What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums have a built-in bin that must be manually emptied at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature that adds extra value to the robotic vacuum.

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

What is a self-emptying void?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are cleaners with an internal storage system. It usually takes the form of a small, compact dustbin that automatically empties itself when it becomes full. This eliminates the need for manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning cycle and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. You can see when the storage bin is full by looking through a window. These features are offered on models by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.

This technology is fairly recent and is a feature that is available on many robot vacuums. However, a few models offer this functionality at lower costs than you might expect given their advanced capabilities. For instance the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is among our top self-emptying vacuums you can purchase for under $400.

The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that fill up after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior the next clean-up. This can be a long procedure, especially in homes where allergens and pet hair build up quickly. Emptying a robotic vacuum is also messy, since you might have to touch the dirty items and risk releasing irritants into the air.

Self-emptying eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to automatically move dirt and debris out of their dustbins into a larger, enclosed storage area. It is typically a bag inside the base station, and can be easily removed and emptied when needed. These bags can also be used to filter out dust particles and hold them, which is a boon for people who suffer from allergies.

The self-emptying system also has the advantage of being quieter than most robot vacuums, even when emptying their containers. The transfer of debris can be quite loud. This is not an issue for the majority of people however it could be alarming for pets and small children.

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

How does an automatic vacuum cleaner function?

A standard robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is usually smaller than a dust bin. It must be cleaned frequently, based on the size of your house and how dirty your floors are. This issue can be resolved by incorporating a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum. It will automatically return to its base and empty the onboard bin into a second dust bin. This is often referred to as Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many robot vacuums that have this feature also come with docks that can be used to mop, allowing them to serve two purposes at home. Some models come with different ways of mopping and vacuuming to let you pick the style of cleaning you prefer.

It's important to keep in mind that, while these features may be helpful, they do add a lot of cost to the robot vacuum, and they're not a viable option for self emptying vacuum all. These features may also add additional steps to using and setting up the robot vacuum, which could cause some people to be uncomfortable.

Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum Self-emptying robot vacuum that is still affordable when compared to other robotic vacuum self emptying vacuums. This particular model has powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, meaning it's able to tackle everything on your floors. Its large base holds up to 60 days worth of debris and returns to its charging station to drain itself once it is full.

One thing that isn't readily evident is how loud the self-emptying robot can be. The power of the device can be controlled by some settings however the process of emptying the container can take up to just a few minutes, and can be quite loud. This is why some people find the noise to be a disadvantage of these devices.

How often should a vacuum cleaner that self-empties be cleaned?

Self-emptying models operate the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to get rid of hair, dust and crumbs, then return to their charging base. Many self-cleaning models do have docking stations that serve as disposal units. They automatically empty the bin of the robot cleaner into an additional storage container once it is full. This means that you don't have to deal with manually emptying the half-liter bin after each use and risk overfilling it and creating a clog.

The docking mechanism on certain self-emptying robots may hold dirt for up to 60 days before it has to be disposed of. This means they have to be emptied less often than conventional robots. It is important to note that the transfer process could be loud and can startle nearby people or pets. This feature might not be suitable for families with sensitive ears.

You should still regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid obstructions that could impact the robot's performance. It is also important to ensure that the robot is powered in and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums really worth the expense?

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

A self-emptying robotic vacuum may seem like an unnecessary luxury but it can be a good investment in the event that your home is crowded or you have pets who shed. It can also be an investment worth considering if you suffer from allergies that are chronic or have a dusty environment.

Self Emptying Vacuum-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a bigger base station that has a hose to pull the debris from the robot's dustbin into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing or becoming blocked, making the vacuum lose suction or smell. In the majority of cases, you'll need to empty the bin every 30 or 60 days, depending on the frequency you use the device.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to control them using your smartphone. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home that let you utilize voice commands to control your robot. This can be especially helpful when you're on a timetable or have a busy household which 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 can easily pick up pet hair, dust and crumbs, as well as other debris from hardwood floors and low-pile carpeting. They can be programmed to clean and vacuum in a scheduled manner that will simplify your life.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robot vacuum that also does a great job of mapping boundaries, creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles, look no further than the iRobot j7+. This powerful vacuum is sure to please. If you're on a budget, however the Shark IQ XL is an great alternative that comes with many of the same features, but at a lower price point.