What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

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

But are they worth the recurring cost? This review focuses on the Shark EZ robotic vacuum and its self emptying base.

What is a self-emptying void?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are cleaners with an internal storage system. This usually takes the form of a small, compact dustbin that automatically emptys itself once it's full. This means that you don't have to empty the dust bin manually after every cleaning cycle and also reduces the amount of time that you have to devote to maintenance. The storage bin typically has windows that let you know when it's full. These features are offered on models made by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a desirable feature on a variety of robot vacuums. Some models are less expensive than you'd think considering their capabilities. For instance, the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is among our top-rated self-emptying vacuums that can be purchased for less than $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins that fill up after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior to the next clean-up. This can be a lengthy process, especially for households with lots of pet hair and allergens that build up quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, since you may have to get your hands on the dirty contents, and risk releasing irritants into the air.

The self-emptying system solves both of these problems by making it possible for the robot to transfer the dirt and debris from its dustbin into a larger sealed storage space. This is usually a bag inside the base station, and can be easily removed and self-emptying robot vacuums empty whenever needed. These bags can also be used to filter dust particles, capturing them and providing relief for those suffering 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 transfer of debris from the robot to the base could be a bit loud but it's not a big issue for the majority of people, but it can be alarming for pets and children at home.

The top self-emptying robotic 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 smartphone or any other connected device, automatic/set timers, a mapping feature mop/vacuum switch option, and much more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A typical robot vacuum has an internal storage system, which is usually a small dustbin. Depending on the size of your house and how dirty your floor is, it will need to be cleaned regularly. Adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum eliminates the problem by reversing to its base to empty the onboard dust bin into a secondary dustbin. This is also referred to Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs), or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many robot vacuums with this feature also come with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing the machine to serve two purposes at home. Some even have different modes for cleaning and mopping, allowing you get the exact cleaning style you want.

It's important to keep in mind that while these features can be beneficial, they add a significant amount of cost to the robot vacuum, which is why they're not a viable option for everyone. These features also add additional steps to setting up and using an automated vacuum, which could be off-putting for some consumers.

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

One thing that isn't readily evident is how loud self-emptying robots can be. The power of the device is controlled by certain settings, but the process of emptying the container may take as long as just a few minutes, and can be quite loud. Some users consider this noise to be a negative aspect of these devices.

How often should a vacuum that self-empties be emptied out?

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

In reality, docking systems on certain self-emptying robots are able to hold up to 60 days of dirt before it needs disposing of, meaning they have to be cleaned far less frequently than standard bots. It is important to keep in mind that the transfer process is noisy and can startle nearby pets or people and so this feature might not be ideal for households with sensitive ears.

To avoid clogs that can impact the robot's performance you should regularly empty and clean the robot's filter. You should also examine the power button of the robot to make sure it's connected and charged prior to every use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the recurring cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins that eliminate the requirement to empty the bin manually after each cleaning session. These devices are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums, but they help you save time and energy by removing the need to empty the dust bin of your robot after each sweeping.

While a self-emptying robot vacuum might seem like an expensive item, it could be a worthwhile investment if you are a homeowner with a lot of activity or 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 robot vacuum for pets-emptying vacuums work by docking with a bigger base station with an hose that is used to move the debris from the robot's dustbin into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dust bin from overflowing and clogging, which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. You'll usually need to empty your bin every 30 or 60 day based on how often 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 which lets you make use of voice commands to control your robot. This is especially useful for those who have a busy household or are on a tight schedule. It makes it easier to keep your home clean when you're busy.

Most self-emptying robotic vacuums have a powerful motor which is able to effortlessly pick up pet fur, dust, crumbs and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors as well as low pile carpeting. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum on an established time frame, which can make your life much easier.

The iRobot J7+ is the most effective robot vacuum for self-emptying mapping, creating virtual borders, and detecting obstructions. This powerful robot 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 at less cost.