What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums have an integrated dust bin that has to be emptied manually after each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robotic cleaners.

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

What is self-emptying?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are a kind of robot cleaner that has an internal storage system, often in the form of a small dustbin, which automatically emptys when it is full. This eliminates the need for manually emptying the dustbin after each cleaning cycle and reduces maintenance time. You can determine when the storage bin is full using a window. These features are available on models by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a premium feature on many robot vacuums. Some models are more affordable than you would expect, given their advanced capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins that are full after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior to the next clean-up. This can be a lengthy process, particularly in households where allergens and pet hair are accumulating quickly. The process of emptying a robotic vacuum is also messy, since you might have to touch the dirty contents and risk releasing irritants into the air.

Self-emptying solves both of these issues by making it possible for the robot to transfer the dirt and debris from its dustbin into a larger enclosed storage area. This is usually a canister or bag that is within the base station that is easily removable and can be empty when required. The bags can also filter out dust particles and hold them, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from allergies.

The self-emptying device also has the benefit of being quieter than the majority of robot vacuums, even while emptying their containers. The transfer of debris can be quite loud. This isn't a problem for Best Buy most people but it can be alarming for pets and young children.

The best self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners also come with other useful features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity as well as smart home integration, which means you can control it from your phone or any other connected device, automatic/set runtimes, a mapping function, mop/vacuum switch options and more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A regular robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is usually smaller than a dust bin. Based on the size of your house and how dirty your floor is, it must be cleaned often. 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. It is commonly referred to as Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs), and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many robot vacuums that come with this feature also come with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing the device to serve two purposes at home. There are even different modes for vacuuming and mopping, which allows you to achieve the specific cleaning style you want.

These features are helpful but they can also be costly. They're not suitable for everyone. They also add extra steps to the process of setting up and using a robotic vacuum, which may be a bit daunting for some users.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an self-emptying model which is relatively affordable, especially in comparison to standard robot vacuums. This unit has powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It can also identify objects with pinpoint accuracy. The large base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris, and it returns to its charging station to drain its own tank once it's full.

It's not immediately obvious how loud a robot which can empty itself can be. Although there are a few settings available to control the power of the device, the process of emptying could last up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. Some users consider this noise to be a disadvantage of these devices.

How often should a vacuum cleaner that self-empties be empty?

Self-emptying models operate the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove dust, hair and crumbs and then return to their charging base. Many self-cleaning models come with docking stations which double as disposal units. They automatically empty the robotic cleaner's bin into a larger storage container when it is full. This means that you don't have to deal with manually emptying the half-liter container after each 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 before being disposed of, meaning that they will need to be empty significantly less often than standard robots. It is important to keep in mind that the transfer process could be loud and can startle the pets or people around. This feature might not suit households with sensitive ears.

You should continue to clean the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid obstructions that could affect its performance. It is also important to ensure that the robot is plugged into the power source and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the recurring cost?

Many robot vacuums have self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement of emptying the bin manually after every cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional vacuums, but they help you save time and energy by removing the need to empty your robot's trash bin after every sweeping.

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

Self-emptying vacuums work by docking with a larger base station that has a hose that pulls the particles from the robot's trash bin into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing, or becoming blocked, making the vacuum lose suction or smell. You'll usually need to empty your bin every 30 or 60 day depending on how often you use the device.

Most self-emptying robot vacuums can connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to control them from smartphones. Many robots are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This can be especially helpful if you're on a schedule or have a hectic household and makes it easier to keep your house clean even when you're working.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have a powerful motor that can easily pick up pet fur dust, crumbs, dust and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors and low pile carpeting. They can also be programmed to automatically vacuum and mop on the basis of a set time frame, which can make your life much easier.

The iRobot j7+ is the best Buy robot vacuum for self-emptying, mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstructions. This powerful robot vacuum is sure to please. If you're on a budget however, the Shark IQ XL is an great alternative that comes with many of the same features for an affordable price.