iRobot j7+. This powerful robot vacuum is the best in its class and won't let you down. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features for a lower cost.