What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

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

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

What is a self-emptying vacuum?

A self-emptying robot vacuum is a kind of robot cleaner with an internal storage system, usually in the form of a small dust bin which automatically emptys when it is full. This eliminates the need to empty the bin manually after each cleaning cycle and reduces the amount of time you need to spend on maintenance. You can see the time when the bin is full through the window. These features are available on models by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a desirable feature on many robot vacuums. However, a few models can provide this capability at a a much more affordable price than you'd expect due to their advanced capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is one of the best self-emptying robot vacuum and mop-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.

The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that get full after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior the next clean-up. This can be a time-consuming procedure, especially in households where pet hair and allergens accumulate quickly. The process of emptying a robotic vacuum is also messy, since you might have to touch the dirty items and be at risk of releasing irritating substances into the air.

Self-emptying systems eliminate both of these issues by allowing robots to transfer dirt and debris from their bins to an enclosed storage area. This is typically a canister or bag that is within the base station that is easily removed and empty when required. These bags can also be used to filter out dust particles and trap them, which is an advantage for those who suffer from allergies.

Another benefit of the self-emptying system is that it's generally less noisy than most robot vacuums, even when emptying the container. The transfer of debris from the robot to the base may be a bit noisy but it's not a big issue for the majority of people, but it could be startling for pets and children at home.

The top self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners also come with other useful features, including Wi-Fi connectivity as well as smart home integration, so you can control it via your phone or any other connected device, set/automatic timers, a mapping feature mop/vacuum switch option and many more.

How does an automatic vacuum cleaner function?

A regular robot vacuum uses an internal storage system, usually smaller than a dust bin. It will need to be regularly emptied, based on your home's size and how filthy your floors are. By adding a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum will eliminate this problem by automatically returning to its base to empty the dust bin onboard into a separate dustbin. This is sometimes called Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums that have this feature are also equipped with a separate dock that can be used for mopping so that the machine is able to serve two purposes in your home. There are even different modes for self Empty robot vacuum and mop vacuuming and mopping, which allows you to get the exact cleaning style you want.

These features are beneficial, however they can cost a lot. They are not for all. These features can also add additional steps to using and setting up a robot vacuum, which could be a bit daunting for some users.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a self-emptying model which is relatively affordable, especially as compared to standard robotic vacuums. It has powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It also can identify objects with pinpoint accuracy. Its large base can hold up to 60 days of debris, and it also automatically returns to its charging dock to empty its own tank when it's filled.

It's not clear how loud a machine that is able to empty itself can be. The power of the device can be controlled by a few settings however, self empty robot Vacuum and mop the process of emptying the container can take as long as a few minutes and be quite loud. For this reason, some users find the noise to be a drawback of these devices.

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

Like regular robot vacuums, self-emptying models scour your floors for hair, dust and crumbs, then return to their base to charge. Unlike regular robots, however some models that self clean come with docking stations that double as disposal units, automatically emptying the robotic cleaner's trash bin into a larger storage bin once it's full. This means you don't need to manually empty a half-liter bin after every use, or risk overfilling it, causing a clog.

In fact, the docking systems that are used on some self-emptying robots can hold 60 days or more of dirt prior to disposing of, meaning they will need to be empty much less frequently than conventional robots. It's important to remember that the transfer process can be noisy and startle the pets or people around. This feature might not be suitable for families with a sensitive ear.

To prevent clogs that will hinder the robot's performance, you should clean and empty the robot's filter. You should also check that the robot is powered in and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins that eliminate the requirement to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session. They are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums but they will save you time as they eliminate the requirement to manually empty the bin of your robot after each sweeping.

A self empty robot Vacuum and mop-emptying robot vacuum might appear to be a luxury that isn't needed but it can be a good investment in the event that your home is crowded or you have pets that shed. It can also be an investment worth considering if you suffer from chronic allergies or live in a smoky environment.

Self-emptying vacuums are operated by docking them with a larger basestation with an hose that pulls the debris from the robot's dustbin and into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing and becoming clogged, which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. In most instances, you'll have to empty the receptacle every 30 or 60 days, depending on the frequency you use the device.

Many self-emptying vacuums can be set to connect to Wi-Fi. This makes them easy to control from tablets or smartphones. Many robots are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This can be especially helpful when you're on a timetable or have a busy household which makes it easier to keep your house clean even when you're working.

In terms of features, all self-emptying robot vacuums have an excellent vacuum motor that allows them to effortlessly remove pet hair, dust and crumbs, as well as other debris from hardwood floors as well as low-pile carpeting. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum at a set time, which will simplify your life.

The iRobot j7+ is the best robot vacuum for self-emptying, mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles. This powerful robot vacuum will not disappoint. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features for a lower cost.