What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

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

Are they worth the ongoing 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 that come with an internal storage system. This is often in the form of a small dust bin that automatically empties itself once it's full. This eliminates the need to do manual emptying of the dustbin after each cleaning cycle, and cuts down on maintenance time. The storage bin typically has a window to let you know when it's full. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Vacuum mops Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a desirable feature on many robot vacuums. However, a few models offer this functionality at an affordable cost than you would expect considering their high-end capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum Mops for instance, is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins that get full after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior to the next cleaning run. This can be a lengthy process, particularly in households where allergens and pet hair are accumulating quickly. Additionally, emptying a robotic vacuum can be messy as you may need to get your hands on the dirty contents or risk releasing irritants back into the air.

Self-emptying eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to transfer dirt and other debris from their bins to a larger, enclosed storage area. This is typically an enclosed canister or bag within the base station that is easily accessible and can be removed when required. These bags also filter fine dust particles, trapping them and providing relief for those suffering from allergies.

The self-emptying system also has the advantage of being quieter than other robot vacuums, despite emptying their containers. The transfer of debris from the bot to the base could be a bit loud however it's not a huge issue for most people, but it might be alarming for pets and children in the home.

The most effective self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners come with a variety of useful features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity as well as 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 many more.

How does an automated vacuum cleaner work?

A typical robot vacuum utilizes an internal storage system, which is usually it's a small dustbin. It must be regularly emptied, based on the size of your house and how dirty your floors are. This problem can be eliminated by incorporating a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum. It will return to its base and empty the bin onboard into a separate dust bin. This is also known as Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs), or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many robot vacuums that come with this feature are also equipped with docks that can be used to mop, allowing the device to serve two purposes at home. Some models even have different modes for cleaning and mopping, which allows you to get the exact cleaning style you prefer.

These features are beneficial, but they can also be expensive. They're not suitable for all. They also add additional steps to setting up and using a robot vacuum, which could be a bit daunting for some users.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an self-emptying model that is still quite affordable, especially when compared to standard robot vacuums. This particular model comes with powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, so it's capable of tackling almost anything that's on your floors. Its massive base can accommodate up to 60 days worth of debris, and it will automatically returns to its charging dock to empty itself when it's full.

It's not clear how loud a robot that is able to empty itself can be. The power of the device is controlled by certain settings however the process of emptying the container may take a few minutes and be quite loud. This is why some users consider the sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying septic tank need to be emptied?

Self-emptying models function similar to regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove hair and dust, then return to their charging base. Unlike regular robots, however the majority of 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. There's no need to manually empty a half-liter container after every use, or risk creating a clog.

In reality, docking systems of some self-emptying robots will hold 60 days or more of dirt prior to being disposed of, meaning that they need to be emptied much less frequently than traditional bots. It is important to note that the transfer process could be loud and can startle the pets or people around. This feature might not be suitable for families that have sensitive ears.

To avoid clogs that could hinder the robot's performance, you should regularly clear and clean the robot's filter. And you should also check the power button of the robot to ensure that it's connected and charged prior to every use.

Are self-emptying vacuums really worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins that eliminate the requirement of emptying the bin manually after every cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums, however they can help you save time and energy by eliminating the need to empty your robot's dustbin after every sweep.

A self-emptying vacuum may appear to be a luxury that isn't needed however, it could be a good investment if your home is busy or you have pets that shed. It is also a good idea to consider it if you have chronic allergies or live in an area that is dusty.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a larger base station that has an hose that is used to move the debris from the robot's dustbin into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing or clogging and the vacuum loses suction or smell. You'll usually need to empty your receptacle every 30 or 60 day based on how often you use the device.

Most self-emptying vacuums are able to connect to Wi-Fi, making them easy to control using a smartphone or tablet. Many robots are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This is particularly useful if you have a family that is busy or have a strict schedule. It makes it easier to keep your home tidy when you're busy.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have an efficient motor for vacuuming that can easily pick up pet fur dust, crumbs, dust and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors as well as carpeting with a low pile. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum in a scheduled manner, which will simplify your life.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robotic vacuum that also does excellent job at mapping boundaries, creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles then look no further than the iRobot j7+. This powerful vacuum is the best robot vacuum for pet hair self emptying in its class and will not be disappointed. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features for a lower cost.