What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with a built-in bin that must be empty manually at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature that adds extra value to the robot cleaner.

Are they worth the regular cost? This review focuses on the Shark EZ robotic vacuum and its self-emptying base.

What is a vacuum that self-empties?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are one type of robot vacuum with an internal storage system, often in the form of a dustbin that automatically empties when it's full. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session and affordable decreases the amount of time you have to devote to maintenance. You can tell the time when the bin is full using the window. These features are available on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

This technology is fairly recent and is found on many robot vacuums. Some models are more affordable than you would expect considering their capabilities. For instance the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top self-emptying vacuums that can be bought for less than $400.

The majority of robot vacuums come with dustbins that get full after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying before the next cleaning cycle. This can be a tedious process, especially for households that have a lot of pet hair and other allergens that can build up quickly. Also, emptying a robot vacuum can be messy as you might have to touch the dirty contents or risk releasing irritants back into the air.

The self-emptying system solves both of these problems by making it possible for the robot to transfer dirt and other debris from the dustbin into a larger, sealed storage area. This is usually an enclosed bag in the base station, and can be easily removed and empty whenever required. These bags also filter dust particles, trapping them and being a boon to those suffering from allergies.

Another advantage of the self-emptying system is that it's less abrasive than the majority of robot vacuums even when emptying the container. The transfer of debris from the robot to the base may be quite loud however it's not a huge issue for most people, but it could be a nightmare for pets and children in the home.

The most effective self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners also come with other useful features, like Wi-Fi connectivity as well as smart home integration, which means you can control it via your phone or any other connected device, automatic/set runtimes, a mapping function mop/vacuum switch option, and much more.

How does an automated vacuum cleaner function?

A typical robot vacuum comes with an internal storage system. It is typically smaller than a dust bin. Based on the size of your house and how filthy your floors are, they is necessary to clean it frequently. This issue can be resolved by adding 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 Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs), or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums that have this feature are also fitted with a separate dock that can be used for affordable mopping so that the machine is able to do double duty in your home. There are even different modes for vacuuming and mopping, which allows you to have the exact cleaning style you prefer.

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

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a best self emptying robot vacuum for pet hair-emptying model that's reasonably affordable, particularly when compared to standard robot vacuums. This particular model comes with powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, meaning it can tackle almost anything that's on your floors. Its large base holds up to 60 days worth of debris. It then returns to its charging station to empty itself when it's fully emptied.

It's not obvious how loud a machine that is able to empty itself can be. While there are sometimes settings available to control the power of the device, the process of emptying could take up to a minute or so and can be quite loud. Because of this, some users find the noise to be a disadvantage of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying air purifier require emptying?

Like regular robot vacuums, self emptying models scour your floors for dust, hair and crumbs before returning to their base to charge. A lot of self-cleaning models, however, have docking stations that double as disposal units. They automatically empty the bin of the robot cleaner into an additional storage container once it's full. There's no need to manually empty a half-liter bin after each use, or risk creating the possibility of clogging.

In reality, docking systems on certain self-emptying robots are able to hold 60 days or more of dirt before it needs getting rid of, which means they will need to be empty much less frequently than traditional robots. However, it is important to remember that the process of transfer is loud and could wake pet or human companions, so this feature may not be suitable for families with sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid clogs, which will affect its performance. And you should also check the robot's power button to ensure that it's connected and charged prior to each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying dustbins, which remove the need for you to manually empty the bin after every cleaning session. These devices are more costly than traditional robot vacuums, however they can save you time as they eliminate the need to manually empty the bin every time you do a sweeping.

A self-emptying robot vacuum might seem like an unnecessary luxury, but it can be a worthwhile investment in the event that your home is crowded or you have pets who shed. It can also be an investment worth making for those who suffer from chronic allergies or live in a place that is dusty.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a larger base station with a hose to pull the particles from the robot's trash bin into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing and clogging, which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. In the majority of instances, you'll need empty the bin every 30 or 60 days, depending on the frequency you use the device.

Most self-emptying robot vacuums can connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to control them using your smartphone. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home that let you use voice commands to control your robot. This is particularly useful if you're on a schedule or have a hectic household which makes it easier to keep your home clean even when you're working.

In terms of features, most self-emptying robot vacuums feature a high-quality vacuum motor which means they are able to effortlessly remove dust, pet hair and crumbs as well as other debris from hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum at a set time, which will simplify your life.

If you're seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum that also does a great job of mapping boundaries, creating virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles you should consider the iRobot J7+. This powerful vacuum is among the top models in its class and won't disappoint. If you're looking for a bargain, however, the Shark IQ XL is an excellent alternative that offers many of the same features at a lower price point.