What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with an integrated dust bin that has to be emptied manually after every cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robot vacuums.

But are they worth a recurring cost? This review takes a closer look at the Shark EZ robot vacuum and its self-emptying base.

What is a self-emptying void?

A self-emptying robot vacuum is a type of robot cleaner that comes with an internal storage system, usually in the form of a dustbin that automatically empties when it gets full. This eliminates the need for manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning cycle, and cuts down on maintenance time. You can determine when the storage bin is full using an open window. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a desirable feature on a lot of robot vacuums. Some models are more affordable than you would expect due to their superior capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum for instance, is one of the best-rated self emptying robot vacuum mop-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins which fill up after a few cleaning sessions and need to be manually emptied before the next cleaning session. It can be a long process, particularly for families with lots of pet hair and allergens that can build up quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, as you could be required to touch the dirty contents, and be at risk of releasing irritating substances into the air.

The self-emptying system solves both of these problems by allowing the robot to automatically transfer the dirt and debris from the dustbin to a larger, sealed storage area. It is typically located inside the base station, which can be easily removed and emptied whenever needed. These bags can also be used to filter dust particles, capturing them and being a boon for those suffering from allergies.

Another advantage of the self-emptying system is that it's less noisy than most robot vacuums are even when emptying the container. The process of transferring debris can be loud. This isn't an issue for the majority of people however it could be alarming for pets or young children.

The best self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners come with a variety of useful features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration, so you can control it via your phone or any other connected device, set/automatic runtimes, a mapping function, mop/vacuum switch options and more.

How can a self-emptying vacuum function?

A standard robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is typically smaller than a dust bin. It will need to be cleaned frequently, based on your home's size and how dirty your floors are. This problem can be eliminated by adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum. It will return to its base and empty the bin onboard into a secondary dustbin. This is often called 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 serve two purposes at home. Some models come with different modes of vacuuming and mopping to allow you to choose the style of cleaning you prefer.

These features are helpful however they can be expensive. They are not for all. They also add additional steps to making 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's quite affordable, especially when as compared to standard robotic vacuums. This particular model has powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, meaning it can tackle just about anything on your floors. The large base can hold up to 60 days of debris. It then returns to its charging station to re-fill itself once it is full.

One thing that isn't immediately obvious is how loud a self-emptying robot can be. Although there are a few options to regulate the power of the device however, the process of emptying can take up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. For this reason, some users consider the noise to be a disadvantage of these devices.

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

As with regular robot vacuums self emptying models scour your floors for hair, dust, and near crumbs then return to their base to charge. A lot of self-cleaning models do have docking stations which also function as disposal units. They automatically empty the robotic cleaner's bin into an additional storage container once it is full. This means you don't have to empty manually the half-liter bin after each use, and you're less likely to overfill it and creating a clog.

In reality, the docking systems of some self-emptying robots can keep up to 60 days of dirt prior to being disposed of, meaning that they will need to be empty far less frequently than traditional robots. It is important to note that the process of transferring can be noisy and startle nearby people or pets. This feature may not suit households with sensitive ears.

You should continue to clean the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to prevent clogs, which will impact the robot's performance. Also, you should check the power button on the robot to make sure it's plugged in and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums truly worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement of emptying 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 eliminating the need to empty your robot's trash bin after every sweeping.

While a self-emptying robotic vacuum might appear to be an expensive item, it could be a worthwhile investment for those who have a busy house or have pets who shed. You may also want to think about it if you have allergies that are persistent or reside in an area that is dusty.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking to a larger base station, which has a hose to pull the dust from the robot's bin into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dust bin from overflowing and near clogging which could 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.

Many self-emptying vacuums can be set to connect to Wi-Fi. This makes them easy to control using a smartphone or tablet. Many models are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This allows you to control them with voice commands. This is particularly useful if you have a busy family or are on a tight schedule. It helps you keep the house clean when you're busy.

The majority of self-emptying robotic vacuums come with an efficient motor for vacuuming that is able to easily remove pet fur, dust, crumbs and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors and 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.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robotic vacuum that can also do a great job of mapping and creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles you should consider the iRobot j7+. This powerful robot vacuum is sure to please. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features at less cost.