What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with an internal bin that needs to be manually emptied at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases can be beneficial to robot vacuums.

Are they worth the regular 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, often in the form of a dustbin that automatically emptys itself when it gets full. This means that there is no need for manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning cycle and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. The storage bin typically has an indicator that lets you know when it's full. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

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

The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that are filled after several cleaning sessions and must be empty manually prior to the next cleaning cycle. This can be a tedious process, especially for households with lots of pet hair and other allergens that accumulate quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, since you may have to get your hands on the dirty contents and bagless self-emptying robot Vacuum risk releasing irritants into air.

Self-emptying eliminates both of these issues by allowing robots to automatically transfer dirt and debris out of their dustbins into an enclosed storage space. This is usually located inside the base station, which can be easily removed and empty whenever needed. The bags can also filter out dust particles and hold them, which can be an advantage for those who suffer from allergies.

The self-emptying system also has an benefit of being quieter than most robot vacuum self emptying vacuums, even while emptying their containers. The transfer of debris from the robot to the base could be quite loud however it's not a huge issue for the majority of people, but it could be a nightmare for children and pets in the home.

The top self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners come with a variety of useful features, like Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration, meaning you can control it via your phone or any other device that is connected, setting or automating runtimes, a mapping function mop/vacuum switch and more.

How do self-emptying vacuums work?

A typical robot vacuum has an internal storage system, which is usually it's a small dustbin. Depending on the size of your home and how filthy your floors are, they will need to be cleaned frequently. By adding a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum will eliminate this problem by automatically returning to its base to empty the onboard dustbin into a separate dustbin. This is sometimes 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 the machine to perform double duty at home. Some even have different modes for cleaning and mopping, which allows you to achieve the specific cleaning style you desire.

These features are helpful but they can cost a lot. They're not suitable for all. These features also add additional steps to the process of making and assembling an automated vacuum, which can be off-putting for some consumers.

Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum Self-emptying robot vacuum that is still affordable in comparison to other robot vacuums. It has powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It can also identify objects with precision. Its massive base can hold up to 60 days of debris and returns to its charging station to drain itself when it's fully emptied.

It's not immediately obvious how loud a machine that can empty itself can be. Although there are a few settings that can be used to regulate the power of the device and the process of emptying can last for a few minutes or so and can be quite loud. For this reason, some users consider the noise to be a drawback of these devices.

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

Like regular robot vacuums, self emptying models scour your floors for dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their base to charge. In contrast to regular robots, many self cleaning models come with docking stations that double as disposal units which automatically empty the robot cleaner's trash bin into a larger storage bin when it's full. This means you don't have to empty manually the half-liter container after each use, or risk overfilling it and causing a clog.

In fact, the docking systems that are used 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 far less frequently than standard bots. It is important to keep in mind that the process of transferring can be noisy and startle nearby people or pets. This feature may not be suitable for families with a sensitive ear.

To avoid clogs that can impact the robot's performance you should clear and clean the robot's filter. Also, you should check the robot's power button to ensure it's properly connected and charged prior to each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums come with self-emptying bins that eliminate the need for you to empty the bin manually after each cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums, however they save you time as they eliminate the necessity of manually emptying the bin every time you do a cleaning.

A self-emptying vacuum may seem like a frivolous expense however, it could be a worthwhile investment when your home is bustling or you have pets that shed. It is also a good idea to consider it if have chronic allergies or live in a dusty area.

Self-emptying vacuums are operated by docking them with a larger basestation that has a hose for pulling the debris from the robot's trash 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 recommended to empty your receptacle every 30 or 60 days based on how often you use the device.

Most bagless self-emptying Robot vacuum robot vacuums can connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to control them from a smartphone. Many of them are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This allows you to control them with voice commands. This is particularly useful for those who have a family that is busy or are on a tight schedule. It helps to keep your home tidy even when you're busy.

In terms of features, the majority of self-emptying robot vacuum with self emptying vacuums feature a high-quality vacuum motor, which means they can easily remove pet hair, dust and crumbs as well as other debris from hardwood floors as well as carpets with low pile. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum according to an established schedule, which makes your life significantly easier.

The iRobot j7+ is the best robot vacuum for self-emptying mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstructions. This powerful robot vacuum is sure to please. If you're on a tight budget however the Shark IQ XL is an excellent choice that has many of the same features, but at a lower price point.