What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums have an integrated dust bin that has to be empty manually at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robotic cleaners.

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

What is a vacuum that self-empties?

A self-emptying robot vacuum is a kind of robot cleaner that comes with an internal storage system, often in the form of a small dustbin, which automatically emptys when it is full. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session and also reduces the amount of time you have to devote to maintenance. You can tell when the bin is full by looking through an open window. These features are offered on models made by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.

This technology is fairly recent and is a feature that is found on many robot vacuums. However, a few models can provide this capability at a lower costs than you'd expect due to their high-end capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is one of the best-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.

The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that fill up after a few cleaning sessions and require manual emptying before the next cleaning cycle. This can be a long procedure, especially in homes where allergens and pet hair accumulate quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, since you could be required to touch the dirty contents and risk releasing irritants into air.

The self-emptying system eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to transfer dirt and other debris out of their dustbins into an enclosed storage area. It is typically an enclosed bag in the base station, and can be easily taken out and emptied as required. They can also filter dust particles, capturing them and being a boon to allergy sufferers.

Another benefit of the self-emptying system is that it's generally quieter than the majority of robot vacuums, even when emptying the container. The transfer of debris from the robot to the base may be quite loud, which isn't a big issue for the majority of people, but it might be startling for children and pets at home.

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

How does an automated vacuum cleaner work?

A regular robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is usually a small dust bin. It will need to be regularly emptied, based on the size of your house and how dirty your floors are. Adding a self-emptying robot vacuum for pets feature to the robot vacuum will eliminate this issue by automatically returning to its base to empty the onboard dustbin into a separate dustbin. This is also referred to Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs), or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums equipped with this feature also come equipped with a dock that can be used for mopping, meaning the machine is able to do double duty at home. Some even have different modes for vacuuming and mopping, allowing you to achieve the specific cleaning style you prefer.

It's important to keep in mind that, while these features may be useful, they add a lot of cost to the robot vacuum, so they aren't an option for all. They also add additional steps to setting up and using a robot vacuum cleaner self emptying vacuum, which can be a bit daunting for some users.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a self-emptying model that is still relatively affordable, especially as compared to standard robotic vacuums. The unit is equipped with powerful suction and 3D light scanning. It also can identify objects precisely. Its large base holds up to 60 days of debris and returns to its charging station to empty its own tank once it's full.

One thing that isn't readily apparent is how noisy the self-emptying robot can be. Although there are a few options to regulate the power of the device, the process of emptying could last for a few minutes or so, and it can be quite loud. Because of this, some users find the sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.

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

Self-emptying models function the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove hair, dust and crumbs, then return to their charging base. Contrary to conventional robots the majority of self-cleaning models have docking stations that double as disposal units, automatically emptying the robotic cleaner's dustbin into a bigger storage bin when it's full. It's not necessary to manually empty the half-liter container after every use, or risk causing the possibility of clogging.

In reality, docking systems that are used on some self-emptying robots will keep up to 60 days of dirt before being disposed of, meaning that they will need to be empty much less frequently than traditional bots. However, it is important to remember that the transfer process is noisy and can cause a disturbance to nearby pets or people, so this feature may not be suitable for families with sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly clean the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid clogs, which will hinder its performance. You should also examine the power button on the robot to ensure it's properly plugged in and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums are equipped with self-emptying bins that eliminate the requirement for you to manually empty the bin after each cleaning session. They are more expensive than traditional vacuums, but they will save your time by removing the necessity of manually emptying your robot's bin after each sweep.

A Self Cleaning Robot Vacuum-emptying vacuum may seem like an unnecessary luxury but it can be a worthwhile investment in the event that your home is crowded or you have pets that shed. You might also want to consider it if you have allergies that are persistent or reside in a smoky area.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a bigger base station that has a hose to pull the particles from the robot's trash bin into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dust bin from overflowing or clogging and the vacuum loses suction or smell. In the majority of instances, you'll need empty the receptacle every 30 or 60 days, based on how often you use the device.

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

Most self-emptying robotic vacuums have a powerful motor which is able to effortlessly pick up pet fur dust, crumbs, and other debris from hardwood floors and low pile carpeting. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum according to the basis of a set schedule, which can make your life much simpler.

If you're seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum that does excellent job at mapping boundaries, creating virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles, look no further than the iRobot J7+. This powerful robot vacuum is among the top models in its class and will not let you down. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features for a lower cost.