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 extra value to the robot cleaner.

But are they worth a ongoing cost? This review looks at the Shark EZ robotic vacuum and its self-emptying base.

What is self-emptying?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are robot cleaners that come with an internal storage system. This is often in the form of a small dust bin that automatically emptys itself once it's full. This eliminates the need for manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning cycle and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. You can tell the time when the bin is full by looking through an open window. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, Self Emptying Vacuum and Shark.

This technology is relatively new and is a feature that is available on many robot vacuums. However, a number of models are able to provide this feature at a an affordable cost than you might expect given their capabilities. For example, the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top-rated self-emptying vacuums that you can purchase for under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins which fill up after some cleaning sessions. They must be empty manually before the next cleaning session. It can be a long procedure, particularly for households with a lot of pet hair and other allergens that build up quickly. Emptying a robotic vacuum is 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 eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to automatically move dirt and debris from their bins to an enclosed, larger storage space. It is typically a bag inside the base station that can be easily removed and empty when needed. These bags also filter out dust particles and trap them, which is an advantage for those who suffer from allergies.

The self-emptying device also has the benefit of being quieter than other robot vacuums, even while emptying their containers. The transfer of debris from the bot to the base may be quite loud, which isn't a big issue for most people, but it might be a nightmare for pets and children at home.

The best self-emptying robots also include a range of useful features, such as Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity so you can control them using your phone or other connected devices such as automatic/set run times and a mapping feature, vacuum/mop switching options, and many more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A typical robot vacuum comes with an internal storage system. This is usually a small dustbin. It'll need to be emptied frequently, depending on your home's size and how filthy your floors are. Adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum will eliminate this problem by automatically returning to its base to empty the dust bin onboard into a separate dustbin. It is commonly referred to as Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums equipped with this feature are also fitted with a separate dock that can be used to mop so that the machine is able to double-duty in your home. Some models come with different modes of vacuuming and mopping to allow you to choose the style of cleaning you prefer.

It is important to remember that while these features can be helpful, they do add a significant amount of cost to the robot vacuum, which is why they aren't an option for everyone. These features can 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. This particular model comes with powerful suction, 3D light scanning, and precise object recognition, so it's able to tackle 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 dock for charging to empty itself when it's fully stuffed.

It's not obvious how loud a robot that can empty itself can be. The power of the device can be controlled by a few settings, but the process of emptying the container can take up to just a few minutes, and can be quite loud. Some people find this sound to be a drawback of these devices.

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

Self-emptying models operate the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to eliminate dust, hair and self emptying vacuum crumbs and then return to their charging base. Contrary to conventional robots the majority of self-cleaning models have docking stations that serve as disposal units, automatically emptying the robotic cleaner's trash bin into a larger storage bin once it's full. There's no need to empty a half-liter container after every use, or risk causing an obstruction.

In fact, the docking systems of some self-emptying robots can keep up to 60 days of dirt before getting rid of, which means they will need to be empty significantly less often than standard robots. It is important to note that the process of transferring can be loud and alarm pet owners or other pets around. This feature may not suit households that have sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid blockages, which can affect its performance. And you should also check the robot's power button to ensure it's properly fully charged and plugged in prior to every use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums are equipped with self-emptying dustbins, which remove the requirement for you to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session. They are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums, but they help you save time and energy by not having to empty the dust bin of your robot after every sweeping.

While a self emptying vacuum-emptying robot vacuum might seem like an expensive item, it could be a valuable investment when you live in a busy home or have pets that shed. It could also be an investment worth making for those who 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 out of the robot vacuum self emptying's dust bin and into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing and becoming clogged, which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. It is recommended to empty your bin every 30 or 60 day depending on how often you use the device.

The majority of self-emptying vacuums are able to connect to Wi-Fi, which makes them easy to control using tablets or smartphones. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home which lets you utilize voice commands to control your robot. This is particularly useful if you have a family that is busy or have a strict schedule. It helps to keep your home clean when you're busy.

In terms of features, the majority of self-emptying robot vacuums feature a high-quality vacuum motor which means they are able to easily pick up pet hair, dust and crumbs, as well as other debris from hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can be programmed to clean and vacuum automatically on a schedule that will simplify your life.

The iRobot J7+ is the most effective robot vacuum for self-emptying mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles. This powerful vacuum is the top in its class and won't disappoint. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features at an affordable price.