What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums have a built-in dust bin that needs to be manually emptied after each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robotic cleaners.

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

What is a self-emptying void?

Self-emptying robot vacuum with self empty vacuums are cleaners with an internal storage system. It usually takes the form of a small dust bin that automatically emptys itself when it is full. This eliminates the need for manual emptying of the dustbin after each cleaning cycle and reduces maintenance time. The storage bin is usually equipped with windows that let you know when it's full. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

This technology is relatively new and is present on a variety of robot vacuums. Some models are less expensive than you would expect considering their capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can purchase for less than $400.

Most robot vacuums come with dustbins which fill up after some cleaning sessions. They require manual emptying before the next cleaning cycle. This can be a tedious process, particularly for families that have a lot of pet hair and allergens that can build up quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy as you might have to touch the dirty contents and risk releasing irritants into the air.

The self-emptying system eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to automatically move dirt and debris out of their trash bins into a larger, enclosed storage area. This is usually a bag or canister inside the base station that's easily removed and empty when required. These bags also be used to filter dust particles, capturing them and providing relief to those suffering from allergies.

Another advantage of the self-emptying system is that it's generally less abrasive than the majority of robot vacuums even when emptying the container. The transfer of debris from the bot to the base could be a bit noisy, which isn't a big issue for most people, but it might be a nightmare for pets and children at home.

The most effective self-emptying robots come with a variety of useful features like Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity so you can control them using your smartphone or other devices that are connected such as automatic/set run times and a mapping feature, vacuum and mop switching options, and many more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A typical robot vacuum has an internal storage system, typically smaller than a dust bin. Based on the size of your house and how filthy your floors are, they will need to be cleaned often. This issue can be solved by adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum. It will return to its base and empty the onboard bin into a second dust bin. This is often called Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums with this feature are also fitted with a dock that can be used to mop, meaning the machine will be able to do double duty in your home. Some models come with different modes of vacuuming and rated mopping to allow you to choose the style of cleaning you prefer.

It's important to keep in mind that while these features can be useful, they add a significant amount of cost to the robot vacuum, which is why they aren't an option for all. They also add extra steps to the process of making and using a robot vacuum, which can cause some people to be uncomfortable.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an self-emptying model which is quite affordable, especially when as compared to standard robotic vacuums. It has powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It can also recognize objects precisely. Its massive base can hold up to 60 days of debris. It then returns to its charging station to empty its own tank once it's full.

It's not obvious how loud a robot which is able to empty itself can be. While there are sometimes settings that can be used to regulate the power of the device and the process of emptying could last up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. Some people find this sound to be a drawback of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying air purifier have to be empty?

Self-emptying models function similar to regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to eliminate hair, dust and crumbs, then return to their charging base. Unlike regular robots, however, many self cleaning models come with docking stations that double as disposal units, automatically emptying the robotic cleaner's dustbin into a larger storage bin once it's full. It's not necessary to manually empty a half-liter bin after every use, or risk creating a clog.

In fact, the docking systems on certain self-emptying robots are able to keep up to 60 days of dirt prior to getting rid of, which means they will need to be empty much less frequently than standard bots. But it's important to note that the process of transfer can be noisy and can cause a disturbance to the pets or other people around and so this feature might not be ideal for households with sensitive ears.

To prevent clogs that will affect the robot's performance, you should clear and clean the robot's filter. You should also examine the power button of the robot to ensure that it's fully charged and plugged in prior to every use.

Are self-emptying vacuums really worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying dustbins that eliminate the requirement for you to manually empty the bin after every cleaning session. They are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums but they can save you time by eliminating the requirement to manually empty the bin every time you do a sweep.

Although a self-emptying vacuum might appear to be an expensive item, it could be a valuable investment if you live in a busy home or have pets that shed. It could also be a worthwhile investment when you suffer from chronic allergies or have a dusty environment.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a bigger base station that has an hose that is used to move the debris from the robot's dustbin into the larger receptacle. This stops the dust bin from overflowing or getting blocked and causing the vacuum to lose suction or smell. You'll usually need to empty your receptacle every 30 or 60 days depending on how often you use the device.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to control them with a smartphone. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home which lets you utilize voice commands to control your robot. This can be especially helpful when you're on a timetable or have a hectic household which makes it easier to keep your home clean even when you're working.

In terms of features, the majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have a high-quality vacuum motor which means they are able to easily remove pet hair, dust and crumbs, as well as other debris from hardwood floors as well as low-pile carpeting. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum automatically on a schedule and make your life easier.

The iRobot J7+ is the top robot vacuum for self-emptying, mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstructions. This powerful vacuum is among the top models in its class and won't disappoint. If you're on a tight budget, however, the Shark IQ XL is an excellent choice that has many of the same features for an affordable price.